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Abstract
The forests of the Northern United States have been remarkably resilient to nearly four centuries of immigration and settlement with associated anthropogenic disturbances caused by farming, logging, burning, urbanization, trade, and many other factors. Although resilient, forests conditions have been significantly impacted by humans as is illustrated by the extent of forest land use changes or the introduction of exotic, invasive species. Unquestionably, society has shaped the composition and structure of Northern Forests and will continue to do so in the future. The future holds many uncertainties, but identification of clear trends and analyses of alternative future scenarios can help managers, decisionmakers, and the public at large prioritize the most pressing challenges to sustaining healthy, resilient forests that produce a desirable blend of commodities and ecosystem services.
Parent Publication
Citation
Shifley, Stephen R.; Moser, W. Keith; Wormstead, Sherri; Aguilar, Francisco X. 2016. The outlook for northern forests. In: Shifley, Stephen R.; Moser, W. Keith, eds. Future forests of the northern United States. Gen. Tech. Rep. NRS-151. Newtown Square, PA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northern Research Station: 299-313. Chapter 11.
