Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Trees!

I really enjoyed yesterday's talk about trees and forestry. Yes, I have a foresty background with my family and my education, but I don't feel that makes me unable to see forestry issues clearly. (Maybe I'm wrong) I do agree with what Dave was showing us about deforestation. Deforestation is a horrible thing that is basically raping our planet. The thing that I wanted to get across was that sustainable forestry, done in a responsible steward-like manner, is a healthy way to manage our resources.

Sustainable forestry is a method that accounts for ecological and ecosystem damage, the effect on wildlife, and the loss of habitat. Sustainable forestry fights habitat fragmentation and leaves corridors for wildife to connect with other areas of habitat. Part of sustainable forestry is, of course, reforestation. Areas that are sustainably harvested are replanted to either grow into habitat or future harvest sites.

For me, one of the best things sustainable foresty does is allow us to responsibly use one of our fastest-growing renewable energy sources. Trees are great! Just think of everything around you, right now, that is made from forest products. Wood isn't made in a lab. It regrows within our lifetimes or less. If we harness this energy source correctly, our children and grandchildren will enjoy trees as part of their ecosystem and economy for generations to come.

3 comments:

latoyiag said...

I tell you I learn something new everyday here. The term reforestation--kewl. I agree with you about noting the numerous things that come from trees and yes they are a renewable resource, so I think that the bridge to this issue would be sustainable forestry as you spoke about because that seems to be the best option.And everybody wins! YEA

Maddie King said...

I agree! There are ways that we can use trees that will better the Earth as well as the people. We just have to make sure that we go about that process in a sustainable manner. We have this wonderful renewable resource that can help us, but we HAVE to stop our current practices and change them to being sustainable and earth friendly. We can do it!

Jen Deere said...

Amen! I think the vast majority of society is slowly awakening to the fact that we need trees, and lots of them. We as EE know the importance of trees and how they are crucial to our planet. Continually depleting without giving back makes humans look like greedy children who forget to say "thank you" and return the favor when they are offered a present. May our generation be a driving force to reforest our depleted areas!!!