Ecosystem Targets and Supporting Indicators

Changes in Forest Cover in CT & NY

This indicator tracks an important habitat in protecting riparian buffers and coastal ecoystems.

View Implementation Actions for Changes in Forest Cover in CT & NY

Show/Hide Table Data

Forested Area in CT and NY (Combined)
	Total
Year	Sq. Mi.
1985	3370.1
2015	3257.9
2023	2998.1

Historic % Forest Cover in CT
Year	% Forest
1620	95.0
1700	69.0
1790	35.0
1820	25.0
1840	47.0
1860	29.0
1880	32.0
1890	35.0
1900	38.0
1910	41.0
1914	47.5
1940	58.5
1953	63.8
1972	59.6
1985	58.5
1992	58.3
1998	59.6

STATUS

Forested land declined by 4 percent in the New York and Connecticut portions of the Long Island Sound watershed from 1985 to 2023.

The loss in the forested area from 1985 to 2023 in Connecticut alone (127 square miles) is more than three times the size of Groton, CT.

Though it is important to note there were seven local drainage areas that increased forest cover between 1985 and 2023, therefore potential success stories to replicate may be achievable.

HISTORIC INFORMATION

From the 1600s through the 1800s, forest area decreased as the land was cleared for agriculture, housing, and industry. In the 1900s, many farms were abandoned and the trees grew back. This resulted in a large increase in the amount of forest area for about 100 years.