Forestry

HistoryThousands of years ago, much of

Europe was covered in forestsThe Middle Ages saw significant

deforestation as human population increased.

North AmericaEarly 1600s – lumber was essential

to the economy (East Coast Maine was the world’s largest shipping port for lumber)

Lumber was used to build shipsExtraction of lumber increased

dramatically during the Industrial Revolution

Note: “Virgin Forest” is original unlogged forest

Canada – some statisticsCanada has 10% of the world’s forestsForests cover nearly ½ the country180 tree species in Canada94% is publically owned (government

or “crown land”) 6% privatelyAlso urban forests (parkland in cities)300,000 jobs, 300 forestry based

communities$30 billion dollar industry (exports)Newsprint, paper, lumber, woodpulp

Three Major Types of ForestOld-Growth Forest – has never been

harvested or seriously disturbed by human activities or natural disasters for several hundred years

Second-Growth Forest – develop naturally after trees in an area have been harvested or removed

Tree Plantations - or tree farms – managed area of same-age trees of one species

Old Growth

Second-Growth

Tree Plantation / Tree Farm

Tree Plantation / Tree Farm

SilvicultureSilviculture is a system of

controlling the planting, growth, composition, health, and quality of forests to meet diverse needs and values of the many landowners, societies and cultures.

In other words, silvicuture is the growing, tending, and harvesting of trees instead of field crops

Three basic systems (handout)

ClearcuttingSelective CuttingShelterwood

There are advantages and disadvantages for each

Forests are a renewable resource

Unlike fossil fuels or mined metals, the practice of harvesting trees CAN be sustainable, when trees are replaced at the rate they are harvested.

In Canada, forest companies are required to replant.

Environmental Effects of ForestryClimate Change – reduction of a

natural sink for CO2 (less photosynthesis)

Reduction of biodiversityHabitat lossSoil Erosion (vegetation removal)Monoculture (reforestation) can

make forests more susceptible to disease and pests

Reforested areas – less undergrowth and decaying material so less habitat for animals

“Slash and Burn” in Brazil- mostly for grazing cattle

Boundary between Haiti and the Dominican Republic

Boundary between Haiti and the Dominican Republic