A person trained in the science of developing, caring for, and cultivating forests. An area that provides an animal or plant with adequate food, water, shelter, and living space. Usually refers to a deciduous tree. Also describes the wood from such trees. Hard mast is seeds such as acorns and beechnuts.
Soft mast is fleshy fruit such as blueberries, black cherries, and apples.
The groupings are based on preferences for similar types of soil, water, and climate. Forests that have escaped harvesting or other human modification over the last 350 years. Usually refers to a coniferous tree. Also can be used to describe the wood from such trees. Any species that is likely to become an endangered species within the foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of its natural range of habitat.