The period of greatest potential visual impact covers a relatively short part of the total life of the tree or stand. In a New England study, people were shown photos of various forest situations. Forests that had been under extensive management were chosen as most appealing most of the time. Downed timber, whether caused by nature or human intervention, provides an important resource to the minor flora and fauna of the forest. For example, chipmunks as well as other organisms live in rotting logs on the forest floor and grouse require downed logs for drumming sites.
Any harvesting removes only a very small portion of the total organic matter found in the forest.
Leaves, twigs, branches and hundreds of dead trees remain for recycling through natural processes. The first USDA Forest Service survey of Iowa s forest resources was completed in 1954 and showed Iowa with 2.5 million acres. The last inventory, which was completed in 1990, showed an increase in forest acreage to 2 million acres. This increase is the result of land use changes, an aggressive tree planting program and improved forest management activities on private lands as well as an increased awareness by the general public as to the value and role of trees in their every day lives. Return to browse area.