Ecosystem and Economic Services of Forests and Sustainable Forestry Practices

ecosystem services

• store atmospheric carbon

• suport energy flow and nutrietn cycling

• produce oxygen

• reduce soil erosion

• absorb and release water

• purify water and air

• influence local and regional climates

• provide numerous wildlife habitats

economic services

• wood for fuel

• lumber

• wood products

• pulp to make paper

• mining

• livestock grazing

• recreation

• jobs

what are some sustainable forestry practices?

1. include ecosystem services of forests in estimates of their economic value

2. stop logging in old growth forests

3. stop clear cutting on steep slopes

4. reduce road building in forests and rely more on selective and strip cutting

5. certify timber grown using sustainable methods

what are some forestry practices you would use?

1. identify and protect highly diverse forests areas

2. leave most standing dead trees and larger fallen trees for wildlife habitat and nutrient cycling

3. grow tree plantations only on deforested and degraded land