Carbon Sinks are areas that sequester, or absorb and store carbon dioxide, removing it from the air. Oceans, soils and vegetation are mediums for such storage. Forests are thought to be the most efficient and beneficial carbon sinks since they replace carbon dioxide with oxygen. In addition to providing habitats for animals and livelihoods for humans, forests also offer watershed protection, prevent soil erosion and mitigate climate change. Among other things, sustainable forest management involves removing underbrush and small, weak or dying trees to provide room, and water, for healthier growths to thrive. This process also creates small openings in the forest which help prevent large wildfires from spreading. Federal agencies like the US Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management and the National Parks Service are responsible for the upkeep of federally-owned land. Ecologists claim many of our recent huge wildfires are likely the result of climate change. They say there is always plenty of fuel to burn, but most years it is too wet to catch fire. Because of this, thinning and prescribed burning won't change the wildfire hazard — although that doesn't mean poor forest management hasn't contributed to the current devastation in many Western forests. Given the importance of forests to the planet, advocates say sustainable management is essential to ensure society’s demands don’t compromise this resource.

Pending Legislation: H.R.4231 - Proven Forest Management Act of 2021
Sponsor: Rep. Tom McClintock (CA)
Status: House Subcommittee on Conservation and Forestry (Agriculture)
Chair: Rep. Abigail Spanberger (VA)