Forest Sustainability Resources
The Changing California: Forest and Range 2003 Assessment
The Changing California: Forest and Range 2003 Assessment provides a systematic overview of the status, trends and challenges to California's Forests and Rangelands, using the Montreal Process Criteria and Indicators framework. The Assessment, prepared by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection under the Fire and Resource Assessment Program (FRAP), includes the 250 page Assessment Summary, a comprehensive series of On-line Technical Reports, and an Information and Data Center.
The Assessment homepage is: http://www.frap.cdf.ca.gov/assessment2003/index.html
The Patuxent Wildlife Research Center (PWRC)
The Patuxent Wildlife Research Center (PWRC) has been a national and international leader in wildlife research since its creation by Congress in 1936. PWRC is one of 17 Research Centers of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). USGS Biological Research focuses on six large programmatic efforts (Program Elements): Contaminants, Ecosystems, Fisheries, Invasive Species, Status and Trends, and Wildlife. Our Linking Communities project participant Chan Robbins is one of the PWRC's leading scientists. The website provides access to their biodiversity research and data, especially for birds and amphibians.
The PWRC homepage is: http://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/
The Mid-Atlantic Regional Earth Science Applications Center (RESAC)
The Mid-Atlantic Regional Earth Science Applications Center (RESAC) is one of 7 regional centers funded by NASA's Earth Science Applications Program. The Mid-Atlantic RESAC leverages the University of Maryland Geography Department's expertise in satellite remote sensing and the work of a diverse consortium of 36 partners in Government, Academia, Industry and NGOs to address applications of regional significance. Recent research includes The Effects of Habitat Fragmentation on Bird Species Richness and Analyzing Patterns of Forest Fragmentation in Montgomery Co, MD and Fairfax Co VA.
The RESAC homepage is: http://www.geog.umd.edu/resac/index.html
Riparian Deforestation, Stream Narrowing, and Loss of Stream Ecosystem Services (PDF)
This report is a study of 16 streams in eastern North America shows that riparian deforestation causes channel narrowing, which reduces the total amount of stream habitat and ecosystem per unit channel length and compromises in-stream processing of pollutants.
National Report on Sustainable Forests -- 2003
(PDF, 1.60 MB)
This report presents a fresh analysis of the available data on the condition of forests in the United States. It uses the criteria and indicators of sustainable forest management endorsed by the Montreal Process."
Comparing Forest Management Certification Systems and the Montreal Process Criteria and Indicators (PDF)
This October 2001 document by Michael Washburn (Yale University School of Forestry and Environmental Studies) and Nadine Block (Pinchot Institute for Conservation) compares the MP C&I to certification programs of the Forest Stewardship Council and the Sustainable Forestry Initiative.
Forest Production, Industry and Forest Retention Assessment (PDF)
This document discusses the future availability of wood supplies supporting rural Maryland wood-using plants.
The Importance of Maryland's Forest (PDF)
This publication is a primer on the history of our forest, its environmental and economic importance, its scientific management, and the challenges facing our continued stewardship.
Protecting Maryland's Green Infrastructure (PDF)
This document is a compilation of facts and information on how protection of Maryland's green infrastructure (and supporting natural resource lands of local significance) affects the economy, quality of life and ecosystem functions throughout the state.
The Scientific Imperative for Defending Small Streams and Wetlands (PDF)
This document summarizes the scientific basis for understanding that the health and productivity of rivers and lakes depends upon intact small streams and wetlands.
Strategic Forest Lands Assessment (PDF)
This document describes the current condition of Maryland's forests, including the results of three computer-based models that can be used to access their ecological and economic value and their vulnerability to loss.
Forest Resources (PDF)
Map of Baltimore County's forest resources, including: unforested areas, reservoirs, riparian forests and protected forests.
Revised March 12, 2008
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