Getting the Message: Eastern Forests and Biodiversity

The purpose of this message kit (out of print as of 2009) on forests of the eastern United States (US) is to help advocates and educators become more effective in communicating the value of Eastern forests, the threats these forests face, and the things to do to save them. As a tool for education, the kit is designed with recommendations, strategies, and resources to enable conservationists, activists, and citizen groups to broaden the base of active support for the protection of Eastern forests and their biodiversity.

The kit is comprised of the following sections:

• Introduction
• Fact sheets on the biodiversity of Eastern forests, the services and threats of the Eastern forest ecosystem, its history, a map and toolbox, strategies to "put it all together", and a statistical profile.
• Communications sheets on crafting a communications strategy; channels to convey messages; tips on relating biodiversity issues to people; tips for public education and outreach; communicating the value of Eastern forests; focusing outreach; responding to myths, questions, and concerns; and opposition strategies - communication messages of the timber industry and its allies.
• Resources