Future Forest Reimagined
Day 4 – Old Forests – Science and Conservation
On Day 4 we take a deeper dive into old forests and old forest management through passive and ecological forestry. The opening is a second chance to listen to shalan joudry (Mi’kmaw) with her inspiring stories, song and poetry. The first session brings four perspectives on old forest management and resilience. Loic D’Orangeville, U of New Brunswick, describes the sequence of natural forest disturbance over a long time periods and how the changing climate affects forest resilience. Robert Zaino, VT Fish and Wildlfe, provides an elegant case study for the development of a landscape level Conservation Design that prioritizes ecosystem function and provides the portfolio of forest age and diversity. TNC’s Mark Anderson brings the discussion of carbon storage and sequestration to a level for public comprehension showing the high value of old forests. Valerie Hipkins, FWS and NE Climate Adaptation Science Center, closes the session by providing information about the value of policy development and shares some public tools and assistance for the work. Integrating all components of the workshop series, William Keeton of UVM leads everyone in a conversation about international cooperation that addresses climate resilience in forest management. He highlights the science of structural enhancements in the forest for diversity and resilience, the protection of old forests and the need to move these efforts onto the world stage. shalan joudry concludes this day with thanks, re-minding us that we are all part of the earth and share caretaking responsibility.
The “Future Forests Reimagined Workshop Series Report” is now available for download. (pdf)
Opening Thoughts
- shalan joudry
- Land Acknowledgement: Roberta Clowater
- Land Acknowledgement: CDR
Conversation: The Science of Old Forests
- Bob Zaino, VT Fish and Wildlife Dept.
- Mark Anderson, The Nature Conservancy
- Loïc D’Orangeville, Faculty of Forestry and Environmental Management, University of New Brunswick
- Valerie Hipkins, US Fish and Wildlife
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Small Group Discussions / Activity |
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Conversation: Bill Keeton, University of Vermont
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Closing Thoughts
- shalan joudry
- Roberta Clowater
Land Acknowledgement
We would like to acknowledge that we live and work on the traditional and unceded territory of the Wabanaki Confederacy and other Indigenous peoples, who have been caretakers and stewards of this land since time immemorial. These Indigenous nations and peoples include the Abenaki, Massachusett, Mi’gmaq/Mi’kmaq, Pennacook, Penobscot (Penawapskewi), Peskotomuhkati, Wampanoag and Wolastoqiyik peoples. This territory is governed by the Treaties of Peace and Friendship which were signed with the British Crown in the 1700s, and the rights of Indigenous peoples described in the Jay Treaty of 1794 between the US and Great Britain. These treaties did not deal with the surrender of lands and resources, but in fact recognized Indigenous title and established the rules for what was to be an ongoing relationship between nations.
Recognition and respect are essential elements of establishing healthy, reciprocal relations. These relationships are key to reconciliation, to which we all need to be committed, as we are all Treaty peoples. In conserving these lands and waters, we need to embrace the essential leadership of Indigenous stewards who continue to care for them, including Elders, Knowledge Holders and communities. Working together on shared responsibilities to the lands and waters, and to each other, is a key part of our ongoing Treaty relationships and collective kinships with nature.
