The story of forestry is one of evolution evolution in the science of forest ecosystems, and meshing public needs and desires and regulatory control with sustainable development. As new and better information is obtained, or, as societal demands change, harvest levels will be reviewed and revised if necessary to ensure the integrity and sustainability of Alberta's forests are not compromised. The story of forestry is one of evolution evolution in the science of forest ecosystems and meshing public needs, desires and regulatory control with sustainable development.
Some communities are dependent on the forest resource for employment.
In some areas, forestry activities are the major employer. The Status of Alberta's Timber Supply provides an overview of current forest management practices and sustainable harvest levels. As the science of forest management, silviculture research and harvesting methods and techniques evolve, so too will Alberta's sustainable harvest levels. Many societal, biological and economic variables and expectations must be considered in determining sustainable harvest levels. Often these variables and expectations are ill-defined or difficult to quantify.