October - December, 2011
Missouri's Forest Action Plan
Missouri's Forests Sustain Our Quality of Life
Missouri's 15.4 million forested acres cover more than one third of our state. This precious resource provides us with clean air and drinking water, lumber and heat, habitat for an incredible diversity of plants and animals, myriad recreational opportunities and scenic beauty. Missouri forests are our connection to the past and the path to the future.
In today's fast-paced, high-tech world, we sometimes lose sight of the fact that it's our trees and forests that support our quality of life. But Missouri forests are under several threats and need our protection and management for continued health, longevity and benefits.
Managing Missouri's Woodlands for Future Generations
The Missouri Forest Action Plan assesses existing and possible management opportunities and threats. It is state-specific and has been developed with public and professional input to target resources and efforts efficiently and effectively.
There are three important themes in Missouri's Forest Action Plan:
- Missouri's trees and forests contribute greatly to our quality of life. Additionally, depending on how they are managed, trees and forests offer tremendous potential to help meet many of our state's biggest social, ecological and economic challenges.
- Our forests are changing rapidly, and how we address these changes will largely determine their capabilities in the future.
- Missourians play a critical role in determining how Missouri's forests will look and function into the future.
Put simply, Missouri's Forest Action Plan is an evaluation of conditions, trends, threats and opportunities facing our forests. It's also a comprehensive strategy for sustaining these resources and the benefits and services we expect from them.
Improve Your Management and Rediscover Missouri's Majestic Woodlands
We hope to reacquaint Missourians with the trees and forests upon which we all depend, explore the forces that are changing them and highlight ways to ensure that future generations can enjoy the same forest benefits that we enjoy today. If you own forested land, we encourage you to learn how you can manage for increased economic and wildlife benefits and greater personal enjoyment. If you live in town, we encourage you and your family to rediscover the splendor of Missouri's majestic woodlands. Learn more by downloading and browsing the Missouri Forest Resource Assessment and Strategy PDF at: http://mdc.mo.gov/landwater-care/forest-management/forest-action-plan.