The Power of the Canopy
Forests hold power. They can fight climate change, protect our wildlife, preserve our habitat, and boost our economy. And it takes stewardship to unleash that power. That’s why we’re here.
Massachusetts’ forests are vital to the health of our planet, and taking care of them is essential for both the environment and human health. Forests serve as the lungs of the Earth, absorbing carbon dioxide and producing the oxygen we breathe, while also helping to regulate climate, protect water quality and prevent soil erosion. Forests are also home to countless species of plants and animals, many of which can't survive anywhere else. Beyond their ecological value, forests provide resources like food, medicine, and timber, and they support the livelihoods of millions of people. Conserving our forests ensures these ecosystems remain resilient and continue sustaining life for generations to come.
Introducing the Forest Explorer
This Massachusetts Forest Explorer is for anyone who wants to learn about our forests - bringing complex environmental data into a clear format for all to explore and understand. By simplifying massive datasets, the Forest Explorer captures the current status of our forest ecosystems and the importance of protecting them. From tracking the amount of carbon sequestrated to the role of fire in forest management, the Forest Explorer allows users to visualize data and make it easier to make informed decisions about conservation and forest management.
The Forest Explorer’s interactive features include a clickable map to see the amount of protected forest in your city or town, sliders to visualize deforestation in the central part of the state, or view the charts and graphs to learn about the age distribution of Massachusetts forests. You can learn about the amount of carbon stored in our forests compared to what is being emitted, and even how much wood Massachusetts residents consume from local, in state sources. Read about forest stressors or navigate through the many referenced links for more information including the stewardship that occurs on forests under the purview of state agencies and review proposed forest management proposals.
The Forest Explorer and the Bigger Picture
As a part of Governor Healey’s Forests As Climate Solutions Initiative, the Forest Explorer uses existing data and tools to clearly present information to the public on the status of Massachusetts forests and to help tell the story of the Commonwealth’s forest resources. The Forest Explorer is only a part of the comprehensive plan to conserve, manage, and restore forests in ways that maximize their ability to store carbon and support climate resilience.
Forests as Climate Solutions will expand existing state programs, invest in forest conservation, enhance a network of forest reserves, and develop forest management guidelines based on the latest climate science. These guidelines will apply to state lands, and the Healey-Driscoll Administration will also provide incentives for private landowners to adopt them to maximize the climate benefits of their forests.
Facts About Forests in Massachusetts, All in One Place
The goal of this forest explorer was to go beyond just displaying numbers by adding context, making the tool both educational and accessible to a wider audience to support forest stewardship. Data sources included NLCD, FIA, USGS, and Massachusetts Clean Energy and Climate Metrics.
The Forest Explorer tracks metrics to provide more data on forests. It was designed to better inform land conservation and management goals.
More About the Forest Explorer
Topics covered
- Forest Cover
- Forest Carbon
- Forest Products
- Biodiversity
- Climate
- Forest Loss
- Forest Pests
- Deer and Moose
- Fire
- Forest Stewardship and
- Forest Protection