I. Finding the forest for the trees
June 05 2008
"see the forest for the trees"
1.To discern an overall pattern from a mass of detail; to see the bigger picture, or the broader, more general situation. Generally used in the negative.
Smith is good at detail, but can't see the forest for the trees.
When it comes to finding information online about conservation, the Internet provides a vast amount of helpful information but finding the right answer can quickly start to seem like you can't see the forest for the trees. Where do you begin?
The trained and experienced staff of the Clinch-Powell Watershed Alliance are here to help. If you've got a conservation-related problem, that's why we're here. We work with government and private organizations to provide you with the solutions and assistance appropriate for your unique situation. Our experienced staff and volunteers are on hand for education and assistance in planning/execution of conservation-related improvements, even finding funding that will help you to conserve and manage your forest, grassland, and water areas to keep them healthy and thriving.
Looking at the big picture, the U.S. Forest service has characterized four major threats to America's forests and grasslands: I. Fire and Fuels, II. Invasive Species, III. Loss of Open Space, and IV. Unmanaged Recreation. In following weeks, we'll provided a basic overview of these issues plus a few helpful informational links to learn more.
I. Fires and fuels: Instead of a forest canopy of large, healthy trees like the pioneers first encountered, due to mismanagement, many of our private and public forest lands are now crowded with small trees and underbrush that are fighting for sunlight, water, and nutrients, and that are susceptible to pests and disease. In a drought, the close proximity of small brush and timber has the potential to fuel a catastrophic fire.
In contrast, there are also beautiful stretches of healthy forests that must be consciously conserved and maintained. Like Smoky the Bear says, "Only you can prevent forest fires." It's important to practice good fire safety, but it's also up to us to ensure our forests stay healthy in order to be safe.
Internet Resources:
Southern Area Coordination Center
Southern Research Station Headquarters
Forest Encyclopedia Network
SmokeyBear.com
