Question of the day

Questions of the day1. How have forests changed since colonial America?

How were forests harvested?

Today, how do we use/harvest forests?

History of Forests

A. Indiscriminant cuttingOak and Pine cut for shipbuilding and housing

Land cleared for agriculture to grow food. First in the Northeast, then Midwest, then the South, lastly the Pacific Northwest (which is predominantly Douglas Firs)

Originally about 50% of the country was forested (900 million acres)

Now about 33% or 1/3 of the land is forested

Timber harvested furnishes us with about 4500 different types of products- Large part of the economy

Clear Cut Forest

Players in the conservation movementIn the late 1800s, concern for forest conservation begins due to large swaths of forested land in US being cut and wild lands being lostConservationist- Teddy Roosevelt and Gifford Pinchot

Preservationists- John MuirNational Forest ServiceBegins 1905

Started by Teddy Roosevelt

Headed up and organized by Gifford Pinchot (also, a two time governor in PA)Teddy Roosevelt and John Muirhttp://www.pbs.org/nationalparks/watch-video/#645

Teddy Roosevelt and Gifford PinchotRead Inquirer ArticleAnswer these questions: 1.Why was Roosevelt interested in conservation?2. By the end of Roosevelts term, how many National Forests were there?3. Roosevelt and Pinchots views of natural resources differed from those of John Muir. What are the terms associated with their views, and how do they differ?4. Would you consider yourself a preservationist or a conservationist?How are forests used?Multiple use management- Forests are managed to provided multiple benefits to wildlife and people.

There are six important benefits:1. Timber productionTimber harvest for wood productsToday use sustainable harvesting methods

2. Watershed protectionTrees prevent erosion and the build up of silt in the water- this is called a riparian buffer.

Raindrops are broken by leaves, and fall gently onto the duff (litter of composting leaves and twigs) instead of running off the surface.

2. Watershed Protection contdWater soaks into channels made by roots and animals to replenish ground water.Trees prevent floods when there is very hard rain.Johnstown, PA flood 1889 http://www.jaha.org/FloodMuseum/history.html

3. Climate ProtectionWater evaporating from leaves keeps air cool and moist. (Think of how it feels when you enter a forest in the summertime.)

Rows of trees (shelter belt) along a farm field, slows down wind and prevents soil erosion.Shelter Belt example

3. Climate protection contdTrees remove microscopic dust particles and some toxic pollutants from the air and soil.

Trees remove CO2 (gas which causes global warming). Trees can take in 26lbs of CO2 and convert it to sugars and oxygen.4. GrazingFarm woodlots are place for cattle, sheep and pigs to forage.(find food on the forest floor) Pigs that feed on chestnuts/apples taste better.

Must be careful not to allow overgrazing, or all plant cover will be removed and the soil will become compacted.Sheep grazing in Apache National Forest, AZ

5. RecreationForests are enjoyed by hikers, bikers, campers, birdwatchers etc.

Forest are spiritually refreshing to many.

National Forest nearby include: Alleghney Natl Forest, Finger Lakes Natl Foresthttp://www.fs.fed.us/r9/forests/allegheny/http://www.fs.fed.us/r9/forests/greenmountain/htm/fingerlakes/f_home.htm

6. Wildlife ProtectionForests provide food, shelter and water for wildlife.Foresters can help by making some sunnier clearings where weeds, shrubs, vines, grasses can produce seeds, nuts, berries for food (we call this mast)Snags (dead tall standing trees) and old logs serve as dens, nests and nurse logs (logs in the process of decomposing)Nurse log ecosystem

Pileated Woodpeckers and Snags in Forestshttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SpYsdZ8gUU8

6. Wildlife ProtectionHealthy forests provide for cleaner, coolers stream water for fish, like trout.

The more birds and bats there are the fewer insects there are.

In our area, deer have become overabundant, which has impacted our forests. (Think Valley Forge)Types of Trees and Forests