 Necessary materials PowerPoint Guide Teacher Information!

The Ecological Importance of Forests Rangelands, Forests, & Fire Pgs in Ch.19 of Managing Our Natural Resources

Students will be able to…  Discuss the connections between forests and The atmosphere Global climate Other resources (soil, water, wildlife)

Forests…  Provide us with many important products, but…  They are just as important from an ecological perspective

Climate Moderation  Transpiration in forests = the world’s largest air conditioner  Provides shade for wildlife, livestock, people, and soil  Windbreaks  Filter out dust and noise

Old-Growth Forests  Forests that have very large and very old trees (dead and living)  Also called primary forest, virgin forest, primeval forest  Very developed understory  Some species are dependent on old-growth forests  Ecologically important!

Carbon Dioxide—Oxygen Exchange  Photosynthesis Removes CO 2 from the atmosphere Returns O 2 to the atmosphere  Tropical rainforests  sometimes called the “lungs of the Earth”

Water and Soil Conservation  Forests reduce erosion Slows movement of water Holds soil particles in place Help prevent flooding, sedimentation, and surface damage from erosion

Water and Soil Conservation  Water is stored in the debris of the forest floor Slows evaporation Reduces runoff  Forests filter surface water Provide safe, clean water

Wildlife and Recreation  Forests provide homes and food for wildlife  Dead trees are just as important as live trees! Snag  a still-standing dead tree Many organisms require dead trees for habitat Spiders, beetles, worms, salamanders, bluebirds, wood ducks, American kestrels  Forests provide solace and quiet for people

Review  Discuss the connections between forests and The atmosphere Global climate Other resources (soil, water, wildlife)