The Spectacular Regrowth of New England’s Forests
From our collaborating partner “Living on Earth,” public radio’s environmental news magazine, an interview by host Steve Curwood with Bill Moomaw, a distinguished visiting scientist at the Woodwell Cl
From our collaborating partner “Living on Earth,” public radio’s environmental news magazine, an interview by host Steve Curwood with Bill Moomaw, a d
Read Full Story at Inside Climate News →Why This Matters
The resurgence of New England’s forests is more than a environmental success story—it’s a blueprint for how intentional land management and policy can reverse decades of ecological decline. These forests now act as critical carbon sinks, biodiversity corridors, and climate buffers, proving that restoration isn’t just possible but scalable when communities and policymakers align behind science.
Background Context
New England’s landscape was once dominated by dense, old-growth forests until 19th-century industrialization and agriculture cleared nearly 70% of the region’s trees. The rebound began in the early 20th century as farms were abandoned and natural succession took hold, but the true turning point came with targeted conservation efforts, tax incentives for sustainable forestry, and the rise of carbon credit markets that made forest preservation economically viable.
What Happens Next
With climate change accelerating, the durability of these forests will hinge on balancing timber extraction with carbon sequestration goals—especially as developers eye rural land for housing or renewable energy projects. Watch for state-level policies that either strengthen protections for mature forests or introduce loopholes that prioritize short-term economic gains over long-term ecological resilience.
Bigger Picture
This revival reflects a global shift toward recognizing forests as indispensable infrastructure for climate mitigation, not just scenic backdrops. It challenges the myth that ecological restoration requires sacrificing economic progress, instead demonstrating how rewilding can coexist with sustainable industry—provided there’s political will to enforce protections and invest in long-term stewardship.
