How much of the boreal forest is undisturbed?
Moreover, large-scale harvesting in the boreal zone began about a century ago in the east and more recently in the west, as governments and companies saw the economic development opportunities for creating lumber and pulp and paper out of the long-fibered trees of the boreal forest. Many areas harvested more than 100 years ago have been harvested a second time, and in the intervening period provided habitat, recreation opportunities, and other environmental and social services. This cycle demonstrates the renewable nature of forests and their multiple uses. Other important economic activities taking place in the boreal zone are mining, oil and gas development, hydroelectric development, and agriculture.
