Appalachian Forest Assessment

Goal: To assess the needs for a new Appalachian forest protection project, and opportunities for joint grantmaking throughout the region.

TerrAqua reviewed the environmental and demographic characteristics of the northern Appalachian region, and governmental, NGO and other private sector activities. Drawing from existing studies, we characterized the ecological base, ecological health, sources and causes of environmental degradation, resource use, historical and present dependence on and relation to the Appalachian forest ecosystems, and organizations active in forest protection and management. We also characterized potential funding initiatives and partners.

We identified: (1) the technical information needed to improve collaboration on regional environmental protection; (2) key audiences for education and outreach, including federal, state, and local governments, corporations, landowners, and nonprofit organizations; (3) opportunities to strengthen the capacity of organizations promoting natural resource conservation and sustainable development in Appalachia; and (4) strategies for fostering economic growth while protecting the region’s environmental resources.

Client: The Heinz Endowments