Snow havoc decimating Chinese forests

In a recent report from China's State Forestry Administration, officials detailed the mass devastation of forests in 18 provinces caused by the harsh winter endured by the Asian nation, China's state-run news agency, Xinhua, reported Saturday.

An earlier report from the administration had put the financial cost of the severe weather at nearly $2.5 billion as of Jan. 31.

To help limit the cost and effects of the forest devastation, administration officials had asked workers to clean up fallen tree branches and work on expanding the country's seedling supply.

By working toward improving the country's seedling inventory, forestry officials hope to secure a timely spring reforestation to start replacing the trees lost this winter, Xinhua reported.

Other notable points of concern have been securing the water and power supplies in those provinces hit worst by the winter storms, along with restoring communications to such areas.

Copyright 2008 by United Press International