Forest Power: Adventures in Ecology and Forest Management: Articles from The Taos News Natural Resources Notebook column 2007 - 2012

Forest Power: Adventures in Ecology and Forest Management is a collection of articles from The Taos News Natural Resources Notebook column 2007 - 2012 arranged by topic with connecting text and comments, designed for use by the general public interested in learning about basic ecology principles applied to forest management. This is a “place” where things are often not as they seem on the surface. Simple views are so often misleading when we fail to go into depth on the complex dynamics of forest ecosystems. Something that appears to be horrible can actually be beneficial over time and conversely, a situation that appears good may be detrimental. And time is an essential element in the equation. It’s implicit in the term “dynamics”. Change over time is a key. Forest ecosystems are constantly changing. Nothing remains the same in the flow of time. Understanding the multiple and interacting relationships among plants and animals, large and small, is not easy. However forming a viewpoint and actions without undertaking this adventure can lead to unintended consequences resulting from stances assumed with the best of intentions but lacking in an adequate understanding of ecology. Would-be ecology and forestry students and activists will find this book helpful in deciding on further studies and in being better informed participants in society's quest for forest resource sustainability. Readers will go on a learning adventure into the dynamics of forest ecosystems, . Forest power is the strength of resilience, the energy of photosynthesis, the vast renewable energy and wood products potential; it’s the great source of a wide range of economic benefits and environmental services; among them, carbon balance, water and biodiversity; it's the huge sustainable job potential; it's the power of forests to provide benefits for society forever. The adventure resides in understanding forest ecosystem complexity. The adventure includes smokejumping in Alaska, tropical forest challenges along with basic and fairly advanced ecology and forest management discussions. Forest Power: Adventures in Ecology and Forest Management also formulates specific proposals and ideas hoping that at some point policy makers, the "deciders" will take actions towards realizing the full potential of forest power.