ABSTRACT
A unique aspect of silviculture is the closeness to both the natural and a world defined by human activity. There are arguments for the complete protection of ecosystems and those for limited activity in forests. If silviculture is to exist, it is in the wide middle-ground where controlled in-forest activities are permitted to the benefit of people and the natural ecosystems. The City of New York protects large areas of forest, permitting limited silvicultural activities, to ensure water supply and purity. The idea being is that it is cheaper to control the source rather than to pay for more elaborate water treatment. The reasons for silviculture are many and varied, most are economic, some have an ecological justification. The most important may be in providing economic activity for local people. Silviculture and wood extraction may not be an alien force, but can partially duplicate what occurs naturally.
