How Does Clearcutting Affect Alaska's Forests?

Any harvest in the forest alters the landscape. However, the perception that clearcutting "destroys" the forest is an emotion-based myth that bears little connection with reality. Most people outside the forest products industry don't like clearcutting because to them it appears ugly. But "altered" and "destroyed" are two different things.

Spruce is the predominant tree species in Alaska. Sitka spruce grow in the coastal regions of Southeast, Prince William Sound, Afognak, and Kodiak; white and black spruce abound on the Kenai Peninsula, in the Matanuska-Susitna Valley, and in the Interior. These species are shade intolerant – spruce, in northern climes, require open, uninhibited sunlight to grow. Clearcuts can replicate natural disturbances like fire and landslide, allowing open areas for new spruce to root and spread their branches.

The coastal regions enjoy superior natural regeneration. That means nature distributes a generous supply of seed by itself. Little or no effort by industry is needed to replace harvested trees. The farther north you go, the more assistance the forest needs to recover from any disturbance – natural or manmade. In Southeast, naturally regenerated spruce can grow four feet a year in the first 20 years. A 60-year-old spruce can add an inch to its base diameter every three years. This is the most rapid wood fiber growth north of the equator.

In Alaska's boreal forests, man must actively replace trees after harvestfor effective regeneration. With a short growing season and harsh conditions, trees develop very slowly. Because of this, Interior forests grow wood with tight grain and small knots, resulting in wood products of both strength and beauty.

A simple fact is that basic plants and animal species present before clearcutting continue to flourish after harvest. With proper forest management, harvested areas continue to provide abundant food and cover for many animal populations. Animal species can be found in great numbers browsing and bedding in all our forests.

Clearcutting is often the most economical method of harvest, especially in steep terrain. Helicopters are also used to do a more selective harvest. But helicopter operations can be as much as five times more expensive than conventional logging.

We can continue to sustain timber harvests without permanent disruption to wildlife. Don't make up your mind about harvest methods solely on how they look immediately after. Nature is much more destructive in its clearcut methods - landslide, fire and other catastrophes. Yet, in only a few years, signs of new life are readily seen. You can compare nature's efforts to clearcutting and see the impact and value of what the industry does.

Logging, whether by clearcuts or by other harvest methods, makes affordable wood products possible for all of us. It also provides a diversity of habitat in which plants and animals can flourish.

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Last Updated: 14 Feb 97