DJ Johnson
Recently, I embarked on a journey to a place steeped in history and natural wonder—a forgotten orchard brimming with 100-year-old heritage apple trees. These ancient trees, some over a century old, stand as silent witnesses to a bygone era. No one knows who planted them or how they came to be there. Perhaps they were planted to make apple pies, or to produce jam, or maybe they provided shade to weary travelers on hot summer days.
Regardless of their origin, these trees hold great memories and a sense of continuity. They connect us to generations past, serving as living spokespeople for an era long gone.
Many generations have passed since these apple trees were planted, and now, they are one of the only spokespeople left from that time. They are more than just trees—they are a vital link to our heritage and a testament to our ancestors' lives. Cutting down old-growth trees is akin to cutting away a part of ourselves. It severs our connection to the important stories and legacies of our past generations. These trees help continue the legacy of the past, and cutting them down would mean severing ourselves from our history and identity.
What did these trees mean to our ancestors? For many, they were a source of sustenance and survival, providing fruit for nourishment and shade for rest. They stood as symbols of resilience and continuity, thriving through the changing seasons and generations. These trees were an integral part of our ancestors' lives and played a crucial role in their daily existence. The trees are an important part of our American history, heritage, and pride. By preserving them, we honor the legacy of those who came before us and maintain a living connection to our past.
Despite being cherished across the country, old-growth forests on federal lands remain unprotected from logging. This lack of protection threatens not only the forests themselves but also the myriad benefits they provide. Old-growth forests are critical for safeguarding biodiversity. They support a wide range of plant and animal species, many of which cannot thrive anywhere else. These ecosystems serve as essential refugia, offering safe havens for wildlife amidst the changing climate. Moreover, old-growth forests play a crucial role in reducing flood and erosion risk, ensuring clean, cold drinking water, and providing fire resistance.
Beyond their environmental benefits, old-growth forests hold significant cultural values and offer unparalleled opportunities for outdoor recreation. They are places of mental and spiritual well-being, where people can connect with nature and find peace. Since European colonization, old-growth forests in the East and other regions have been drastically reduced due to logging, development, and agriculture. Protecting the existing old-growth and encouraging the growth of future old-growth through the preservation of mature forests is essential for restoring these invaluable ecosystems.
The benefits of protecting National Forests extend far beyond their geographical boundaries. These forests are climate powerhouses, storing immense amounts of carbon and mitigating the effects of climate change. State leaders should take note of the national example and move to protect older forests for the myriad benefits they provide.
President Biden has made strong commitments to protect mature and old-growth forests across the country. Now, it is up to the US Forest Service to fulfill those promises by creating a robust National Old-growth Amendment. This amendment is crucial for ensuring that the protections for these forests are not just promises but reality. By protecting these forests, we can safeguard the environment, support biodiversity, and provide invaluable benefits to our communities.
In conclusion, the conservation of old and mature forests is not just an environmental issue; it is a matter of preserving our natural heritage and ensuring a sustainable future. The commitments made at the national level must be upheld and expanded upon at the state and local levels. By protecting these forests, we can safeguard the environment, support biodiversity, and provide invaluable benefits to our communities. It is time for action to protect these irreplaceable treasures.
In the heart of New England, these old-growth forests and heritage apple trees symbolize more than just natural beauty—they are a testament to our resilience, our history, and our future. As we strive to protect these vital ecosystems, I leave with you my spin-off of the wisdom of the adage: "May the apple fall not too far from the tree” lest we commit irreparable damage to the environment that we cannot rescind.
Let us honor our heritage by safeguarding the natural wonders that have stood the test of time, ensuring they continue to enrich our lives and the lives of future generations.
Take Action Today:
The U.S. Forest Service has initiated a process to amend every national forest plan in the country to protect old growth. It could become one of the most important protections for federal forests that we have seen in decades – though it’s not there yet. To be successful, the proposed amendment must fulfill President Biden’s commitment to protect all remaining old-growth and chart a course for mature forests to grow old. We need your help to make sure that this proposal actually protects our forests! Take action at the 🔗 Protect Old Growth Forest
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