Definition and Importance of Forestry
– Forestry is the science and craft of managing forests and woodlands for human and environmental benefits.
– It involves creating, planting, conserving, and repairing forests.
– Forestry is practiced in plantations and natural stands.
– Forest management plays a crucial role in habitat creation and modification.
– Modern forestry encompasses multiple-use management, including timber provision, wildlife habitat, water quality management, recreation, and carbon dioxide absorption.
– Forestry is an important economic segment in industrial countries.
– Forests provide over 86 million green jobs worldwide.
– In Germany, forestry supports more than a million jobs and contributes €181 billion to the economy annually.
– The forest industry is of major ecological, economic, and social importance in many regions.
– Worldwide, an estimated 880 million people rely on forests for fuelwood and charcoal production.
Forestry in the 21st Century
– Research on forest ecosystem management and genetic improvement of tree species is well-established.
– Modern forestry includes methods for planting, protecting, thinning, and processing timber.
– Reforestation is an important application of modern forestry.
– Trees provide environmental, social, and economic benefits.
– The United States is the largest producer of timber globally.
Roles of Foresters
– Foresters work in various sectors, including timber industry, government agencies, conservation groups, and urban parks boards.
– Educational requirements for foresters range from bachelor’s degrees to PhDs.
– They engage in forest regeneration, tree nursery management, and tree genetics improvement.
– Foresters measure and model forest growth using tools like geographic information systems.
– They participate in wildlife conservation planning and watershed protection.
Forest Management Plans
– Foresters develop and implement forest management plans based on mapped resources and inventories.
– Plans consider landowner objectives, topography, tree species distribution, and soil information.
– Silvicultural treatments and their timetable are recommended in forest management plans.
– Digital maps and geographic information systems enhance modern forest management plans.
– Plans also consider the desired future conditions of the forest and the needs of other stakeholders.
Forest Conservation and Early Globalization
– Modern scientific forestry developed in France and German-speaking countries in the 1750s.
– Centralized management by professional foresters was a key trait of modern forestry.
– Sustainable yield concepts with a focus on fuelwood and timber production were emphasized.
– Forest preservation programs were established in British India, the United States, and Europe in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
– Sir Dietrich Brandis is considered the father of tropical forestry.
