Vol. 2, Issue 7, Part L (2016)

Abstract
The forest biomass is now becoming the key parameter in dealing with current climate change issues as it able to mitigate the effect of global warming. The sampling plots were laid down in the forest around Sattal Lake (Nainital). Within each sampling plot tree CBH (Circumference at breast height) was measured and the species number was counted. However, for the estimation of shrub and herb biomass, proportional harvest method was used. The present study was carried with the aim to estimate biomass and carbon storage capacity of Sattal forest, Kumaun Himalaya and their role mitigating the effect of global warming. The study area was categorized into three stands as highly disturbed, moderately disturbed and undisturbed on the basis of regeneration status and anthropogenic pressure on forest resources. The forest biomass ranged from 328 t ha-¹ to 431 t ha-¹ across three forest stands around Sattal Lake. It was also observed that undisturbed stand had a good capacity to store carbon as compared to highly disturbed and moderately disturbed forest stand. The anthropogenic pressure in terms of lopping, grazing and wood cutting should be controlled by imparting knowledge about scientific and sustainable harvesting of forest resources. The anthropogenic pressure on forest resources could also be reduced by imparting climate change education to the local inhabitants.