1. Forestry

2. History Thousands of years ago, much of Europe was covered in forests The Middle Ages saw significant deforestation as human population increased.

3. North America Early 1600s – lumber was essential to the economy (East Coast Maine was the world’s largest shipping port for lumber) Lumber was used to build ships Extraction of lumber increased dramatically during the Industrial Revolution

4. Note: “Virgin Forest” is original unlogged forest

6. Canada – some statistics Canada has 10% of the world’s forests Forests cover nearly ½ the country 180 tree species in Canada 94% is publically owned (government or “crown land”) 6% privately Also urban forests (parkland in cities) 300,000 jobs, 300 forestry based communities $30 billion dollar industry (exports) Newsprint, paper, lumber, woodpulp

8. Three Major Types of Forest Old-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

9. Old Growth

10. Second-Growth

11. Tree Plantation / Tree Farm

13. Silviculture Silviculture 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

14. Three basic systems (handout) Clearcutting Selective Cutting Shelterwood There are advantages and disadvantages for each

15. 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.

16. Environmental Effects of Forestry Climate Change – reduction of a natural sink for CO 2 (less photosynthesis) Reduction of biodiversity Habitat loss Soil 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

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

19. Boundary between Haiti and the Dominican Republic