Oregon State University study compares ways to manage forest regrowth for climate mitigation

By Shari Phiel
The Columbian
August 6, 2024
Category: Forestry
Region: United States, US West

When it comes to nature versus nurture, a new study from an Oregon State University scientist found the most cost-effective way to manage forest regrowth for climate mitigation is actually a combination of both. Jacob Bukoski from the OSU College of Forestry and seven other researchers compared data from thousands of reforestation sites in 130 low- and middle-income countries. The researchers found using a combination of the two approaches would be 44 percent better than natural regeneration alone and 39 percent better than planting by itself. … Bukoski said the study only compared two of the many ways to expand tree cover. “Basically, use a diversity of approaches for expanding tree cover in your jurisdiction if that is the goal. In some areas, natural regeneration may be perfectly capable of meeting your goals and need.”

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