You are here

Maintain diversity of native tree species: Restore native tree species

Adaptation Strategies and Actions

Maintain diversity of native tree species: Restore native tree species

Adaptation type: 
Land and forest stewardship or restoration

Strategy:

Maintain and restore diversity of native tree species

Action

Restore native tree species

Non-native red pine forest. Photo credit: Emily S. Huff
Non-native red pine forest. Photo credit: Emily S. Huff

Planting trees is not necessary in Massachusetts. Our tree species naturally seed in and are sustained by ample annual rainfall. Therefore, the vast majority of the forests in Massachusetts are made up of native species. However, there are specific instances where plantations of non-native species, such as red pine and Norway spruce, were established, particularly on town watersheds and state forests as a part of the Civilian Conservation Corp efforts in the 1930s. Since non-native species are by definition out of their native range, they are typically less vigorous and more susceptible to insects and disease. Converting your forest to native tree species that are well adapted to the site will increase your forest's resilience in a changing climate.

Scope and Constraints

Time: 
Ongoing action
Repeated at time of harvesting
Cost: 
Moderate cost category
Geographical: 
Parcel-scale
Town-scale
Regional-scale
State-scale

Goals

Forestry Goal 4: Increase species and structural diversity

My Favorites

Show my favoritesHide my favorites

More info

Bookmark your favorite pages here. See the "add this page link" to add a page to your favorites. Click the X to remove a page from the list.