Responsible, Sustainable Forestry is Necessary for Our Future
While many may say that felling an entire forest for lumber is a crime against the environment, there are many instances in which forestry can be a positive, sustainable, eco-friendly approach over alternatives. However, when a forest is cleared for projects such as the newest mall or hospital, that area is often being cleared permanently, and the trees are frequently not replaced with seedlings.
As an example, Ecuador’s president recently decided to allow oil drilling in the Yasuni National Park. This is part of the rainforest which has widely been seen as one of the largest bio-diverse ecosystems on the planet. Moves like these can be seen as controversial because significant lumber resources will be eliminated in the efforts to obtain oil, and those lumber resources will inevitably not be replanted.
In order to reach sustainable forestry practices, several steps must be taken. First, when a forest is cleared, it is significantly better to be cleared and replanted, rather than cleared and replaced with a building. While the latter process is certainly creating jobs and boosting the economy, conscious effort needs to be invested into the future in terms of needs and resources, and this can only happen through planting seedlings to replace each tree that is logged.
Before clearing an entire forest, an action plan regarding replanting needs to be created. Because trees are essentially renewable, fostering regrowth can increase not only the quality but the yield of the lumber as well. While many types of woods can be valued for their beauty and usability, a true lumber wholesaler must appreciate their renewability as well.
When a tree is felled, it can then be replaced with a seedling that will eventually develop into a mature tree after 25 or 30 years. The cycle can continue for years without end, providing quality wood in a renewable way for generations to come. Sustainable forestry will also provide jobs for years to come.
Sustainable forestry practices will not only benefit the environment, but they will also benefit the economy and people indefinitely into the future. When an area is sold for purposes that will not include the replanting of felled trees, the future of forestry becomes unstable: jobs are lost, whole forests are cleared, and future resources are at risk.
The most important aspects to consider when thinking about sustainable forestry practices are the planning and implementing stages. Planning must be done carefully and considerately, taking into factor the location of the forest and current, contemporary related issues. Implementation must follow the detailed, carefully thought out action plan.
Because a majority of lumber in America is privately owned, it is important that landowners consider the future of the industry when developing a plan for harvesting. J. Gibson McIlvain, a lumber wholesaler, has been known for holding a strong interest in environmental sustainability. Recognizing the importance of the industry, J. Gibson McIlvain has been in business for over 200 years and can contribute long-term success to sustainable business practices while supplying the highest quality lumber from carefully chosen, sustainable saw mills.
