Rural forests aren't the only woodlands under pressure. Maintaining viable forests in suburban areas, or on the suburban fringe, is difficult because of intense development pressure. Keeping forests in those areas will likely take more a more active government role, such as policies that keep forest lands from being taxed at their development value. Whereas preserving large rural forests through public ownership isn't feasible, the outright acquisition for parks and other purposes may be an important tool in developing areas, the report suggested. Local zoning can help by focusing development away from remaining forest tracts, and promoting cluster development to minimize land consumption for new homes.
Programs can also encourage the replanting of trees on private lands.
Similarly, in urban areas, programs should look for tree planting opportunities that increase canopy cover and decrease pollution problems, such as stormwater runoff, the report said. To do that, the report says, forest retention must be integrated into all decision making that affects development, from community planning and zoning to state tax policies. The states have a wide array of existing tax, incentive, acquisition and other programs that can be expanded or improved to protect forests. For example, it said tax breaks and other incentive programs should be contingent on the development of a forest plan. Neither Pennsylvania nor Virginia requires such plans to get tax breaks, although Maryland does.