Wild Foresting

An in-depth anthology dedicated to reconciliation in human-wild forest relationships.

"In this groundbreaking anthology, the author offers new hope for those who love trees and forests. These essays are by leading experts. This work draws on the knowledge of indigenous people and the traditional role that forests and trees have played in their lives. It shows that sustainable forestry and conservation is possible. The authors also cover the role of trees in global warming." - BellaOnline, Connie Krochmal There is an emerging revolution in wild forest relationships. Wild foresting has evolved from ecoforestry, going far beyond merely having a minimum impact on the world, to sustaining and promoting forest health, along with biological and cultural diversity. Wild foresting promotes the responsible use of forests, connects indigenous knowledge systems, and unites a great variety of local practices tailored to unique forests around the world. Prize-winning experts dedicated to reconciliation in human–wild forest relationships have contributed their stories to this comprehensive, in-depth anthology. The authors give accounts of how wild foresting is being practiced around the world, with such diverse activities as: Wild farming Wild crafting Adventure therapy Restoration Permaculture Ecosystem restoration Education Wild Foresting is presented in eight thematic sections that discuss topics as varied as tree meditation, wild humans, and ecophobia. Case studies from the Amazon, Australia, Norway, and Thailand illustrate how wild foresting principles are adapted to different cultures and how emerging practices are fusing ancient knowledge systems with contemporary ecological studies. Wild Foresting is a fascinating and informative walk in the woods for everyone concerned about biodiversity, ancient forests, indigenous cultures, and endangered species. Alan Drengson is professor emeritus of philosophy at the University of Victoria, an author, and one of the founders of the Ecoforestry Institute. Duncan Taylor is an assistant professor of environmental studies at the University of Victoria, the founder of Earth Day Canada, and an author. Drengson and Taylor are co-editors of Ecoforestry: The Art and Science of Sustainable Forest Use (New Society Publishers).

Wild Forests presents a coherent review of the scientific and policy issues surrounding biological diversity in the context of contemporary public forest management. The authors examine past and current practices of forest management and provide a comprehensive overview of known and suspected threats to diversity. In addition to discussing general ecological principles, the authors evaluate specific approaches to forest management that have been proposed to ameliorate diversity losses. They present one such policy -- the Dominant Use Zoning Model incorporating an integrated network of "Diversity Maintenance Areas" -- and describe their attempts to persuade the U.S. Forest Service to adopt such a policy in Wisconsin. Drawing on experience in the field, in negotiations, and in court, the authors analyze the ways in which federal agencies are coping with the mandates of conservation biology and suggest reforms that could better address these important issues. Throughout, they argue that wild or unengineered conditions are those that are most likely to foster a return to the species richness that we once enjoyed.

S2Grapevines (Vitis spp.) are becoming a major problem for forest managers in the Appalachians, especially when clearcutting is done on highly productive hardwood sites. Grapevines can reduce tree quality and growth, and eventually kill the tree. Silvical characteristics of grapevines are discussed. Forest management guidelines are given for controlling growth of grapevines. The control guidelines are applied to mature and immature stands using herbicides and mechanical treatments. The grapevine-arbor concept is suggested as a means of regulating the control treatments for timber and wildlife interests.S3.