Forestry: Sustaining the Appalachian Forest
The summer 2017 exhibit, Forestry: Sustaining the Appalachian Forest, shared the story of modern forestry in the central Appalachians, including the historical evolution of forestry practices, what foresters do, and how forestry supports healthy forests that provide sustained yield of forest products for people to use. This exhibit was partially funded by a mini-grant from the West Virginia Humanities Council.
See full exhibit panels here to learn about the people who began the forestry movement and some of the forestry sites with in the AFNHA.
What is Forestry?
Forestry developed out of the industrial revolution, when an increased demand for trees led many to fear a timber famine. Forestry is the management of the forest, often by controlling tree species composition, structure, and growth. By monitoring these elements, foresters can help create a healthy forest, encourage certain animals to live in an area, and develop sustainable ways to cut and use trees in ways that are healthy for the environment.
Gifford Pinchot
Image courtesy of Library of Congress
Forest Supervisor explains even aged management (1968)
Courtesy of Monongahela National Forest and USDA
Modern forestry in the AFNHA remains heavily influenced by Carl Alwyn Schenck, who created the Biltmore Forest School in North Carolina, Gifford Pinchot, who founded the Yale School of Forestry, the Forest Service, and the Society of American Foresters, and Bernhard Eduard Fernow, who was chief of the Division of Forestry from 1886-1898.
Joe Newton shows what it's like to be a field forester.
Video Produced by the Oregon Forest Research Institute. Check out their youtube channel to learn about other careers in forestry. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-KepgRbFKJzyLnlzlBOof1v-GLXUjghc
What Does a Forester Do?
A forester uses their understanding of tree growth and forest health to help manage a forest. One thing they do is work with landowners to create a plan that allows the owner to achieve their goals and priorities long term while also protecting the health of the forest. They also monitor the forest by looking at what trees are growing, stopping invasive species, and looking for diseases in trees.
Why is Forestry Important?
Forestry is important because trees and forests are a part of our daily lives. Many people visit the forests for fun things like hiking, but even if you don’t visit the woods daily, you interact with trees through wood products. Wood is used to frame houses, build furniture, and make paper, to name just a few things. Responsible forestry helps ensure that there are trees to enjoy for recreation and create products for years to come.
Columbia Wood Products
Image courtesy of Steve Shaluta
Check out this list of surprising wood products from the Canadian Institute of Forestry. It includes things from ice cream to ping pong balls.
This exhibit was partially funded by a mini-grant from the West Virginia Humanities Council.
