Old growth forests:

How much is enough?

In this report, we explore the different definitions of “old growth” applied globally and in regions of North America and Europe, including their scientific basis. From these definitions, we examine where old growth forests exist in the world, with a focus on the United States (US) and the European Union (EU). The report considers why we need old growth forests, and conversely, why we do not, and includes a discussion of old growth forest protection and management. We conclude with a discussion of how much old growth is ‘enough’, how we can create more, and how our understanding of the relationship between people and forests is evolving.

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America's Forests Infographic

Check out our infographic on key takeaways from Dovetail's report, The Next 100 Years of Forests in the U.S. Click here to view the infographic and read the report.

Check out our other infographics:

Climate Smart Forestry: A Trend to Watch?

Guest Article By: Anne Clawson, Cascade Advisory

We all know that forests can be good for the climate all on their own. In the U.S., forests sequestered the equivalent of 11% percent of total U.S. industrial emissions in 2021, according to EPA data. About fifty percent of the weight of dry wood is carbon, which means that trees and long-lived wood products store carbon. But what if there were a way to make forests better for the climate? Making a good thing better is, essentially, the goal of climate smart forestry (CSF): incorporating practices or achieving outcomes that increase the climate benefits of forests.

Yet, the term “climate smart forestry” remains vague in meaning and use. Is it for decarbonizing the building sector? Reducing wildfire? Improving commercial forest operations? Managing public lands? Stakeholders of all kinds are monitoring the evolution of the term, and many are trying to shape the way we define it in one direction or another. This is because stakeholders know if and when a consensus is reached, the way we define the term could impact every corner of the forest and wood products sector. This article provides an introductory orientation to the concept of climate smart forestry, including how key stakeholder groups are engaging with it.

Dovetail Partners is seeking candidates for an Ely Fireshed Coordinator position:

The position will play a key role by providing coordination services in the implementation of hazardous fuel reduction projects across all land ownerships in the Ely Fireshed. The Ely Fireshed Coordinator will facilitate the development of an implementable plan across ownership boundaries to reduce fuels hazards and wildfire risk to the greater Ely community.

Send a current resume along with a cover letter addressing the desired qualifications to: Dovetail Partners, ATTN: Ely Fireshed Coordinator Application, 528 Hennepin Ave, Suite 303, Minneapolis, MN 55403 Application materials may also be emailed to [email protected] with “Ely Fireshed Coordinator Application” in the subject line. Applications must be received by 5:00pm CT on December 15th, 2023

To view the qualifications and position responsibilities, visit: https://www.dovetailinc.org/blogdetail.php?id=654a752ac3c56

Dovetail 20th Anniversary - Thank you!

Thank you to everyone that showed their support for Dovetail Partners on Give-to-the-Max Day this month and joined our First Score Club to celebrate our 20th Anniversary!

As of Nov 25, 2023 - Dovetail Partners is a 20-year old! As a final celebration of our Anniversary, we are sharing a story of Dovetail's creation as told by one of our first associates, Steve Bratkovich.

As he writes, "It was a dark and stormy night...". Enjoy! (P.s.: If you missed our anniversary deadline but still want to contribute to Dovetail, you can make a donation here and we'll make sure you are recognized in our annual report!)