Cf - The Forest Factor Press Release

ROSEBURG, OREGON — Communities for Healthy Forests announces the Premier showing of their latest video, “CF—The Forest Factor” on Tuesday, February 24th. The new educational video reveals the dramatic affect forests have on the earth’s climate today and into the future. The story is not only about forests and climate change, but about how replicating ancient forests sustainably can result in healthier, more resilient conditions while providing jobs and sustain our rural communities. The story of the forest unfolds with the scientific expertise of Dr. Thomas Bonnicksen and Dr. Thomas Atzet who have not only written and taught about forests, but have lived, worked and recreated in these forests over four decades.

In addition to authoring “Americas Ancient Forests”, Dr. Bonnicksen has developed the Forest Carbon Emissions Model, which has been used in California and beyond to measure the greenhouse gas storage capacity of forests as well as the emissions from catastrophic forest events such as fires and insect infestations. Analysis of recent California forest fires indicates that to negate the carbon emissions from 21,000 acres of burned forest, we would have to park one million cars for one year. While the fire itself releases 25% of the carbon, the remaining 75% is released into the atmosphere as the dead trees decay. Dr. Atzet and Dr. Bonnicksen offer solutions, but suggest all forest management choices have consequences and must be decided by an informed society.

Nolan Colgrove, Hoopa Indian Tribal Forester and Sue Kupillas, former county commissioner, enhance the story with the rural community viewpoint. Colgrove shares the Tribe’s historical perspective and explains the diversity of forest products harvested—medicinal plants, weaving materials for baskets, wood for building as well as the economic value of selling timber products—all derived from actively working in their landscape.

After working with rural communities for 25 years, Sue Kupillas saw federal rules change and virtually stop active management in federal forests. The impacts on quality of life in the surrounding communities, dependent on forest jobs, were dramatic. As economic concerns dominate the dialogue in Washington, DC, jobs are increasingly more important. The highest unemployment rates are in rural areas where economic impacts are the greatest. Actively managing the forests offers an opportunity for family wage jobs and products that create wealth for the nation.

While concerns about our economy occupy most headlines today, Global Climate Change is but temporarily pushed into the background. Efforts to reduce carbon emissions whether through regulation or conservation still abound. However our forests and the role they play in regulating the carbon balance are largely ignored. With appropriate action, our vast forests have the potential to offer the greatest beneficial impact by reducing carbon emissions and combating climate change.

Communities for Healthy Forests’ objective is to bring attention to these critical issues, informing and educating the public to encourage informed discussion in our homes, business and legislative bodies. CF, The Forest Factor was created to do just that, inform the public and stimulate discussion.

The public is encouraged to attend the premier of this important, cutting edge production.

Tuesday, February 24, 2009 5:30 PM
Whipple Fine Arts Auditorium, UCC Campus
Roseburg, Oregon