Controversy over Clearcutting

Gerald Williams, Ph.D.

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Clearcutting, that is falling and removing all the trees from a specific area, has been a long standing tree harvesting technique used extensively in the U.S. and other countries. During the late 1800s and continuing through today, clearcutting triggered intensive discussions about the proper methods to harvest and grow trees for wood products. Many individuals who saw pictures of clearcuts or experienced them first hand were horrified. This led to broad public opinion against clearcutting techniques and logging in general.