Protect it

PROTECTING WOODS FROM HARM

Although trees may look strong (some look practically invincible!), forest ecosystems can be quite fragile and are continually under threat from natural and man-made dangers. Whether it is the immediate damage caused by fires or storms, or more corrosive threats such as invasive species or human activity, your forest may suffer long term damage. Scale also matters. Forests are becoming increasingly fragmented today, which makes them less resilient and poses a host of problems for the animals and birds that rely on them. Human activity has changed the landscape sufficiently that woods need some degree of management and care to keep them healthy.

natural_disaster_thumbnail.jpg	Wildfires Fires has been an important part of woodlands for centuries but recent fires suppression has led to an increase in wildfires. Learn about the steps you can take to protect your land.
	NATURAL DISASTERS Unfortunately wildfires aren't the only natural disaster to affect your land and no woodland owner is safe from Mother Nature’s extremes. When they happen, natural disasters can hurt your land and financial health. But with the right information and planning, you can weather any storm. Learn what you can do to protect your land from: Ice Wind Drought Floods Hurricanes Tornadoes And then how to Restore Damaged Land.
pests_and_weeds_pic.jpg	Pests and Weeds It’s appealing to just let your trees take care of themselves, but in the case of invasive species, they may not be able to. Fortunately, people with woods aren’t helpless, and with a little help you can make your woods less hospitable to insects and disease.
no_trespassing.jpg	Trespassers As a wise forester once said, “Unless your woodlot is on the moon, you’ve probably had trespassers.” Trespassing is a nuisance, but also a fact of life for many landowners.
insurance.jpg	Insurance You’re working hard to protect your land, but shouldn’t you be protected too?
sharing_your_woods_with_world.jpg	Sharing your woods Inviting friends, family members, or members of your community to enjoy your woods is also a great way to strengthen your relationships and connection to your community.
special_sites.jpg	special sites Are your woods home to an important historic site or just a meaningful spot for your family? Protecting these special places for the future is important. Learn how to preserve a piece of America’s heritage for generations to come.
le_bald_eagle_thumbnail.jpg	Special Forests All forests hold some special value. Forests that have outstanding or critically important environmental, social, biodiversity and landscape value are known as Forests of Recognized Importance (FORI), and they require special care.