Worcester, MA – Researchers at Clark University released a study this week that ranks Massachusetts among the ten states that have lost the largest share of their forests to development and farming between 1990 and 2017. The report, prepared for the Open Space Institute, found that the Commonwealth permanently lost over 2.6% of its forestland during that 28‑year period.
Why the numbers matter
Massachusetts counts roughly 3 million acres of forest – about 57% of the state’s land, according to a 2024 presentation by the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs. Forests are vital to clean air, water quality and the health of local families. When trees disappear, carbon that would have been stored is released, and the land reflects more sunlight, worsening climate impacts.
National context
Across the United States, the study estimates that about 9.8 million acres of forest were converted to development or cropland over the same period, at a pace of up to 350,000 acres per year – roughly one football field every two minutes. Cropland expansion accounts for about half of that loss, while development‑driven loss clusters around growing cities and suburbs.
Southern and south‑central states dominate the list, with Georgia losing more than 4% of its forest cover and seven other states in the region filling the remaining spots. Eleven states in that region account for roughly 70% of the total loss, and some counties have seen as much as 40% of their 1990 forests disappear.
Climate impact
The researchers estimate that the forests lost in the study period have released about 2.3 billion metric tons of carbon‑dioxide equivalent into the atmosphere. Each year of U.S. forest loss represents roughly 1% of the nation’s annual fossil‑fuel emissions and about 8% of the carbon that remaining forests absorb.
Trends and future work
Although development‑driven loss slowed after the 2008 recession, the study found early signs that the rate is beginning to climb again. The research team plans to extend the data through 2024 and will shift to the U.S. Geological Survey’s National Land Cover Database for future updates. An interactive site, USForestMonitor.org, is under development with partners including the Open Space Institute and The Nature Conservancy.
State‑level briefings derived from the data could help land trusts, policymakers and community leaders identify where forest protection would do the most good. The report even includes a sample briefing for Pennsylvania, illustrating how the tool can guide targeted conservation strategies.
Local relevance
For Massachusetts families, the findings underscore the importance of responsible land use and the role of local stewardship. Protecting remaining forested areas not only safeguards wildlife habitats but also preserves the natural beauty and clean air that many neighborhoods cherish.
State officials and conservation groups are encouraged to use the study’s insights to prioritize preservation projects, especially in rapidly growing suburbs where development pressure is highest. By acting now, the Commonwealth can help ensure that future generations inherit a healthier environment.
About the study
The report, titled “The U.S. Forest Monitor: Establishing a historical baseline for the drivers and climate impacts of permanent forest loss,” was authored by Christopher A. Williams and Natalia Hasler of Clark’s School of Climate, Environment, and Society. Funding includes a $1 million lead grant from the Doris Duke Foundation, supporting the work through March 2028.
Original reporting: This Week in Worcester — read the source article.
