Managing our Forests for Climate Resilience, including Wildfire Mitigation with Robert Perschel, New England professional forester & Chilmark resident.

How do we manage our island forests to be climate resilient, maintain their biological productivity and perhaps participate in climate mitigation by maintaining or increasing their carbon stores?

How do trees and forests mitigate against Climate Change? Beyond the State Forest, there are other wooded areas of the island, held by individual and institutional landowners, that need to be considered. One area of concern is wildfire prevention and mitigation. Related to that is the topic of prescribed burns and the differing perspectives on how to use fire constructively.

Can we lean into permanent forest protection, allowing our forests to grow older, paying attention to degradation by invasive species and wind events. Pine beetle and beech leaf disease will eliminate many trees and clumps of forest, so how do we treat those holes in the forest to maintain productivity and resilience? Is there an opportunity to expand forested areas? Can there be island wide guidance to landowners for the best management of our forests, for fire mitigation plans and emergency preparedness for a wildfire event?
This Community Climate Discussion is sponsored by the Oak Bluffs Climate & Energy Advisory Committee, and the Oak Bluffs Public Library. Join us in person or remotely for this presentation, discussion and Q&A.  You may Zoom in at

https://oakbluffs.zoom.us/j/89284649518?pwd=6qnHl4Da57nQ1Pdx6acJ0BTA51V4Kv.1

Meeting ID: 892 8464 9518

Passcode: 124642

View Flyer Here: Community Climate Discussion – November