Tree Plantations
Pros Cons
Practical method
for trees that require
full or moderate
sunlight in order to
grow.Reduces the recreational value of land.Efficient and
economical method.If done on steeply sloped areas, will often cause
soil erosion, water pollution, and flooding.Genetically
improved species of
trees that resist
disease and grow
faster can be grown.Causes habitat fragmentation.Increases economic
returns on
investments.Reduces biodiversity.Produces a high
yield of timber at
the lowest cost and
provides jobs.Promotes monoculture and tree plantations that
are prone to disease or infestation through the
lack of diversity.Deforestation Mitigation
Steps that can be taken to reduce the effects of deforestation include:
■ Adopt uneven-aged management forestry practices that foster maintaining
a variety of tree species at various ages and sizes. Uneven-aged
management fosters biological diversity; long-term sustainable production
of high-quality timber; and the principle of multiple use of the forests for
recreation, watershed protection, and wildlife preservation purposes.
■ Factor in the ecological services of trees when estimating valuation.
■ Reduce road building in uncut forest areas. Require restoration plans for
those roads that are in place and require such plans for any future roads.
■ Coordinate with the Forest Service on leaving fallen timber and standing
dead trees in place to promote nutrient cycling and provide wildlife