ABSTRACT
In terms of disturbance to the land, natural forest management lies between strict reserves and agricultural clearing. Natural forest management appears to be a compromise: it acknowledges the need for an economic return from tropical forest, while still preserving the environment. It is widely practiced in temperate areas. In the United States natural forests cover 77 million hectares, only seventeen percent of which is classified as strict wilderness. Certain species of forest organisms suffer under managed conditions, but a vast majority can be protected. In the tropics, the impact of management is likely to be more severe. The diversity and complexity of tropical forest ecosystems makes them more vulnerable. However, managed forest is less harmful ecologically than unsustainable agriculture and cattle ranching. It is certainly far superior to degraded land.
