Forests & Forestry Chapter 1

Forestry Definition The art and science of managing forests to have a continuous high quality and quantity forest products and services. Lets get the best out of the resources we have while managing social, economic, and environmental concerns.

Single vs. Multiple Use Forest Single use forests are managed for one purpose. Examples: timber, watersheds, wildlife habitat, recreation, erosion control, etc. Multiple use forests are managed for more than one purpose

Forestry Schools Cornell University started Forestry in 1898 48 accredited institutions in the U.S. Wanakena Ranger School Paul Smith University

Rising Demand for Wood 1940 the nation supplied all its wood In 2000, the U.S. imports 4.2 billion cubic feet; roughly 23% of the U.S. production 2014 statistics: 9,200 logging camps 1,200 sawmills 450 plywood plants 35 pulp mills

Timberland are those forest lands capable of producing wood in excess of 20 cubic feet/acre/year. 540 million acres of timberland Timberlands are producing ½ of their potential 7% makes up reserved forest land 25% of forest land does not make timberland

Region Compared to Total Acres (x1000) Forest Acres Total 2,263,278 503,664 (22%) North 18% 32% South 24% 40% Rocky Mtns 33% 14% Pacific Coast 25% 14%

Timberland Ownership Private Industrial Nat. For. North 71% 9% 6% South 71% 18% 6% Rocky Mtns. 26% 4% 61% Pacific Coast 10% 17% 44%

Distribution of forest types in the southern states

Definitions Pulpwood is wood cut or prepared primarily for manufacture into wood pulp, for subsequent manufacture Pulp is Mechanically ground or chemically digested wood used in the manufacture of paper and allied products. Bleached pulp is used for rayon and other chemical uses.

Definitions Softwood Hardwood Conifers Trees that have leaves in the form of needles (usually retains leaves in the winter) Hardwood Deciduous Trees that have broad leaves (usually loses leaves in the winter)

Definitions Veneer A thin sheet of wood cut Used to cover lower grade lumber Generally expensive

The South supports 40% of the nation’s timberland 1/3 of the US population 5,000 primary wood industries 84% of softwood pulpwood 53% of softwood sawlogs 65% of softwood veneer 68% of hardwood pulpwood 50% of hardwood sawlogs 56% of hardwood veneer 58% of all raw products produced

Beneficial Influences of Trees Influence on Climate Control of Runoff Retention of Snow Melt Environment for Fish Flood Retention and Water Flow Wildlife & Songbird Habitat Prevention of Soil & Wind Erosion Removal of Gas Pollutants & Particulates

Economic Value of Forests Products derived from trees make money through: Structures Paper Sports Equipment Furniture Fuel Maple Sugar

Forestry in the US 1625 first sawmill (Jamestown, VA) 1803 first steam-powered circular saw Peaked in 1909 with: 46 billion bf 50,000 mills ½ million workers

Federal Forestry 1799 $200,000 to buy reserves of live oak in South Carolina and Georgia 1881 Division of Forestry in Dept. of Agriculture 1901 Bureau of Forestry (1905 Forest Service)

State Forestry 1885 California, Colorado, Ohio, and New York established the first forestry agencies. 1911 Weeks Law. $ to state for forestry fire prevention 1937 Cooperative Farm Forestry Act (1950 Cooperative Forest Management Act) 1973 Forest Incentive Program for tree planting and forest management with small forest-land owners.

Forest Practice Laws Most laws were generated to preserve ship making materials Most forest regulations started less than 30 years ago 1972 EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) was established All forest management activities are under the term “silviculture”

Urban Forestry Benefits Detriments Economic – cooling (air, pavement, buildings), Reducing glare, wind (snow drifting, storms) Environmental – shading and better water retention, Wildlife – pleasing plus allows a place for wildlife Aesthetic/Social – increases land value and tourism Detriments Damage – down trees/limbs Fall Foliage – removal of leaves Removal Expenses – old trees and replacement costs

The End