Forest Management and Deforestation Overview

Forest Management

• Forest management an important topic in Canada, connecting to broader concepts of ecosystem values, carbon cycling, and human impact in forest ecosystems.
• No single definition of "forest"; hundreds of varying definitions globally, often based on tree density and canopy cover (e.g., greater than 0.5 hectares, 10% tree canopy cover, trees at least 5 meters tall).
• FAO definition emphasizes land area and tree canopy cover. A significant portion of the pledged reforestation land is expected to be natural forest regeneration.
• Ecologists argue for defining forests by ecological functionality and purpose.

Deforestation

• A major driver of climate change, as large amounts of greenhouse gases originate from deforestation.
• Deforestation defined as the removal of trees from a previously forested area and converting it to a different land use.
• Worldwide deforestation has approximately doubled the size of the United States.
• Deforestation peaked in the 1980s. Wood supply has increased and is expected to continue until 2050.

Forest Management Practices

• Canada has vast forest areas, with the boreal forest being a significant component.
• 9% of Canadian forest land is protected from logging; harvesting of ~7,100 Km2 of land annually and replanted ~4,200 Km2 yearly.
• Clear-cutting, the most prevalent method in Canada, involves removing all trees in an area. Size varies; can reduce road networks for logging.
• Clear-cutting has environmental impacts; however, it can mimic natural disturbances (e.g., fires) and create habitats akin to natural disturbances and provide habitat comparable to natural forest regeneration.
• Regeneration following clear-cutting often involves suppressing non-commercially valuable species and promoting replanting of desired species.
• Shelterwood cutting involves retaining mature trees to provide shelter for younger trees to grow.
• Selective cutting harvests mature and defective trees, while leaving behind most commercially viable trees. This regenerates healthy trees and allows for uneven aged stands.
• Ecological forestry practiced in the Maritimes prioritizes preserving ecological functions while harvesting timber.

Ecosystem Story Map

• ENVS 195 students should connect aspects of an ecosystem story map (e.g., vegetation, ecosystem connections, and human impacts) to class material for their reports. Reports may include observations of invasive species.
• Ecosystem story maps should primarily be described in third person in a formal tone.
• Descriptions should avoid identifying specific tree or plant species.
• The connection to class content and potential human impacts should be addressed.

Natural Hazards

• Increased frequency of disasters over a 50-year period. Reports of disasters in remote areas are increasing. Humans frequently live in high-risk locations.
• There has been a shift from reactive, post-disaster responses to proactive approaches to building community resilience.
• The political will to adapt to future hazards during post-disaster recovery periods may lead to changes in community structure to increase resilience.
• The concept of "Build Back Better" aims to build resiliency and reduce vulnerability.

Case Study: 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami

• A major earthquake in the Indian Ocean triggered the tsunami in 2004.
• The earthquake was among the strongest recorded, measuring 9.1-9.3 magnitude, lasting approximately 10 minutes.
• The tsunami resulted in a major loss of life, with 250,000 deaths. Indonesia bore the brunt of the disaster; approximately one-third of the population of Banda Aceh province was killed.
• Water recedes before the tsunami wave; evacuation to higher ground is critical.

Community Resilence and Rebuilding

• Original plans for rebuilding coastal communities were often based on reducing exposure from building right up to the coast. Land-use plans often included a 2km buffer zone.
• Some coastal communities were rebuilt on stilts to reduce damage from future tsunamis. But as a result, housing plans were made on stilts, which were filled in afterwards.
• NGOs played roles in post-disaster recovery.
• Building in high-risk areas requires careful planning to reduce vulnerability.

Tsunami Early Warning Systems (TEWS)

• Initially, there were no systems in the Indian Ocean.
• Buoy systems collect ocean pressure data and send to satellites for monitoring.
• There are safety considerations, such as mooring lines being tangled, and equipment malfunctions can occur
• Computer simulations help predict tsunami threats. False warnings can damage community trust.
• Relocation of communities also presents challenges to people's livelihoods; however, efforts are being made to maintain or restore communities in suitable locations.

Conclusion

• Efforts to reduce community vulnerability in the face of disasters.
• Acceptance of living with environmental challenges is seen in some cases (Indonesia). Planning processes also include disaster-preparedness in planning.

Explore the critical concepts of forest management and deforestation in this quiz. Learn about the varying definitions of forests, the impacts of deforestation on climate change, and ecological perspectives on forest functionality. This quiz emphasizes the significance of sustainable practices in forest ecosystems.