Does old growth still exist? Yes, but in very limited supply. It comprises less than one percent of woods in the Northeast U.S. In New England, it comprises less than one tenth of a percent. In New York it is roughly one percent of the Adirondack Park and three and one half percent of the Catskill Park.
So, what do we actually mean by “old growth”. One dictionary defines it as a forest where the trees were never felled, harvested or cleared, mature woods. How do you think of old growth forest looking? Very tall, large-diameter trees?
Old Growth scientifically defined is “old trees and related structural attributes such as tree size, large dead woody material, many canopy layers, certain species composition and ecosystem function”.
That may be hard to understand but the main point is the trees are old and that creates a certain environment that goes with those old trees. Depending on the species and location the trees may not be tall or large diameter. There can be trees hundreds of years old on top of a mountain that are only eight feet tall due to the harsh conditions they live in.
And for those who are interested in experiencing old growth a definition may not mean much. Very large diameter, tall trees do something to our bodies, minds and souls. There is an awe factor that has to be experienced to know these trees’ benefit to us as humans.
Old growth can make you feel small and insignificant, and this can create a cascade of:
feeling less self-importance > having more compassion for others > feeling more connected to others > having a more positive mood.
Are we losing old growth? Yes, some of it may be cut over in some western states or Alaska where there is more of it.
Can we create an old growth type forest? Yes, we can purposely manage a forest in a way that over many decades it can start looking like old growth forest.
So, what do you think is the “right” amount of old growth forest? Certainly, a lot more existed prior to Europeans in North America. We can’t go back to the way things were back then. However, we can create forests with that old growth structure in different sections of the country so that people can enjoy and appreciate it.
The northwest has old growth available now. As does the Adirondack and Catskill Parks where it is increasing as mature forest moves into the old growth category.
Get out and experience old growth and be awed by it.
Here is a map of old growth or mature forest locations nationwide:
https://www.oldgrowthforest.net/network-forests
Click on a location to get more information about visiting.
A MyWoodlot How-To: A MyWoodlot activity starter kit called Simulate Old-Growth Forest.
Words related to old growth: primary forest, mature forest and legacy trees.
Another article related to old growth: Restoring Old Growth Characteristics
