Impacts of Clearcutting
Clearcutting, a forestry practice involving the complete removal of trees in a designated area, has been the subject of extensive research due to its significant environmental impacts. One major concern is the increase in soil erosion following clearcutting activities. The absence of tree roots and understory vegetation, which normally stabilize the soil, leads to heightened erosion rates. United States National Forest Service researcher Ben Smith found that "areas that were clear cut had nearly three times the amount of erosion due to slides" compared to forested regions.
Additionally, Smith found that clearcutting can disrupt the water cycle within forest ecosystems. "During heavy rains, the forest acts as a buffer zone, allowing for the infiltration of the rainwater. Clear-cutting increases the occurrence of peak flooding."
The practice also has implications for wildlife habitats; the study found that older forests "support higher levels of carbon storage, timber growth, and species richness than younger forests." Clearcutting reduces habitat complexity, leading to declines in biodiversity and the displacement of various species.
Which of the following describes the author's claim?
The mission of the US National Forest Service is to maintain the health and productivity of the nation's forests and grasslands.
Clearcutting can negatively impact communities located downstream from logging.
The practice of clearcutting can be beneficial in forestry by promoting the regeneration of certain tree species that require full sunlight to grow.
Clearcutting is a logging practice that causes a variety of ecological problems.
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