The Lost Forests of New England – Ray Asselin (2018)

The documentary by filmmaker Ray Asselin highlights many values of oldgrowth forests and features forest ecologists including David Foster of Harvard Forest, Peter Dunwiddie of University of Washington, Tony D’Amato of University of Vermont, Tom Wessels of Antioch University of New England, David Orwig and Neil Pederson of Harvard Forest.

Among these people Robert Leverett is a nature enthusiast who has spearheaded local expeditions to find the last bits of old-growth patches and gain recognition.

Today old-growth forests occupy a very marginal amount of land. In fact, less than one tenth of one percent of Massachusetts forests have old-growth forest characteristics. Most forests occupying New England are second-growth. The documentary provides an overview of the drastic changes in the landscape after European colonists arrive. The famous dioramas in Harvard’s Fisher Museum encapsulate the historical transitions in a didactic way.

Less than one tenth of one percent of Massachusetts forests have old-growth forest characteristics.

Among the few recognized oldgrowth forests in New England are 2.25 square kilometer (555 acres) section of Mount Greylock, 89 ha (220 acres) section of Mount Wachusetts and The Bowl Research Area of White Mountains. The Sierra Guide to Ancient Forests of Northeast makes a comprehensive compilation. The book covers 134 sites across nine states: Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine.

 

2 Comments

  1. Leonore says:

    I saw the film and recommend it. The film speaks of reforestation and succession as natural remediation to logging. Leaving forestsin their natural state of decomposition and constant regrowth cam remediate some of the climate crisis. The film is a must see or ALL public officials and decision makers.

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