Forest Resources

Forests are home to many invaluable ecosystem goods and services as well as a source of wood products for economies around the world. Experts at RFF are evaluating the effectiveness of forest management policies by accounting for the economic, social, and environmental goals of region-specific programs alongside program costs.

Experts

Find experts on Forest Resources topics.

Wildfires

Learn how communities, land managers, and policymakers can mitigate wildfire disasters.

Protected Areas and Forest Cover

Read about the effects of these areas on local communities and forest cover.

Topics

Deforestation

Evaluating forest health and management

Forest Carbon

Examining the balance between forest coverage and biomass production

Timber and Forest Product Markets

Analyzing the range of policies that govern timber product markets

Publications

Journal Article — Aug 2, 2019

Evaluating Payments for Watershed Services Programs in the United States

A review of 15 forest watershed protection programs in the United States

Working Paper — Jul 11, 2019

The Cost-Effectiveness of Satellite Earth Observations to Inform a Post-Wildfire Response

This study demonstrates the cost-effectiveness of using satellite imagery to assess burned areas and prioritize response measures after a wildfire; it shows that, by using Landsat imagery, federal agencies can save up to $7.7 million per year in post-fire costs.

Testimony and Public Comments — Feb 13, 2019

Testimony on the Use of Natural Infrastructure for Watershed Restoration and Water Management

Forest management can actively support water capture and storage, taking advantage of natural infrastructure to protect water sources and restore watersheds.

Events

Workshop/Seminar — Apr 6, 2016

Reducing Deforestation in Commodity Supply Chains

This RFF First Wednesday Seminar focused on the opportunities for and challenges of reducing supply chain deforestation using private and regulatory strategies, potential synergies among these strategies, and linkages with Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+).

Workshop/Seminar — Jan 29, 2014

Considering the Contributions of Forests in the Management of Greenhouse Gas Emissions

This RFF Seminar, co-sponsored by Resources for the Future and the Society of American Foresters, will delve into some of the questions that surround carbon accounting and forest management.

Workshop/Seminar — Nov 1, 2012

Global Potential for REDD Programs to Protect Biodiversity

News

Press Release — Aug 27, 2019

New Episode of Resources Radio on the Role of Forests in Energy and Climate Solutions, with Robert Bonnie

Robert Bonnie and Daniel Raimi discuss forests, forest products and bioenergy, and carbon sinks in this podcast from Resources Radio.

Media Highlight — May 31, 2019

"Limit eased on summer ethanol sales"

RFF's Ben Leard spoke with Marketplace about how the expansion of ethanol sales can affect land use and greenhouse gas emissions.

Media Highlight — Nov 15, 2018