Old-growth forests are relatively rare in New Hampshire. This presentation will describe how to recognize the unique physical characteristics, important ecological attributes, and wildlife that favor such forests, and their importance as carbon reserves to help cool our planet. We will finish with a visual tour of several of the finest old-growth forests across our state, where ancient trees are a source of awe and inspiration. Recent research has shown we need both old-growth forest reserves and sustainably managed forests to provide for the needs of society and nature.
David Govatski is a retired forester and silviculturist. The US Forest Service employed him for 33 years. He has visited old-growth forests in all parts of North America and has a particular affinity for Alaska's Tongass National Forest's old-growth forests. David works as a Naturalist and lives with his wife in Jefferson, NH. David and Kathi were married in the Quinault Rain Forest on the Olympic Peninsula of Washington.