The Return of Old Growth Forests

Much of New England's second-growth forest is on a trajectory toward old-growth, following the mid-1800's abandonment of cleared agricultural lands. However, there is increased pressure to manage these forests, which will stall their return to their natural state.
This documentary film describes the characteristics and great importance of "old growth" New England (and other northeastern) forests.
Atmospheric physicist Anastassia Makarieva explains the "Biotic Pump" theory, which describes the crucial role that natural, mature, native forests play in regulating the Earth's winds and hydrologic cycle, and the biotic pump's feedback loop that sustains forests.
Environmental scientist Margery Winters discusses "morticulture", the role of fallen logs and hollow trees in the ecology of the forest and its soil.
Ed Faison, Senior Ecologist at Highstead, talks about the ecological significance of older, wild forests.
Read more at newenglandforests.blogspot.co...
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A note to users of closed-captions: the captions (subtitles) can be moved to different locations on the screen if they are blocking your view. To move a closed caption, place your cursor on it and drag it. Also, when captions are turned on, there are a number of caption features you can change by clicking on the settings "gear wheel" and selecting "Subtitles/CC", and then "Options".

[@NewEnglandForests]

Note- closed captions (subtitles) are available. The captions can be moved to different locations on the screen if they are blocking your view. To move a closed caption, place your cursor on it and drag it. Also, when captions are turned on, there are a number of caption features you can change by clicking on the settings "gear wheel" and selecting "Subtitles/CC", and then "Options". If you need captions in a language that isn't already available, we can provide that; either request it in a comment, or email us... [e-mail]

[@LovelyIslandVacation-ch6wo]

I have 5 acres of woods that we had a section of old tall trees removed and sold 15 years ago.. as it grows back is it beneficial to thin out all of the new growth a bit or is it better to let nature do its thing and leave it be? I loved the video it was great🌲!

[@eledatowle8767]

Thanks for the great closed captioning! It's easy to tell when it's been transcribed by humans rather than AI - I didn't see a single mistake in this entire video. Well done, and appreciated.

[@armiferafatum2459]

I'm from the Netherlands, we have no old growth forest here, or even any big forest to speak of. You guys need to protect your old growth forest! Love the video btw

[@johnmerry18]

We had the gypsy moths ( now newly referred to as spongy moths so as not to be usymspaththetc to gypsies) here in th Adirondacks. In some areas oaks were completely defoliated. North of the complete defoliation we have not had any acorns for two years either. I have noted small holes in the oak leaves. I have lost some oaks in the dedoliated areas of the Park. I am glad for what was up to now a mild winter as the deer went without acornns or beech nuts

[@4224Prod.]

Vind je het ook bijzonder hoe de Amerikaanse Eik daar een hele andere bast heeft?

[@Brick001]

@@johnmerry18the G word is a ethnic slur that is used to insult Romanians… u got a problem?

[@alunmorgans]

⁠@@4224Prod.trees have different bark as they age, perhaps the oaks you’re used to aren’t old enough to get a mature bark texture and appearance.

[@verycool6022]

@@4224Prod.omdat ze gekapt worden voordat ze deze mooie oude leeftijd bereiken (zogenaamd als invasief bestempeld). Ook is er veel desinformatie (vanuit natuurorganisaties zelf) over de hoeveelheid biodiversiteit bij een Amerikaanse eik, die is namelijk veel hoger dan eerst gedacht, blijkt uit nieuwere onderzoeken (soms best lastig te vinden online geef ik toe). Kap is niet altijd nodig maarja Natuurorganisaties gaan mee in de gekte over inheems autochtoon etc etc…

[@MelGibsonFan]

I can’t tell you how unique this channel is. It really feels like I’m watching those old Nat Geo and PBS Nature documentaries.

[@deirdrenewman6450]

The only way I can bear to spend the better part of a frigid winter day inside is to watch your fantastic beautiful and enlightening films. Thank you again!

[@jareddlockwood]

Great work, Ray. Long live our old-growth forests!

[@NewEnglandForests]

And may many others grow old.

[@SuperVlerik]

Anastassia Makarieva is such a treasure! I really appreciate being able to hear her explaining forest hydrodynamics.

[@NewEnglandForests]

Yes, she is! We need more outspoken forest advocates like her!

[@chiapagringa]

It got a little complicated for me. Could she simplify it?

[@NewEnglandForests]

We will probably make an expanded version of the biotic pump topic. Hopefully that will help. Anastassia was in the US for a visit, and we had just one opportunity to film her. We used a portion of that in this film, so there is more that we can show, but the basics of the pump mechanism were in this film. To summarize the biotic pump mechanism... -Plants evaporate and transpire water vapor through tiny openings (stomata) in the leaves into the atmosphere. -The water vapor rises, and when it hits cold air, it condenses into droplets and clouds, and creates rainfall and snowfall. Because it condenses, it now occupies a smaller amount of space in the air, so that creates an area of lower pressure where the vapor used to be before condensing. You can think of that lower pressure space as a vacuum. So, surrounding air rushes in to fill the "vacuum" and equalize the pressure. On the larger scale, that rushing in of air draws a train of air (and moisture) from a distance away, including from oceans, lakes, and other water bodies that are evaporating water. So, the effect is... large, natural, mature forests suck in moist air from a distance away, essentially watering themselves. But the precipitation they induce doesn't all fall directly on the forest that transpired the water; some falls beyond that forest, which waters other areas, which may or may not be forest as well. If they aren't forest, it provides enough precipitation such that those areas may start growing forest. -Because land is above sea level, ground water can and does run by gravity downhill in streams back into the ocean. That water must be continually replaced by precipitation, otherwise the ground and streams will dry up (as is obvious in a drought). -So, the pump mechanism is a feedback loop whereby forests (whenever they are photosynthesizing) continuously replenish their water supply, plus enough to maintain stream flows, by evaporating the right amount of water into the air. It must be a sufficient amount of evaporation to cause condensation and precipitation; if too little, the vapor will be blown away without causing condensation/precipitation over the forest, and will end up somewhere else.

[@chiapagringa]

@@NewEnglandForests thank you. This simple explanation was very helpful.

[@leesmith2798]

Truly Epic!! Mind blowing! Thank you so much!!@@NewEnglandForests

[@joanmaloof6929]

Ray, congratulations on another excellent documentary--your best yet! I loved that you identified the trees and wildflowers - and even some of the lichens and mosses. Your film will be a valuable educational resource for the Old-Growth Forest Network. It was fun for me to guess which forests you were in. Giving Anastasia an opportunity to share her knowledge was brilliant. I was touched to see Chris at the end. Finally, it is SO GENEROUS of you to share your films freely. Thank you.

[@NewEnglandForests]

Hi Joan, thank you very much, that means a lot coming from you (for folks who may not know, Joan is the founder of the Old-Growth Forest Network, dedicated to preserving at least one forest to become old growth in every county of the U.S. where forest can grow). Like you, Anastassia is a treasure, a positive force for regaining old growth forest. I’m very pleased at the response to this film so far, which shows there’s a lot of support for old, natural forests. I have to give the credit for including Anastassia to Susan Masino, who has been a big help with this. And I only wish Chris Kane was still with us to be a part of it. I’ll take this opportunity to publicly thank YOU for the selfless work you’ve been doing for years!

[@robbcairl3728]

I read “Amongst the Giants”, I think that’s the name of one of her books, what a great read and inspiration. @@NewEnglandForests

[@NewEnglandForests]

Robbie, I'm guessing you mean "Among the Ancients: Adventures in the Eastern Old-Growth Forests". Joan has written five books.

[@robbcairl3728]

Yeah, dang, I didn’t want to get that wrong! My copy is in my bedroom and someone is still sleeping so i couldn’t check it. Should have looked it up. Apologies to Joan, should not have been so casual.@@NewEnglandForests

[@Duskbear]

Fantastic video! I am not from the US but there's nothing I want to experience more than these incredible old growth forests you are still so lucky to have. Hopefully more people realize how truly holy these places are.

[@MikeT10101]

Some of us do. I grew up in California, and have spent a great deal of time in old growth sequoia forests, both coastal and in the Sierras. I also lived in Maine and was lucky enough to see some old growth there that, I was told, is only known to the locals. I agree with you that these forests are truly holy. I hope you get the opportunity to experience them.

[@jonathankranz2799]

This is astonishingly good. It's like a graduate-level seminar, except that it's fascinating and smart.

[@NewEnglandForests]

Thanks Jonathan, that’s very kind. -Ray

[@ariw9405]

The bionic pump theory makes so much sense. I’ve thought about a similar theory for a long time but my theory was with the abundance of fungi and how it lessens the potential for catastrophic burn. When I watch these movies on terrible Forrest fires in the 18 and early 1900s they never correlate them with massive amount of logging that was being done. There was always natural burns that occurred on the west coast especially but not to the extent when they starting cutting huge swaths of it down.

[@garycard1456]

What a beautiful place! Deadwood and trees that have naturally toppled-over due to windstorms and old age are just as important, ecologically, as the living trees. Decaying tree stumps support fungi and various insects. Forests are perfectly capable of 'managing' themselves.

[@MikeT10101]

It is always a real treat when you release a new video! I used to have a farm in Lincolnville Maine, and seeing these beautiful forests brings back some happy memories.

[@tinytanks]

very few things make me as happy as a new video on this channel

[@NewEnglandForests]

Wow, that’s great. I’m curious though… what are those few other things?? 🙂

[@ArkinONE]

Absolutely amazing! As a New England Native I want to thank you for putting this video together. I learn so much for you and your cast. Thank you.

[@ilovechriswebby]

This page is invaluable. Thank you New England Forests!

[@webyankee6558]

In an old growth forest there is very little under growth and small trees. I remember seeing some trees in Sanbonton, NH being 10 feet in diameter or more. These pictures are showing the very beginning of a young "Old Growth" forest. While working on construction project somewhere near Tamworth, NH there was an old shed we were up grading but what we found became a historical record breaking find. We found that the sides of the shed was sheathed with boards over 60 inch wide that must have been cut from the "King's" trees, pre-Colonial.

[@NB.Powerlifting]

Fabulous work! So inspirational and thought provoking. I was born and raised in New Hampshire and left after college almost 10 years ago. I have lived in Hawaii, Idaho, Texas, Virginia and am now currently in Charleston, SC. Since I left, I have wondered on many occasion whether I had a hometown bias that always made me yearn to return to NH. This documentary reminded me that it is not purely a bias, but as was highlighted here, the tremendous success of succession that provides refuge for life and soul for all. I look forward to the day I am positioned to return and hope I can find my place nearby these amazing places-such as Mount Monadnock and the Wapack Refuge. This documentary inspires me to do my part and aim to produce educational outreach materials for the future of forests and a desire to find a role as a future community leader to garner culture that values these forests and the ecosystem functions they provide.❤

[@terrymorton7444]

What can I say Ray? I found this video to be the most profound one you've had yet. The idea of the forest being a water pump I've heard of but not in a concise manner which your expert explained in great detail. Really appreciate that.I am allways learning something new from our forest. I did recognize white memorial ,mohawk state park and some places. I think I know but not too sure. I wonder if you visited the Bryant Homestead in Massachusetts. That is one of my favorite old growth forest. I can honestly say that I enjoy your videos greatly. It brightens my day maybe even my month.

[@NewEnglandForests]

Anastassia Makarieva is passionate about protecting forests, especially the older ones. There’s more to her Biotic Pump theory than what was shown here, and we’ll probably do a separate film about that. I found it fascinating.

[@griffox]

@@NewEnglandForestsI would be interested to hear her assessment of the Siberian fires. I've always felt like our northern forests are less prone to fires, but seeing the Siberian fires in recent years in what I (probably mistakenly) thought was largely untouched forest was extremely alarming. Are they logging those areas in Russia at the same rate as Canada?

[@NewEnglandForests]

We intend to make a more complete version of Anastassia's discussion of the Biotic Pump theory.

[@frilansspion]

I love this channel. So rich with information and every single shot is like a painting, just screams of love for nature and beauty and all these "characters". Thank you!

[@ericwanderweg8525]

These videos are nothing short of art. The images, the information, even the way it’s narrated is perfect. They have a slow steady tempo that just pulls you in.

[@Nphen]

Thank you for showing the canopy shots of second growth vs old growth, bark identification, old trees with smaller diameters, and nature habitats made by uprooted trees. This shows us how deadfall & natural processes are important. One note is that Eastern woodland forests were not "untouched by humans for thousands of years," because new evidence (and Indian & First Nations history) shows they were actively managed with fire and other human intervention. Management is how we preserve ancestor trees. Much new habitat awaits with proper rewilding projects. Turn monoculture tree plantations into real forests. Rewilding streams in agricultural areas, and keeping livestock out of them. America needs a serious look at our Ag, mining, and forestry. Millions of acres can be upgraded for people and wildlife with permaculture.

[@NewEnglandForests]

I agree with much of what you said. However, the concept that Native peoples, at least in the New England area, were regularly burning the forest has been shown to not be the case over the greater area. They did do that around their population centers along the coast and in river bottomlands. But they did not burn the vast upland forests as some believe. Their forest management activities were restricted in range. So, before European settlement, the greater part of the forest here was as Nature dictated. I’m not sure what you mean by “Management is how we preserve ancestor trees.”. “Management” typically comes down to cutting/removing trees; and usually the largest, oldest, most well-adapted individuals are removed. We, not Nature, are choosing which ones go. I don’t believe we have the knowledge to consistently make the wisest choices about which genes will get propagated to the next generations. In the absence of management, “ancestor” trees (and all other forest organisms) are automatically preserved as long as possible, the result being the most well-adapted forest possible.

[@Nphen]

@@NewEnglandForests Fair point on Eastern vs Great Lakes forests. I agree that capitalist/colonizer "management" is a disaster. If there are rules about what trees can be cut (like Canada) then secondary forests can be cleared of valuable lumber, leaving healthy older trees, then replanted with better species (many ways to find better tree mixes, as climate change forces us to anyway) that can be accelerated towards old growth by a more selective clearing in later generations. Instead of separating land use by ownership & leases into "fully preserved parkland" to "leased out clearcut national forest land" to "random privately owned secondary forest" and "timber plantations" a smart global approach would try to take the minimum amount of timber off the largest amount of natural forest, while restoring millions of acres of plantation (especially palm) and acres of cropland & overgrazed semidesert into permaculture food forests. Permaculture water management can help Arizona & New Mexico just like it does in Africa & India.

[@jeffyjeff4501]

I only own two and a half acres in NH. In the past 5 years I have lost trees …ash trees, spruce trees and hemlocks due to ravaging insects…but so many others reman to give me happiness everyday…towering red oaks…colorful maples, wild cherry and birch and many others. I love videos like this that puts my small lot into such meaningful context. Thankyou

[@phinehasfenne]

I hope our children are seeing this video as part of their education program in school

[@brucebachand5979]

Ray Asselin is a modern day Thoreau. These precious audio-visual exposés are altering how people understand and dwell in New England forests.

[@francineharbour3943]

Outstanding in every respect, research, script writing, narration, photography, it is so well done. I have lived in Alaska for 40+ years and I've learned more about trees and forests from my kindred spirits in New England in this video then from all my time in Alaska. So kudos to all involved and keep the great work coming! Thank you, thank you!

[@forestgiest1380]

I love our woods.

[@NewEnglandForests]

So do I !

[@capsridge]

Incredible! Thank you so much for this!

[@1northsparrow246]

Wonderful! This Tuesday brings a double helping of finding your roots. 😉😉

[@timothylongmore7325]

Great video. Gives me hope. I'm a timberframer/carpenter and love wood. I also whole heartedly agree with almost everthing mentioned. One thing that totally surprised me was that fungi were only mentioned breifly. I'm sure every speaker is acutely aware of the importance of the mycilia network and 1000s of assorted fungi that connect and make possible the existence of this hugely complex eco systems. An entire video ( or ten) should be devoted to spreading the word on how these systems interact. Most people have no idea what magic is going on in these wild places. Of course you'd be preaching to the choir because the ones that care are the ones that already know these places are magical and the other kind wouldn't watch this video anyway. I recently took two generations out for a mushroom hunt. They had a blast and were amazed at what I was showing them. They are the hope of the future. Sorry for typos , i don't use spell check as much as I should, or at all to be honest.

[@wendyfielding5649]

Well Done !!! I learned a lot; have reruns planned. Biotic Pump! Her system's story was amazing !

[@NewEnglandForests]

Yes, the Biotic Pump is fascinating. And there's more to it we couldn't include in this film, but we plan to make a film just about that with Anastassia.

[@MsGardenhoe]

I’ve lived in New England my entire life, and there are some amazing old forests near me that I hike/camp yearly. We do have some old spooky Great Oaks! I love our woods , it’s my sanctuary ❤

[@jonathanschadenfreude9603]

I grew up running the worcester mountain range in middlesex Vt as a young boy from mt hunger into stowe. I also adore mt. marcy in NY .........im a firm believer that im a part of my species that belongs among these specimens for life. I strive to be there asap. The first sugar maple you showed in the video gave me goosebumps she was so well established......her roots are a education lesson for anyone willing to listen!

[@jonathanschadenfreude9603]

Thankyou so much for maiking this video.......Its a new england woodsmans dream!

[@danveysey6054]

Watched many of these beautiful documentaries you've provided the masses. Thank you! Itd be really cool if you teamed up with northeast wilderness trust on a project. Feels like you're on the same team

[@GhostScout42]

This channel is lovely. thanks for all the info and hard work that goes into making these.

[@bpperfido6668]

Fabulous video......I LOVE OLD GROWTH FORESTS.....coming from an Ecology major....🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲

[@NewEnglandForests]

Learn as much as you can in that ecology curriculum ... we NEED you !!

[@spenserhow6275]

Just started watching the video now, but just wanted to say that these videos are incredible! Thank you for making these!

[@Evan_L]

seriously, top notch

[@louisbee7923]

How do we begin to discuss the need to preserve and develop mature forests? This issue is so important and yet has such a low visibility and priority in society. Share this video! This can only get better with more people being aware of what is at stake.

[@riverannie7]

I found it interesting that the larger tr 18:37 unks don’t necessarily mean they are older I have one of the maritime forest here in Westport ma. Huge Beech trees, red, white , oaks , cedar trees ,sassafras, native holly, black cherry trees, hickory just Nature at its best. These were not cut down because they are growing on a steep coastal bank !

[@Chickenface12345]

Let's protect forests and woods, everywhere. They are such magical and fundamental places.

[@user-fx2jz9eo5o]

I watch a lot of stories like this, and this is truly one of the best I’ve seen. Worth an hour of your time. Transcript is helpful, especially for the brilliant Russian scientist toward the latter part of the program. She explains why agricultural and urban forestry needs to be managed, but old growth needs to simply be left untouched. Blending strategies aren’t helpful. We need to designate more as protected, but unmanaged, in order to let Mother Nature control climate change.

[@eliharper6616]

Thank you. So many people think you can plant and manage a forest. Just leaving a patch of land for nature to do its thing, alone, is the only way to really regain a natural space

[@Mike-pr8hx]

Connecticut has a program for putting areas into land trust. I've visited a few of these areas in North Central Connecticut and it is like stepping back in time. I'd like to post a picture from my trip in December 2023 but I saw a sign at a McLean Game Refuge "Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but foot prints".

[@chiapagringa]

NY has land trusts as well. In my area it's the Genesee Land Trust.

[@bulatyessekin6850]

Отличное объяснение механизма биотического насоса и ключевой роли лесных экосистем в поддержании водных циклов и климата! Лес- это не месторождение дров и совсем не только поглотитель СО2! Спасибо Анастасия!

[@NewEnglandForests]

(Translated from Russian: Excellent explanation of the biotic pump mechanism and the key role of forest ecosystems in maintaining water cycles and climate! A forest is not a deposit of firewood and not only a CO2 absorber! Thank you Anastasia!)

[@riverAmazonNZ]

This gives me greater appreciation for our forests here in NZ. Not all of it is old growth but some of it is. I will keep an eye out for the signs of mature trees. Mature Kahikatea are magnificent, towering trees. So many were cut for timber, so the remaining big ones are in less accessible areas. At Mt Somers there is a tiny patch of remnant lowland Kahikatea, large trees … and some enormous stumps two-three times the size of the living trees. The West coast has many more trees. A good place to see Kahikatea in all their glory is Okarito.

[@steveb.2874]

There should be legislation enacted to require loggers and landowners to replace cut trees with seedlings that will return the forest diversity to it's natural state. Generally, especially here in Virginia where I live, logged forests are replaced by one species of tree, fast growing southern pine. The forests are replaced by a monoculture environment which is not healthy or sustainable. There must be diversity in our forests in order to be healthy for our future.

[@tomwilson5815]

This series continues to amaze and educate. Biotic Pump Theory explains the importance of large tracts of contiguous older forest bringing and keeping moisture inland. Management and resulting wild fires makes more sense

[@steves.6826]

This content is fascinating and enriching. Thank you so much for sharing it so freely!

[@griffox]

These videos are fantastic! Great photography and I get an education while I sit back and enjoy the scenery. That 57 minutes flew by. Bravo!!

[@mariekatherine5238]

Gorgeous! And now I can literally walk into old growth forest in 20 minutes from my door!

[@tadblackington1676]

This is a great video. And the job it does examining closed canopy forest is second to none. But it is important to realise that the primeval landscape of our part of the world was a mix of closed-canopy forest, shrubland and grassland driven by big herbivores and the big carnivores chasing them around. So much of our biodiversity is tied to open areas, we can't forget that.

[@brucefollett8117]

This is the kind of information folks who have been paying attention to the environmental crisis need. Those of us who care have been pummeled with doomsday scenarios for decades. I know what the problems are, let's focus on solutions. The hands off approach to environmental management is exactly what this planet needs. Be part of nature, not its master. Great video and wonderfully photographed! Thank you.

[@perufreepress8168]

This is the best comment.

[@aazhie]

there are certainly some things we can do to make areas that have been depleted recover faster, but leaving things alone will probably do a whole lot for stronger areas in recovery or thriving already! I feel like we could use a lot more effort put into preserving and education, rather than sending folks out in the wilds to muck about where it isn't helpful.

[@SAMSAM-si1bk]

Thank you Ray, the images are amazing. I can't wait to see this at Cinestudio in Hartford!

[@SoothingMelodies686]

To anyone reading this, I pray that whatever is hurting you or anything you stress out on a regular basis will get better. May dark thoughts, overthinking, and doubts escape your mind. May clarity replace confusion. .💓

[@dcpack]

Pray to what/whom? I am pretty sure overthinking isn't a big issue here.

[@robbcairl3728]

Bravo Ray! Thank you for defending our forests. It is very difficult to maintain a planet where the cries “we need our current jobs!” Is heeded more than “we need a sustainable planet”. One thinking in the long term (4th dimension) cannot deny the encompassing importance of the latter ideology. Yet maintaining a sustainable planet will require just as many employed hands, it is a matter of a difficult but obtainable transition. Not easy, but we have no alternative if we are to exist on this planet much longer. Here in New England the cries of “ Only humans can manage and keep a thriving forest at its peak, we must cull the oldest least productive trees to allow for the younger, more productive trees to thrive…. So we can harvest them.” Well, this theory has been proven totally false but the industries have the money and the resources to flood us with their misinformation while the poor schmuck out there can only raise on lone voice that will be repeatedly mocked and have more misinformation poured on. We are living in an age where the schoolyard bully has become the hero and name calling and mudslinging is a viable form of communication. Thank you so much Ray for presenting such a rational and logical argument supporting our forests. Sincerely, a self proclaimed sane and logical human, but merely a wide eyed fanatical tree hugger as defined by the moneyed and powerful. As a wise man I know puts it, it’s easy, we only have to leave it alone.

[@Erikcs9]

The world needs trees, the world cannot afford to have people who think that cutting trees is their only option.

[@Adoptpets833]

Books: The Trees, The Town, The City❤. The Trees is a most precious book to me. This video is hope❣️✨

[@keithwhittington1322]

Currently living in the fog belt in Oregon, I sorely miss the deciduous forests in the east. Greatly appreciate your videos.

[@NewEnglandForests]

We want you back, Keith.

[@keithwhittington1322]

I can only hope.@@NewEnglandForests

[@user-vh8gg1zh7o]

I love your videos. I do have some experience seeking out old growth forest. I noticed mostly that it is extremely rough terrain, which makes sense because that's why it was't cleared in the first place.The photograph is excellent in your the video, it's a treat to watch.

[@fionavanwyk6441]

A beautiful video. Thank you. Trees are magnificent. Thank you for teaching us about them and how important they are to our planet. 🙂

[@kat13galt]

Beautiful video, and necessary information. There is so much disingenuous information coming from the logging industry that wants us to spend public money to cut down our public lands! I hope that my grandkids are able to know and love old growth forests in New England (I am 22 now), and it takes us protecting and recognizing them today for the future to enjoy them. Thank you Ray

[@aaronnokaoi]

The moment I have been waiting for!

[@OldHeathen1963]

I love to sit and listen to the song birds. 😊

[@jollyjokress3852]

Anastassias knowledge is everything!

[@Mutaracha1]

the whole biotic pump thing is so interesting. Great video, definitely will watch again someday

[@lorriewatson7423]

I just love this; thank you so much for making it!

[@elizzievb]

Fabulous video. These forests are heaven and I feel immense peace just watching videos showing them. God help us to save them. Here in Oregon we have lost so many to relentless logging and recently to massive fires. Top that off with climate change and I just feel we are doomed. 😞

[@dcpack]

Oh well, as long as you find peace. You have no background in ecology, biology or anything related to natural science do you? Please, tell us how the climate around YOU has changed?

[@cattailer1077]

I feel beautiful vibrational energy from the trees when I hike. No matter what humans have done in the past, the earth is rising in frequency, shifting and starting to take back control. Their beauty and service to the earth has been monumental in the continued existence of humans and we're finally understanding that relationship far better than we did in the past. More and more the human race is also shifting and evolving to a higher frequency and there is already evidence of this in the changing attitudes towards the Earth's beasts, woodlands, oceans, and the air we breathe. Don't listen to the naysayers, they're stuck in the past. Their old habits and beliefs will eventually disappear. The earth will recover, and it always has for millions of years!💖🌲

[@dawnhughes9942]

Wonderful video. Thank you. When I was youngee I thought state and federal forest meant the trees were protected. Now I see they treat the trees like any other agricultural commodity to be harvested. I hope the efforts to conserve some forest as forever free and wild is successful.

[@Unsavoryy]

What an informative, fascinating, and well put together video! Thank you for sacrificing your time and efforts to bring us free, high-quality documentaries of our beatiful world. You have earned a loyal subscriber. 💪

[@GaryKillmer]

Fantastic video! Thank you for putting it together.

[@kosycat1]

I lived in Humbolt/Trinity California for a little bit but I'm from Balitmore Maryland. There are some surprisingly big trees back in the forest if you hike far enough,ones that still impress me,even after living in the pacific northwest. some have to be over 100 years old. lots of huge beech trees in my area,also lots of sycamore,oak and maple, theirs some eastern hemlock too. we have the same type of stone walls in gunpowder state park

[@stuntmanbillstella]

Obviously we need to leave old growth forests alone. But working forests provide needed wood. So,management of those forests is a good thing

[@forestmagic]

I really love what you are doing, drawing attention to these seldom considered aspects of our forests and our history. thanks so much for your hard work making excellent videos! I always learn so much!

[@viriato8566]

In addition to the beautiful visuals and the measured silences punctuated by very meaningful monologues I found the unrushed slow pans of captioned tree trunks captivating. Much better than any guide book for identification. Thanks for another wonderful installment.

[@bearcubdaycare]

Thanks for the closed caption note; I hadn't known that. I sometimes watch with the sound off, so that's useful.

[@NewEnglandForests]

The closed-caption note is at the bottom of the video description box, under the player screen. It says: A note to users of closed-captions: the captions (subtitles) can be moved to different locations on the screen if they are blocking your view. To move a closed caption, place your cursor on it and drag it. Also, when captions are turned on, there are a number of caption features you can change by clicking on the settings "gear wheel" and selecting "Subtitles/CC", and then "Options".

[@mindvolution]

Beautiful old forests. ❤🌍The idea that forests need human management is so humanly absurd. 😅 Nature doesn't need humans to manage it. It's only the humans who need to justify their exploitation of natural resources. These nature scientists are doing a wonderful job! I really enjoyed this documentary and learned. Thank you!

[@smoothbrain8519]

Beautiful, informative, compelling. Thank you for sharing this film with us.

[@Elden_cos]

These videos are such light, thank you a million times x

[@darossilva7661]

Fantastic video! That's ecology! Everything entangled.❤

[@blueridgepics]

Thank you so much for your research and care about our forests. This is the most eye opening information about our forests, their life cycle and the importance of preserving them. The United States Forest Service is widely conducting prescribed burning in North Carolina. It's deleterious effects are readily apparent.

[@NewEnglandForests]

How would you describe the effects of the burning?

[@Mael01369]

Thank you so much. Excellent series

[@ArtificialConsciousness.]

Thank you for sharing, a wealth of information for many who have watched this video from beginning to end and actually paid attention.

[@nickreature]

This is the media we need, but don't deserve 😭 Thanks for creating

[@NYC_Florist]

Absolutely wonderful, thank you for making this content.

[@jamesguralski5156]

I miss New England! I live in Wisconsin now. And the forest management like you talked about, is a terrible idea. Meaning the government program is destructive.

[@tashpix]

Thanks for publishing this!

[@michasosnowski5918]

Beautifull, educational and very important documentary. Thank you for spreading this knowledge.

[@robertmacdonald4878]

Awesome presentation. Hugh thank you to all those who got together to share their knowledge. This will be "a go to video " for me with my continued studies. Again... thank you so much. Respectfully Robert MacDonald Canada 🇨🇦

[@paulrezendesphotosandvideos]

Thanks, Ray. Enjoyed the film and always learn something new. Good work! Looking forward to your next film.

[@NewEnglandForests]

Thanks Paul, I always learn something too!

[@jamese8508]

Beautiful and informative! Thank you!

[@pawnfischer8336]

Mesmerizing presentation! Thank you!

[@user-gf3lw5pi4t]

Yes there reproducing in record numbers❤

[@Elbslayer]

always a pleasure to see your videos. alarming and knowledge enriching the same as well as also surprisingly calm narrated.

[@NewEnglandForests]

Thank you kindly!

[@markviking98]

I appreciate the russian lady's input. I learned the most from her! Didn't realize the Canadian fires were a product of forest management and not strictly due to drought conditions. Im sure the cutting of timber increased the effectiveness of drought conditions.

[@bparazin2392]

Incredible work, like always!

[@frickcirclesaw]

Interesting film. Thank you for putting this together.

[@OutdoorsWithNoNo]

Another great film. Thank you!

[@Dovietail]

As a bonsai grower, I found this information fascinating and useful. Thanks!

[@brianbergeron2172]

I really enjoyed this documentary. I learned a few things! Keep up the good work!

[@paulmoore721]

Magnificent video! So beautiful and well done!

[@CampRichardMaine]

Great video. Thank you.

[@lazaruslazuli6130]

The favorite tree for European shipbuilders to make into masts was the Eastern White Pine. The mainmasts for many ships had to be from 36” to 48” in diameter at the base and from one hundred fifty to two hundred feet tall. The kind of tree required to be a mast could only come from an old growth, virgin forest - an environment where a tree could only sprout and grow to replace a mature tree that had been struck by lightning, or one that had died from some other reason; wind, insects, fire, or drought. Only then could a seedling receive any light to grow, and that was only from directly above. In the struggle to surpass any competing trees that had germinated at the same time, a sapling would shed its lower limbs, in order to grow upwards faster than its competition. That meant when it was mature, the tree didn’t have any knots in its trunk on the lower one hundred feet or so. When every tree in the forest was forced to go through the same competitive process over thousands of years, it wasn’t a forest of trees the English colonists found in New England, it was a forest full of ship masts. That’s what the early explorers of the new colonies found -forests full of ship’s masts stretching as far as the eye could see from any hilltop vantage point. A 'second growth' forest will never turn into an 'old growth' forest. The competition for survival is what creates and 'old growth' forest. It will take at least three or four hundred years for any forest to warrant that name, and that will be after all the trees in this video have died and been replaced by new trees that have undergone the above-described process of survival.

[@NewEnglandForests]

I have to disagree somewhat with, or at least clarify, a bit of what you said. Our current second growth forests are biologically (and structurally) degraded compared to the pre-settlement old forests, but if left alone they certainly will become "old growth"; they may never recover the same mix of organisms as the original old growth contained, but they will mature and develop just as the original forest did, while increasing in biological and physical complexity. They are currently in that state of competiton that you mentioned. There were natural disturbances (storms, etc) that leveled stands in the original forests, and those stands had to recover over time just as today's "second growth" must. A big difference is that some of the plant, animal, and fungal life of the original forest has been either greatly reduced or eliminated, and non-native species have been introduced. Most of central New England's forests were replaced by agricultural fields (as well as towns, cities), so that land lost nearly all of the forest organisms that had been there. Nevertheless, if they're left to Nature's hand, today's forests will in time become very much like the forests of old, although likely with a different mix of species. As you said, it will take several centuries, but there's no better time than now to let them continue on their journey; in most of New England they've already got well over a century on the books. Let's let them continue without interference from us.