 Leaves are used by trees to absorb sunlight.  Leaves are the most recognizable feature of any tree.  They are also used to distinguish different types of trees.

What do we get from Trees?  Trees remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and release oxygen.  Trees provide us with paper and wood.  We get food from trees (ex: apples, peaches, maple syrup)  Trees give us shade and prevent soil erosion  Provide beauty to a particular area.  Trees are home to many animals and insects

 Most of the Earth’s trees are found in forests.  The types of trees found in certain areas depends on the climate, altitude, and soil composition.

Earth’s Forests: More than just trees  In the last 8000 years the Earth has lost nearly 40% of its original forests.  The majority of this happened in the 20 th century.  Humans have been using forest resources for thousands of years.  With the rise of industry and big businesses, humans began abusing forest resources

 Forests provide homes for thousands of plant, animal, and insect species.  Food for these organisms are also provided by the forest.  Forests help regulate climate.  Forests will dictate the type of soil found in a specific area.  Provide jobs and sources of revenue for people in surrounding towns and cities.  Recreation and tourism is generated by forests.

Human territories and Forests  Forests are an important source of revenue for governments, large corporations, and local businesses.  When a logging company begins developing a new part of a forest, a town begins to form.  Workers need to live close by.  Within this town services (doctor, police, fire, schools,etc.) and businesses form.

 Roads and highways need to be built.  Gas and electrical lines need to be passed.  Ports are built if the town is close to a body of water.

Recreational Tourism What is recreational tourism?  It is a sector that provides a large source of revenue for forest areas.  This sector attracts tourists who enjoying participating in outdoor recreational activities.  These activities include: fishing, hunting, camping, hiking, skiing/snowboarding, snowmobiling and off roading (atv’s)

 Many recreational tourist areas have gained international popularity.  These same areas have now developed into multi-million dollar businesses. Ex: Mont.Tremblant, Quebec.

Types of Forests  Today, more than one fourth (25%) of the earth’s land mass are covered by forests.  The main component of all forests are its trees.  Every type of forest has a very different climate, soil type, species of trees and plants, and animals  There are 3 types of forest.

1) Tropical Rainforests  Are located in Central and South America, central Africa, and Southeast Asia.  Rainforests are home to some of the most exotic species of plants, animals, and insects in world.  Rainforests can reach nearly 50°C and can receive nearly 650 cm of rain every year (over 54 ft.).

2) Temperate Forest  Are found in Southern Canada and Northern USA, Europe, China and Japan.  These are mostly made up of deciduous trees (loose their leaves) and conifers (evergreens)  Located near large urban centers.  These forests are very industrialized, many are secondary forests (replanted)

3) Boreal Forest  Predominantly found in Canada, Northern Europe, China, and Japan.  These forests are primarily made up of conifers (evergreens).  In Canada the Boreal forests make up three quarters of forested lands.  Another name for Boreal Forest is Taiga

Terms to remember:  Forestry: All activities related to the forest and its development.  Clear-cutting: Removing all of the trees from one area.  Deforestation: permanent destruction of a forested area.  Stand: A group of trees where there is only one or few species growing together

The Importance of the Boreal Forest  The word Boreal comes from the Greek word Boreas, the god of the north wind.  This forest was given this name because of its long, dry winters and short, cool summers.

 The boreal forests represent nearly 25% of the earth’s forested land.  Overall the boreal forest ecosystem remains untouched.  This forest helps filter millions of litres of drinking water every day.  Gives homes for thousands of animal, plant and insect species.  Retains lakes and rivers.

 Over 14% of Canada’s population live in the boreal forest.  This includes nearly 600 aboriginal groups and communities.  Many of these aboriginal communities are taking an active role in managing forest resources.  The boreal forest also provides a prefect location for recreational tourism.  This industry generates large sums of money for forest communities.

Commercial value of the Boreal Forest  The stands of the boreal forest are primarily used for manufacturing pulp, paper, and cardboard.  Throughout Canada nearly 7000 logging companies provide jobs to nearly people.  These industries inject billions of dollars into Canada’s economy each year.

 Canada is the world leader in the production and export of newsprint. Quebec accounts for one third of this Newsprint is primarily exported to the United States and ChinaNewsprint is primarily exported to the United States and China

Forestry in Canada Today Is the forest industry in Canada & Quebec doing well?  The forest industry is currently going through very difficult times.  There are many logging companies, sawmills, pulp and paper producers that are shutting down there businesses.  This forces many people out of work

Why is this happening to the forest industry?  Poor world economy  New laws which force companies to replant or use fewer trees.  New technology that requires less paper and wood. Why is the closing of a sawmill or logging company such a big deal?  Many jobs are lost  People in other industries are affected. Ex: stores and recreation

What are governments doing to help?  Investing millions of dollars into the industry  Buying companies that have closed  Providing jobs to replant or manage forests.  Despite efforts it will take a long time for the industry to rebound

Deforestation  There are many different terms used by governments and logging companies to describe the removal of trees from an area.  Land clearing: cutting down trees in an area for farming, construction (towns and roads), or logging.  Land clearing is usually done for specific purposes. Only what is needed is cut down.

 Degradation to a forest occurs when land clearing is poorly managed.  Degradation means that the necessary conditions for the renewal of the forest is greatly reduced or absent.  Proper conditions mean that soil conditions, climate, and pollution levels are at acceptable levels for re-growth  Plant and animal life are still present as well  Degradation can be reversed with proper care and management.

 Deforestation refers to permanent deterioration of a forested area.  Deforestation occurs when all conditions are destroyed.  Ex: Forested area is cleared to make a road or highway, malls, or housing developments.  Soil conditions and pollutions levels are too high for re-growth.  Plant and animal life has completely disappeared.

Case study: Mauricie, Que.  Mauricie is one of the largest producers of cardboard and newsprint. Most of their products are shipped to the US.  Logging is a huge industry in this region and has been for over 150 years.

 The forest is the heart of Mauricie. The forest industry provides jobs to thousands of people.  Many aboriginal groups benefit from the forests in Mauricie.  Mauricie developed around their logging industry. (As explained earlier)  During the 20 th century Mauricie grew as the demand for wood an paper grew.  Today the forest industry in Mauricie is one of the areas struggling during the current recession. (Article given).

Silvicultural Practices in Mauricie  Silviculture refers to practices that ensure development of a forest and its conservation.  Silviculture protects both the natural resource and the people who benefit form it.

1.In Mauricie, the government and companies are studying areas for development, as to not disrupt local hunting and fishing. 2.Companies invite tourists to plant trees and visit harvesting operations. 3.Inclusion of First Nation communities in decision making. 4.Following parts of the Coulombe report: harvest in different places at different times; developing more wood products rather than shipping timber.