Land Use, Forestry, and Agriculture
Forest, agricultural, and other land uses are both a source of emissions and a way to remove carbon from the atmosphere. RFF scholars are identifying and measuring land management solutions that can sustain people, ecosystems, and the climate, through effective incentives, investments, and protections.
Highlights
Topics
Agriculture
Examining the impacts of agricultural land use
Carbon and Land Use Model (CALM)
The Carbon and Land Use Model (CALM) links an econometric discrete choice model of land use conversions with a carbon storage model that predicts carbon dynamics due to land use change.
Carbon Sinks
Examining the balance between forest coverage and biomass production
Forest Products
Analyzing the range of policies that govern timber product markets
Public and Private Lands
Examining the way natural, rural, and urban land is used and managed
Wildfires
Analyzing how communities, land managers, and policymakers can mitigate wildfire disasters
Featured Content
- Highlights
- Publications
- Events
- Editorial
- News
Journal Article — Jun 19, 2025
A Comparative Analysis of Timber Harvesting, Timber Supply, and Tree Planting Across Ownerships and Regions of the United States
This article explores the United States’ approach to balancing timber harvesting and reforestation, analyzing regional patterns and long-term impacts on forests and ecosystem services.
Media Highlight — May 26, 2025
Writers on the Range: “Energy Dominance Harms Our Public Lands”
A widely syndicated op-ed read by people across the American West mentions RFF research on the effects of lower royalty rates for oil and gas produced on federal lands.
Media Highlight — May 6, 2025
“Carbon Pulse: Spark Notes”
A new paper on ways to reduce wildfire exposure in the wildland-urban interface is mentioned in Carbon Pulse‘s daily newsletter.
Media Highlight — Apr 24, 2025
Reuters: “Trump Logging Order Sparks Fears for US Southeast Forests”
RFF Senior Fellow Dave Wear comments on trends in regional logging levels.
Journal Article — Jun 19, 2025
A Comparative Analysis of Timber Harvesting, Timber Supply, and Tree Planting Across Ownerships and Regions of the United States
This article explores the United States’ approach to balancing timber harvesting and reforestation, analyzing regional patterns and long-term impacts on forests and ecosystem services.
Explainer — Apr 9, 2025
Wildfires at a Glance
Wildfires at a Glance
Working Paper — Feb 11, 2025
The Costs of Achieving Forest Resilience in California
This working paper offers valuable insights into the main factors that drive the cost of forest fuel treatments.
Report — Feb 7, 2025
Converting Forests to Solar Facilities: Causes, Potential, and Implications
This report provides a rapid assessment of potential conversions of forests to solar facilities.
Webinar — Mar 26, 2025
Evaluating the Role of Wood Products as Carbon Offsets
A webinar featuring industry experts discussing the role of wood products in decreasing net emissions.
Webinar — Feb 25, 2025
Lessons in Mining Sustainability in Latin America
A webinar exploring advances in sustainability around mining and community engagement in Latin America.
Environmental Justice Series — May 7, 2024
Minority Food Producers in the Climate Transition
A webinar examining the role of agricultural producers of color in the development of sustainable solutions for climate change.
RFF Live — Jul 25, 2023
Changing Climate, Changing Forests: Exploring the US Forest Service’s 2020 RPA Assessment
On Tuesday, July 25, RFF and the USDA Forest Service unpacked the findings from the 2020 RPA Assessment and discussed the implications of our changing forest resources.
Common Resources — Apr 24, 2025
If/Then: The Slippery Slope of Federal Land Sales
If the US Congress authorizes the sale of federal public lands in the upcoming budget reconciliation bill, then the decision could irreversibly affect the US public land estate—and not solve housing affordability problems as some advocates claim.
Resources Radio — Jan 14, 2025
Reversing Deforestation in Latin America, with Brent Sohngen
Brent Sohngen discusses the intersecting forces that are helping curb and reverse deforestation in Latin American countries.
On the Issues — Jul 19, 2024
On the Issues: Communicating Flood Risk, Flood Response, and More
A biweekly newsletter connecting global current events, pressing climate and energy policy news, and economics research from RFF scholars. This week: communicating flood risk, flood response, and more.
Resources Radio — Jul 9, 2024
Loved to Death? Social Media and Rising Visitation to National Parks, with Casey Wichman
Casey Wichman discusses the influence of social media on the popularity of national parks and the effects of increased visitation on overcrowding and park revenue.
Media Highlight — May 26, 2025
Writers on the Range: “Energy Dominance Harms Our Public Lands”
A widely syndicated op-ed read by people across the American West mentions RFF research on the effects of lower royalty rates for oil and gas produced on federal lands.
Media Highlight — May 6, 2025
“Carbon Pulse: Spark Notes”
A new paper on ways to reduce wildfire exposure in the wildland-urban interface is mentioned in Carbon Pulse‘s daily newsletter.
Media Highlight — Apr 24, 2025
Reuters: “Trump Logging Order Sparks Fears for US Southeast Forests”
RFF Senior Fellow Dave Wear comments on trends in regional logging levels.
Media Highlight — Apr 17, 2025
Science Magazine: “Trump Wants to Log More Forests. Will it Really Help Prevent Wildfires?”
Senior Fellow David Wear comments on a new executive order calling for more logging
