Forests and Natural Areas Management

A collection of flashcards summarizing key concepts related to forest and natural area management based on lecture notes.

What does the boreal forest encompass in terms of area?

It makes up the largest area of forested land.

Where is tropical rainforest primarily found?

In the wetter areas of the tropics.

Which type of forest is considered the most threatened and covers the least land area?

Tropical dry forest.

Which regions does temperate deciduous forest cover?

Much of Eastern North America, Europe, and parts of Asia.

What are the multiple layers of forests known to provide?

Different habitats for a range of species in each forest type.

What type of organisms benefit from the canopy layer of a forest?

Many birds, insects, and smaller mammals.

What characterizes the subcanopy layer of a forest?

It is shadier and more humid with different habitats for birds and insects.

What is the purpose of the understory layer in a forest?

It provides a habitat for different plants, insects, birds, and larger mammals.

What do fallen trees create in a forest ecosystem?

Holes in the canopy that create new habitats for plants and animals.

What role do fallen logs and dead standing trees serve in a forest?

They provide food, shelter, and habitat to many organisms.

What are some ecosystem services provided by forests?

They provide many different ecosystem services, including carbon storage, water regulation, and habitat.

How does deforestation impact forest ecosystems?

It can have serious consequences, including loss of biodiversity and disruption of ecosystem services.

When was the National Forest Service established, and what was its purpose?

Established in 1905 to ensure a supply of timber products.

What is selective logging?

It involves cutting mature trees while leaving others intact.

What is shelterwood cutting?

Cutting dead or less desirable trees to encourage growth of more valued species.

What is the primary challenge of managing natural areas?

Managing visitor impacts can be one of the most challenging aspects.

What is the significance of prescribed burns in fire management?

They are used to reduce fuel loads and maintain habitats for fire-adapted species.

What challenges arise in the wildland-urban interface concerning fire management?

Houses are often surrounded by trees and brush, making fire management difficult.

What was the impact of the Camp Fire in Paradise, CA, in November 2018?

Over 18,800 structures destroyed, 30,000 people lost homes, and 86 people died.

What tragic event occurred during the Lahaina Fire in Maui, Hawaii, in August 2023?

The deadliest in recent U.S. history with 97 people dead and over 1000 structures destroyed.

What is necessary to combat the fire management problem?

Years of careful fire management, forest thinning, and better planning of housing.