ÍáÍáÂþ»­

This time of year, the fall colors are the defining attribute of the landscape. Walking in the woods with gold, red and bronze leaves, and a bright blue sky as the backdrop is one of my favorite things about fall.

We are fortunate to have many clear and sunny days to enjoy this fall. The trees are winding up another season. The wildlife in the forest mark the change in season too. It’s a good time to appreciate the forest for its many benefits.

Here in the Bemidji area, there are many thousands of acres of public and private forestland. The trees in these forests have spent the growing season pulling carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, combining it with water, powered by sunlight, and turning it into sugars and fiber.

We use some of the wood, nuts, berries, sap and bark to make useful products. Much of the wood created through the process of photosynthesis becomes part of the carbon pool stored in the trees, roots, and the related duff and soil. Forests play a key role in protecting the climate.

Forests also play an important role in regulating water infiltration and water quality, and in providing habitat for wildlife, and inspiring the human spirit. Trees and tree cover play a significant role in cities and towns, too.

Neighborhoods with trees are shadier in the summer. This makes the streets and sidewalks more comfortable, especially for pedestrians and bike riders. There are many things to appreciate about trees and forests.

Minnesota agencies are improving their methods for measuring and accounting for these benefits. For example, the Minnesota Climate Action Framework is updating the 2022 publication over the next year. The Natural and Working Lands work group will be focused on the role forests, wetlands, prairies and agriculture play in storing and emitting carbon dioxide.

Other work groups consider sectors like transportation, human health, energy and efficiency and resilient communities. You can track this work at

This fall is also an election season. Next month, Minnesotans will join the rest of the nation in electing leaders for federal and state positions. These leaders will set policy, including climate policy for the next term. We appreciate the work our leaders do to solve problems, to work together and to set the stage for our collective future.

You are part of defining the future as you make your decisions and cast your ballot. Let’s appreciate the opportunity we have to take part in our democracy. Vote.

Linda Kingery is a member of the Citizens' Climate Lobby organization. For more information, visit