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Saving Howland Forest: Preserving a Legacy for Science and for Nature

By: newildernesstrust

In the centuries following European settlement, most of Maine’s mature forests were harvested. Today, only a few of the state’s original forests survive. One such place is Howland Research Forest, an old-growth forest and preeminent international research site for studies on climate change, carbon sequestration, acid rain and more.

This old-growth forest recently changed hands and now faces an uncertain future.

To highlight this exceptional, threatened property and the invaluable role of private citizens in the protection of our natural heritage, the Northeast Wilderness Trust (NWT) presents two events that are free and open to the public:

Wildlands Philanthropy: An American Tradition,a compelling presentation by board member, author and wilderness champion, Tom Butler. Law Offices of Bernstein Shur, Portland, ME. Friday, July 13, 2007 5-7pm.

Howland Forest Walk. Join NWT and HowlandForest researchers for a hike at Howland Forest to see this mature forest and learn about its cutting-edge climate change research. Meet at the 95er Diner at 10 am.Exit 217 (Howland/Enfield) off of I-95.Saturday, July 14 10-2pm

To register for these events: call NWT, 617.742.0628 or email jim@newildernesstrust.org

Howland was designated a research site in 1987. Home to 300 year old trees and a diversity of species including black bear, bobcat and bald eagle. Howland is the only study site in the Northeast that is not actively managed, and its forest is older than any other research forest in the region.

For over a decade, Howland scientists have been researching carbon sequestration. They now have one of the longest records of carbon intake and output (flux) measurement in the world. This data is critical to our understanding of climate change and forms the basis for climate change mitigation strategies such as greenhouse gas reduction policies.

In 2004, Howland Forestwas sold. The new owner is not interested in maintaining its research designation, putting the data, research, and old-growth forest at risk. The forest is slated for logging in 2010. The loss of Howland Forestwould compromise an ecologically rich landscape and globally significant research programs.

The Northeast Wilderness Trust is working to purchase the land to save this unique forest and ensure the continuation of the research. NWT is working with scientists from the Woods Hole Research Center, the University of Maine and the US Forest Service to preserve Howland Forest.

The Northeast Wilderness Trust is a regional land trust working with landowners to preserve wilderness through conservation easements, land acquisition and other tools. NWT’s Land Protection Program is based on conservation science, community vision, opportunity and threat abatement. NWT has preserved wild lands in Vermont, Maine and New York and is working on conservation initiatives in these states as well as in New Hampshire.

For more information about these events or the Howland Research Forest Conservation Campaign, please contact NWT: 617.742.0628, info@newildernesstrust.org, or please see the Trust’s website: http://www.newildernesstrust.org.