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Ecosystem services have been assessed on a global scale by multiple studies but only rarely on a local scale. These services have yet to be examined for natural forests as individual units. I conducted an analysis of Prince William Forest Park for species composition and individual tree characteristics including tree height, DBH, canopy architecture, and general tree health. The park contains over 6,287,000 trees and these trees store 394,000 tons of carbon with an annual net sequestration rate of 12,300 tons. This forest also abates 414 tons of air pollution annually. These results affirm to policymakers and the public the value and ecological importance of the forests managed by the National Park Service surrounding metropolitan Washington, D.C. In addition, knowledge of the ecosystem services of the forest is an important step in determining a price for these services. This information is of particular use to natural resource and land managers in evaluating the value of lands under their jurisdiction.

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Allen Dawson earned his B.S. at the University of Maryland in Natural Resource Management. He is currently finishing his Master´´s degree in Natural Resource Sciences before beginning a professional career.

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