Forestry Resources Lecture Notes 2010

CGEO 702 June 1 Lecture 5 Forestry Resources Natural Distribution of forests Use and Functions Deforestation Sustainable Forest Management Why would the public begin to hold people accountable for improper practices? We have laws and regulations in place but they aren’t able to be implemented or monitored (no surveillance) -Humans are imbedded in nature- intricately connected to the environment -Disruption of forest can eradicate jobs, increasing concentration of carbon dioxide, -need to consider if there are options for sustainable industry some geographical zones are sparse -i.e. Sahara Dessert- cold ocean current- and when cold comes into contact with hot- there is no rainfall -southern boarders of Coby desserts- very heavy rain fall -most desserts around the world are 30 degrees latitude north and south of the equator so why latitude 30 degrees north and south of equator? Zone of high pressure ,--- this creates complications in the atmosphere, high pressure brings low rain fall -on the contrary – high forest have low pressure Boreal Forests- Largest- cold environments, sub-artctic, conifers, suppliers lumber and pulpwood -high latitude -combinations of trees, -Russia, Canada, USA, Scandanavia Temperate Forests-mid latitude forest, shed leaves at certain times a year(deciduous), cold environments, original forest lost to agriculture and settlement -Russia, Eastern Europe Tropical Forest-low latitude, warn environments, rich biodiversity, evergreen broadleaf trees Primary and Secondary Forests Primary Forests: -uncut, “old growth”, frontier, ecologically intact forests (0% of temperate, 60% of tropical) Secondary Forests: undergone ecological succession after cutting -degraded areas can be restocked through afforestation (areas where was once barren and now tree plant to create some sort of vegetational establishment) and reforestation (often happens in areas that were once forested but were disturbed) initiatives (plantations) -regenerated , tree planting, civil cultural practices to restock areas that have been destroyed 2 different processes in place -Aforestation no tree existing before- barren, deserted land & then tree planting put in place Reforestation forest existed but was destroyed and restock -naturally occurring forest-=a lot of diversity -in reforestation= very uniform, not conducive to biodiversity economic functions -forest goods and services- human life embedded in nature, depend on fruits, nuts, vegetables, honey etc. (Seringeiro in Brazil), rubber, -forest products (timber, logs, pulpwood, etc) -non-timber forest products (latex, palm oil, medicinal plants, fruits, nuts) -fuel wood (energy) -Grazing area (fodder)- over grazing -Tourism industry supported by present of forest- i.e. nature lovers -trees not growing fast enough to meet demand (in developing countries)= major issue -Ecosystem- helps to purify the air – especially rural areas Biodiversity and Habitat -forest in rich reservoir of flora and fauna- -it provides habitat and food sources -it serves as nutrient and storage in biomass -nitrogen fixation certain bacteria in root system of shrubs and trees and plants often absorb gaseous form of Nitrogen from atmosphere and convert into ammonia which is absorbed by plants Denitrificationwhen the tree dies, bacteria decomposes plants and converts them back in the atmosphere Watershed Protection -stabilization of landmass- prevents landslides etc. -enhancement of water infiltration- roots help to allow trickle down of surface water into roots- allows water to infiltrate (baobab), but some roots can take water out of soil (absorbing moisture) -moderation of water flow – absorption of water, moderates water flow -recycling of water – hydrological cycle= absorb and transpire water into the atmosphere as water vapor Climate Regulation -act as a “carbon sink”- but also releases CO2 which influences the Greenhouse Effect -Forest is key in maintaining climate and balance of gases -keeps atmosphere from overheating (keeps temp in a stable condition) -tropical rainforest absorbs most greenhouse gases ISSUE=-developing countries should stop destroying forest and must develop but the only way for them to develop is to cut down trees and use them for economic resources Forest Production -US and Canada constitute the larges -insatiable demand for timber -canadian export of timber often goes to the states What are the major causes of deforestation? 1. agriculture (especially in developing countries) –not enough surveillance by govnmt 2. urbanization 3. industrialization 4. road construction (cause of ~ 10% of world deforestation)- causes fragmentation (small patches here and there) 5. Pollution-sulfur and nitrogen oxide in atmosphere- combine water vapor to reform nitric acid or sulfuric acid or carbonic acid and= acid rain- changes pH of soil and changes soil productivity/fertility- problem is that it is difficult to identify source of acid rain because comes from various factories throughout the world so cant hold specific countries accountable 6. pest and disease infestation 7. climate change impact of deforestation- varies- but primarily can result in erosion (gal erosion, sheet erosion -erosion is a primary problem -wildlife often effected- tree planting not as effective because already have ruined ecosystem/habitat of animals -services provided by forests are effected -flooding (bc trees aren’t there to allow for penetration or infiltration of water) so = run off and flooding -reduction in precipitation (trees play major role in water cycle i.e. evaporation of water into the atmosphere) -reduction/simplification -biodiversity loss (when trees are regrown/ regenerated they are the same species and lose diversity) Harvesting Methods: 2 methods Clear Cutting: -removes every single species of tree regardless of age, size or type -use of heavy duty equipment which compacts the soil and causes a lot of environmental destruction -large machines are used to fell, trim and skid logs rapidly -every tree in harvest areas are cut regardless of size -it leaves forests in variety of patterns (patches) -areas that are clear cut are vulnerable to pest and disease infestation – not able to stand some of the environmental problems - area spraying of chemicals can cause mutation if we know the negativities of clear cutting, why do industries use this method? Because it is profitable for industry -large amount of biomass being harvested -find it easier to restock -easy to see Table 1- Canadian Forest: Harvesting and Conservation Selective-Cutting: Removes only small number of mature (large) -specific species of trees (age and size) tat are removed – goes on a sustainable rotation -trees harvested in a 10 to 20 year rotation -more sustainable- less environmental impact -plant seedlings at the same time remove trees -leaves forest in a close to “natural” state 3 TYPES: strip cuttingrows of trees removed and leave rows of corridors of trees standing- areas that still have trees standing will provide shelter against sunlight and wind for the young seedlings planted in between shelter-wood cutting remove weak or dead trees first- move dead or mature trees and leave young and healthy ones to stand to provide shelter seed tree cuttingleave trees with strong genetic qualities that can regenerate and replace areas that are destroyed Forest Management Strategies 1)Plantation/ Silvicultural and Sustainable Forestry -stands of single species -reforestation and afforestation - 2 different types of pest known to devour most forest in Canada: Gypsy moth, pine beetles 2) Certification of Forestry practices - compare practices with standard forestry practices -often non governmental organizations for logging companies to have a logo of certification in which consumers will begin to demand timber products which are produced under environmentally sustainable conditions -companies have exploited this by increasing price of timber because of sustainable practice -Forest management council- forest mangers, communities, government regulators, forest indutries industries set up on management practices in a way to help protect forest 3) Forest Policies -some functional some are not -sustainable practices- -ecological principles -total ban on logging in some forests -forrest accord- made up of several principles/approaches (i.e. to maintain healthy forest environment and need for greater diversification, forest production) -increase in research and scientific studies into forestry -training of qualified and competent -need of integrative knowledge systems into forest management -need for open participation in terms of input in decision making process POLICIES need to prepare quarter system of harvest (certain annual allowable cuts)-standard (controls behaviour of logging industries so they don’t exploit) control trade/exportation of timber- ban on timber export need for genetically modified tree species need for trees that are resistant to pest infestation (i.e. pine beetles) engineered wood – MOVIE BIRD PROJECT- brinkman international reforestation development -new way of reforesting tropical jungles -in CAD and BC- mixed species and harvesting in a way that leaves wildlife trees and complexity/diversity -bringing the ingredients of success into other ecosystems around the world -learn about native species so know exactly what is needed for reforestation -patch work of reforestation -adding organic matter to improve soil quality -mark trees and give it a name to do cutting – need to check and prove that the tree is superior genetically – test to prove that it will be good in different conditions -the more perpendicular the branches are the better -take direct off-shoots off of the tree and grow it and see if it will produce similar type growth -take sprouts from the stump and start the collection - look at ~9 different traits- strong selection criteria- -used funding money to open up school in Costa Rica - many workers in the beginning years -managing 500-600 hectors -60-100 people working low season to high season + admin and technical staff -ideas and ideals , very meticulous of where to put every specie, - really wanted to do a really good job, wanted to keep people working - forest protection reforestation agricultural activities -increased cattle and pasture – for food chain tourism –increasingly important industry- conserve forest to attract tourists - teak plantations brought an economic revival -many families benefited by allowing them to prosper - palm oil – price is falling, problems with plantations -plantations put in place to replace bananas plantations but now palm oil plantations decreasing – -only the really really good quality tree species used -look at the forest like a complete ecosystem -efficient with what they use -can harvest some of the native species – have them checked by technological institute to get them checked for genetic properties -don’t know how long it takes for species to produce hardwood - see if can grow trees off of cuttings of trees - try to push forestry sector slowly, disciplined to protect native species in long term- now must be efficient with what they have now -have a few valuable native species -preserves ecosystem and habitats for animals -act of planting trees- lots of animals start coming back and living in the trees -takes time to develop -micro sites and micro climates -well developed forest, keeping diversity of original species -wouldn’t want to take an industry away that gives people jobs but want to keep a sustainable practice where not destroying ecosystem -need good technological aspect during growing process -neeed good industrial very small area costa rica = successful -sustainability to make use of the environment right now while not compromising the development for future generations -investments in developing countries and give benefits/funding for developing countries 1. Economic Success of BIRD project in Costa Rica? -sustainable development in forestry striking balance with economic development, social well being and environment -more jobs are created in the area of sawmill and furniture making -revenue generation for government- taxes (Corporate taxes for development projects) -community is making money so able to educate their children (making income so can send children to school- increasing literacy rate), increase knowledge and skill to get better jobs -reforestration maintains and guarantees jobs in the future- secures jobs for future generations (continuous source of job creation) -tourism (and diversification of industries) a large industry so conservation of trees attracts tourists 2. Social Benefits of BIRD -school -living standard is improving (QOL)- better housing, transportation, hospitals -good sanitation, affordable housing, conditions for workers etc. - alternative and job opportunities= decreases crime and deviance -migration is decreasing – helps deal with urbanization -advantageous for opportunities to see wild life – tourism development 3.Environmental Conservation -reforestation – -types of trees they use are native species that are adaptable to climatic conditions so helps with restoration of forest and habitats/ecosystem protection etc. -can increase long term viability and functioning of ecosystem in terms of protectivity , resilience (more diversified), and productivity 4. Challenges of Reforestation 1. Time- takes a long time for trees to grow 2. fungi attacks on root systems of trees- trees will die shortly after 3. financial resources- limited to hectars of land that can be restored – need more funding NATIONAL PARKS -ecological and social benefits of protected areas (for human use or for conservation/protection?) (definition of park for ecosystem conservation and recreation, protected areas that are set aside for maintenance and to conserve natural and cultural resources)- an area specially set aside for conservation, cultural and ecological resources, and backed by law parc (french word) an enclosed area for wildlife protection Ecocentric view point natural resources have intrinsic values and should be protected in its own right Biocentric anthropocentric- groups that believe that parks are meant for recreation- to meet the human needs for pleasure (to meet wants and needs) (these 2 ideals are in conflict) Parks: Yellowstone (1st national) , Banff (1st in canada), New York Central Park, Yosemite Park Can protect park but cannot limit wildlife from where they may migrate beyond their ecosystem -Beyond park may be mining grounds or industrial areas where construction is taking place -increased business around national parks= increase profit and government profits - Major social uses of parks and protected areas -maintaining areas of natural beauty -protecting lanscape and features from people -providing areas for nature-based recreational activities -proving outdoor school rooms where people can learn -providing economic incentives for conservation activities Conflicts in park management -conflicts with conservation ideals -concerns over motor vehicle use -pollution and noise level -interaction between people and wildlife (Manyara National Tanzania) -controversy over the percentage of land should be set aside for park or nature reserve 1. our common future 2. country specific approaches (i.e. no vehicles allowed but visitors allowed, zones meant for limited human uses for hiking, swimming, ie. Activities with little environmental impact) 3. the case of Canada -conflicts in protected area system planning -conflicts occur over whether certain areas should be designated as protected areas -endangered species campaign (a lot of them are superficial) -there have been land negotiations and accusations between federal and provincial (BC) governments -the establishment of marine protected areas has not proceeded at the same rate as forest protected areas -feasibility studies – for marine protection -lack of support from ecological societies Conflicts in Wilderness Area Management -mining and mineral resource exploitation -role of first nations in using and managing wilderness resources -pressure from adjacent land uses The Banff Bow Valley Studies -conflict arises due to unprecedented commercial developments -declining animal population in parks (stricter limit to growth) -lack of public involvement in the decision making process (more effective management of limiting human use)- limit as to how many people can participate in activities so don’t exceed the carrying capacity -increase education and awareness around fragile environment -increase government funding (budgetry allocation) for park management and protection -implement ecological Auditor General’s Report -parks Canada lacked the knowledge base for sound ecosystem management -the report also decried the slow creation of new national parks -since the first audit, about 16 national parks still have outdated management plans What is ecosystem management? -shouldn’t lose fact of fact that many companies are interconnected and so to really understand how nature functions it is important to look at it through a holistic point of view 1) ecological integrity- protect environment (intrinsic values)- nature has rights and those rights should be observed 2) learning by knowing- new fresh, workable ideas- modifying -conflicts and management planning - -park acts and policies -“national parks: forever wild” Examine the roles of key stakeholders in the development and use of national parks -town of Banff -tourists -environmentalist -businessman (for profit) -caretaker of park - Explore the crises facing Canada’s natural parks -conference halls, restaurants, shopping centres- development on wildlife grounds -human settlement -to allow people to see national parks in its natural form but huge part of tourism industry and economic benefits people VS wildlife parks for both people and wildlife- -canadians ignorant to what is occurring in natural parks -exploitation of park -commercialization/ development -visitors cant see the effect they are having because it happens over time but animals are disappearing -too many people -parks have failed to implement their own policies (to preserve what is at the parks for future generations) -natural systems are being deeply disrupted -more elk and fewer aspen therefore chew on bark -hard to know what is natural and what has been caused by humans -elks migrate to moose territory along with snails that are toxic to the moose - doing studies but not setting policies? -not being shaped by natural resources. Should it be set by man or natural species? Conflict. What are the various approaches for managing the Banff National Park? -ad hoc management -studies are being done but policies not being put in place? -management policy starting to examine impact of nature on humans -landscaping change, setting fires (ecosystem management) as an agent of change and renewal How can they balance the interest of tourism, ecology and business in the Banff National Park? -compare business plans vs social goals and wildlife needs - natural systems need space and time to function so must give them those things - balance protection of environment against sustainable impact -regulation of what goes on in national parks against north America -reasonable harmonious relationship between human beings and rest of the world -reservation system (limiting access) – to minimize overcrowdedness – strict limit to numbers allowed on trails each day for parks especially for those under pressure Restoration-work to restore parks to healthy ecosystems- (regaining of crucial space) -industries and academics come together to identify what is needed -need to share the land -ecosystem warden ecosystem biologist –