Is forest preserve 🌲a good idea 💡?

There was a time not that long ago when the thought was the only way to preserve the land was to lock it up at wilderness. By the turn of the century that approach had some significant criticism with the benefits of scientific forestry becoming well known.

With scientific forestry, public lands are maintained for multiple purposes including timber and in some cases mineral production and grazing. Mixed forests with some young sections and pasture land often provides a better habit for wildlife and increased revenue for recreation purposes.

Sometimes commercial purposes can conflict with recreational and ecological goals. But at the same time, I’m not really sure if closing off the forest preserve to all timber production or creation of infrastructure is appropriate either.