Forest Ecosystem Benefits 

Forests provide various benefits to the ecosystem, including:

• Clean water - Trees are the most effective land cover for maintenance of water quality. Forests filter sediments and other pollutants from the water in the soil before it reaches a water source, such as a stream, lake or river.

• Clean air - Forests remove air pollution by the capture of particulate matter. Trees help in catching dust, ash, pollen and smoke on their leaves, keeping it out of our lungs.

• Habitat - Forests provide important habitats for various species, including mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles, and fish.

• Scenic beauty and recreation - In a heavily forested state such as New York, forests are a central feature of the landscape and provide opportunities for tourism and outdoor activities such as hiking and photography.

• Economic benefits from forest products - Wood products are prevalent in many of the products we use in our everyday lives. The New York forests products industry contribute $10 billion in economic output, plus $8 billion in revenue from recreational activity associated with the forests.

• Prevention of soil erosion - Forests act as shields, protecting the soil from harsh weather and runoff. By keeping the soil in place, they maintain its health and structure, preventing it from washing or blowing away, and helping to protect communities from landslides or floods.

• Oxygen production - Trees and plants contribute to oxygen levels through the process of photosynthesis. Photosynthesis is the cornerstone of oxygen production in forests. During this process, plants absorb carbon dioxide and sunlight, converting them into glucose and oxygen.

• Carbon sequestration and reduction of greenhouse gases - Forests serve as carbon sinks, absorbing one-third of the carbon dioxide released from burning fossil fuels annually. As forests grow, their trees take in carbon from the air and store it in wood, plant matter, and under the soil. If not for forests, much of this carbon would remain in the atmosphere in the form of carbon dioxide (CO2), the most important greenhouse gas driving climate change.