Since Conservation began in the U.S. in the mid 1800s there has been an ongoing debate about Forest preservation, conservation and utilization. Scientific Forest management policy led the early conservation movement with the goal to protect natural resources including animal and plant species, to minimize soil erosion and ensure the quality of water and air for today and tomorrow.
According to the American Forest organization, trees can absorb as much as 48 pounds of carbon dioxide per year and can sequester one ton of carbon dioxide by the time the tree is 40 years old depending on species, age and environment.
Some factors that can decrease carbon emissions relating to the disturbance of the forest floor during a logging operation include:
Small crews with less machinery
Small tracts spread across a region
Select cutting
Building with Forest Products holds carbon in the wood that would be released during natural Decay processes in the forest.
According to a study led by Yale University, total Global forests have decreased by 46% since humans have been on the Earth. In the U.S., Forest Growth has exceeded Harvest since the 1940s according to FAO, (Food and agricultural organization). Worldwide sustainable forest management remains an important issue today.
