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Independently forest management is key to prevent extinction

From the perspective of Astrobiology, it is interesting to look at the causes for collapse in terms of the whole planet over the longest possible timescale. For ultimately, the Earth is Easter Island. Diamond breaks down the collapse factors into several categories. The first several factors include deforestation, habitat destruction, soil erosion and fertility loss, and freshwater loss and contamination. Trees seem to be an intrinsically renewable resource. But forest destruction, in conjunction with soil erosion and water loss, makes the loss of forest habitat an accelerating and potentially irreversible problem on this planet. Trees cannot grow back in places where the soil is lost, and soil regenerates at a much slower pace than that at which it is lost. Therefore, deforestation can be considered a global collapse factor for our modern civilization. The size and timescale of this factor is less certain, but could become critical within a century or two at current rates.

US forests contain species vital to global diversity

Dr. Faith Thompson Campbell, Head of the Invasive Species Program for American Lands Alliance, and Scott E. Schlarbaum, James R. Cox Professor of Forest Genetics in the Department of Forestry, Wildlife and Fisheries at the Institute of Agriculture @ the University of Tennessee, Leader of the University of Tennessee's Tree Improvement Program, 2003, “Fading Forests II: Taking Away North America’s Natural Heritage”, http://fwf.ag.utk.edu/Schlarbaum/FadingForestsII.pdf, ACC: 2.9.06, p. 14

Forests cover approximately one-third of the land area in the United States: 1.15 million square miles (USDA APHIS and Forest Service, 2000). These forests are comprised of approximately 500 species of trees plus thousands of identified species of terrestrial and aquatic animals and non-woody plants (USDA APHIS and Forest Service 2000) and likely thousands of undescribed species (http://www.discoverlife.org). Representatives of almost every type of vegetation that occurs worldwide can be found within the United States or its protectorates (cf.USDA APHIS and Forest Service, 2000). Additionally, many exotic plant species are grown for horticulture, Christmas trees, and other uses. Approximately 4,000 exotic plants are established outside cultivation in the United States [Kartesz, 1999; United States Geological Survey (USDI USGS), 1998]. This combination of native and exotic species across the United States provides ample opportunities for imported pests to find suitable hosts (USDA APHIS and Forest Service, 2000; Niemala and Mattson, 1996). The more than 400 exotic insects and pathogens that are permanently established in North American forests and woodlands demonstrate the vulnerability of these forests to exotic organisms (Mattson et al., 1994; Liebhold et al., 1995; USDA APHIS, 2000). Forest ecosystems vary in their susceptibility to exotic pests. Forests comprised of relatively few trees, e.g., forests dominated by Douglas-fir in the Pacific Northwest, would be more easily damaged by a species-specific pest than eastern forests, which have more diversity. Conversely, eastern forests provide greater opportunities for exotic pests to find suitable hosts. Damage to host species may range from negligible to potential extinction. The impact of some exotic pests is noticeable in a relatively short period after introduction, e.g., Asian longhorned beetle, or can be delayed as with Asiatic oak weevil (Triplehorn, 1955; Roling, 1979; Stanton, 1994). Changes in host preference also can occur. Pear thrips were introduced to the country in 1900 and were spread throughout the country by the orchard industry. Only in the latter portion of the 20 century was pear thrips damage noted in a variety of forest tree species. Although some generalizations can be made, there is an uncertainty about how an exotic species will react in a new environment, what impact it will have on host species, and when it will be recognized as a problem species (USDA APHIS and Forest Service, 2000). [IT CONTINUES…] Phytosanitary agencies are more likely to identify pests that threaten major crops, such as citrus or wheat, that are grown around the world. Identification of potential forest pests would be much more difficult, as only a few United States species, e.g., Monterey pine, loblolly pine, slash pine, or northern red oak are grown widely in other countries. The United States has a myriad of forest species and types reaching from boreal to tropical ecosystems. The number of potential invasive organisms that could affect the diverse forest ecosystems in this country is virtually incalculable. According to Wallner, “ . . . forest ecosystems are highly complex, and most forest pests are not thoroughly understood. As a result, the answers to the key questions often represent little more than speculation” (Wallner, In press). Not surprisingly, some risk assessments have concluded that a species represented a low risk, only to have that prediction subsequently proved incorrect. An example is the small Japanese cedar longhorned beetle (see Box 1).

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