In the National Geographic Society’s book America’s Wild Woodlands, five different forests found in the United States are discussed. The book tells of the forests’ ecology, problems, and the measures taken to conserve these woodlands. First, the book conveys the diversity in the Mixed Forests of the Northeast. Second, the Eastern Deciduous Forests and its endangerment because of herbicides and logging are explained. The next section breaks down the hypnotizing everglades of the Forests of the Coastal Plain. Then, the book discusses the fire threatened Mountain Forests of the Rockies. The last part reports on the biggest, tallest, and oldest trees of the California and Northwest Forests that are most vulnerable to harm. Throughout the book, the multiple forests of America and scientists’ efforts to save them are all emphasized.
Every forest discussed has its own unique characteristics. Many have rare plants and animals that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. In Northeast Forests, much of the original timber is gone because of heavy forest use. This should open people’s eyes about the diminishing forest. Also, the steadily increasing air pollution leads to the release of toxic aluminum from the soil. This runoff kills fish and other important aquatic life. I agree completely with the book when it says, “Without stronger air quality controls, more damage may lie ahead” (19). I know much work has been put forth in trying to find ways to reduce pollution, but there is always more everyone can do.
A group called the Bureau of Land Management has been established to preserve the Northwest Forests. It started the Nature Conservancy project which set aside land for ecological research and education through nonexperimental programs. Projects such as this one are great for the environment and for people. Since it is under a reservation system, visitors can come to hike, swim, picnic, and observe wildlife. Without these efforts, forests are going to continue shrinking. Near Oregon, where there once was two million acres of natural redwood forest, less than two hundred thousand acres remain. Logging and other heavy use of the trees can and will continue to devastate forests unless more is done to protect these essential and historic tree sanctuaries.
Howarth, William, Jane R. McCauley, H. R. Morrison, Jennifer C. Urquhart, and Merrill Windsor. America's Wild Woodlands. Washington, D.C.: National Geographic Society, 1985. Print.
Every forest discussed has its own unique characteristics. Many have rare plants and animals that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. In Northeast Forests, much of the original timber is gone because of heavy forest use. This should open people’s eyes about the diminishing forest. Also, the steadily increasing air pollution leads to the release of toxic aluminum from the soil. This runoff kills fish and other important aquatic life. I agree completely with the book when it says, “Without stronger air quality controls, more damage may lie ahead” (19). I know much work has been put forth in trying to find ways to reduce pollution, but there is always more everyone can do.
A group called the Bureau of Land Management has been established to preserve the Northwest Forests. It started the Nature Conservancy project which set aside land for ecological research and education through nonexperimental programs. Projects such as this one are great for the environment and for people. Since it is under a reservation system, visitors can come to hike, swim, picnic, and observe wildlife. Without these efforts, forests are going to continue shrinking. Near Oregon, where there once was two million acres of natural redwood forest, less than two hundred thousand acres remain. Logging and other heavy use of the trees can and will continue to devastate forests unless more is done to protect these essential and historic tree sanctuaries.
Howarth, William, Jane R. McCauley, H. R. Morrison, Jennifer C. Urquhart, and Merrill Windsor. America's Wild Woodlands. Washington, D.C.: National Geographic Society, 1985. Print.
Awesome 100
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