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| Forest Sustainability
In an effort to balance out the needs of people and the needs of forests, scientists, conservationists, and wood and paper industry owners got together in 1994 and developed what they called the Sustainable Forestry Initiative. This agreement worked out principles that "call for a land stewardship ethic which integrates the reforestation, nurturing, and harvesting of trees for useful products with the conservation of soil, air and water resources, wildlife and fish habitat, and forest aesthetics." Basically, this means that even though we will continue to harvest trees from our forests, we will try to be as careful as possible not to disturb the environment and the species who live there.
To find out more about sustainable forestry, check out the following links:
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When
scientists say that a forest is sustainable they mean that the plant
and animal communities that live there are able to live and survive
there over many generations. When human disruptions, such as development
or timber harvesting come into an area it is often hard on these
species. So even though people need lumber for houses and and wood
chips to make paper, the forests and the health of the plants and
animals that live there are important too.
Of
course, you can do your part too. These days, everyone recycles.
You can take back soda cans and bottles, milk jugs, newspapers,
cardboard boxes, and lots more. Whenever you can, buy things without
extra packaging and if you don't need a bag at the grocery store,
don't use one. There are lots of ways that you can cut down on your
consumption of resources. Every little bit helps.