Why Every Tree Matters

Deforestation Timeline: http://www.coderedd.org/about-redd/deforestation/

Google Maps reveals the devastating rate of deforestation across the globe: http://youtu.be/fzx8DXn_GSk

******************************************************

Half of the World's Forests have been removed since the Industrial Revolution. We cannot keep doing that, and expect to survive as a species. Now more than ever, every tree matters.

************************************************

Deforestation and Carbon Emissions

20% of CO2 is Attributable to Deforestation—

More than ALL of the world’s cars and trucks combined.

--Newsweek November 9, 2009

"Nearly half of the earth's original forests have already been lost -- and with unchecked logging, development and agricultural growth, much of what's left is in jeopardy.

Take a look at what's happening in the Central Appalachian Mountains, where the situation has grown ever more dire in recent years. The incredible diversity of trees in these spectacular forests -- up to 30 tree species per acre -- help make up one of the most unique collections of plants and animals left in the world. Tragically, generations of poor management of these privately-owned Appalachian forests have compromised their health, leaving them significantly degraded.

But the Clinch Valley Conservation Forestry program in Virginia is proof positive that our stewardship -- yours and mine -- can serve as a powerful example of conservation that benefits people and nature.

In 2002, The Nature Conservancy jumped at the opportunity to protect 5,750 acres of Appalachian forests in the Clinch Valley of Virginia, aNd today we're up to 22,052 acres. The program works with landowners to restore forest health, soil and water quality and wildlife habitat, making a long-term commitment to returning this once-damaged forest to its full grandeur. And with an eye toward carbon storage, these trees have become an important part of the strategy for solving the challenges of climate change."

The Nature Conservancy Website