Forest Conservation

One issue that is rising due to deforestation is the loss of biodiversity in the deciduous forest. Biodiversity is defined as: the degree of

The forests that surround us and are a crucial part of our eco system has developed over millions of years. Even since the age of dinosaurs, we have forests which went depleted and replenished, going from age to age. The ecosystem of the forests provides a home to all animals and not only do we take their home, we are not replacing them. The animals who lose their home in the wake of cutting trees, will eventually come close to cities. Not only the forests are a source of oxygen for all living beings, they also help curtail the greenhouse gases and keep global warming in control.

However, forests around the world are under threat from deforestation, jeopardizing these benefits. Deforestation comes in many forms, including fires, clear-cutting for agriculture, ranching and development, unsustainable logging for timber, and degradation due to climate change. This impacts people’s livelihoods and threatens a wide range of plant and animal species. Some 46-58 thousand square miles of forest are lost each year, which is equivalent to 36 football fields every minute.

Forest ecosystems cover around 31% of our land across the world; they produce vital supplies from oxygen to logs for the production of paper and furniture such as tables.

Forests are an irreplaceable part of Earths ecosystem. Every forest is unique due to flora and fauna which houses it. They are homes for many species from simple bacteria to big carnivore animals. Forests absorb carbon dioxide and provide oxygen and is a great place for recreation and biological studies. Temperate forest of northeast United States is an example of rich diversity and harmony of plants and animals. Unfortunately, constant growing of human population and demand for more land for agriculture and housing leads to deforestation and destroying of the natural habitats. Deforestation and Agriculture, are an two of many factors which have negative impact on temperate forest in northeast United States.

Our American society believes that forests in the United States are not managed sustainably. Yet, our forests are being managed for sustainability through sound application of science, commitment from individual landowners, and viable markets for products from the forests. Everything we do and everything we need to survive comes from the environment, so sustainability is what we as humans can do to make sure the environment is sustained well enough for future generations.

Sustainable development is defined as “Development that meets the needs of the present generations without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs” (IISD, par. 1 ).

The three factors/ approaches that best explain the current patterns of forest decline and recovery are population/markets, political economy, and ethics. The population/markets approach introduces the concept of forest transition theory which talks about how the economic growth that destroys forests is also necessary for its restoration and return. The initial expansion in population and economic activity puts pressure on forest resources, resulting in rampant deforestation that clears land for agricultural use. The intensification of agriculture then allows more crops to be grown on less land, in turn freeing up unneeded land for forest recovery. From a political economy standpoint however, a decrease in forest cover is viewed as an expansion

Preservations is a way to preserve and leave nature as it is. Conservation in the other hand is using resources at the same time preserving most of it.

Before its legislation, there were previous attempts at conserving the forest, for example: “[t]he first attempt to establish a more general wilderness policy by the Forest Service came in 1929 when the agency issued Regulation L-20...primitive conditions would be maintained...however, indicated that timber, forage, and water resources could still be developed in these areas. This effort was plagued by unclear directives and the lack of support of many foresters, who favored the use of resources, not their preservation.” (Wilderness Act) Additionally, the second attempt was made in 1939, where a stricter more precise version of the L-20, called U-Regulation were adopted. After the wilderness movement lost momentum around the 30’s, it was revived

The four services include provision, cultural, regulation as well as support. In terms of forests, this ecosystem has several unique services. Our forests help to regulate the weather and atmospheric conditions that otherwise wouldn’t be possible without them. They also provide us with valuable resources for wood and paper products, but this has to be used in moderation to help keep forests abundant. In our cultural values, forests are enjoyed by many and people like to hike, camp and do other activities such as hunting. The support that forests provide is numerous, allowing for unique plant species to grow and animal species to thrive.

Sustainable development means that the present generations should be able to make use of resources to live better lives in such a manner that it does not compromise the ability of future generations. For sustainable development to occur, there needs to be sustainable economic, ecological and community development. Society needs to be educated about ways in which they can use resources, especially natural, in such a manner that it does not cause harm to the environment and put future generations lives at risk.

Ninety percent of the earth’s trees between three and four hundred years old have been cut down. The remaining ten percent is all we will ever have (Gallant, 97). The definition of deforestation by the Random House Dictionary of the English Language is "to divest or clear of forests or trees.” Deforestation is one of the most significant issues of our time; considerable measures must be taken to prevent further pillaging of our unique forest resource.

I am appealing to you as a conservationist. I believe that the natural resources of the forest can be of great help to us. As we experience this oil and gas crisis in the US, we are forced to import oil from foreign countries. Thus causing the cost of

The actual definition of sustainable development may not be accepted by everyone but what is important is the recognition that sustainable development is about the balance of the connected Es, Economy, Environment, and Equity.