Hi all,
Just new on the list but I'm already caught up in the
discussion.
The 5% figure I'm most familiar with concerns old-growth
forest on commercial land in the PNW. In 1988, old-growth
was estimated to occupy 10-20% of its original land base.
Suggested reading here includes "Wildlife and Vegetation of
Unmanaged Douglas-fir Forests" 1991 PNW-GTR-285.
What is a "native" forest? I would guess that a native
forest is one in which historical components and struture
exists. Surely, there are many definitions. The fact remains
that much (95%... no wait, 90%... no..) of our planets
forested land has been razed for agricultural, urban, or
industrial use. I would say the that compelling points in an
environmental argument are the many physical and
biological functions (on many scales) of forests and our
dependencey upon them. As forests are cut and not
appropriately restocked and/or managed, we lose both known
and unknown future options and probably life support as
well. I'm thinking of a car analogy (ironic?) where the
driver knows that without oil, the engine will seize or
burn-up. The driver checked at the last stop and the level
on the oil stick was below the "add" line - how far below? -
can't tell. The engine seems to be running a little hot and
the warning light is faintly glowing. If the driver stops
now and walks (hitch-hikes) to a station, oil could be added
and things might be ok. But, since the engine isn't
currently or obviously in flames, the driver is tempted to
gamble and drive those last 30 miles.
Peace y'all,
d. huffman
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