Urbanization continues to exert pressure on forested areas, with over 97,109 hectares lost to urban expansion in 2022. While shifting agriculture has a comparatively smaller impact, it still contributes to the overall decline in tree cover.
The net change in tree cover indicates a complex interplay of loss and gain, with a total loss of over 17.47 million hectares and a gain of approximately 13.99 million hectares. Disturbances have affected over 28.36 million hectares, further complicating the dynamics of forest change.
The data underscores the urgency for strategies to mitigate tree cover loss and enhance forest sustainability in the United States. With the persistent challenges posed by forestry, wildfires, and urbanization, the health of U.S. forests remains a critical concern for environmental stability and biodiversity conservation.