Abstract

With funding from USDA NIFA, the FCCP and partners have developed educational content on key forest carbon issues and practical management applications in three U.S. regions: Pacific Northwest, Northeastern US, and Southeastern US.

The content developed includes geographically-focused e-learning modules, a blended learning model featuring a virtual field component (Northeast US), and a series of original maps and figures created using spatial analyses & FIA data to illustrate statuses and trends of forest and carbon dynamics within each region. Original maps, figures, and graphics are available for free use with citation and can be downloaded from our Open Resource Library.

This white paper summarizes topics such as forest densities and cover types, carbon storage pools, climate considerations, and adaptive management suggestions for the US Northeast region.

For the purposes of this document, the Northeast region of the United States (US NE) includes Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. The US NE is one of the most populous regions in the United States, with over 40% of the US population residing within its borders. It is also one of the most forested regions in the country, with more than 40% of total land covered by forests and with significant spatial variation in forest type and cover across its landscape.