Reforestation is taking the United States by surprise. Researchers recently analyzed satellite and geographic information systems to track changes in tree cover throughout 3,119 counties nationwide and found widespread arboreal resurgence.
According to the data, while some counties saw a loss of tree cover, the losses were smaller in scale compared to the gains seen in counties with expanding forests.
“When measured by county, the U.S. has seen net forest growth over the last 2 decades,” an analysis by Lawn Starter said. “Tree cover in human civilization performs several functions.”
A few of the ecological and societal functions that forests provide include, increasing local biodiversity, stabilizing soil to prevent erosion, and reducing harmful runoff into rivers and streams as well as providing shade to moderate temperatures in urban areas and offering recreational spaces, which contributes to mental well-being for human.
Of the 3,119 U.S. counties, 1,836 counties experienced growth in tree cover between the years 2000 and 2020, according to the data. The mean increase in tree cover was 8.15 percent over the two-decade span.
The recent forest expansion wasn’t limited to remote wilderness or rural counties. According to the new analysis, urban and suburban areas also experienced an increase in tree cover with 14 out of the 25 most densely populated U.S. counties including Kings County, New York (home to Brooklyn), Broward County, Florida (Fort Lauderdale), and Wayne County, Michigan (Detroit) saw an uptick.
Lea County, New Mexico, one of the 25 largest counties by land area registered a 1,600 percent increase in tree cover, which was the largest growth rate recorded in the analysis.
Mid-size prairie cities like Boise, Omaha, Lincoln, and Wichita also recorded expansive tree cover as wel as larger cities including Denver, Indianapolis, Seattle, Columbus, Philadelphia, and Nashville. The analysis said the increase is because of a “growing awareness of urban forestry’s importance among city planners and local governments,” True Activist reported. Municipalities are investing in planting more trees, expanding parks, and preserving wooded areas.
“Reforestation gains throughout the 20th century have insulated the southeastern region of the United States from increases in average temperatures seen in other regions,” GNN said.
While deforestation is still a serious concern going forward, the analysis credited reforestation programs, changing land use patterns, and a public appreciation for forests as a few of the leading reasons for net tree cover gains throughout U.S. counties.
COMMENTS