Unit 2 - Forest Stewardship Benefits


Lesson 1: Economic Benefits

Good Forest Stewardship Provides Economic Benefits for Generations of Users

A forest that provides timber for industrial use should function like a natural forest even though the landscape may be altered. Harvested areas are generally smaller than would be found after a major forest fire, and the distribution of trees is more uniform than one would generally find in nature.

The goal of sustainability is met when forest conditions after harvest continue to fall within the range of natural variability. As forest resources are sustained, economic benefits endure as follows:

  • Stable employment is derived from the manufacture of forest products.

  • Other land-based industries are able to operate within the forest land-base.

  • Albertans receive the tax revenues from worker salaries and Crown timber land.

  • Companies provide shareholders with good value for their investment.

Good stewardship of the forest is evident when economic benefits that endure over time can be demonstrated.