forestry

noun

for·​est·​ry ˈfȯr-ə-strē 

ˈfär-

1

: forestland

2

a

: the science of developing, caring for, or cultivating forests

b

: the management of growing timber

Did you know?

This is the management of forested land, along with associated waters and wasteland, primarily for harvesting timber, but also for conservation and recreation purposes. The harvesting and replanting of timber are the primary activities of forestry, and the main objective is to maintain a continuous supply of timber through carefully planned harvest and replacement. The forest manager is also responsible for the application of other land controls, including the protection of wildlife and the protection of forests from weeds, insects, fungal diseases, erosion, and fire. The planned management of forests originated in early medieval Europe, where laws regulated the felling of timber and the use of forests for hunting. In 1891 the US government authorized its first reserves of forested land.

Examples of forestry in a Sentence

She studied forestry in college.

Recent Examples on the Web

Most agriculture secretaries either have a background in the industry or politics—two crucial constituencies for the person who will be in charge of a department that employs nearly 100,000 and is made up of 29 agencies, including forestry, conservation, and nutrition programs. —Emily Mullin, WIRED, 31 Oct. 2024

The estate now extends over 50,000 acres, has 150 buildings and is used for several working purposes, including forestry, farmland and for keeping herds of deer, Highland cattle and ponies. —Mary Whitfill Roeloffs, Forbes, 24 Oct. 2024

In 2005, only six people in the entire country had graduate degrees in forestry, according to CIFOR. —Byemmet Livingstone, science.org, 3 Oct. 2024

With over 75% of Finland covered by forests, sustainable forestry is central to the country’s capacity to meet its climate neutrality goals, as, research shows that non-sustainable practice in the sector decrease the chances for forest to work as efficientcarbon sinks. —Daniela De Lorenzo, Forbes, 21 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1823, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

forestry

noun

for·​est·​ry ˈfȯr-ə-strē 

ˈfär-

: the science and practice of caring for forests