Forest correct answers Simplest Definition: "An area of land covered by trees and
undergrowth"
Reality: A forest is much more than trees, but rather a dynamic system with vital biotic
and abiotic components
Forestry correct answers is the science and craft of creating, managing, using,
conserving, and repairing forests and associated resources to meet desired goals,
needs, and values for human benefit.
what is a forester correct answers Simple definition: A person who is trained in forestry.
Better definition: A forester is a "steward" of forestlands, with the conceptual and
practical knowledge needed to make long-term management decisions that benefit the
forest and the people who use it.
Importance of forest- biological value correct answers -Forest plant communities
-Soil stability & nutrients
-Wildlife habitat
-Water quality and stability
-Microclimate
-How do we measure: Site quality (site index, water quality, wildlife carrying capacity)
Importance of Forests- commercial value correct answers -Sawtimber
-Paper
-Veneer
-Pulp
-Energy feedstocks
-Measure: Monetary (e.g. $/board foot, $/ton, board feet or tons of yield)
Importance of Forests- recreational value correct answers -Hiking
-Mountain biking
-Skiing
-Camping
-Hunting
-Measure: Recreational carrying capacity (e.g. persons/acre)
Importance of Forests- Bioenergy Value correct answers -Firewood (traditional)
-Carbon accounting & trading
-Carbon sequestration
-Feedstock for liquid fuels (e.g. cellulosic ethanol, bio-butanol)
-Direct feedstock for power plants (e.g. chips, pellets)
-Measure: Multiple!
,Which forest service employee became famous for saving his crew during the "Blow-up
of 1910" forest fire? correct answers Ed Pulaski
T/F Conservationists traditionally promote the idea of non-use (leave-alone) for natural
resources. correct answers False
What legislation enabled Theodore Roosevelt to put aside forest lands (later to become
the national forests)? correct answers Forest Reserve Act
"The Greatest Good for the Greatest Number in the Long Run" or some variation
thereof, was a quote often used by what person, for the purpose of describing what
concept? correct answers Gifford Pinchot, Conservation
The notable author that had the greatest impact on Gifford Pinchot's life and career
interests was: correct answers George Perkins Marsh
T/F The primary reason that the Ozark Pine region was not exploited until after the Civil
War was lack of timber value. correct answers False
T/F The U.S. Forest Service was, at one time, under the Department of the Interior.
correct answers False
What is the source of forest resource exploitation most prominent today? correct
answers Conversion of forestland for urbanization.
U.S. Forests Early Perception correct answers Inexhaustible Resource
Vast forests from Maine to Pacific Northwest
Forests seen as either an impediment to be overcome (land clearing for agriculture), or
as a limitless resource for fuel and building materials.
Agricultural Expansion correct answers -Up until the 1860s, most agriculture in the U.S.
occurred east of the Mississippi River and in Oregon and California
-After the civil war, began mass expansion west.
-Expansion started in the fledgling states of Nebraska and Kansas.
Agricultural Exploitation correct answers Perception: Forests are an impediment to
farming
Result:
Massive deforestation and subsequent conversion of land
Conversion of land at rate of 2 hectares per person
Loss of old growth forests
example-dust bowl
, Timber Exploitation before 1800 correct answers Began in British colonies due to
depletion of other British timber sources
British imported Pine from Northeast U.S. for ship masts
Maine became the largest lumber shipping port from 1790's to 1840.
Standing forests in New England were virtually eliminated during a sixty year period.
It took less than 60 years to deplete
this region of timber resources
Solution: Head West
Timber Exploitation 1800s correct answers Prior to civil war (1861 - 1865), timber
exploitation occurred primarily in the east
After civil war, intensive timber exploitation spread to the west (Dakotas, Wyoming,
Colorado)
Additionally, greater settlement brought on greater exploitation of timber resources in
the Pacific Northwest (Washington, Oregon, Northern California)
Homestead Act, 1862 correct answers this allowed a settler to acquire 160 acres by
living on it for five years, improving it and paying about $30
Ozark Pine Decline correct answers -From 1860s to 1920, Ozark pine forests were
logged with very little consideration for re-forestation (e.g. tax considerations)
-At it's peak, the pine region had 184 stationary log mills, few of which lasted after 1920.
-Subsequent agriculture (mostly grazing) and burning in the region prevented pine
forest re-establishment.
Exploitation- examples correct answers -Overriding opinion that the resource is
inexhaustible
-Ever increasing use of a natural resource
-Increase in public dependency upon that resource
-Lack of forethought for conservation and wise use
-Little though of the future state of the resource or the ecosystem in which it resides
Deforestation correct answers Most of the loss in U.S. forest land occurred prior to 1910
Major change in forest management and use policies in late 1800s and early 1900s
Changes in perception correct answers Change in public opinion began greatly due to
popular literature