3.10: Managing Our Forests
pg. 111
The wood we use every day comes from natural forests. The wood and wood
fibres are used to make various products. Canada had large extensive forests,
but approximately 60% of our original forest have been cut at least once.
Figure 1: The map shows the location of original forests and the current forests in Canada.
The current Forests have been cut or cleared at least once.
Forestry Practices
There are three methods used for forest harvesting.

Because forestry is such an important industry in Canada, it is
important to make it sustainable for the future
Forestry
Practice
Clear-cutting
What is it?
the removal
of all or most
of the trees
in an area
 Least
expensive and
quickest
method
 Allows for
new growth
 Mimics fire
patterns
Shelterwood
cutting
Mature trees
are left
standing to
provide
shelter for
new growth
Selected
trees are
harvested
 Not all trees
in an area are
cut down
Selective
cutting
Advantages
 Has the least
impact on the
ecosystem
Disadvantages
 Has the
greatest
impact on
the
ecosystem
 Soil is
washced or
blown away
 Soil health
suffers
 The area is
not cleared
for new
growth
 The most
expensive
method
The Importance of Forest Management
It is important to have practice that will maintain the sustainability of our
forests for years to come. International Forest Stewardship Council was
founded in 1993, it set guidelines for forestry practices to ensure the
sustainability of forests in Canada.
In 2009, more than 100 million hectares, or 7% of the world’s forests are
certified and managed in a sustainable manner. The number of new trees
planted is equal to the number cut down. The wildlife is protected and the
biodiversity in balanced.
Supply and Demand of Forest Goods
Supply and demand influences economics. When supply decreases, demand
increases and the price increases. When supply increases, demand decrease
and the price will decrease.
This can have a negative impact on forestry. If there is a greater demand for
a certain type of wood the logging companies will increase their production
cutting down more trees then they should. The species may become over
harvested or threatened. Balance must be maintained so that resources may
continue to grow in a healthy ecosystem.
Wildlife Stewardship
Stewardship: taking responsibility for managing and protecting the
environment.
We need to take responsibility and protect our environment. Maintaining and
managing our forests will protect wildlife habitats, while continuing to
supply wood products.
Stewardship refers to a wide range of actions that Canadians can take to care
for our environment. It will provide protection for the ecosystem and make
the forestry productive. We need to live in harmony with the ecosystem.
Check Your Learning:
Questions 1 – 6, pg. 113
Wrap Up:
- The three main forest harvesting methods are clear-cutting, shelterwood
cutting, and selective cutting.
- Forests that are harvested must be managed to reduce ecological impacts
such as soil erosion and decreased biodiversity.
- Sustainable forestry practices protect ecosystems and maintain biodiversity.
Chapter 3 Summary

Natural ecosystems are valuable to humans

They provide us with products, services, provide jobs, attract tourists
and improve economy
They are free and renewable if we keep them sustainable for the

future


Ecosystems are balanced but can change over time
Large ecosystems are usually in equilibrium. The abiotic and biotic
factors are relatively constant over time

Succession is the series of changes that happens over time after an
ecosystem is disrupted

Biodiversity describes the variety and amount of life in an
ecosystem


Biodiversity of many ecosystems is threatened by human activity
At risk species are categorized as extirpated, endangered,
threatened, extinct

Human activities can affect and threaten the sustainability of


natural ecosystems
Most biodiversity HOTSPOTS are near the equator
The major causes of species loss are habitat destruction and

fragmentation
Invasive species can damage natural ecosystems

Pollution of water, land and air causes health and economic
problems


Acid precipitation affects terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems
Acid precipitation is harmful to human health and infrastructure such
as buildings

Plant and animal resources should be used in a sustainable way

Forestry practices can damage ecosystems by causing soil erosion and
polluting waterways

Forest management is necessary to keep forests sustainable