Oklahoma's Forests Will Decline Over Next 50 Years

NewsOn6.com

UNDATED -- The U.S. Forest Service has released a multi-year study that forecasts changes in forest conditions in the South for the next 50 years.

The report looked at issues in 13 states, including Oklahoma that could affect the health and size of some 200 million acres of forestland.

The study forecasts a much drier climate for forest lands in southeastern and southwestern Oklahoma and that will lead to more numerous and severe wildfires.

Read the U.S. Forest Service report summary.

The U.S. Forest Service report says urbanization, bioenergy use, weather patterns, land ownership changes and invasive species will significantly alter the South's forests between the years 2010 and 2060.

About 23 million acres of forest land are projected to decrease.