Abstract |
Although sulfur emissions have decreased as a result of SO2 control programs, projected emissions of acidifying sulfur and nitrogen compounds are expected to have continuing negative impacts on forests. These emissions present some of the most serious long-term threats to forest health and productivity in northeastern North America. Excess sulfur and nitrogen deposition may reduce the supply of nutrients available for plant growth. Nutrient depletion leads to increases in the susceptibility of forests to climate, pest and pathogen stress which results in reduced forest health, reduced timber yield, and eventual changes in forest species composition. Conceived by the Conference of the New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers (NEG/ECP), under the direction of its Committee on the Environment, their 1998 Acid Rain Action Plan called for the formation of a Forest Mapping Working Group to conduct a regional assessment of the sensitivity of northeastern North American forests to current and projected sulfur and nitrogen emissions levels. This group is charged with identifying specific forested areas most sensitive to continued sulfur and nitrogen deposition and estimating deposition rates required to maintain forest health and productivity. This report provides new information on the potential risks posed by sulfur and nitrogen air pollution to Maine's forest resources. |