Wisconsin pledges to restore forestland acres

With Earth Day celebrated April 22, Gov. Tony Evers also celebrated the day by signing Executive Order 112. In an Earth Day pledge, Evers committed to working with public, private and non-governmental partners, to conserve 125,000 acres of forest land and plant 75 million trees by the end of 2030, while continuing to support the responsible management of public and private forestland across Wisconsin.

When fully realized, the state pledge will result in 28.8 million metric tons of carbon dioxide stored over the next 50 years. That is equivalent to the amount of carbon dioxide produced by six million passenger vehicles for a year.

“We value our forests for clean water, wildlife habitat, recreational opportunities and wood products,” said Evers. “Wisconsin’s 17 million acres of forests are also a crucial tool in our fight to slow climate change, if they remain as healthy, working forests. Our climate is changing at a pace faster than at any time known in history.”

Sustainably managing Wisconsin forests will not only generate climate change mitigation benefits, but also contributes $24.4 billion annually to Wisconsin’s economy, supports the health of citizens and helps maintain the high quality of life that defines the state.

Associated benefits of urban tree planting include improved public health, reduced city temperatures (heat islands), stormwater reduction, reduced heating and cooling costs, improved air quality, increased property values and other social, community, wildlife and economic co-benefits.