Forest and Forestry

A forest is an area of land in which trees are the main vegetation. However, a functioning forest is much more than just trees. A forest is an ecosystem composed of woody and nonwoody plants, soil, water, animals, fish and people. Humans have long used and managed forests for our basic needs, including fuel, shelter and food.

More recently, we have recognized the importance of forest as a home to wildlife and plants, a site for human recreation and a source of clean water and air. Human use of the forest can have major impacts on forest health. Because humans and many animals and plants depend on forest ecosystems for survival, it is critical that we manage forests to maintain their health and ensure that they will be available for future generations.

Forestry is the science of caring for forests. Foresters study hoe life exists in the forest, the conservation and protection of forest resources and the production of goods and services from the forest.