IDF 2016: US Forest Service Blog post

March 21, 2016 marks the United Nations’ fourth annual International Day of Forests, a day to celebrate the important and diverse contributions of the world’s forests. As it has from the start, the U.S. Forest Service commemorates the day and works with international partners throughout the year to protect the health of forest ecosystems worldwide.

For over 50 years, the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) has partnered with Mexico and Canada through the North American Forest Commission, one of six regional forestry commissions under the UN Food and Agriculture Organization.

To the south, USFS works closely with the National Forestry Commission of Mexico, CONAFOR, the National Protected Area Commission, CONANP, and the Fondo Mexicano para la Conservación de la Naturaleza, FMCN, on a range of issues covering sustainable forest management, fire management, forest genetics, climate change mitigation, urban programs, and insects, diseases and invasive plants. In Central Mexico, the connection between forests, wildlife habitat, and water is clear. The forested areas of the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve provide shelter for overwintering monarchs and capture rainwater that ultimately flows into two of Mexico’s largest river basins. Most importantly, the forest provides water to local communities.

Read the full blog post at https://blogs.usda.gov/2016/03/21/international-day-of-forests-2016/