Report touts state’s forest coverage
DEEP notes continued threats from insects, weather, development
Connecticut’s forests, from urban patches to wide expanses, are essential to the state’s health and character, but face persistent threats, according to a newreport.
The state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection’s Forest Action Plan 2020 details current conditions, including ravages of insects and drought and long-term vulnerability to development and climate change.
The report also touts the news that forests cover about 60 percent of the nation’s fourth most densely populated state, protecting water and air quality and providing refuge for wildlife and recreation for people.
Looking to the future, the state’s main goal is to maintain the stands and tracts of mostly hardwood trees that define Connecticut’s seasonal landscapes.
“A statewide goal of no net forest loss will focus on keeping forests present, connected, healthy and productive for the people and ecosystems of Connecticut,” the report says.
Updated every 10 years, the action plan is required in order to receive federal funds for state forestry programs.
Highlights of the draft report (bit.ly/3fQ7273), which is available for public review and comment, include the changing percentage of coverage. Over the past 400 years, state forestland has declined from as high as 95% in the early 1600s to 30% in the early to mid-1800s. Connecticut nowis the 14th most forested state in the nation, which the report calls “remarkable,” considering a density of two people per acre. Only Massachusetts is similarly dense and as heavily forested. While overall forest loss has
decreased recently, fragmentation (breaking up large blocks of forest) has continued.
Connecticut’s forestland is nearly 72% privately-owned, a figure that has remained relatively stable since at least 2007. Privately-owned forests, however, tend to be smaller than public forests and are more susceptible to being divided and sold. The report says about 87% of the primary private forestland owners are over age 51. Older people are more likely to sell, subdivide it or pass their land on to multiple heirs, all of which can lead to increased fragmentation.
Connecticut also has the highest urban tree cover in the nation at nearly 62%, the report says, but many communities are still lacking in forest and tree resources.
Much of the forestland is owned by DEEP. DEEP’s 261,806 acres include state parks, forests, wildlife management areas and
other land holdings. According to the report, staff to oversee and maintain those areas, has dropped significantly over the past decade.
Other problems f acing Connecticut’s forests include invasive pests and plants, the report says. The Gypsy moth and emerald ash borer, along with drought and other natural forces, have changed the landscape and made some areas dangerous for recreation and susceptible to increased wildfire risk and invasive plant spread.
While this year’s drought was shorter and less widespread than in 2016-2017, the cumulative effect of repeated drought can significantly affect the health of trees, especially if they do not fully recover between episodes.
The General Assembly in 1997 set a goal of preserving 21% of state land for recreation and conservation by 2023, the report says. DEEPis responsible for 10%
(320,576 acres) and municipalities and private entities are to preserve the other 11%. DEEP now holds nearly 82% of its share. Recent figures for the municipal/private side were not available, but as of 2015, their total preserved area was 243,714 acres, or 69% of their share. Reaching the 21% goal over the next three years, the report said, “is unlikely due to funding concerns and acquisition opportunities.”
Comments on the report may be sent to state forest planner Dan Peracchio at daniel.peracchio@ ct.gov before Dec. 11. The Connecticut Forest & Park Association is to host an informational webinar on the action plan on Friday from noon-1 p.m. Register here.