Because of their importance to life on Earth, forests have gained the nickname "lungs of the planet" for their role in producing oxygen and absorbing carbon dioxide.

Yet, a management strategy focused only on deer, or only on invasive shrubs, results in little or no forest health improvement ... as well as cover of native plants." ...

"The fluctuations we've observed in forest cover, particularly the impact of ... the ability to accurately monitor their extent and health is vital for developing effective environmental policies ...