Forestry and the Carbon Cycle

Many people do not give much thought to the entire carbon cycle and the life cycle of forests. We all know that trees absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen and that trees are an extremely important part of our well being. However, many of us do not realize that trees store carbon in the its roots, trunk and limbs. Most of us also do not realize that growing forest rapidly absorb carbon. Mature forests are mostly in a state of equilibrium in that they are releasing as much carbon as they are storing. Additionally, most people do not realize that after a tree is harvested the carbon that the tree absorbed continues to stay sequestered in the form of wood until that wood either decays or is burned. This means that long lasting durable wood products and wooden antiques can be thought of as carbon vaults since that carbon continues to be locked up. By proper management techniques a forest can become sustainable and be a good tool for storing carbon. As trees are harvested and storing the carbon new trees are planted and the whole cycle repeats itself.
Sustainable forests also provide diversified habitat for wildlife, help keep our streams and river clean, provide oxygen and provide many other benefits for our enjoyment.

For more information about forestry and the Carbon Cycle see the following sites:

The Forest Foundation
The Hardwood Forestry Fund
Penn State School of Forest Resources