Unlocking Northeastern Forest Potential as a Natural Climate Solutions
Northeastern forests play a major role in climate mitigation. The mature temperate forests actively store large amounts of carbon, while also providing numerous co-benefits. These forests also support rich biodiversity, providing habitat for countless plant and animal species, many of which are uniquely adapted to the region. Beyond ecology, they are vital for human well-being: they protect watersheds that supply clean drinking water, reduce flooding by stabilizing soils, and offer recreational and cultural value to nearby communities.
These forests are also predicted to remain resilient in the face of climate change, making their protection all the more important long-term environmental, economic, and community well-being.
However, to truly unlock that potential, distinct stakeholder groups will need to work together, which means appreciating different viewpoints and overcoming a sometimes contentious history of disagreement. The goal of this convening is to to break barriers, understand perspectives, and drive action to harness Northeastern Forests’ ability to support long-term environmental, economic, and community well-being.
In addition to brainstorming and proposing practical solutions, this gathering offers the opportunity for participants to slow down in a beautiful setting in order to connect with peers and the natural world they seek to serve. At VCI, we’re meeting this moment by bringing leaders together to slow down, connect, and restore so that they can think, discuss, innovate, and plan.