Forests are More Than Wood

“There is more to a forest than its trees. Healthy forests are the source of some of the most basic processes necessary for our survival. These processes, sometimes called ecosystems services, are the benefits we all receive from healthy ecosystems. They include clean water, biological diversity, pollination services, wildlife and fish habitat, fresh air, recreation, soil formation, flood control, carbon sequestration, nutrient cycling, erosion control, aesthetics, recreation, and much more. It’s quite an impressive list.”

--From the Forestland Steward Spring 2009 newsletter
   by Cal Fire and Placer County RCD

Forests purify water

Logging Methods Matter

Selective logging, which is often FSC-certified, provides wood as well as ecological services. Clearcutting sacrifices these natural benefits for short-term timber profits with its regimen of:

•  Remove almost all plant life
•  Spray the site with herbicides
•  Plant conifer seedlings to produce tree plantations, not diverse forests

But, Clearcutting ...

    Pollutes Water
       • Forests filter and store two-thirds of our water.
       • Clearcut logging increases erosion and puts sediment into streams.
       • Potentially cancer-causing herbicides can find their way into waterways.

    Increases Community Fire Risk
       • Young trees are more fire prone than older trees with fire resistant bark.
       • Single species plantations are vulnerable to insect infestation,
           increasing fire risk
       • Crown fires spread quickly across trees of the same age and size.

    Increases Global Warming
       • Clearcutting reduces the ability of forests to sequester and
           store carbon for years – even if seedlings are planted.

    Threatens Wildlife
       • Many birds and other animals depend on diverse forests for their survival.
       • Clearcutting alters trout and salmon spawning habitats
           and stream conditions.

    Diminishes Recreation Experiences
       • Mountain communities make more money from tourism than timber.
       • As the amount of clearcut acreage rises, fishing and camping will be jeopardized.