| Abstract: |
As population increases, the needs for products from the forest increase, along with the needs for recreation, wildlife, and aesthetics. Although some of these products can also be produced by substitutes, such as plastic, steel, or aluminum, forest products have the desirable property of coming from a renewable resource, that is economically produced, and has positive environmental aspects. While use of forests for products does not preclude their use for recreation, and other nonproduct values, setting aside large tracts solely for recreation obviously can constrain total forest product yields. It is proposed that emphasis should be placed on intensive plantation management, or production forests, to significantly improve product flows to meet people’s needs, while freeing other areas for alternative uses. Examples are given to show how genetically improved stock, seedling culture, site preparation, management of competing grass and hardwoods, fertilization, and thinning, can be used to increase product yields from intensively managed forests. The proposed forest management practices are also conducive to good wild life production, recreation, soil stability, and water quality. |
