The Smoky Mountains is one of the most diverse temperate rainforests in the world. The rich hardwood and evergreen canopies shelter a large population of migrating and resident birds, numerous mammals, and hundreds of rare plant and insect species. The true native forests are often threatened, however, by clear-cutting, urban expansion and mountaintop removal coal mining. Stewardship by landowners is essential to retain a vital forest eco-system for the future.
The week of October 10-16, 2010 is World Rainforest Week. The goal of this special awareness week is to encourage individuals to recognize the beauty and wonder of the world’s rainforests. It is also a time for individuals around the world to unite in action to help broaden awareness of the threats that the world’s rainforests endure.
In addition to the environmental and social benefits of saving the world’s rainforests, there is also an economic benefit. An intact rainforest is worth $6,280 per acre if sustainably harvested; $1,000 if clear cut for commercial timber ($0 five years after clear cut); and $148 if used as cattle pasture. The global rate of destruction of rainforests is 2.4 acres per second—equivalent to two US football fields.
Rain forests are found on every continent expect Antarctica. They are classified by having an average yearly rainfall of at least 68 inches. Rain forests have very dense and lush vegetation covering virtually all of their area. Trees and plants can grow to extreme heights because of the ample rainfall. Approximately fifty percent of earth’s living organisms are found in rain forests. Rain forests are also important in filtering the earth’s oxygen. There are two types of rain forests, classified by their location and temperature. Tropical rain forests are found in areas between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn. Tropical rain forests have high temperatures year round and are very humid. Temperate rain forests are found above the tropic lines. Temperate rain forests have lower temperatures, and most of them experience seasonal temperature changes.
Temperate rain forests, like the Smoky Mountains are found throughout the world; however they are much smaller than the tropical rain forests. The average temperatures of these forests vary because they are scattered around in many different areas. Temperate forests also have lush vegetation and many forms of animals. However, they differ greatly from the tropical species. At one time, the Appalachian Mountains were extremely large, however due to population increases a vast amount of acreage was cut down.