Value of Maintaining Natural Ecosystems:

VALUE of MAINTAINING NATURAL ECOSYSTEMS: PRESERVATION vs. CONSERVATION PAPER

The objective of this work is to compare and contrast the practices of Preservation and Conservation as they relate to the maintenance of ecosystem. The concept of 'natural regulation' will be discussed and examples from Maryland will be provided.

The difference between what constitutes conservation and what constitutes preservation is a difference often misunderstood by many. This work seeks to establish precisely what the difference between conservation and preservation is through examining information related to the forests in the State of Maryland.

CONSERVATION vs PRESERVATION

The work of Patrice Jastrzembski entitled: "Maryland's Forests: Conservation vs. Preservation" relates that there is discrepancies over the word conservation in terms of its definition. It is generally agreed among that the word 'conserve' "means to use something wisely." (Jastrzembski, nd) Jastrezembski states most people consider "conserving our forests" means to use forest and forest products wisely, but to others, conserving forests means to preserve or set aside. These two interpretations of the term 'conserve our forests' are completely opposite one another." (Jastrzembski, nd) While the belief is held that forest management initiatives are harmful and currently the "trend is to let nature take its course...Forest managers and their proponents disagree." (Jastrzembski, nd) Forest managers and others hold the belief that utilization of the forest for wood and paper products are not necessarily harmful to the forest. These individuals believe that thinning the forests allow for the trees left to grow larger and stronger reducing the risks for insect and disease problems in the forest and as well bringing about a reduction in risk for forest fires.

II. FOREST SUSTAINABILITY

In the work entitled: "Maryland Forests: Sustainability" it is stated that more than 14,000 people in Maryland are employed in the forest products industry. This report further relates that an agreement has been reached among companies who participate in the Sustainable Forest Initiative program in accomplishing the following: (1) Develop specific plans and policies to achieve forest sustainability; (2) Ensure prompt reforestation; (3) Protect water quality; (4) Enhance wildlife habitat; (5) Minimize visual impact of harvesting; (6) Protect special sites; (7) Contribute to biodiversity; (8) Improve wood utilization; (9) Continue prudent use of forest chemicals to ensure forest health; (10) Foster the practice of sustainable forestry on all forestland - industrial, private, and public lands; (11) Publicly report progress; and (12) Provide opportunities for public outreach and education. (Jastrzembski, nd)