Forestry

Forestry encompasses the practice and science  of establishing, managing, using, and conserving forests, trees, and associated resources in a sustainable manner to meet desired goals, needs, and values. 

Forests play a vital role in much of our daily lives, especially in Canada’s economic health, with their forest industry accounting for some 297,000 direct and indirect jobs. Forests also store carbon, nurture a diversity of species, and preserve soils. These benefits are known as “ecosystem services.”

There are other benefits provided by these forest ecosystems. Goods such as timber, food, fuel, and bioproducts are often the most thought upon benefits. Another is the ecological functions such as carbon storage, nutrient cycling, water and air purification, and maintenance of wildlife habitat. The last is social and cultural benefits such as recreation, traditional resource uses and spirituality. 

Such as Canada does, Oregon also depends on its forests in many ways. More benefits are to help filter drinking water, provide habitat for a diverse array of plants and animals, supply oxygen, moderate temperatures, and store atmospheric carbon. They supply us with timber, a renewable resource we use to make lumber-as stated before- paper, and heat. 

Urban forests, including trees planted along city streets and those growing in parks or nature preserves, help reduce air pollution, filter rainwater, and provide shade. The forests help absorb and reduce the presence in the atmosphere of carbon dioxide. Beyond the many benefits to us, forests are vital habitat to numerous species of wildlife and fish. 

These forests, including forested parks, reserves,and wilderness areas, are popular destinations for outdoor recreation, with visitors taking in everything from camping and hiking to beginning, swimming,and fishing. The scenic beauty of forests attract tourists and new residents, and continually inspire generations of artists and photographers. 

Many go out to seek the tranquility of forests as places to find solace, stress relief or spiritual sanctuary. Mental and physical benefits of exposure to nature are fantastic for people of all ages.