Positive Impact Forestry

by McEvoy, Thomas J.; Jeffords, James

• ISBN13: 9781559637893
• ISBN10: 1559637897
• Edition: 4th
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2004-05-01
• Publisher: Island Pr

Summary

Positive Impact Forestry is a primer for private woodland owners and their managers on managing their land and forests to protect both ecological and economic vitality. Moving beyond the concept of "low impact forestry," Thom McEvoy brings together the latest scientific understanding and insights to describe an approach to managing forests that meets the needs of landowners while at the same time maintaining the integrity of forest ecosystems. "Positive impact forestry" emphasizes forestry's potential to achieve sustainable benefits both now and into the future, with long-term investment superseding short-term gain, and the needs of families -- especially future generations -- exceeding those of individuals. Thom McEvoy offers a thorough discussion of silvicultural basics, synthesizing and explaining the current state of forestry science on topics such as forest soils, tree roots, form and function in trees, and the effects of different harvesting methods on trees, soil organisms, and sites. He also offers invaluable advice on financial, legal, and management issues, ranging from finding the right forestry professionals to managing for products other than timber to passing forest lands and management legacies on to future generations. Positive Impact Forestry helps readers understand the impacts of deliberate human activities on forests and offers viable strategies that provide benefits without damaging ecosystems. It speaks directly to private forest owners and their advisers and represents an innovative guide for anyone concerned with protecting forest ecosystems, timber production, land management, and the long-term health of forests. Named the "Best Forestry Book for 2004" by the National Woodlands Owners Association

Author Biography

Thom J. McEvoy is associate professor and extension forester in the Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources at the University of Vermont

Table of Contents

Foreword by Senator James Jeffords	xiii
Preface	xvii
Chapter 1. Forestry's Past Is Prologue	1	(28)
Evolution of Forest Use and Management	3	(8)
What Is Positive Impact Forestry?	11	(4)
Evolution of Forest Conservation and Stewardship	15	(4)
Defining Sustainability	19	(3)
An Ecosystem Approach to Managing Forests	22	(7)
Chapter 2. Understanding Forest Ecosystems	29	(42)
Species Succession and Tolerance	32	(6)
Form and Function in Trees	38	(14)
Stress and Disturbance in Forests	52	(4)
The Hidden Forest of Soils	56	(7)
The Importance of Avoiding Injury to Roots	63	(2)
Practical Application of Forest Site Concepts	65	(6)
Chapter 3. Creating Disturbances in Forests through Silviculture	71	(36)
The Impact of Stocking on Growth	75	(6)
Forest Reproduction Methods	81	(7)
Trading Timber Volume for Value	88	(4)
Evaluating Timber Investments	92	(6)
Focusing on Value in Crop Trees	98	(4)
Common Silvicultural Misconceptions	102	(5)
Chapter 4. Harvesting and Selling Timber	107	(29)
The Realm of Forestry Professionals	109	(8)
The Nature of Stumpage	117	(4)
Knowing When to Harvest	121	(2)
Negotiating a Timber Sale	123	(2)
Essential Elements of a Timber Sale Contract	125	(6)
Trading Timber for Services	131	(2)
Ecosystems and Ethics	133	(3)
Chapter 5. Positive Impact Harvesting Practices	136	(35)
Low-Impact Logging	139	(4)
Designing Access That Protects Soils and Streams	143	(12)
Safe and Productive Tree-Felling Techniques	155	(6)
Alternative Timber Harvesting and Extraction Systems	161	(10)
Chapter 6. Managing Forests for Wildlife and Nontimber Products	171	(21)
Good Wildlife Management Is Good Forestry	176	(3)
Nontimber Forest Products	179	(4)
The Threat of Invasive Exotic Species	183	(9)
Chapter 7. The Future of Forests and Forest Products	192	(24)
Forest Regulation	196	(3)
Climate-Induced Changes in Forests	199	(3)
Green Certification of Forest Practices and Products	202	(6)
Forest Prologue	208	(3)
Parcelization of Forests and Fragmentation of Purpose	211	(5)
Chapter 8. Intergenerational Planning Methods for Forests	216	(15)
Estate Planning for Forests	218	(2)
Keeping Forests in the Family	220	(6)
Conservation Easements and Land Trusts	226	(5)
Epilogue	231	(6)
Appendix A. Online Resources	237	(2)
Appendix B. Forestry-Related Internet Sites of Interest	239	(2)
Appendix C. Public Sources of Forestry Assistance	241	(4)
Glossary	245	(10)
Literature Cited	255	(4)
Index	259