1. Managing Forest Resources
3.7
Natural ecosystems are an important source of valuable resources such as wood and wood fibre.
There are three types of forest harvesting methods:
clear-cutting: the removal of all or most of the trees in an area
shelterwood cutting: the harvesting of mature trees in a series of two or more cuts
selective cutting: the periodic harvesting of selected trees at different times
Forests are harvested using (a) clear-cutting, (b) shelterwood cutting, or (c) selective cutting.

2. Ecological Issues in Forest Management
3.7
Clear-cutting is usually the most profitable method, but it depletes nutrients in the soil and leads to erosion. Also, only one or two species of tree are replanted in the area, reducing biodiversity.
Shelterwood and selective cutting cause fewer environmental problems but are more expensive.
In 1993, the International Forest Stewardship Council was founded to certify sustainable forest management practices. By 2006, 7 % of the world’s forests were being managed sustainably.
Sustainable forest practices balance tree harvests with growth rates, protect fish and wildlife habitat, protect waterways, and maintain biodiversity.
A supply and demand-based economy increases pressure on rare and valuable natural resources, such as tropical mahogany wood.
Vocabulary

3. Wildlife Management
3.7
In Ontario, wild animals such as deer, waterfowl, and moose are hunted for food and sport.
The impact of hunting depends on the population’s size, health, food supply, and natural predators.
Managed hunts can be used to control populations and bring them down to a more sustainable size.
Harvesting of animals must not exceed a population’s ability to replace itself. First Nations and Inuit peoples have harvested wildlife sustainably for thousands of years.
The ethic of stewardship changed dramatically with the arrival of European settlers.
Europeans were more interested in buying and selling resources, leading to a number of wildlife species being overharvested.
stewardship