Current status, past trends, and future projections of renewable forest resources and ecosystem services across the United States
| Authors: | Travis Warziniack, Jennifer Costanza, Rebecca L. Flitcroft, Linda A. Joyce, Christoper Mihia, Claire O'Dea, Sonja Oswalt, Jeffrey P. Prestemon, Eric White |
| Year: | 2026 |
| Type: | Scientific Journal |
| Station: | Rocky Mountain Research Station |
| DOI: | https://doi.org/10.1029/2025EF007467 |
| Source: | Earth's Future |
Abstract
Forest ecosystems provide essential services such as timber, water regulation, biodiversity, and recreation, yet they are increasingly influenced by the interplay between climate and socioeconomic forces. This study synthesizes findings from the 2020 Resources Planning Act (RPA) Assessment to evaluate how these factors affect historical trends and future projections of U.S. forest conditions and services. Results show that total forest area is projected to decline slightly by 2070, mainly due to conversion to developed land, with the greatest losses occurring in the South. While socioeconomic factors such as population growth, income, and land‐use markets dominate near‐term changes in forest area, timber demand, and recreation, climate change has a larger impact on disturbance patterns, water availability, and forest productivity, particularly under higher warming scenarios. Although overall net changes in forest area are small, land cover data reveal significant losses in interior forests, emphasizing the importance of spatial patterns for biodiversity and ecosystem health. These results illustrate that future forest outcomes depend on the interaction of economic and environmental processes, informing region‐specific management and policy strategies.