A Brief History of Forestry (eBook)

Bernhard Eduard Fernow (1851–1923) was a noted forester, conservationist, and pioneer in the field of professional forestry in North America. Born in Prussia, he moved to the United States, where he played a pivotal role in the establishment and promotion of forestry as a recognized discipline. Fernow served as the third Chief of the Division of Forestry in the United States Department of Agriculture, a predecessor to the US Forest Service. He was instrumental in founding the New York State College of Forestry at Cornell, the first professional forestry school in the nation, though it was short-lived under his leadership due to political challenges. His work laid the foundation for subsequent schools and programs dedicated to forest management and conservation. In his seminal work 'A Brief History of Forestry' (1907), Fernow traced the evolution of forestry practices from ancient times, highlighting the increasing recognition of sustainable forest management across different cultures and epochs. His scholarly contributions are characterized by a deep appreciation for both the ecological and economic importance of forests, advocating for a scientific approach to their stewardship. His legacy survives in the enduring principles of forest conservation and the continued growth of the forestry profession. Fernow's writings remain influential, marking him as a key figure in North American forestry history and a respected author in environmental literature.