The Forest is a Garden
But the plants live longer than we do:
Healthy forest
- Wildlife belong, contribute, and delight us too
- Multiple species grow side by side Multi-age - constant new growth and dying of old
- What's there is there*
- Success is defined by sustainable yield, subordinated to esthetic enjoyment and wildlife diversity.
- Disruptions are unpredictable, nature-caused, but important to a healthy ecosystem. Wind, fire and insect damage create sporadic opportunities for human harvest without negative impact
- There is no such thing as waste. Burned trees in sporadic natural fires create habitat for important bird and insect species, and prepare soil conditions for sun-loving tree species to get started. Shady conditions allow hemlock, cedar, and spruce to grow, reducing opportunities for fir, larch, and some deciduous species.
- Left to itself, a forest will do just fine. But enlightened and respectful human involvement can make a forest more productive for human needs without sacrificing its general balance and value to other wild life.