Download NORTHERN FOREST LANDS COUNCIL

NORTHERN FOREST LANDS
COUNCIL
P ROJECT AREA DESCRIPTION
Location:
Maine, New
Hampshire,
Vermont, New York
Project size:
26 million acres
Initiator:
Governors Task
Force, Congress
The study area is most closely defined by
the ecological boundary of the spruce-fir
zone in the Northeast U.S, extending over
several states (but not into Canada).
Landform in this area ranges from lowland
swamps to high mountain ranges. The
vegetative cover, depending on the
topography, is predominantly a mix of
spruce-fir and northern hardwoods.
Federally-listed threatened and
endangered species in the area include the
bald eagle, eastern mountain lion, and
osprey. The most common land uses are
privately-owned timber production and
small amounts of agriculture. A portion of
land is maintained within private reserves,
as well as in state forests and parks.
In 1988, Congress funded the Northern
Forest Lands Study. A four-state Governors Task Force guided the study, and
recommended formation of the Northern
Forest Lands Council. The Council,
funded by Congress for four years
beginning in 1990, was comprised of four
members from each state and one from the
U.S. Forest Service. Their goal was to
make recommendations to both Congress
and the Governors on what could be done
to maintain the large forested tracts of
lands from being converted to non-forest
use. The Council submitted a final report
of 37 recommendations in September 1994.
Many of these recommendations are not
specifically ecosystem focused.
ECOSYSTEM STRESSES
The recommendations fall into the
following categories: foster stewardship
of private lands, protect exceptional
resources, strengthen the economies of
rural communities, and promote more
informed decisions. An example of one of
the specific strategies designed to reach
the stewardship goal is tax equity -- taxing
forest land at its use value instead of its
development value. Changing current tax
policies aims to prevent driving land
toward subdivision and development.
Threats to the ecosystem include suburbanization and road development
northward from Boston. Development
especially is drawn to waterfront areas of
lakes and major rivers, and can harm water
quality. Population growth in the
Northeast and increased recreation use in
highly scenic or fragile areas also stresses
the ecosystem. Intensive timber
production can impair wildlife habitat and
water quality. Periodic spruce budworm
epidemics have affected the ecosystem as
well.
P ROJECT DESCRIPTION
The project was motivated by public
concern over large scale changes in land
ownership patterns and traditional uses.
Due to increased land values in the 1980s,
many lands were transferred from regional
companies to multinational corporations
with little allegiance to the region. The
public was concerned that these
companies were looking at timber as an
under-valued asset without considering
the environmental or social implications.
P RESENT STATUS & OUTLOOK
The Council dissolved in September 1994
and their report is now being implemented
at the state and federal levels , albeit
selectively since the recommendations are
voluntary. This is a long-term effort and
many recom-
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Ecosystem Management in the United States: An Assessment of Current Experience
NORTHERN FOREST LANDS COUNCIL -- continued
mendations, such as policy
changes to tax codes, will not be
realized immediately.
Factors Facilitating Progress
The willingness of the 17 council
members to work together was
extremely important to progress,
especially since their interests were
so diverse. The financial backing
of Congress and the support of the
four Governors were also essential.
The common perception of a threat
in the region helped the project to
maintain momentum, and the
residents of the region were
involved at all stages of the
Council’s work.
Obstacles to Progress
Coordination of four states, each
with a different view and way of
doing business, was a challenge
throughout the process. In
addition, getting groups with
different philosophies and regional
perspectives to agree on a middle
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ground demanded innovative
approaches.
Contact information:
Mr. Charles Johnson
Vermont Department of Forests,
Parks & Recreation
103 S. Main St., 8 South
Waterbury, VT 05671-0601
(802) 241-3652
Fax: (802) 244-1481
E-mail:
[email protected]