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CFLRP Commits to Old-Growth Forest Protection, 90% of Projects Focus on Conservation

CFLRP prioritizes old-growth forests. Success stories like the Zuni Mountains project show how collaboration can protect these vital ecosystems and support rural economies.

This is an edited picture of a forest where we can see trees, path and the sky.
This is an edited picture of a forest where we can see trees, path and the sky.

CFLRP Commits to Old-Growth Forest Protection, 90% of Projects Focus on Conservation

The Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration Program (CFLRP) has demonstrated significant commitment to preserving and restoring old-growth forests in the U.S. A new report reveals that 90 percent of its reviewed proposals, including all funded projects, focus on mature and old-growth forest conservation. This aligns with President Biden's 2022 executive order emphasizing the importance of these forests.

Old-growth forests, which make up only 6 percent of the U.S. forest estate, offer numerous benefits. They support clean air and water, provide unique wildlife habitats, and are more resilient to stressors like wildfire. The CFLRP, which brings together diverse stakeholders, has invested nearly half a billion dollars annually since 2009 to protect and restore these vital ecosystems.

The Zuni Mountains CFLR project in New Mexico is a notable example of this collaboration. It involves government agencies, scientists, communities, conservation organizations, Tribes, and local timber businesses working together to achieve ecological goals while supporting rural economies. The success of such projects can inform the U.S. Forest Service's management strategies for mature and old-growth forests in a changing climate.

The CFLRP's focus on old-growth forest conservation is a significant step towards preserving these critical ecosystems. With nearly $500 million in annual funding and successful projects like the Zuni Mountains CFLR, the program is well-positioned to support rural communities and protect the nation's old-growth forests.

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