Managing Woodlands

All this does not mean that we should stop logging, it just means finding better ways to manage all our activities in the ecosystems-and it means putting a value on the very real services they provide. If we don't address the serious problems of global warming and biodiversity loss, as well as issues such as access to clean air and water, we may well join the other endangered species on the Earth.

Thank you Vicky for the nice post.

A forest is much more than the timber it holds. A forest provides habitat for wildlife, recreational opportunities and removes carbon dioxide from the air, therefore forests are a critical "hedge" against global warming.
When we take into account all the ecological benefits, or services, a forest provides, we have to re-evaluate the way the way we make decisions about how we manage them.
Clear-cutting an old-growth forest may provide temporary jobs and profits, as well as wood to build furniture and houses, but it also results in the release of carbon stored in the trees and soil, thus contributing to global warming, or if it wipes out the habitat of animals that is crucial to the natural order, then the short-term gains may not be worthwile.
All this does not mean that we should stop logging, it just means finding better ways to manage all our activities in the ecosystems-and it means putting a value on the very real services they provide. If we don't address the serious problems of global warming and biodiversity loss, as well as issues such as access to clean air and water, we may well join the other endangered species on the Earth.


From an article by David Suzuki
and Dr. Faisal Moola.

Thank you Vicky for this original post.

1) Trees are the basis of sustaining life on earth. 2) Trees absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen by Photosynthesis. 3) They also help in reducing soil erosion by binding the soil to their roots. 4) Trees absorb carbon from the atmosphere and store it in their wood and bark, thus slowing the rate of global warming.

https://www.google.com/search?...TUY6dzxVP42odO3TRG-F

Why is it important to plant trees? They prevent erosion of the soil, as well as provide a home for a variety of animals. Of critical importance to humans, they also play a major role in producing the oxygen we breathe and cleaning carbon dioxide out of the air.

Take a look also at:

https://www.treepeople.org/tree-benefits

 You are right Vicky, trees give us oxygen that we need to breather in, and they remove CO2 from the air.Many animals need trees for shelter and habitat. Trees are also beautiful to look at.

I agree, we need to plant many more trees.

Trees’ root systems help prevent soil erosion, which prevents water pollution 

Trees provide shade that cools water, benefitting certain species of fish (notably salmonids) – their roots and branches provide space for fish to hide from predators

Properties with trees are generally valued higher in the real estate market

Trees provide employment in the forestry field: foresters, arborists, lumber, research, tree workers, etc.

Trees provide recreation and attract tourists: hiking trails, campgrounds 

Trees provide shade in the summer, which saves on air conditioning costs, conifers insulate homes in the winter, reducing heating costs 

Trees shade asphalt, making streets and parking lots cooler and extend the life of the asphalt

Trees planted in fields shield against wind and snow and help protect crops

Trees beautify the landscape and block out unattractive views

Trees provide shelter for wildlife 

Trees provide health benefits such as stress reduction and speed the healing process

Trees bring us closer to nature and help us to reconnect with culture

Studies show that hospital patients with window view of trees recovered significantly faster and with fewer complications than comparable patients without access to such views.

Trees intercept rainfall and reduce run-off, thereby functioning like retention/detention basins.

The psychological impact of trees on people’s moods, emotions and enjoyment of their surroundings may in fact be one of the greatest benefits urban forests provide.

One large tree can provide a day’s oxygen for up to four people.

You need about 500 full-sized trees to absorb the carbon dioxide produced by a typical car driven 20,000 km/year.

One large tree can lift up to 100 gallons of water out of the ground and discharge it into the air in one day.

https://treecanada.ca/resources/benefits-of-trees/