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.