Conservation
Conservation is "the wise use of the earth and its resources for
the lasting good of humans." If we use the forest wisely, it will
always supply plenty of clean water, wood products, wildlife, wild
plants, beauty and outdoor recreation. That's because the forest is a
renewable resource. Unlike minerals, coal, and oil, the forest replaces
its wood, animals, and clean water as we use them. We have already seen
that we can actually improve the forest as we use it if we do the right
things.
Forests and the
Ecological System
Correctly done, timber harvesting can improve forest beauty and
productivity. Clear-cutting allows for the regeneration of tree species
that cannot grow under the shade of other trees, such as oak, ash,
yellow poplar and walnut. The process can also add variety, sunlight,
views and strands of tall straight trees to the forest landscape.
Clearings from timber harvesting make the forest a better habitat for
wildlife. In fact, many animals thrive in clearings because full
sunlight produces nutritious food near the ground and lush growth
provides cover for small animals.
Clean water is another forest product. An average of 50 inches of
rain falls on Tennessee's 13 million acres of forest. This gives
Tennessee plenty of clean, fresh water, a commodity that is scarce in
many parts of the nation.
Most foresters and wildlife biologists recognize clear-cutting as a
practice that works for both timber and wildlife. It is unfortunate that
such a beneficial practice has received so much negative criticism,
because Tennessee's forests have an amazing ability to regenerate
naturally under such a system. A renewed understanding of the need for
clear-cutting by forest landowners and the public can result in better
timber and more wildlife for everyone.
Waste Not, Want
Not.
Barna Log Homes has continually made environmental responsibility a
priority. Every piece of raw timber that is brought into our
manufacturing facility is utilized in its entirety - from the bark that
is sent off to the pulp mill to the sawdust that is used to fuel our
boilers. We encourage people to visit our manufacturing facility and
attend the mini-seminars that are held on a regular basis.
Today's Forest in
Tennessee
Today, Tennessee has almost a million more acres of forest than it
did in 1950. At the present time, the total amount of forestland is not
changing. Tennessee's forests are now growing three times as much wood
as is being harvested. Forests cover 13 million acres, or about half of
Tennessee. More kinds of trees grow in the Appalachian forest of East
Tennessee and neighboring states than in any other forest in the
temperate zones. Only the tropical rain forests are more diverse.
The Barna
Foundation Mission Statement
Our vision is not to change the world, but simply improve our corner
of it. We therefore are determined to concentrate our efforts on
improving the health and welfare of our forest resources.
Wood is the most coveted and widely used product to build our homes.
Nothing can replace its natural beauty, strength, and warmth. It is
fortunate that this natural resource is a renewable product.
With proper forest practices, we can replace what we use and even
enhance the supply for future generations.
The Barna Foundation is dedicated to the idea of reforestation, and
we are involved directly in fostering its advancement. Through donations
from Barna and Company and all who wish to support this program, we can
achieve our goals.
The Barna Foundation is dedicated to the idea of reforestation. This
is your opportunity to share in the future of our forests. Now you can
support this worthwhile cause by becoming a donor of the Barna
Foundation.
