Forests on the Edge
The Forests on the Edge project employs geographic information systems techniques to identify areas across the country where private forest benefits such as timber, wildlife habitat and water quality might be affected by factors such as development, fire, insect pests, and diseases. The project also seeks to understand where increases in housing density on lands adjacent to national forests and grasslands might affect recreation, wildlife, water resources and other important public benefits.
The project’s primary goals are:
- Increase public awareness of the importance of conserving America's private forests and lands located around the nation's national forests and grasslands
- Create additional tools for strategic planning
- Provide better information to Congress and Forest Service partners on the values of and pressures on forests