“I am the Lorax; I speak for the trees for the trees have no tongues.”

- Theodor Seuss Geisel (Dr. Seuss)

Our forests and trees deserve our respect and understanding as part of nature. And because our forests and trees provide life-sustaining functions, they deserve our careful use and wise management. Forests are a potentially resilient, renewable resource but will only continue as such if we leave them healthy for tomorrow. Once we touch forests and trees, their sustainability is our responsibility. Here are ten ways to respect forests and trees:

Respect Forests and Trees as Habitat for Other Creatures and Plants

In a world where human knowledge and technology have transformed the landscape, it is important to remember that we use the water, air, and land upon which other life forms depend for survival. Protect forest habitat whenever possible.

Respect the Role of the Forests and Trees in Cleaning Our Air and Water

Some forests and trees, because of their location or function, are more important for providing “ecosystem services” such as stabilizing stream banks than for consumptive use by humans. Use our forest and trees with an understanding of the functions that might be compromised.

Respect that the Forest is More than the Sum of Trees

A stand of trees with mowed grass beneath does not provide the same habitat or ecological services as a forest stand with a natural understory and ground layer. With most things forest, bigger is better. Maintain large forest stands and groups of trees where possible.

Respect the Strength and Weight of Wood

Practice chain saw safety. Leave trimming near power lines and the high and big jobs to the professionals.

Respect Forests by Preventing Accidental Fires

Obey open air burning regulations. Do not smoke in the forest. Establish campfires only in approved locations and extinguish fires completely. Observe posted fire danger status signs. Report all fires immediately (call 911).

Respect the Fragility of the Forest Floor

Stay on established forest trails on public lands wherever possible. If you leave a trail, walk carefully and don’t trample ground-layer vegetation. When biking, stay on marked trails.

Respect that Forests Can’t Clean Up Your Trash

Don’t litter or dump materials in the forest. Carry out of the forest everything you take into the forest. Leave only your footprints.

Respect that Forests and Trees are Resilient and Renewable

Our favorable climate and productive soils favor the natural growth and regeneration of eastern deciduous forests. Sustainable forestry practices that mimic natural disturbances and that protect vital ecosystem functions can also provide forest products for human use. Respect that most often sustainable forestry helps assure that land remains in forest. Forests are lost primarily to conversion to non-forest land uses. Practice sustainable forestry.

Respect that Reforestation is a Very Long-Term Process

At the same time that we obtain products from forests and sometimes convert forests to non-forest land cover, respect that replanting a denuded area does not create a diverse, fully-functioning forest for many decades, up to 100-150 years.

Learn More About Forest Ecology

Explore the web resources under Learn about Forest and Trees for information about forest ecology.

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Revised October 17, 2007