FS-605

1996 National Technical
Report on Forest Health

Forest Resource

Approximately 1.7 billion acres of the United States (about 67 percent of the total area) are classified as forest, rangeland, or water of which approximately 0.8 billion acres are forested lands1. About 33 percent of the forested lands are in Federal ownership. The amount of forested land in the United States was reduced during early European colonization by converting forest to farmland, by wildfire, and by using wood for fuel, fences, railroad ties, and other products (MacCleery 1992). By the early 1900's, tens of millions of acres of forest had been cut. However, the general decline stabilized, and many aspects of forest ecosystems improved including increased timber production, increased wildlife, reduced soil erosion, reduced flooding, and reduced catastrophic wildfires (MacCleery 1992).

Progress in improving and maintaining the health and sustainability of forest ecosystems in the last century is under constant threat because human demands on our forests are increasing. The ability of forests to maintain a balance of successional stages through natural disturbances has been reduced, and the diversity of forests has been affected (see footnote 1). Monitoring forest ecosystems is essential to evaluating the condition of forest resources, changes in their condition, and significant trends in natural forest cycles that are outside expected ranges.

Forest ecosystems cover over 30 percent of the United States and provide important recreational opportunities, wildlife habitat, aesthetic benefits, timber products, and watershed integrity. Impacts from native and exotic pests, air pollution, past management practices (including fire suppression), and climate change are some of the primary stressors that concern the public as well as the land managers who are responsible for maintaining the long-term vitality of the Nation's forest ecosystems.

¹ U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service. 1995. The Forest Service program for forest and rangeland resources: a long-term strategic plan. [Published draft 1995 Resources Planning Act Program.] On file with: Programs and Legislation Deputy Chief, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Washington, DC. 177 p.