Missouri Forest Values
Many kinds of forests, many different values
Forests are more than trees. They are also the animals that make the forests their homes, and the birds that nest in the tree tops. They are the clear woodland springs and streams, and the fish which live in them. Forests are quiet places to see spring wildflowers or to hunt for a trophy buck. For these and many other reasons, forests are special places to many people.
One obvious benefit of the forest is its timber value. The lure of this vast resource is what brought the timber companies to Missouri in the 1800s. Missouri's forests, now more wisely managed, still provide wood products. But timber is far from the only product of the forest. Clean water, wildlife habitat, outdoor recreation, and a stable environment are other benefits of well-managed woodlands.
Water quality
Forests provide clean water for drinking, swimming and fishing. The forest canopy breaks the force of falling raindrops, and the decaying layer of leaves, twigs and branches on the ground acts as a natural sponge to absorb the moisture. Instead of running off, rainfall soaks down into the ground. This recharges springs, streams and wells, assuring their steady flow during dry periods.
Trees are essential to a healthy stream. Their roots help hold the bank in place and their shade may cool stream temperatures by as much as 10 degrees. Fallen leaves provide escape and nesting cover for fish. Leaves put organic matter into the stream's food chain. A healthy stream depends on a healthy forest growing on its banks.
Wildlife habitat
Missouri is home to about 730 species of wildlife, many of which live in the forest during a part of their life. Animals ranging from the white-tailed deer and wild turkey to the rare Ozark zigzag salamander are found in Missouri's forests. The pileated woodpecker, ovenbird, black-and-white warbler and screech owl are just a few of the many birds that inhabit the forest.
Good management practices consider the needs of these many wildlife species. Correctly locating logging roads to protect our streams is just one example. Leaving older trees for cavity-nesting species, cultivating mast-producing trees as a food source and creating young, regenerating stands of trees for food and cover are other examples. To support a diversity of wildlife species, our forest lands need to be diverse.
Natural areas meet the critical needs of certain plant and animal species. The Missouri Natural Areas System protects unique animal, plant, aquatic and geologic communities. Natural areas are found on Department of Conservation, Department of Natural Resources, U.S. Forest Service and private lands. Management is directed toward protecting the unique feature of the natural area. For the most part, nature is allowed to take its course. Presently, more than 22,000 acres are in the Natural Areas System.
Outdoor recreation
Forests are important to the millions of Missourians who hunt, hike, camp, enjoy scenery, watch birds, canoe or photograph nature. The Department of Natural Resources controls more than 3,600 developed campsites in Missouri's state parks. The Forest Service has another 500 campsites. For those who prefer a more primitive camping experience, most Department of Conservation and Forest Service land is open to camping.
Hikers and backpackers use hundreds of miles of trails in Missouri's forests. The Ozark Trail, when completed, will stretch more than 500 miles through the Ozarks from St. Louis to Arkansas. More than 350 miles of the trail are open as of March, 2011. State parks offer 350 miles of hiking trails. Trails on Conservation Department and Forest Service lands add another 1,200 miles available to hikers. Horseback riders have more than 1,000 miles of roads and trails on public land open for riding.
Wilderness Areas offer other opportunities to enjoy the forest. Congress has designated eight federal Wilderness Areas in Missouri, totaling 71,358 acres, on national forest land and national wildlife refuge land. Regulations prohibit management practices, vehicles and motorized equipment in these areas. Wilderness Areas offer the solitude and undisturbed experience that many forest users desire.
Environmental stability
Forests provide many important environmental benefits which extend beyond rural forest land. In our urban areas, trees help buffer the temperature extremes. Tree-shaded streets, homes and parking lots are noticeably cooler in summer. A few well-placed trees around a house can reduce winter heating bills from 10 to 50 percent.
Forests may also help reduce the impact of the "greenhouse effect," which is the gradual, worldwide increase in air temperature caused by the accumulation of carbon dioxide in the Earth's atmosphere. For each pound of new wood that grows, the tree removes about 1.8 pounds of carbon dioxide from the air and produces 1.3 pounds of oxygen.
Healthy, actively growing forests act as carbon storage areas. Trees store carbon in their wood as they make food and give off oxygen during photosynthesis--as long as the forest is healthy and growing. As a forest becomes old and starts to decline, however, the process reverses. Old, decaying forests use oxygen and release carbon dioxide. To maintain their value as carbon storage areas, forests must be in a healthy, growing condition.
