County forestry dept. joins reforestation efforts
In honor of Arbor Day April 28 and with the support of the Arbor Day Foundation, the Clark County Forestry and Parks Department will plant 242,240 trees this spring in the Clark County Forest to help the local ecosystem, as part of a one-year commitment to help plant trees in forests that need them.
Planting 242,240 trees will help the environment long term with things such as carbon sequestration, wildlife habitat, increased oxygen, improved water quality, increased recreational opportunities and having sustainable forest products for the future.
“This project is important for Clark County to continue sustainable management of the county forest for many generations to come,” wrote Forestry and Parks Administrator Curtiss Lindner in a press release.
In addition to sustainable management of the Clark County Forest, many species of wildlife will benefit from the planting of new trees. Species such as northern goshawk and the big brown bat will benefit from planting red pine. Northern goshawks nest primarily in conifers. Big brown bats need edge habitat for migration and foraging.
In addition, red and jack pine plantations are important nesting and roosting habitat for neotropical migratory birds. Many other wildlife species benefit from the edge habitat, thermal cover, long-term coniferous cover, and rotating age classes on the landscape.
“Forests are some of the world’s most vital natural resources and play an important role in each of our lives,” said Dan Lambe, chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation. “They clean the air, purify water and provide a habitat for wildlife. We’re thrilled to be working with our incredible planting partners who are just as passionate as we are about planting trees in areas where they are needed the most.” Forests provide countless benefits for people and wildlife alike. From sequestering carbon and filtering water sources, to creating employment and a space for recreation, forests are an invaluable resource. However, the world continues to rapidly lose forest cover due to deforestation, disease, and disaster. Clark County Forestry and Parks Department and the Arbor Day Foundation aim to help reverse this trend and promote the continued management of forests through their restoration work. About the forestry and parks department The Clark County Forest was established in 1934 and currently covers nearly 135,000 acres. This large public property is governed by the County Forest Law, which requires that it be managed for forestry purposes, including multiple uses such as recreation, wildlife habitat and watershed protection. Clark County manages the forest resources on a sustainable basis using modern technology and progressive integrated resource management methods.
About the Arbor Day Foundation Founded in 1972, the Arbor Day Foundation has grown to become the largest nonprofit membership organization dedicated to planting trees, with more than 1 million members, supporters and valued partners. Since 1972, almost 500 million Arbor Day Foundation trees have been planted in neighborhoods, communities, cities and forests throughout the world. The organization’s vision is to lead toward a world where trees are used to solve issues critical to survival.
As one of the world's largest operating conservation foundations, the Arbor Day Foundation, through its members, partners and programs, educates and engages stakeholders and communities across the globe to involve themselves in its mission of planting, nurturing and celebrating trees. More information is available at arborday.org.
