Unit 5 - How Forests are Valued


Lesson 4: The Value Continuum


You have now examined differing ways to value the forest. Although some people may subscribe to just one forestry value, most individuals value the forest for a few different reasons.

For example, it is possible for recreation and aesthetic values to coexist with economic growth and conservation values. In other words, using a forest for recreation does not necessarily mean that the forest is not being valued for its environmental benefits.



Economic growth, recreation, and conservation can co-exist in forestry.

As long as environmental harm is kept minimal, many believe that forests should be used for recreation because this benefits society and offers economic opportunities.
       Please view the Great Bear Rainforest Video.

Great Bear Rainforest Remote Camera Project from Twyla Roscovich on Vimeo.


With respect to forest values, the position of most individuals fits somewhere in between two extremes, for example, unlimited harvesting versus total preservation. While most say they support sustainable forest management, the difficulty lies in defining how much harvesting is sustainable and how much conservation is economically feasible. This is a political issue, and politicians are influenced by the public that elects them.

Successful forest management attempts to balance differing forest values. Often this is not an easy task and compromises must be made.

Think about where you fit on the value continuum.  Do you believe in complete protection of the forest?  Or perhaps you think it's best for the economy that the forests are harvested as much as possible?


You have completed Unit 5; continue to the next page for Quiz 4.