View article

Whether we leave them alone or use them wisely, the forests of northeastern North America are renewable. Trees regenerate naturally, grow and develop to large sizes, and eventually die. They provide critical habitats for plants and animals, clear water and air, recreational opportunities, and an array of other benefits to the people who live in and visit the region.

With appropriate silviculture,'landowners can sustain their forests indefinitely while using them today for many different purposes (figure 1). That is the essence of sustainable forestry. It means keeping forests healthy, dynamic, and available for future generations. This includes monitoring forest health and other conditions, maintaining appropriate levels of stocking and structure, enhancing the growth and vigor of desirable species, and regenerating new trees and forests when the current ones reach maturity or no longer serve the landowner's needs.