Environmental Impact of the Lumber Industry

November 23, 2011 InwoodMag Forest Industry

Many of the materials we use every day come from trees. A rise in the human population sparks a corresponding increase in the demand for forest resources. Many different products are made from wood and many products are made from the same tree. Developments in technology have also increased the need for forest resources and land. Approximately 20 percent of land on the Earth is forests, but this number is diminishing.

The Industry

In the early 19th century, “Timber barons” made fortunes by deforesting a large swath of the Midwestern U.S., and then relocated their companies to backcountry areas. need for timber eventually exhausted the supply.

Impact on the Environment

Approximately half the forests in the United States have already been cut. Logging, and the clearing of trees for cattle grazing and land use further reduces the size of our forests each year. Timber harvesting takes place in most areas of the United States, but most harvesting is in the South, the Northeast and the Pacific Northwest. Most timber is produced in the South; more than half of the timber is produced in the southern states.

Logging Methods

Clear-cut Logging

Clear cutting is the removal of all the trees in the area. Depending on management objectives, a clear-cut may or may not leave trees in reserve attain for regeneration, wildlife habitat management, and mitigation of potential erosion or water quality concerns. Cutting trees that bring in the most money and leaving those with little economic value is called “high grading. Some logging contractors clear-cut forests to make more money faster. Although this method may provide timber quickly and cheaply, it can result in erosion of topsoil, and can deter harvests in the future.

Full-tree Logging

Trees are cut down and conveyed to the side of the road with limbs and tops. The trees are then topped. Full-tree harvesting is the use of the complete tree, including tops, branches and stump. This method takes nutrients and soil cover from the area and can be harmful to the forest.

Cut-to-length Logging

Cut-to-length logging is the process of cutting the tree off at the stump; leaving limbs and tops. Lumberjacks harvest the trees and place the cut logs to be brought to the landing by a forwarder. This method is usable for smaller timber on flat terrain, but the forwarders cannot be used on sloping ground.

There is a substantial difference between sustainable and unsustainable logging.

Unsustainable logging practices result in:

• The astounding degree of attrition of wild areas such as the Amazon Rainforest, and old growth forests all over the globe.
• An increase in flooding and fires and extensive obliteration of populated areas
• Water pollution caused by erosion of top soil
• Large amounts of toxins are released into the air by pulp companies.
• The destruction of many animal habitats.
• The annihilation of plants, many from which have value as medicines.

Sustainable Logging Practices

Now that the legislature has passed heavy restrictive laws, logging companies are making an effort towards sustainability. Recycling, updated technology and the protection of endangered species have also had an effect on the harvesting of forests. However, restocking of harvested lands is still a necessity.

Forests are renewable resources. A renewable resource is one that can be replaced within the average person’s lifespan. Selective cutting is a more effective method of forest management. In selective cutting, only large, mature trees are cut. The smaller, younger trees remain. They store water, provide wildlife habitat and ensure natural reforestation. Selective cutting is more costly for loggers in the short-term than clear cutting, but it is more effective for sustained yields over a period. People can replant trees. Reforestation is the replanting of trees after a forest area has been cleared. Reforestation helps prevent soil erosion and water loss. It is an important part of forest management.

Trees are beneficial to the environment. They provide a habitat for wildlife and they divert rainfall and prevent erosion and flooding. The conservation of forest resources involves forest management as well as reducing waste in processing and recycling wood products.