Forestry Management

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Demonstration Forest

Forests are not managed just for trees. It's true that we can't have a forest without trees, however, often the trees are secondary in the management objectives. Foresters may manage the forest for endangered species (e.g. Red-cockaded Woodpecker) or the production of nuts and fruits, or many other, completely different objectives. All forests can be managed for a single or multiple purposes. Some of the most common management objectives include:

Timber
Wildlife
Soil and Water
Recreation
Aesthetics

Forests produce a significant percentage of Earth's oxygen supply as well as acting as grand, efficient recyclers of gases like CO2. Carbon is stored (i.e. carbon sequestration) and pure oxygen released. As a renewable resource, wood can be grown, cultivated, harvested again and again. This process actually stimulates diversity and richness in forests, and keeps the forest healthy and vigorous. Unnatural old stand forests that are the result of man's attempt to prevent fires and promote preservation are usually stagnant, unhealthy ecosystems with poor diversity.

Foresters use a range of tools and techniques to manage the forest through various stages. In short, these stages include:

• Site preparation

• Planting

• Stand improvement

• Harvest

The type and quality of soils determines the productivity of a particular site. It is also a key factor in the diversity of species found on a particular site. Foresters pay close attention to soil so that they can determine:

• Which variety of tree will grow best

• How long the trees will take to reach merchantable size
(length of rotation)

• How much landowners can afford to invest in forest
management practices

• Which critical steps are needed to minimize soil
disturbances and erosion

Every state has voluntarily implemented guidelines to help protect soil and water in forested landscapes. These are called Best Management Practices (BMPs).

Continue reading about Forestry Techniques