1. The Forest Territory

2. The Importance of Forests: 1.AN ENVIRONMENTAL TREASURE 2.A SPACE FOR LIVING AND RECREATION 3.AN ECONOMIC RESOURCE

3. 1) An ENVIRONMENTAL Treasure Forest Ecosystems: Natural environments where there are dense tree stands, plants, animals, etc.

4. Healthy forest ecosystems sustain biodiversity (a variety of living species in a territory)

5. PRIMEVAL Vs. EXPLOITED FORESTS PRIMEVAL FOREST: A forest in which there has been no human intervention (usually hard to get to). EXPLOITED FOREST: A forest that has been altered by human beings.

6. Forests, soil and climate The roots of trees fight erosion – they hold in soil, keeping it from getting washed away. Their leaves also slow down the rain, which keeps it from washing out the soil.

7. Forests refresh the air! – They absorb CO2 (carbon dioxide) and release oxygen. – This process is called PHOTOSYNTHESIS

8. Forests: A home for many species 2/3 of the world’s animals live in forests. They depend on the forests for survival – For food – For shelter – For protection Many ENDANGERED SPECIES live in forests… without this habitat, they would go extinct (Canadian ex: cougars!)

9. Forest: Environmental Role Review 1.Forest environments sustain biodiversity 2.Forests protect soil 3.Forests purify the air 4.Forests protect many animals, plants, and … endangered species

10. 2) Forests: Environments for Living & Recreation

11. Recreational Activities 1.Hiking 2.Fishing 3.Mountain Biking 4.Hunting OVER 1.5 million Canadian tourists visit forest environments each year!

12. Living Environment for Native Peoples Native people practice traditional activities (hunting, fishing) Forest is important to their heritage (history and identity) 80% of Canadian Native communities are in forest regions.

13. 3) Forests: An Economic Resource Forests are exploited for many products – Lumber = wood for building, etc. – Pulp and paper – Non-wood products (medecine, food, etc)

14. It’s big business! JOBS – In Quebec: 80,000 jobs in the Forest Industry. – In Canada: Over 1 million jobs Money – Wood export = 50 billion dollars/year