By Blake Jackson
Forestry faculty from the University of Missouri School of Natural Resources will present findings from their recent report highlighting the role of wood products in long-term carbon storage.
The presentation and panel discussion will take place on Thursday, October 24, at 7 PM in room 123 of the Anheuser-Busch Natural Resources Building on the MU campus.
The report, "Carbon and Biomass Dynamics in Missouri Forest and Implication for Climate Change," demonstrates that using wood products like flooring and lumber can effectively store carbon.
This approach not only removes carbon from the forest but also creates space for planting more trees, further enhancing carbon sequestration.
“Trees are genetically programmed to sequester and store carbon,” said MU Extension forestry state specialist Hank Stelzer, a co-author of the report.
The report emphasizes the importance of sustainable forest management practices, such as tree planting, thinning forest stands, and harvesting mature stands to prevent carbon release from decaying trees.
These practices offer various benefits beyond carbon storage, including improved wildlife habitat, biodiversity, and resilience to disturbances.
The report concludes with ten recommended practices to increase forest carbon sequestration and offset carbon dioxide emissions.
Following the presentation, a Q&A panel discussion will feature representatives from the university, the forest products industry, and the Missouri Department of Conservation. A reception will be held in the ABNR lobby at 6:30 PM prior to the presentation.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-paul-hartley
Categories: Missouri, Rural Lifestyle