TPO 14 – task 1

The professor discusses the disadvantages of salvage logging and provides several reasons proving that salvage logging causes serious long term damages. The information she presents contradicts that facts outlined in the reading passage.

First, the speaker asserts that removing the dead trees does not solve the problem, since rapid removal of trees leaves the soil with inappropriate condition and less nutrition, which is not likely to help forest areas recover from disaster. According to the professor, natural decomposition of dead trees enriches the soil with substances that are beneficial for new trees to grow. However, the article makes the point that the removal of the remains of dead trees makes room for fresh trees to grow immediately.

Second, the lecturer refutes the point that insects, which might live in the decaying woods as a highly suitable habitat, can damage the live trees. In contrast, some species are very useful for the growth of new trees. Moreover, some birds and other animals can use the new created habitat for living; hence, insect infestation contributes to the health of the forest and life of some other animals. On the other hand, the reading passage specifies that the decaying wood attract insects that can damage live, healthy trees.

Third, the professor posits that the economic benefits of salvage logging are questionable. In accordance to the professor, these advantages do not last long. What's more, it is so expensive to move the damaged trees to factories for their production, since helicopters and sophisticated transportation tools need to be implemented. In addition, job opportunities are temporary and outsiders are often offered to do these jobs not the local residents. On the contrary, the article claims that salvage logging is economically useful.