You are the forest manager in a large tract of forest surrounding a lake resort town of 15,000 residents in the Adirondacks. Each year, over 200,000 vacationers visit and stay in this town for short periods of time

Question

The forest around this resort and lake has become infested with a bark beetle that has caused the death of about 20–35% of the trees. Dead trees can be seen on the hills above the resort.

The residents of this town are concerned about destructive crown fires that may threaten their lives or property. They have petitioned you as the forest manager to have the dead trees removed. They prefer to have this done by the quickest means possible.

What information can you provide to the residents about sustainable forestry? How can tree removal be accomplished in a manner that is in line with sustainable forestry?

What will be an ideal response

Answer 1

Explain to the residents that standing dead trees and fallen timber provide habitats for wildlife, and also keep nutrients recycling in the forest. The long-term gain is a healthier forest, which will provide both economic and ecological services into the future.

If removal of the dead trees is eventually decided on, explain that they should be removed via selective cutting so that surrounding healthy trees will not be harmed or destroyed in the process. This process would not be as quick as clear-cutting, but would maintain the forest that this resort depends on for its livelihood.