Securing the Future of Tennessee's Forests

Statement

Each year I'm pleased to sign a proclamation in support of Arbor Day in Tennessee, which is always celebrated in March. This is a time of year when communities and organizations all across our state are engaged in tree planting activities or projects to improve our environment.

Spring is a time for renewal and as the trees begin to bud I'm reminded that Tennessee's forests are a valuable resource not to be taken for granted. People are often surprised to learn that more than half of the state's land area, about 14 million acres, is in forests. Equally surprising is that the vast majority of forestland in Tennessee, more than 80 percent, is owned by thousands of individuals like you and me, not the government or corporations.

The health and quality of those forests have an essential relevance to the quality of life we enjoy in Tennessee. That quality of life and the scenic wooded landscapes that are such a part of our identity depend largely on an adequate level of professional forest management. That's why I have proposed to the Tennessee General Assembly a budget for next year that provides recurring funding to support our professional foresters within the Department of Agriculture's Division of Forestry.

In these tough economic times, I have proposed that 29 of these forester positions, along with some 170 other critical positions across state government, be funded by closing tax loopholes that exist for certain businesses. It's the fair thing to do and would secure these positions and the services they provide for the foreseeable future.

The services provided by foresters are critical to the future health and vitality of our forest resources. These foresters often serve as the "first responders" to combat foreign pests that threaten to destroy our native forests, such as the hemlock woolly adelgid and the gypsy moth.

The future success of our state depends heavily on both the quantity and quality of our water resources, which often flow from well-forested landscapes. Foresters ensure the ability and sustainability of that resource to capture, filter and slowly release clean water for our vital water supplies.

Our state foresters help landowners who want to improve the quality and economic value of timber, and we need to keep doing that. Our sawmill industry, which employs thousands of Tennesseans and is the economic engine of many rural communities, relies heavily on the availability of quality hardwood timber. There is recent evidence of declining timber quality in Tennessee's forests. This is a trend that we can help landowners reverse with the right approach and the right resources.

Forests in Tennessee also provide critical wildlife habitat, recreational opportunities such as hunting, fishing, hiking and camping, and the beautiful, natural landscapes that draw thousands of visitors every year. The future sustainability and quality of these uses involves professional management by foresters such as those within the Department of Agriculture.

I've long been a supporter of the preservation of our state's natural resources and open spaces, which is why I've included funding to continue the important services provided by these dedicated forestry professionals. We can all support efforts to preserve our environment by planting a tree or by giving your time to help with a local community or urban forestry project. By doing so, we'll be securing the future of Tennessee's forests for generations to come. Let's keep Tennessee's forests healthy and productive.

If you have questions or comments about this issue or any other, please e-mail me at phil.bredesen@tn.gov.

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