FOR200H1 Lecture Notes - Lecture 6: Silviculture, Shelterwood Cutting, Human Overpopulation
Document Summary
Human impacts on canada"s forests: harvesting and silviculture. Historically logging has deep legacy on forests in canada. Forested landscapes we see have been drastically shaped by timber harvesting practices: not only in what we see but changes that are happening slowly (shifting species composition) Harvesting practices are at the forefront of sustainable use of forests. 8% of canada"s forest area is protected by legislation. 40% of canada"s forest area under some protection. Humans have had an influence on forest systems for 8000 years. Earliest examples: clearing forests for homes and agriculture. Even some of the most remote forest in the amazon have evidence of human management. Until the 1800s, forest use/ wood production was largely a component of a regional economy (still true for large fuelwood, building materials) Adoption of economic liberalism (free market economies) in the 1800s changed the perceived purpose of forests. Shift from subsistence to maximizing profits from timberlands.