bc economy?

Question

why are clear cuts ecologically harmful

Answer 1

To a certain extent they aren't. The are the best to mimic naturals cycle. A clear cut acts similar to a forest fire, which allows full regeneration in second growth. Add to that we go in and tree plant and spacing, the second growth comes in with a head start.

However, yeah there are some problems. Clear cutting should not take place in some ares. steep valleys, mountainsides, coastlines and islands. On the coastline rain Forrest fires aren't common. These areas once cut may not regrow as erosion is step up with rain, wind and slide problems.

If you log right up to a stream you damage their ability to produce fish. They are no longer shaded and therefore warmer. They will have more debris and silt-filled water, and more flooding. Steams need a buffer zone with trees around them left untouched.

The other thing is clear cuts assume wildlife can move on to other forests. But some have a unique ecosystems, and some aren't able to move. Grizzles, spirit bears, owls and nesting birds are commonly effected.

Here is a link to the David Suzuki Foundation site.