The old adage of "think globally, act locally" continues to provide sound advice even today when it is possible to become involved in many important activities in the international arena. My presentation argues for the importance of local conservation on the global environment, with a focus on the forests of the Eastern U.S. I'll argue that there is an unprecedented opportunity and imperative for forest protection protect and conservation management rooted in the region's history and that while this activity needs of necessity to be driven by the actions of individuals and organizations operating at the level of local communities that its ramifications are national and global in scale. My arguments include the following.

1. Much of the most effective conservation activity originates in local communities and is driven by local constituents. Although the history of major land protection and conservation in the U.S. has been marked by large programs and projects initiated by the federal and state governments in today's political environment most successful large-scale conservation programs will need to engage the local community which can best fit it to the local landscape, economy and concerns.

2. Forest conservation across the eastern U.S. has major indirect consequences for global climate. Due to their age, growth patterns, and extent forests across the eastern U.S. are rapidly accumulating carbon and therefore play a major part in offsetting the increases in atmospheric carbon and other GCCs. Deforestation and land conversion across this region release immense stores of carbon and precludes the long-term benefits of continued carbon storage (and many other important environmental benefits) of this immense extent of natural vegetation.

3. Most residents of the eastern U.S. suffer from the "Illusion of Preservation" a belief that local preservation of natural vegetation from management and use is sound environmental strategy. However, a more effectiveglobal strategy for the eastern U.S. would combine, forest protection, the use of these forest resources for energy and diverse wood products, and a broad-scale program of decreased overall consumption of resources. The use of local resources can reduce pressure on global resources obtained from intact and fragile landscapes in other parts of the world and has the potential to connect the consumers in the eastern U.S. with the source of their resources and the consequences of their consumption patterns.

Overall, a coupled program of extensive forest protection, sustainable use, reduced consumption, and recycling/conservation at home would yield immense local, regional, national and global benefits.

Written Summary of Presentation

• Goodwin-Niering Center Certificate student's summary of presentation.