National Forest Ecosystem Improvement Act of 2017 - Summer

Team Members: Caitlin Boas, Sid Shah, Olivia Anton, Joseph Demarco, Alexandria Henke, Stephanie Hunsucker, Cloud Nagy, Neil Stalter, Wanjin Wang, Lindsey Walter, Simiao You, Aiwen Zhou 

National forests face increasing risks from catastrophic wildfires, insect infestations, and habitat degradation, driven by climate change and decades of limited forest management. Overgrown forests with excessive fuel loads contribute to severe fires that threaten ecosystems, public safety, and economic resources. These environmental changes reduce biodiversity, degrade water quality, and increase federal wildfire suppression costs. The National Forest Ecosystem Improvement Act proposes expanding forest management activities, including prescribed burning and mechanical thinning, to reduce fire risk and improve forest health.

Analysis indicates that active management can improve forest resilience, reduce wildfire severity, and enhance ecosystem stability. However, the legislation raises concerns regarding reduced environmental oversight and potential impacts on protected species and ecosystems. Accelerating management activities may improve forest conditions but could also increase risks if implemented without sufficient safeguards. Monitoring outcomes requires evaluating wildfire frequency, ecosystem recovery, and biodiversity indicators over long timeframes. The Act represents a shift toward proactive forest management, emphasizing the importance of balancing ecological protection with climate adaptation and resource management objectives.

Learn more about the MPA-ESP Workshop in Applied Earth Systems Management.