Old Growth Forest (Primary Forest)
uncut or regenerated forest that has not been seriously disturbed by human activities or natural disasters for several hundred years or more
Second Growth Forest
stand of trees resulting from secondary ecological succession, develop after tree removal due to human activity
Selective Cutting
intermediate-aged or mature trees are cut singly or in small groups
Clear Cut
removal of all trees in an area, most efficient way for logging operation to harvest trees. Increases runoff and loss of soil nutrients, topsoil erosion, death of vegetation, pollution of streams (destroys terrestrial and aquatic habitats and degrade biod
Strip Cutting
variation of clear-cutting, more sustainable timber yield without widespread destruction. Cut a strip of trees along contour of land narrow enouggh to allow natural forest regeneration within a few years.
Surface Fires
usually burn only undergrowth and leaf litter on forest floor. Spare most mature trees and allow most wild animals to escape.
Crown Fires
extremely hot fire that leaps from treetop to treetop, burning whole trees. Occurs where surface fires have not occurred in decades (allows dead wood, leaves, and other flammable litters to accumulate). Destroy most vegetation, kill wildlife, increase soi
Deforestation
temporary or permanent removal of large expanses of forest for agriculture, settlements, etc.
Prescribed Burns
small, contained surface fires to remove flammable small trees and underbrush in the highest-risk forest areas. Require careful planning and monitoring.
Rotational Grazing
timber is removed, ranchers buy land for cattle grazing, overgraze land, move to another field. Sell to farmers who plow and plant crops, nutrient depletes soil.
Conservation Easements
deed restrictions that bar future owners from developing the land (trust groups pay ranchers to sign these agreements)
Habitat Corridors
protected areas between isolated reserves to support more species and allow migration by vertebrates that need large ranges, permit migration of individuals or populations when environmental conditions deteriorate, or those that migrate in search of food.
Wilderness
land officially designated as an area where natural communities have not been seriously disturbed by humans and where human activities are limited by law.
Biodiversity Hotspots
areas especially rich in plant species that are found nowhere else and are in great danger of extinction, suffer serious ecological disruption, most because of rapid human population growth and the resulting pressure on natural resources.
Ecological Restoration
process of repairing damage caused by humans to the biodiversity and dynamics of natural ecosystems. Ex: replanting forests, restoring reefs, wetlands, stream banks, etc.
Reconciliation Ecology
focuses on inventing, establishing and maintaining new habitats to conserve species diversity in places where people live, work, or play.