Forests' Natural Resources and Their Stability

Clean water and air, lumber for wood products, habitats for species, stable soil, recreational activities, and environmental beauty are all provided by forests. They also contribute significantly to the economy by generating marketable timber. Forests also offer many additional plant items that may be harvested, including fruits, nuts, mushrooms, and latex for making rubber. Many animal species are also hunted in woods for entertainment or food. Other benefits and services provided by forests include the regulation of river flows and erosion, the removal of pollutants from the air and water, and other benefits and services critical to both human wellbeing and ecological integrity. All of these forest values are significant, albeit their significance is not often measured in monetary terms. Furthermore, many of these benefits are particularly well given by old-growth forests, which are typically incompatible with industrial forestry techniques. This is one of the factors making old-growth forest protection such a hot button issue in many parts of North America and beyond. In any event, it is obvious that when forests are destroyed or damaged, these crucial commodities and services they may offer are also gone