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| Debunking the Myth of the Pristine Forest | |
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| Tweet Topic Started: Oct 5 2008, 03:40 PM (135 Views) | |
| Jolly | Oct 5 2008, 03:40 PM Post #1 |
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Geaux Tigers!
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http://magazine.uchicago.edu/0810/features/the_forest.shtml |
| The main obstacle to a stable and just world order is the United States.- George Soros | |
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| big al | Oct 6 2008, 09:38 AM Post #2 |
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Bull-Carp
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That was a very interesting article, Jolly. It gives a larger perspective to something I've been aware of locally for quite some time. In the 17th century, almost all of Pennsylvania was forested, which is how the state got its name. By the end of the 19th century, the combination of clearing for habitation and cultivation, logging, and timber cutting for fuel, particularly charcoal, had reduced the forests to less than 10% of the state. Now the forests again cover over 70% of the land as forests have regrown and the smaller family farms have vanished. Hardwood lumber is a major product. However, the great stands of white pine that dominated the previous forests are unlikely to return because of the whitetail deer population eating the seedlings. The bison and wolves are gone and only a tiny elk population has been reeestablished. Clearly, people and forests can coexist and have for millenia. However, we have the need for conscious decision and understanding of what sort of forests we both want and need. Big Al |
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Location: Western PA "jesu, der simcha fun der man's farlangen." -bachophile | |
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| Frank_W | Oct 6 2008, 09:41 AM Post #3 |
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Resident Misanthrope
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Yep. Managed forestry and wildlife seem to be the keys. |
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Anatomy Prof: "The human body has about 20 sq. meters of skin." Me: "Man, that's a lot of lampshades!" | |
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| Aqua Letifer | Oct 6 2008, 09:49 AM Post #4 |
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ZOOOOOM!
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Great read Jolly, thanks. I always get a kick out of the enviro-hippies that complain about how we're cutting down our national forests. It's a good indication that they have zero idea what natural forests are. |
| I cite irreconcilable differences. | |
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| Frank_W | Oct 6 2008, 09:51 AM Post #5 |
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Resident Misanthrope
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Or they have the idea that the forests are just being cut down and nothing planted to replace what's being taken. |
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Anatomy Prof: "The human body has about 20 sq. meters of skin." Me: "Man, that's a lot of lampshades!" | |
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