Deforestation

Warren GilroyScott BrochuMicheal Head

What Is It?Def’n: the removal of a forest stand where the land is put to a non- forest use - dictionaryofforestry.org

Jungle burned for agriculture in southern Mexico

Why Does It Matter? Air is comprised of approximately: 78%

nitrogen, 21% oxygen, 0.04% carbon dioxide, and various other elements in small quantities

Approximate greenhouse gasses in the air: water vapour 36-72%, carbon dioxide 9-26%, methane 4-9%, ozone 3-7%

Trees and plants are very important in converting the harmful carbon dioxide in the air into viable, rich oxygen.

1 tree converts enough carbon dioxide into oxygen a year to support 2 human beings – we need trees to live!

The Prairie Shelterbelt Program

The Prairie Shelterbelt Program (PSP) provides technical services and tree and shrub seedlings for establishment of shelterbelts and other agroforestry, conservation and reclamation projects on agricultural and eligible lands in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and in the Peace River region of British Columbia.

Locally, it is administered out of the Agroforestry centre at Indian Head; the program has been going since 1901 as an incentive for farmers to produce beneficial management and environmental stewardship

Free Trees Annually on May 4th and 5th Saskpower

provides free birch seedlings free of charge as part of their “Our Treehouse To You” program, distributing approximately 450,000 per year

That’s just one example of an initiative at a local level where free trees are available. Many more programs are available with a simple phone call or quick internet search. Some more examples of programs are available on the resource page.

Our PhilosophyWhile it is quite obvious that

deforestation is a major issue in the world today, it will take much more than just planting trees to initiate an effective strategy for

our sustainability. A viable solution starts with educating our youth to the negative side effects

and issues regarding deforestation both at a local and global level. Creating a culture in

which all citizens are stake-holders to our society’s future,

which sees people aware of and actively engaged in reforestation, resulting in a sustainable future

for all.

References:On resources page at:

http://esci302deforestation.wikispaces.com/