forestland

Forestland is land that is covered by forests or designated for forest use. It includes natural forests, plantations, and regenerating stands that meet certain criteria for tree cover and area, depending on national or international definitions. In most classifications, forestland is land where trees form a dominant or codominant component of the vegetation, with a canopy cover that meets a minimum threshold and a minimum area, such as 0.5 hectares in some jurisdictions.

Forestland supports a range of ecosystems and species. It comprises primary forests with undisturbed biodiversity, secondary forests that regrew after disturbance, and plantations established for wood production. Understory vegetation, soils, microorganisms, and wildlife interact with climate, hydrology, and soils.

Key values of forestland include timber and fiber, non-timber forest products, carbon storage, erosion control, water filtration, habitat conservation, and recreational and cultural opportunities. Forest management aims to balance ecological integrity with economic uses, often through sustainable forest management principles and certification schemes.

Threats to forestland include deforestation, fragmentation, wildfires, invasive pests, and climate change. Management responses include protective legislation, zoning, reforestation and afforestation, restoration of degraded areas, and the designation of protected areas. Ownership and governance structures influence how forestland is used and conserved.