Clear Cutting

Clear cutting is a logging technique used to remove almost all trees in an area. There are usually two motivating factors for clear cutting. The first is commercial viability, or removing all valuable trees from an area for logging. The second is due to slash and burn techniques used to clear land for the purpose of farming and building.

Clear cutting drastically reduces wildlife habitat and can be a contributing factor in species endangerment. Clear cutting can also cause issues with erosion, which is especially problematic on sloped surfaces. Many developing countries have no plans for replanting after clear cutting.