What's the big deal with National Forest Week?

WHAT'S THE BIG DEAL?

Every July, the National Forest Foundation dedicates an entire week of celebrating all the ways National Forests and Grasslands "give back" to us in many ways, which is why supporting them is extremely important. 

1. Environmental Protection: National Forests play a vital role in preserving biodiversity, protecting watersheds, and maintaining air quality. They provide habitats for a wide range of plant and animal species, some of which are endangered.

2. Climate Regulation: Forests act as carbon sinks, absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and helping to mitigate climate change. They also regulate local climates by influencing temperature and precipitation patterns.

3. Water Resources: National Forests are critical for water management. They help in maintaining clean water supplies by filtering pollutants and regulating water flow, which reduces the risk of floods and ensures a steady supply of water for communities and agriculture.

4. Recreation and Tourism: These forests offer numerous recreational opportunities such as hiking, camping, fishing, and wildlife viewing. This not only promotes physical and mental well-being but also supports local economies through tourism.

5. Economic Benefits: National Forests contribute to the economy through timber production, non-timber forest products, and ecosystem services. They provide raw materials for various industries and support jobs in forestry, recreation, and conservation.

6. Cultural and Historical Value: Many National Forests hold cultural and historical significance for indigenous peoples and local communities. They preserve historical sites and cultural landscapes that are important for heritage and identity.

7. Research and Education: These forests serve as natural laboratories for scientific research and education. They provide opportunities for studying ecosystems, wildlife, climate change, and sustainable management practices.

Supporting National Forests ensures that these benefits are preserved for future generations, contributing to environmental sustainability, economic stability, and societal well-being.

HOW CAN YOU MAKE AN IMPACT?

That's a great question! Now, look, we realize everyone WANTS to make an impact but may be short on time, resources and ability. You can make an impact, with us, from the comfort of your air conditioned home!

From July 8th through the 16th we will be planting ONE TREE for every social like we get on our #NationalForestWeek posts. So, whether you are on TikTok or Facebook or Instagram or Twitter or LinkedIn or YouTube; you can play an important role in helping further the mission. 

You can also donate directly to the National Forest Foundation directly via this link. We don't know about you, but we get busy with "life" and forget about causes that aren't right in front of us, unfortunately. According to the NFF website, they "need support to rebuild and secure the future of National Forest across the United States."

"Wildfires, insects, and disease have left these precious public lands in urgent need of reforestation — and every single dollar you donate makes an immediate and tangible impact that supports forest recovery and restores native ecosystems."

HOW ABOUT SOME FUN FACTS?

  

  

WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? GET GOING!

With more than 9,000 miles of scenic roads to travel, 150,000 miles of trails to hike, 4,400 miles of scenic rivers to float and more than 5,000 campgrounds to pitch a tent in; adventure awaits. 

The following are some tips from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service to aid in their efforts of #LeaveNoTrace when enjoying the great outdoors. 

• Respect wildlife | Avoid approaching animals, feeding them, or following them. You can use binoculars or a camera to observe wildlife from a distance. Also, try to avoid wildlife during sensitive times like mating, nesting, or winter. If you have pets, keep them on a leash or leave them at home.
• Minimize campfire impacts | Use small pieces of dry wood that are no larger than your wrist and can be broken by hand. Gather wood from a wide area away from your camp, and burn it all to white ash. To extinguish the fire, soak the ashes with water.
• Dispose of waste properly | Use commercial products to minimize odor and leakage, and store your food and trash securely. You can also urinate at least 200 feet away from your campsite or trail.
• Be considerate of others | Avoid loud noises and boisterous behavior, and try to camp in areas that are not visible to other visitors. You can also move off the trail to a durable surface to let faster travelers pass or to take a break.
• Leave what you find | Don't touch or remove cultural or historic artifacts or structures, and leave rocks, plants, and other natural objects as you found them.
• Plan ahead | Clean your bike tires, kayak hulls, and boot soles between trips to avoid introducing non-native species. You can also research wildlife concerns before your trip