Another Friday means another edition of Forest Digest!

Here is the week’s news in trees:

California's redwoods are increasingly threatened by poacher activity in state and national parks. Photo: National Parks Service
California’s redwoods are increasingly threatened by poacher activity in state and national parks.
Photo: National Parks Service

“Iconic Minnesota conifers may give way to a more broad-leafed forest in the next century”Phys.org
The U.S. Forests Service’s study of Minnesota forests presents a good-news-bad-news situation. The bad news: Climate changes over the next century could hurt several species of trees located in the southern region of the forest. The good news: This study allows conservationists to be proactive in protecting these trees for coming generations.

“Clever Trees Won’t be Fooled by a Tricky Climate”Nature World News
Though botanists and ecologists fear that patterns of elevated temperatures will undermine tree populations, the plants themselves are dispelling these rumors. New findings from the Ludwig Munich Botanical Garden reveal that some species are able to adapt to temperatures, based on the amount of sunlight they receive daily.

“California’s ancient redwood trees under attack”Science Daily
Poachers and chainsaws and deforestation — oh my! California’s iconic redwood trees are more susceptible to disease thanks to poachers who remove their burls, which are growths that protect the trees but also possess valuable wood grains. Forest managers are increasingly concerned for the safety of the redwoods and are taking measures to preserve the population.

“Making progress on deforestation”Phys.org
Brazil shoots and scores! Recent research indicates that the country has reduced Amazon rainforest deforestation by 70 percent. Brazil is also the leading contributor to reducing global warming.

“Protecting and connecting the Flathead National Forest in Montana”Science Daily
A Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) report highlights safe habitats for five species that reside in Flathead National Forest. Though the forest has long been protected by citizens and leaders, WCS fears the plants, animals and rivers might not be prepared for impending changes.

“Cloud Forests and Biodiversity”ENN
Tropical cloud forests, which can be found in and among mountains, have been thought to contain vast biodiversity. A study from mongabay.com says there’s many trees in the mist too!