Dear Forest-listers,
As a follow-up to postings by Gyde Lund and Patrick Moore, I can only add
my own emphasis that a future potential forestry crisis (if it is not
already here) is that of insufficient fuelwood supply. I have read of and
heard first-hand stories of the devastation that can arise from too great a
demand on local fuelwood supplies. As David South has pointed out on many
occasions, this problem is driven by increasing population, at least
locally. The fundamental importance of fuelwood as a basis for local and
national economies, and in determining standard of living is perhaps
under-appreciated. Many communities, nations and civilizations have risen,
declined and disappeared as they have developed and decimated their
fuelwood supply. A fascinating account of the intertwining of 'forestry'
and history is John Perlin's book "A Forest Journey: The Role of Wood in
the Development of Civilization" (1989, WW Norton, New York). Recommended
reading for anyone on this list.
Cheers -Jim
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James D. Stewart Ph.D.
Ecophysiology and Silviculture phone: (403) 632-8309
Forest Resources Business Unit fax: (403) 632-8379
Alberta Research Council email: stewart@aec.arc.ab.ca
Vegreville, Alberta, T9C 1T4, Canada http://www.arc.ab.ca/
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