Forests that Surround Us

The Forests that Surround Us
By: Sarah Fisher
1-12-11
Have you ever thought how such a small thing as a pine cone can turn into a giant tree? After taking a Dendrology class this question has been very intriguing to me. For me this idea is mind blowing especially when thinking about the giant redwoods. The cones of redwoods are typically half an inch to an inch long in length which eventually change into trees over 300 feet tall. Are there any types of trees or characteristics about them that are mind-blowing for you?
Since I’ve currently been pursuing my forestry major I have increased my love for trees and all that they provide. Don’t think of me as a hippy that will chain herself to a tree so you won’t cut them down, I’m not like that. I understand the importance of harvesting timber and agree with this type of action. I do however believe that we need to protect our trees/forests better. Trees offer so much for the inhabitants on earth like: providing shelter, food, resources, carbon sequestration, recreation, and so much more. For me the woods are a comforting and relaxing place to go. Being with nature and experiencing the wonders it has to show us is pure enjoyment. For other people the woods are a source of income and wellbeing while others see it as a place for recreation and adventure. What do the woods do for you?
With all the possibilities that are available with forests don’t you think they should be taken care of better? Our population is greatly increasing and with this comes expanding of cities into rural settings. Because of this expansion more trees need to be cut down to make room for residential living. Many things are lost when forests are cut down. Wildlife are forced to move out of the area which may result in them inhabiting urban areas. We also obviously lose trees that are essential in storing carbon dioxide. This storage is especially important with our current problem of global warming. If we want to ever decrease this problem we need to not cut down our forests.
Finding better ways to protect our forests and trees can be difficult. One possibility that I think will work would be to set aside more forest land into protected programs that don’t allow the land to be developed or clear cut. Programs of this type would leave more land forested that could still be managed for timber if needed, used for recreation, or left to naturally manage itself. Do you have any ideas on how our forests could be protected better?