Working in States
Our overall goal is to protect the forests from the ravages of large-scale industrial forestry by promoting the adoption of state policies that protect water quality, biodiversity, and other environmental and local economic values.

During 2003, MFPP initiated a Model State Campaign program for legislative reform that is designed as case study for forest legislation reform in the South. This multi-year case study is being carefully documented and will serve as a model for other states in need of greater forest protection

MFPP is using Virginia and Tennessee operations for the next two years as pilot projects. The case study benefits all states by documenting which policy reform strategies work, and which do not work.

Tennessee is chosen as a model state campaign
Tennessee was a logical focus for a pilot state for a policy reform campaign because of its critical forest protection needs, its lack of a comprehensive forest policy, and the existence of a conservation community ready and willing to come together for this purpose.

Tennessee is on the leading edge of industrial forestry’s move across the South. The state is home to some of the most diverse forests in the temperate region of the world. It has the largest aquatic diversity of any fresh water state and, unfortunately, more endangered and threatened plants and animals than any other inland state. Tennessee is a biological gem –- exceptional, but critically endangered. Tennessee has more species to protect but also more species on the edge of extinction. “Endangered” means there is still time, but only if action is taken now.

Additionally, Tennessee’s Cumberland Plateau is recognized as globally significant for its biodiversity and considered a “hot spot” by the World Wildlife Fund, and in need of immediate protection. The Natural Resource Defense Council has designated the Plateau one of its Bio Gems.

Encouraged by the MFPP potential and the election of a new Governor with a better understanding of the importance of environmental protection, the revitalized Tennessee Forests Council has come together to forge a strong alliance of 10 organizations working for forest policy reform.

Related Links:
http://www.savebiogems.org/cumberland/
http://www.worldwildlife.org