Given concerns about the rate at which forests are disappearing, the term “sustainable forestry” sounds like an oxymoron to some. However, the demand for wood is not decreasing, so responsible timber companies in the United States have worked with private and government bodies to sensibly harvest wood. Sustainable forestry operates under two premises: well-managed forests produce more wood and loggers can follow environmentally sound practices.
2. The Need for Sustainable
Forestry
Given concerns about the rate at which forests are
disappearing, the term “sustainable forestry” sounds like
an oxymoron to some. However, the demand for wood is
not decreasing, so responsible timber companies in the
United States have worked with private and government
bodies to sensibly harvest wood. Sustainable forestry
operates under two premises: well-managed forests
produce more wood and loggers can follow
environmentally sound practices.
3. The Work of Forest
Stewards
To ensure the health of woodlands, forest stewards
employ several techniques. They often thin dense areas
and destroy cull trees, which have no useable wood
volume, to make room for more vigorous specimens.
Controlling invasive species or other competing
vegetation, such as grape vine, also increases the rate at
which healthy trees grow. After all, a vigorous, species-
rich forest, supported by planting selectively bred
seedlings, is the best defense against disease and
invaders like the destructive gypsy moth.
4. Planning for Forest
Conservation
A well-planned logging job also affects forest
conservation. For example, the right logging
equipment, appropriate harvesting techniques, and
proper construction of logging roads can limit the
amount of soil compaction and erosion. Strategic
stream crossings can protect water quality. Once a
timber harvest is complete, foresters implement their
plan for regeneration.
5. Ongoing Benefits of
Sustainable Forestry
Thanks to these practices, the United States’ 751
million acres of forest have experienced stability over
the last 50 years, according to a 2010 report by the U.S.
Forest Service.
6. About the Author
Victor Barringer heads Virginia-based CLC
Hardwoods, which employs professional foresters in
its commitment to forest stewardship.
