Questions are swirling around fundamental understanding of how forest management can positively affect the U.S. carbon balance over the long run. Data collected over more than six decades helped scientists determine effects of different approaches to forest management on carbon stored in living trees, deadwood, and wood products.

USDA Forest Service scientists have been conducting research at the Penobscot Experimental Forest (EF) in Maine for over 70 years. Though the importance of forests for carbon storage wasn’t recognized when the research started in 1950, it has emerged as one of the most pressing issues of the 21st century.

Research by Northern Research Station scientists and university partners used real data about carbon stored in living trees, dead wood, and wood products from 20 northern conifer and mixedwood stands at the Penobscot EF. They found that strategies to maintain high stocking levels and grow trees to large sizes can enhance carbon storage. Multiple entries in forest stands—over generations of humans—can alter the course of stand development to mitigate emerging forest health risks, produce large trees and high value wood products, and positively impact carbon balances over the long run. These findings bridge the gap between research and forestry application, enabling more effective management for healthy and productive forests that help to mitigate climate change.