Forest & Land Use

"Currently focused mainly on forest use and land coverage by trees, underbrush, and related growth" (The American Heritage Dictionary, 1985).

I. ACTIVITIES & CONDITIONS

A. Forest Uses

1. Food
2. Fuel
3. Chemicals and medicines
4. Pulp and paper
5. Timber
6. Watershed protection
7. Absorption of CO2, air pollutants
8. Major ecosystems and wildlife
9. Genetic resources
10. Recreation

II. SUSTAINABILITY PROBLEMS

A. Forest Overuse

1. Deforestation (for food/fuel)

B. Forest Destruction

1. Deforestation (for urbanization)
2. Rainforest destruction
3. Desertification
4. Ecosystem and biodiversity demise
5. Pollution and acid rain

III. SCIENTIFIC & TECHNICAL SOLUTIONS

A. New Techniques for Forest Use & Reforestation

1. More efficient use of forest products
2. More successful reforestation

B. Sustainable Logging Practices

1. Sustained yield removal of trees
2. Thinning or patch cutting vs. clear cutting

C. Use of Information Technologies

D. Monitoring Change

IV. SOCIAL, ECONOMIC, POLITICAL, & REGULATORY SOLUTIONS

A. Improved Legislation

1. Logging regulations
2. Green labeling
3. Determination of land-property rights
4. Governmental departments

B. Agroforestry Forms

1. Reforestation 
2. Tree conservation 
3. Forest protection

C. Forest Management Programs

1. Transfer of finances, resources, and technology
2. Biological diversity management

D. Other