Critical Issues Forum

The Illinois Forestry Development Council, in cooperation with Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s Department of Forestry and the University of Illinois’ Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences, has compiled a list of the most critical issues facing Illinois forests and forestry.

Critical Issue

The Need to Address the Decline of Tree Species Diversity within Illinois Forests (in Particular, the Lack of Oak Regeneration) [PDF] [HTML]

Critical Issue

The Need for More Science-Based Educational Programs for Illinois Citizens of All Ages about What Constitutes Forest Health and Proper Forest Management Practices [PDF] [HTML]

Critical Issue

The Need to Address Continued Fragmentation of Illinois Forests and Loss of Forests through Permanent Land-Use Conversion [PDF] [HTML]

Critical Issue

The Need to Address the Invasion of Exotic Species (both Plant and Insect) into Native Illinois Forest Landscapes [PDF] [HTML]

Critical Issue

The Need to Make the Illinois Forest Products Industry More Strategic and Adaptive in a Global Marketplace [PDF] [HTML]

Critical Issue

The Need to Increase Numbers of State Forestry Professionals Technical Staff (in Particular, Those Working with the Public) [PDF] [HTML]

Critical Issue

The Need for Enhanced Protection and Management Illinois Riparian (Streamside) Woodlands and Forests [PDF] [HTML]

Critical Issue

The Need to Develop Additional Markets, New Disposal and Recycling Systems, and Innovative Uses for Urban and Wood-Industry Waste Wood [PDF] [HTML]