Def Paper

DEFINITIONS OF FOREST, DEFORESTATION, AFFORESTATION, AND REFORESTATION
H. Gyde Lund (coordinator)

Forest Information Services
Email: gyde@comcast.net
Web site: http://home.comcast.net/~gyde/index.html
Last updated: 13 December 2017
Abstract: The Third Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (FCCC)
held 1-11 December 1997 in Kyoto, Japan called for, among other things, the reporting on emission sinks resulting "from
direct human-induced land use change and forestry activities, limited to afforestation, reforestation and deforestation since
1990." The FCCC Secretariat called for clarification of the use of these terms as they are used in various parts of the
world [see: http://www.unfccc.de, Official Documents, Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice (SBSTA)
Document FCCC/SBSTA/1998/INF.1]. I initially developed this paper at the request of Dr. H. Fred Kaiser, USDA Forest
Service in 1998 (see http://home.comcast.net/~gyde/1998rome2.ppt. It has since been continuosly updated to since then.
This paper lists various definitions that have been used or are in use for deforestation, afforestation, and reforestation. To
have a clear understanding of these terms, I also need to define tree, forest, degradation and other terms. The definitions
we present were derived from a search via the Internet,from individual input and from Prller (1996). We list the sources
used and additional contacts at the end of this paper. I also present a short discussion and comparison at the end of each
set of definitions.
See also Lund, H. Gyde. 2014 revised. Definitions of ancient, climax, degradation, desertification, forest
fragmentation, old growth, pristine, and similar forest terms. [Online publication], Gainesville, VA: Forest Information
Services. Misc. pagination DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.1.1108.4643, Lund, H. Gyde. 2015 rev. Definitions of agroforestry,
farm forestry, forest health, sustainable forest management, urban forests, grassland, pasture, rangeland,
cropland, agricultural land, shrubland, wetlands and related terms [Online publication], Gainesville, VA: Forest
Information Services. Misc. pagination. DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.1.2353.6486 and Lund, H. Gyde. 1999. Definition of Low
Forest Cover (LFC). Report prepared for IUFRO. Manassas, VA. Forest Information Services. 22 p. DOI:
10.13140/RG.2.1.2203.6969
Our thanks to all those who responded to our emails and provided valuable input.
Keywords: Climate change, forest, tree, afforestation, deforestation, reforestation, plantations.
Cite as: Lund, H. Gyde. 2015 rev* Definitions of Forest, Deforestation, Afforestation, and Reforestation. [Online]
Gainesville, VA: Forest Information Services. Misc. pagination: Note, this paper has been continuously updated since
1998. DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.1.2364.9760
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. INTRODUCTION
2. BASIC TERMS
2. 1 LAND COVER
2.2 LAND USE
2.3 FOREST/FOREST LAND
2.3.1 General definitions
2.3.1.1 As a declared, legal, or administrative unit
2.3.1.2 As a land cover type
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2.3.1.3 As a land use type
2.3.1.4 Ecological/Miscellaneous Definitions
2.3.2 International definitions
2.3.3 National definitions
2.3.4 State, province and local definitions.
2.3.5 Questions
2.4 TREE
2.4.1 Definitions
2.4.1 a Trees outside forests
2.4.2 Summary table
2.4.3 Questions
2.5 WOODS, WOODLAND, OTHER WOODED LANDS (OWL)
2.6 NON-FOREST
2.7 NATIVE FOREST (See http://home.comcast.net/~gyde/pristine.htm)
2.8 NATURAL FOREST (See http://home.comcast.net/~gyde/pristine.htm)
2.9 SEMI-NATURAL FOREST (See http://home.comcast.net/~gyde/pristine.htm)

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2.10 PLANTATION (Forest Cultures) (See http://home.comcast.net/~gyde/pristine.htm)
2.11 STOCKING
2.12 FORESTRY
2.13 GROVE.
2.14 STAND
3. ACTION TERMS
3.1 AFFORESTATION
3.1.1 Legal Term
3.1.2 Land Cover
3.1.3 Land Cover and Use
3.1.4 Summary table
3.1.5 Questions
3.2 DEFORESTATION
3.2.1 As a change in legal status
3.2.2 As a change in land cover
3.2.3 As a change in land use
3.2.4As a change in land cover and use
3.2.5 Other
3.2.6 Summary table
3.2.7 Questions
3.3 DEGRADATION (See http://home.comcast.net/~gyde/pristine.htm)
3.4 FORESTATION
3.5 REFORESTATION
3.5.1 Restoration of Land Cover
3.5. 2 Restoration of Land Cover and Use
3.5.3 Summary table
3.5.4 Questions
3.6 REGENERATION
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3.6.1 By natural methods only
3.6.2 By any method
3.6.3 Questions
4. OTHER TERMS
5. DISCUSSION
5.1 Illustrations
5.2. Basic Needs

5.3 Implications and Interpretations
5.3.1 From a Land Use Interpretation
5.3.2 From a Land Cover Interpretation
5.4 Summary table
5.5 Considerations
6. FINAL QUESTIONS AND OBSERVATIONS
7. REFERENCES
1. INTRODUCTION
Our search focused on the key terms - forest, afforestation, deforestation and reforestation. However, we found that we
need to discuss and have a common of understanding of other terms as well. Groupings are based upon literal
interpretations of the definitions. The decision on which terms and definitions presented here must be considered in light
with the end point in mind. Most importantly, we need a clear understanding of what it is that we are interested in and how
we wish to use the information. It may turn out that none of the terms listed below are what is needed.
2. BASIC TERMS
Before we can get into a discussion of Afforestation, Deforestation, and Afforestation, we need to have an understanding
of some basic terms and concepts. These include land - (the terrestrial bio-productive system that comprises soil
vegetation, other biota, and the ecological and hydrological processes that operate within the system (Convention to
Combat Desertification)), land use, land cover, tree, forest, natural forest, semi-natural forest, plantation, stocking and
forestry. Here are some of the definitions we found:
1. Land - (European Environment Agency) Land - The terrestrial bio-productive system that comprises soil vegetation,
other biota, and the ecological and hydrological processes that operate within the system.
http://glossary.eea.europa.eu/EEAGlossary/L/land
2. Land - (UN-FA0 2004) A delineable area encompassing all attributes of the biosphere immediately above or below the
earth surface, including the soil, terrain, surface hydrology, the near-surface climate, sediments and associated
groundwater reserve, the biological resource, as well as the human settlements pattern and infrastructure resulting
from human activity. Ponce Hernandez and Koohafkan (FAO, 2004) http://www.fao.org/nr/lada/index.php?
option=com_docman&task=doc_download&gid=15&Itemid=157
3. Land - (UN-FAO 1995 and 1997) A delineable area of the earths terrestrial surface, encompassing all attributes of the
biosphere immediately above or below this surface, including those of the near-surface climate, the soil and terrain
forms, the surface hydrology (including shallow lakes, rivers, marshes, and swamps), the near-surface sedimentary
layers and associated groundwater reserve, the plant and animal populations, the human settlement pattern and
physical results of past and present human activity (terracing, water storage or drainage structures, roads, buildings,
etc.). (FAO 1995, 6). http://www.rri.wvu.edu/WebBook/Briassoulis/contents.htm (W. Sombroek, Land resources
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evaluation and the role of land-related indicators, FAO Land and Water Bulletin 5, 1997)
http://www.fao.org/nr/lada/index.php?option=com_docman&task=doc_download&gid=15&Itemid=157
4. Land - (USA-FED-U.S. Bureau of the Census) Dry land and land temporarily or partly covered by water such as
marshes, swamps, and river flood plains (omitting tidal flats below mean high tide); streams, slough, estuaries, and
canals less than one eight of a statute mile wide; and lakes, reservoirs, and ponds less than 40 acres in area.
http://ifdc.nres.uiuc.edu/publications/pdf/forestresources02/pg81-86.pdf
5. Land - A delineable area of the earth's terrestrial surface, encompassing all attributes of the biosphere immediately
above or below this surface, including those of the near-surface climate, the soil and terrain forms, the surface
hydrology (including shallow lakes, rivers, marshes and swamps), the near-surface sedimentary layers and
associated groundwater reserve, the plant and animal populations, the human settlement pattern and physical results
of past and present human activity (terracing, water storage or drainage structures, roads, buildings, etc.).
http://www.ecs.co.sz/seap/env_articles_policy_pliwgr_intro.htm and
www.pamagic.org/DataStds/Current/DataStandards_LandUse_05-22-02.pdf
6. Land - An area of the earth's surface, the characteristics of which embrace all reasonably stable, or predictably cyclic,
attributes of the biosphere vertically above and below this area, including those of the atmosphere, the soil and
underlying geology, the hydrology, the plant and animal populations, and the results of past and present human
activity, to the extent that these attributes exert a significant influence on present and future uses of the land by
humans. www.itc.nl/~rossiter/teach/glossary.html and http://www.css.cornell.edu/landeval/glossary.htm
7. Land - The physical environment, including climate, relief, soils, hydrology and vegetation, to the extent that these
influence potential for land use. (Mcher et al 1993).
8. Land classification is based on the status of the land at the time of inventory, ignoring the possibilities for production
increasing measures. Expected changes in land use must also be ignored unless they have already taken place
http://www-markinfo.slu.se/eng/soildes/ago/agodef.html
9. Land conversion - A change in land use, function, or purpose (Washington Department of Ecology, 1992).
http://www.p2pays.org/ref%5C04%5C03686/ch4-8.html
10. Land cover or land use class - An abstract representation of specific land cover or land use defined by classification
criteria. It is important to note that several land use classes may be associated with a single land cover class. For
example, a specific map unit classified as forest may be associated with several land use classes, such as wood
production, watershed protection, tourism, etc. (Kalensky et al. 2002).
11. Land Cover/use (USA-FED-DA and Census Bureau). A term that includes categories of land cover and categories of
land use. Land cover is the vegetation or other kind of material that covers the land surface. Land use is the purpose
of human activity on the land; it is usually, but not always, related to land cover. The NRI uses the term "land
cover/use" to identify the categories that account for all the surface area in the United States [BS-1982, NRI-92]
ftp://ftp-fc.sc.egov.usda.gov/NCGC/products/nri/2004range/chapter6.pdf and
http://www.allcountries.org/uscensus/383_land_cover_use_by_state.html
2.1 LAND COVER
1. (Australia Tasmania 2003) Land cover refers to the physical state of the land surface and includes vegetation, soil,
rock, water and man-made structures. It represents the cumulative consequence of human influence and ecological
processes over many thousands of years. http://soer.justice.tas.gov.au/2003/lan/2/issue/38/ataglance.php
2. (Australia 2001) - The physical state of the land surface, including vegetation, soil, rock and human made structures,
but specifically used in relation to vegetational changes, to describe the proportion of land covered by vegetation
http://www.environment.gov.au/soe/2001/land/glossary.html.
3. (European Environment Agency) - Land cover corresponds to a (bio)physical description of the earth's surface. It is
that which overlays or currently covers the ground. This description enables various biophysical categories to be
distinguished - basically, areas of vegetation (trees, bushes, fields, lawns), bare soil, hard surfaces (rocks, buildings)
and wet areas and bodies of water (watercourses, wetlands).
http://glossary.eea.europa.eu/EEAGlossary/L/land_cover and
http://ec.europa.eu/agriculture/publi/landscape/gloss.htm
4. (OECD) Land cover reflects the (bio) physical dimension of the earths surface and corresponds in some regard to the
notion of ecosystems. Typical examples for land cover categories are built-up areas, grassland, forests or rivers and
lakes. http://stats.oecd.org/glossary/detail.asp?ID=6489
5. (UN-EP) The physical attributes of the land that can be seen readily as opposed to the land use which describes a
pattern of human activities undertaken within a social and economic context.
http://www.eapap.unep.org/lc/cd/html/training/module1.html
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6. (UN-EP/EAP.AP) Land cover can simply be defined as "the physical attributes of the land that can be seen readily as
opposed to the land use which describes a pattern of human activities undertaken within a social and economic
context" http://www.rrcap.unep.org/lc/cd/html/training/module1.html
7. (USA-FED-Climate Change Science Program 2003) The vegetation and artificial built-up materials covering the land
surface. This includes areas of vegetation (forests, shrublands, crops, deserts, lawns), bare soil, developed surfaces
(paved land, buildings), and wet areas and bodies of water (watercourses, wetlands).
http://www.climatescience.gov/Library/stratplan2003/final/annexd.htm#L
8. (USA-FED-EPA 2006) The ecological status and physical structure of vegetation on the land surface. What can be
seen on the landscape - essentially the vegetation and other physical characteristics. Land cover is often mapped
using remotely sensed data as cover types can be delineated based on appearance or their spectral reflectance.
2006. http://www.epa.gov/urban/glossary.htm, http://www.epa.gov/indicate/roe/html/roeAppDf.htm#f, and
http://www.epa.gov/indicators/roe/html/roeGlossL.htm.
9. (USA-FED-NASA)- The characteristics of a land surface as determined by its spectral signature (the unique way in
which a given type of land cover reflects and absorbs light). http://eobglossary.gsfc.nasa.gov/Library/glossary.php3?
mode=alpha&seg=l&segend=n
10. (USA-FED-DA) The vegetation or other kind of material that covers the land surface. ftp://ftp-
fc.sc.egov.usda.gov/NCGC/products/nri/2004range/chapter6.pdf
11. (USA-FED-DA-NRCS) The vegetation or other kind of material that covers the land surface.
http://199.156.157.191/nri/blcu.htm and http://www.wv.nrcs.usda.gov/nri/blcu.htm
12. (USA-FED-DI-USGS) The habitat or vegetation type present, such as forest, agriculture, and grassland.
http://biology.usgs.gov/s+t/SNT/noframe/lu106.htm
13. Broad land use classes interpreted from satellite data. The land cover classes used in this report are dense forest,
open forest, scrub and nonforest. http://envfor.nic.in/nfc/s-git.pdf.
14. Land cover - The physical coverage of land, usually expressed in terms of vegetation cover or lack of it. Related to,
but not synonymous with, land use. http://ma.caudillweb.com/proxy/Document.782.aspx
15. Land cover generally refers to actual ground cover, eg, vegetation, crops, urban areas and open water. It also
includes associations of the Earth's surface and its cover, such as forests, which are composites of various covers.
The term reef zone is often used in reef mapping in place of land cover. http://ceos.cnes.fr:8100/cdrom-
00b/ceos1/science/glossary/glossl.htm
16. Land cover is the biophysical state of the earths surface and immediate subsurface" (Turner et al. 1995, 20). In other
words, land cover "describes the physical state of the land surface: as in cropland, mountains, or forests" (Meyer
1995, 25 cited in Moser 1996, 247). Meyer and Turner (1994) add: "it embraces, for example, the quantity and type of
surface vegetation, water, and earth materials (Meyer and Turner 1994, 5). Moser (1996) notes that: "The term
originally referred to the type of vegetation that covered the land surface, but has broadened subsequently to include
human structures, such as buildings or pavement, and other aspects of the physical environment, such as soils,
biodiversity, and surfaces and groundwater" (Moser 1996, 247).
http://www.rri.wvu.edu/WebBook/Briassoulis/contents.htm
17. Land Cover is the type of material present on the landscape. Materials such as water, different types of vegetation,
soil, and man-made materials like asphalt (Jensen 2005). http://www.utsa.edu/lrsg/teaching/es6973/project/jayar1.pdf.
18. Refers to the properties of a portion of the surface of the earth. For example, we can describe an area as covered in
grassland, forests, or desert. http://www.cara.psu.edu/tools/glossary.asp
19. That which overlays or currently covers the ground, especially vegetation, permanent snow and ice fields, water
bodies, or structures. Barren land is also considered a land cover although technically it is lack of cover. The term
land cover can be thought of as applying to the setting in which action (one or more different land uses) takes place
(USDA Forest Service 1989).
20. The actual distribution of vegetation, water, desert, ice, and other physical features of the land, including those
created by human activities. http://ww2.iai.int/eblw1.htm
21. The biophysical state of the earths surface and immediate subsurface http://www.idg.suny.edu/HO%20submit
%20SensitiveSens%2012%2017Porro.htm.
22. The composition of the features of the earth's surface. (Cihlar and Jansen 2001).
23. The ecological state and physical appearance of the land surface (e.g., closed forests, open forests, or grasslands)
(Turner and Meyer 1994)
24. The natural landscape recorded as surface components: forest, water, wetlands, urban, etc. Land cover can be
documented by analyzing spectral signatures of satellite and aerial imagery.
http://www.csc.noaa.gov/crs/lca/faq_data.html#LULC
25. The observed (bio) physical cover on the earth's surface. Also aspects describing land itself rather than land cover
have been included (e.g. bare areas, waterbodies, etc.) because in practice the scientific community is used to
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describe those aspects under the term land cover (Di Gregorio and Jansen 1997, 1998, Jansen and Di Gregorio
1998, Choudhury and Jansen 1998.).
26. The observed (bio)physical cover on the earths surface. In the strict sense, land cover is confined to vegetation and
man-made features; bare rock or bare soils are describing land itself rather than land cover and it is also disputable
whether water surfaces can be considered real land cover. However, in practice, the scientific community usually
describes those aspects within the term land cover. http://www.glcn-lccs.org/index.php?
name=Content&pa=showpage&pid=2.
27. The observed physical and biological cover of the Earth's land as vegetation or man-made features.
http://www.ipcc.ch/pub/SPM_SRLULUCF.pdf and http://www.bib.fsagx.ac.be/coste21/glossary.html
28. The physical coverage of land, usually expressed in terms of vegetation cover or lack of it. Related to, but not
synonymous with, land use. http://www.greenfacts.org/glossary/jkl/land-cover.htm
29. The physical state of the land, including the quantity and type of surface vegetation, water, and earth materials.
http://www.aag.org/hdgc/www/intro/glossary/glossary.html.
30. The surface cover whether vegetation, water, bare soil, urban development or other. Identifying, delineating and
mapping land cover is important for global monitoring studies, resource management, and planning activities.
http://hosting.soonet.ca/eliris/remotesensing/bl130lec6.html
31. The type of surface layer of the specific land area, including vegetation, barren land, open water bodies and artificial
surfaces, that can be observed in the field and recorded by aerial or satellite remote sensing. (Kalensky et al. 2002)
32. The vegetation (natural or planted) or man made constructions (buildings, etc.) which occur on the earth surface.
Water, ice, bare rock, sand and similar surfaces also count as land cover.
www.pamagic.org/DataStds/Current/DataStandards_LandUse_05-22-02.pdf
33. The vegetational and artificial constructions covering the land surface (Burley, 1961). It thus includes cultural
(buildings, artifacts, fields), vegetational (grass, shrubs, trees) and other (water, burned objects and areas, soil ,
lithology) features on the Earth's surface. (Mcher et al 1993)
34. The vegetative, natural or artificial construction covering the land surface.
http://srmwww.gov.bc.ca/risc/pubs/landuse/corporatelanduse/corporatelanduse-03.htm#a
35. Usually used to denote the nature of the Earth's surface in areas where the natural environment is dominant.
http://surf.tstc.edu/~rcozby/GPS/ap_terms.htm#L
36. Land-cover change - a change from one class of land cover to another (conversion), such as from grassland to
cropland, or a change of condition within a land cover category (modification), such as the thinning of a forest.
http://www.aag.org/hdgc/www/intro/glossary/glossary.html
37. Land cover change (USA-FED-UDSI-USGS) describes differences in the area occupied by cover types through time.
http://biology.usgs.gov/s+t/SNT/noframe/lu106.htm
38. Land cover classification - A process of stratification and systematic grouping of land cover into multi-level, mutually
exclusive classes according to selected criteria. It is independent of map scale, data source and geographic area.
(Kalensky et al. 2002).
39. Land cover map legend - A subset of land cover classes compatible with the map scale, map type (forest map, forest
change map, agricultural land map, land degradation map, etc.) and map accuracy requirements. Furthermore, the
map legend is specific to a geographic area of the map. (Kalensky et al. 2002).
2. 2 LAND USE
1. (European Environment Agency) - Land use corresponds to the socio-economic description (functional dimension) of
areas: areas used for residential, industrial or commercial purposes, for farming or forestry, for recreational or
conservation purposes, etc. Links with land cover are possible; it may be possible to infer land use from land cover
and conversely. But situations are often complicated and the link is not so evident. Contrary to land cover, land use is
difficult to 'observe'. For example, it is often difficult to decide if grasslands are used or not for agricultural purposes.
Distinctions between land use and land cover and their definition have impacts on the development of classification
systems, data collection and information systems in general. http://glossary.eea.europa.eu/EEAGlossary/L/land_use
and http://ec.europa.eu/agriculture/publi/landscape/gloss.htm
2. (European Environment Agency) The socio-economic description (functional dimension) of areas: areas used for
residential, industrial or commercial purposes, for farming or forestry, for recreational or conservation purposes, etc.
Links with land cover are possible; it may be possible to infer land use from land cover and conversely. But situations
are often complicated and the link is not so evident. Contrary to land cover, land use is difficult to "observe". For
example, it is often difficult to decide if grasslands are used or not for agricultural purposes. Distinctions between land
use and land cover and their definition have impacts on the development of classification systems, data collection and
information systems in general. http://europa.eu.int/comm/agriculture/publi/landscape/gloss.htm
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3. (European Union) Corresponds to the socio-economic description (functional dimension) of areas: areas used for
residential, industrial or commercial purposes, for farming or forestry, for recreational or conservation purposes, etc.
Links with land cover are possible; it may be possible to infer land use from land cover and conversely. But situations
are often complicated and the link is not so evident. Contrary to land cover, land use is difficult to 'observe'. For
example, it is often difficult to decide if grasslands are used or not for agricultural purposes. Distinctions between land
use and land cover and their definition have impacts on the development of classification systems, data collection and
information systems in general. http://epaedia.eea.europa.eu/glossary.php?letter=L&gid=92#viewterm
4. (European Union) For land use, various approaches are proposed into the literature. Two main "schools" may be
distinguished. Land use in terms of functional dimension corresponds to the description of areas in terms of their
socio-economic purpose: areas used for residential, industrial or commercial purposes, for farming or forestry, for
recreational or conservation purposes, etc. Links with land cover are possible; it may be possible to infer land use
from land cover and conversely. But situations are often complicated and the link is not so evident. Another approach,
termed sequential, has been particularly developed for agricultural purposes. The definition is a series of operations
on land, carried out by humans, with the intention to obtain products and/or benefits through using land resources. For
example a sequence of operations such as ploughing, seeding, weeding, fertilising and harvesting (MCHER et al.
1993). Contrary to land cover, land use is difficult to "observe". For example, it is often difficult to decide if grasslands
are used or not for agricultural purposes. The information coming from the source of observation may not be sufficient
and may require additional information. In the case of agricultural use, farmers may bring information, for example if
cattle are present or not, if they are grazing. It is also possible to use characteristics on the spot indicating the
presence or absence of cattle. For the FUNCTIONAL approach, inference from land cover may be helpful. For the
SEQUENTIAL approach, a more exhaustive recording of various attributes will be needed, for example a multi-
temporal approach. In the following, land use will be understood as FUNCTIONAL.
http://circa.europa.eu/irc/dsis/coded/info/data/coded/en/gl009961.htm
5. (IPCC - 2003) The total of arrangements, activities and inputs undertaken (a set of human actions) in a certain land
cover type. The term land use is also used in the sense of the social and economic purposes for which land is
managed (e.g., grazing, timber extraction, and conservation). (Source: Second Order Draft Glossary IPCC WGI
Fourth Assessment Rept. http://www.junkscience.com/draft_AR4/GLOSSARY_SOD_TSU_FINAL.pdf)
6. (IPCC) The social and economic purposes for which land is managed (e.g., grazing, timber extraction, conservation).
http://www.bib.fsagx.ac.be/coste21/glossary.html and http://www.ipcc.ch/pub/SPM_SRLULUCF.pdf
7. (IPCC) The total of arrangements, activities, and inputs undertaken in a certain land cover type (a set of human
actions). http://www.bib.fsagx.ac.be/coste21/glossary.html and http://www.ipcc.ch/pub/SPM_SRLULUCF.pdf
8. (OECD) Land use is based on the functional dimension of land for different human purposes or economic activities.
Typical categories for land use are dwellings, industrial use, transport, recreational use or nature protection areas.
http://stats.oecd.org/glossary/detail.asp?ID=6493
9. (UN-EP) - The total of arrangements, activities and inputs undertaken in a certain land cover type (a set of human
actions). The social and economic purposes for which land is managed (e.g., grazing, timber extraction, and
conservation). http://www.grida.no/climate/ipcc_tar/wg1/518.htm
10. (UN-FAO-2005) Land use: classification of land according to the activity undertaken on the land (paragraphs 11.20
11.39). http://www.fao.org/es/ess/census/PROGwca2010/glossary_r7.pdf
11. (USA-DOT-FHWA) - Refers to the manner in which portions of land or the structures on them are used, i.e.
commercial, residential, retail, industrial, etc. http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/planning/glossary/glossary_listing.cfm?
TitleStart=L
12. (USA-FED-Climate Change Science Program) The total of arrangements, activities, and inputs undertaken in a
certain land cover type (a set of human actions). The social and economic purposes for which land is managed (e.g.,
grazing, timber extraction, and conservation). http://www.climatescience.gov/Library/stratplan2003/final/annexd.htm#L
U
13. (USA-FED-EPA 2006) The degree to which the land reflects human activities (e.g., residential and industrial
development, roads, mining, timber harvesting, agriculture, grazing, etc.). Land use describes how a piece of land is
managed or used by humans. Land use is generally locally regulated in the U.S. based on zoning and other
regulations. Land use mapping differs from land cover mapping in that it is not always obvious what the land use is
from visual inspection. 2006. http://www.epa.gov/urban/glossary.htm
14. (USA-FED-EPA) Describes how a piece of land is managed or used by humans. The degree to which the land reflects
human activities (e.g., residential and industrial development, roads, mining, timber harvesting, agriculture, grazing,
etc.). http://www.epa.gov/indicate/roe/html/roeAppDf.htm#f and http://www.epa.gov/indicators/roe/html/roeGlossL.htm
15. (USA-FED-DA 1982) The purpose of human activity on the land; it is usually, but not always, related to land cover.
The NRI uses the term "land cover/use" to identify the categories that account for all the surface area in the United
States [BS-1982, NRI-92] ftp://ftp-fc.sc.egov.usda.gov/NCGC/products/nri/2004range/chapter6.pdf
8
16. (USA-FED-DI-NRCS) The purpose of human activity on the land; it is usually, but not always, related to land cover.
http://199.156.157.191/nri/blcu.htm and http://www.wv.nrcs.usda.gov/nri/blcu.htm
17. A particular manner of using land, such as for residences or recreation.
http://ohia.com/ohia/roadshows/sky/glossary.htm
18. A series of operations on land, carried out by humans, with the intention to obtain products and/or benefits through
using land resources. www.pamagic.org/DataStds/Current/DataStandards_LandUse_05-22-02.pdf and (de Bie 2000).
19. A term used to describe the various ways in which human beings make use of the land and its resources, including
farming, mining, building, or grazing sheep and cattle. http://www.enviroliteracy.org/landuse.html
20. Current or intended statutory use or tenure of land. http://www.glenelg-
hopkins.vic.gov.au/catchmentprofile/glossary.asp
21. How land is used. It might be for: buildings, such as a housing estate, industrial purposes, such as factories,
leisure, such as a sports centre, agriculture, such as an orchard http://www.naturegrid.org.uk/eco-
exp/glossary.html#land
22. How people use the Earth's surface (e.g., urban, rural, agricultural, range, forest); often subdivided into specific uses
(e.g., retail, low-density housing, industrial). http://www.nmlites.org/standards/socialstudies/glossary.html
23. Human activities which are directly related to land, making use of its resources or having an impact upon it.
http://www.wocat.org/ftp/ISCOmap.pdf
24. Involves both the manner in which the biophysical attributes of the land are manipulated and the intent underlying that
manipulation. http://www.idg.suny.edu/HO%20submit%20SensitiveSens%2012%2017Porro.htm
25. Land "use" is defined in terms of a specific combination of land activity and land cover.
26. Land use involves both the manner in which the biophysical attributes of the land are manipulated and the intent
underlying that manipulation the purpose for which the land is used" (Turner et al. 1995, 20). In a similar vein, Meyer
(1995) states that "land use is the way in which, and the purpose for which, human beings employ the land and its
resources (Meyer 1995, 25 cited in Moser 1996, 247). Briefly, land use "denotes the human employment of land"
(Turner and Meyer 1994, 5). Skole (1994) expands further and states that "Land use itself is the human employment
of a land-cover type, the means by which human activity appropriates the results of net primary production (NPP) as
determined by a complex of socio-economic factors" (Skole 1994, 438). Finally, FAO (1995) states that "land use
concerns the function or purpose for which the land is used by the local human population and can be defined as the
human activities which are directly related to land, making use of its resources or having an impact on them" (FAO
1995, 21). http://www.rri.wvu.edu/WebBook/Briassoulis/contents.htm
27. Land use is characterized by the arrangements, activities and inputs people undertake in a certain land cover type to
produce, change or maintain it. The definition of land use establishes a direct link between land cover and the actions
of people in their environment. http://www.glcn-lccs.org/index.php?name=Content&pa=showpage&pid=2
28. Land Use refers to what people do on the land surface, such as agriculture, commercial and residential development,
and transportation (Jensen 2005). http://www.utsa.edu/lrsg/teaching/es6973/project/jayar1.pdf.
29. Man's activities on land of which settlements, forestry, agriculture, mining, grazing and water use are the most
predominant http://www.nscb.gov.ph/ru12/DEFINE/DEF-ENV.HTM
30. Man's activities on land which are directly related to land. (Anderson et al. 1976).
31. Refers to how land is utilized by humans, as in agricultural land use, urban development, or mining.
http://www.cara.psu.edu/tools/glossary.asp
32. Refers to the manner in which portions of land or the structures on them are used, e.g., commercial, residential, retail,
industrial, etc. http://www.raqc.org/more/define.htm#L
33. Specific use or management-related activity, rather than the vegetation or cover of the land. The categories of and use
are cropland, developed water resource, fish and wildlife habitat, forestry, industrial/commercial, pastureland (or land
occasionally cut for hay), recreation, residential, and undeveloped land.
http://dnr.state.il.us/mines/lrd/guides/farm6.htm
34. The activity land is used for. http://cfpm.org/caves/CAVESWiki/Glossary
35. The arrangements, activities and inputs people undertake in a certain land cover type to produce, change or maintain
it (Di Gregorio and Jansen 1997, 1998, Jansen and Di Gregorio 1998). A given land use may take place on one, or
more than one, piece of land and several land uses may occur on the same piece of land. Definition of land use in this
way provides a basis for precise and quantitative economic and environmental impact analysis and permits precise
distinctions between land uses, if required. Lands may be devoid of forest cover, but may be used for forestry
purposes. Similarly, lands may have tree cover, but not used for forestry use i.e. "urban forests."
36. The current use of an area of land. This term is different to, but often confused with, land cover.
http://ceos.cnes.fr:8100/cdrom-00b/ceos1/science/glossary/glossl.htm
9
37. The description of human enterprises on the land and water, and may have the following components: activities (the
actual use of land and related structures and modifications to the landscape); use-related land cover (where cover
implies a use or is important to interpreting patterns or impacts of use); declared interests in the land (where use
decisions may be affected by such interests); legal entities (legal boundaries, tenures, and regulations that affect use).
38. The description of the human cultural activities on the land and water.
39. The direct interaction/manipulation with/of the (agro-) ecosystem by man (Mcher et al 1993)
40. The documentation of human uses of the landscape: residential, commercial, agricultural, etc. Land use can be
inferred but not explicitly derived from satellite and aerial imagery. There is no spectral basis for land use
determination in satellite imagery. http://www.csc.noaa.gov/crs/lca/faq_data.html#LULC
41. The employment of a site or holding so as to derive revenue or other benefits from it; the delineation by a governing
authority of the utilization of the land within a particular jurisdiction so as to promote the most advantageous
development of the community such as industrial, residential, commercial, recreational and other uses under a plan.
(HUDCC) http://www.nscb.gov.ph/peenra/Publications/Compendium/glossary.PDF
42. The function for which the land is rendered in the attempt to satisfy some human wants.
http://anmf.web1000.com/BIBLIOGRAPHY%20ON%20AFRICA%20MOUNTAINS.html
43. The human activity that is associated with a specific land unit, in terms of utilization, impacts or management practices
(Thompson 1996).
44. The human employment of land; includes settlements, cultivation, pasture, rangeland, and recreation, among others.
45. The human employment of the land (Meyer and Turner 1992).
46. The human use of a piece of land for a certain purpose (such as irrigated agriculture or recreation). Influenced by, but
not synonymous with, land cover. http://www.greenfacts.org/glossary/jkl/land-use.htm and
http://ma.caudillweb.com/proxy/Document.782.aspx
47. The intent and management strategy placed on a land cover type (Turner, et al. 1995).
48. The nature of the Earth's surface in areas where the human imprint upon land is dominant.
http://surf.tstc.edu/~rcozby/GPS/ap_terms.htm#L
49. The predominant purpose for which an area is employed (USDA Forest Service 1989).
50. The purpose for which a specific land area is used by people; the socio-economic function of such an area.
(Kalnensky et al. 2002).
51. The purpose the land serves, for example, recreation, wildlife habitat, or agriculture, urban development, and mostly
areas impacted by human activity. Knowledge of land use helps us to develop strategies to balance conservation,
conflicting uses, and developmental pressures. Some of the issues which are of concern include the removal or
disturbance of productive land, urban encroachment, and depletion of forests.
http://hosting.soonet.ca/eliris/remotesensing/bl130lec6.html
52. The purpose to which land is put by humans (e.g., protected areas, forestry for timber products, plantations, row-crop
agriculture, pastures, or human settlements) (Turner and Meyer 1994). Change in land use may or may not cause a
significant change in land cover. For example, change from selectively harvested forest to protected forest will not
cause much discernible cover change in the short term, but change to cultivated land will cause a large change in
cover.
53. The type of human activity taking place at or near the earth's surface. (Cihlar and Jansen 2001).
54. The way in which land is used, especially in farming and city planning. http://en.mimi.hu/environment/land_use.html
55. The way in which, and the purposes for which, humans employ the land and its resources (Meyer 1995).
56. The way land is developed and used in terms of the kinds of activities allowed (agriculture, residences, industries,
etc.) and the size of buildings and structures permitted.
http://www.abag.ca.gov/bayarea/sfep/reports/soe/soegloss.htm
57. The way land is developed and used in terms of the kinds of anthropogenic activities that occur (e.g., agriculture,
residential areas, industrial areas). http://www.planning.arizona.edu/projects/proj_azcity_glossary.doc
58. Land-use change - (UN-EP 2000) - A change in the use or management of land by humans, which may lead to a
change in land cover. Land cover and land-use change may have an impact on the albedo, evapotrans-piration,
sources and sinks of greenhouse gases, or other properties of the climate system and may thus have an
impact on climate, locally or globally. See also: the IPCC Report on Land Use, Land-Use Change, and Forestry
(IPCC, 2000). http://www.grida.no/climate/ipcc_tar/wg1/518.htm
59. Land-use change - (USA-FED-Climate Change Science Program 2003) - A change in the use or management of
land by humans, which may lead to a change in land cover. Land cover and land-use change may have an impact on
the albedo, evapotranspiration, sources, and sinks of greenhouse gases, or other properties of the climate system,
10
and may thus have an impact on climate, locally or globally.
http://www.climatescience.gov/Library/stratplan2003/final/annexd.htm#L
60. Land-use change - shift to a different land use or an intensification of an existing one.
2.3 FOREST/FOREST LAND - ETYMOLOGY: Middle English, from Old French, from Medieval Latin forestis (silva),
outside (forest), from Latin for s, outside. http://www.bartleby.com/61/69/F0256900.html. In several European languages,
the root for(s) today still means outsider -(e.g. foreigner).

http://www.europarl.eu.int/workingpapers/forest/eurfo124_en.htm. The word forest in Medieval England came to mean
land outside cultivation and belonging by default to the Crown. There is no direct reference to trees or woodland.
http://www.ashdownforest.org/html/conservation.html. The term "forest" was a legal and did not mean that the whole area
was wooded. http://www.wychwoodproject.org/templates/history.htm The word foresta appears for the first time in the
laws of the Longobards and the capitularies of Charlemagne, referring not to woodlands in general but only to the royal
game preserves. The obscure Latin verb forestare meant 'to keep out, to place off limits, to exclude.' In effect, during the
Merovingian period in which the word foresta entered the lexicon, kings had taken it upon themselves to place public bans
on vast tracts of woodlands in order to insure the survival of their wildlife, which in turn would insure the survival of a
fundamental royal ritual--the hunt.
Manwood in Lawes of the Forest (1598) describes a forest as a certain territory of woody grounds, fruitful pastures,
privileged for wild beasts and fowls of forest, chase and warren, to rest and abide in the safe protection of the king, for his
princely delight and pleasures. (Encyclopedia Britannia 1910. p. 645. http://books.google.com/books?
id=jhZsJc4z5RkC&pg=PA657&lpg=PA657&dq=hawaii+forestland&source=web&ots=YlCTj-qUZR&sig=PtkyXu4oaaWBg-
3k45z2nub3mDs#PPA645,M1 ) A 'forest,' then, was originally a juridical term referring to land that had been placed off
limits by a royal decree. Once a region had been 'afforested,' or declared a forest, it could not be cultivated, exploited, or
encroached upon. It lay outside the public domain, reserved for the king's pleasure and recreation. In England it also lay
outside the common juridical sphere. Offenders were not punishable by the common law but rather by a set of very
specific 'forest laws.' The royal forests lay 'outside' in another sense as well, for the space enclosed by the walls of a royal
garden was sometimes called silva, or wood. Forestis silva meant the unenclosed woods 'outside' the walls."
http://www.ecobooks.com/forests.htm
Table 1 lists terms for forest, forestland and tree in a multitude of languages from around the world.
Table 1 "Forest;" "forest land;" and "tree" in other languages

Language Forest Forest land Tree
Africkkaans Bos Boom
Albanian Dru; pyll Dru; pem
Aotearoa NZ bush
ard ghabawyah; milk
Arabic Ghabah; Shajarah;
ghabawee
Aragones rbol; abre
Armenian antar Antarayin khogher tsar
Aymara khokga
Azeri aac
Bahasa Malaysia hutan pokok
Basque baso zuhaitz
Belarusan les dreva
Bemba seebeebe alulankula
Bengali jungle jungle bhoomi gachh
Berber 'ari
Brazilian Portuguese mata, floresta rvore
Breton koad; koadeg, gwezenn
Bulgarian Gora; Dyrvo;
Byelorussian
arburu ; arberu ;
Calabrese
arvulu
arberuqu; erul;
Cal
cat; eruqu
Catalan Floresta, fusta arbre
11
kakahoyan;
Cebuano kahoy
kalasangan
Chechen hwu ditt
Cheyenne hoohtsstse
Chinese lin; lam bo; bi; baak
Chorti tah te
rburu; rburu;
Corsican
lberu; rboru
Croatian uma uma prizemljiti Stablo; drvo
Czech les zalesnn pda Strom; devo
Danish skov skov lande tr
Drow lorug
Dutch bos bosland boom
Elvish taure alda
Emiliano-Romagnolo elber
Esperanto arbaro Arba; arbo
Estonian mets metsamaa puud
Farsi derakht
Faroese skgur tr
Fijian Vei kau kau
kakahuyan; gubat punungkahoy; puno
Filipino
Finnish mets mets puu
Flemish bos boom
French Fort; bois; foret terre fort; terre boise arbre
Frisian bosk; wld beam
Galician foresta; bosque rbore
Gerogian
German Forst; Wald forstbetriebsflche baum
Greek Hul; s Dendro;
vir; vir rac ;
Guarani ka'aguy
yvyra
la'au; kumula'au;
Hawaiian ulu la'au; nahele
kumu
Hebrew ; -
Hindi jagal; vun vun-bhoomi pr; paed
Homng hav zoov ntoo
Hungarian erd erdgazdasgi terlet fa
Icelandic Skgur; skgar skgur land tr
Ilongo kagulangan kahoy
Indonesian hutan Pohon; pokok
Interlingua foreste- silva arbore
Irish fhoraoise crann
area forestale;
Italian bosco; foresta compresorio forestale; albero; pianta
terreno forestale
Japanese shinrin shinrin iki jumoku
Japanese Romaji rin'yacho_ Ki, mokuhon
Kamilaroi/Gamilaraay thulu
Kannada kadu aranya gida
Kapampangan caquewan tanaman
Katcha tile fa
Khowar kam
Kinyarwanda Ishyamba Igiti
Kurdish bESeLan dar
Latin lustrum; silva; nemus; arboreus; arbor
12
lucus
Latvian mes koks
Lithuanian mikas medis
Limburgisch boum
Macedonian
Magyar fires|erdtzek
Maltese foresta; bosk sira
wunang gilam; wanoug
Manipuri wunang; wanoug wopanbi
gilam
Mantuan erbor
Maori ngahere
Mapudungun aliwen
Maya chee; che
Mingo kahta' kta'; kta'; uta'
Miskitu Hierba; ds.
; ;
Mongolian
;;
Mudns elber
Nauruan imin er ogoda
Neapolitan pianta
Nepali ban; van ban (van) kshyetra rukh
Norwegian skog skog land tre
Old Greek
Pahlavi razu1r Wan; da1r
Pali vana rukkha
Papiamento mondi palo, palu
Persian
Pidgin bus diwai
Piemontese bsch
Polish las ziemia las; teren leny drzewo
Portuguese Floresta; bosque terra floresta rvore
Potawatomi mtuk
Provenal Aubre
Pugliese rue
jangle de zamin; jangle
Punjabi jungle rukh
dharti
Reggiano elber
Romanian Codru; pdure codru pmnt Arbore; copac
Russian Les; lesnye zemli Derevo;
aranya-bhumi; van
Sanskrit aranya; van brikshya; vriksh
bhoomi
Sardinian Campidanesu matta
Sardinian Logudoresu rbore
Serbian uma uma kopno Drvo;
Shona dondo
Sicilian abbiru
Slovak les strom
Slovenian gozd gozd svet Drevo; drev
Somali geed
tierra bosque; monts;
Spanish bosque; selva rbol
tierra selva
Sdovian med'an gar'an
Sumerian tir gis; mu
Swahili msitu mti
Swedish skogen skogen jorden Tr; trd
Swiss German Baum
Tagalog puno
13
Taino Yabisi
Taiwanese chiu
Tamil vanam vanam bhoomi marram
Telgue adavi adavi neela chettu
Thai
Tibetan nags ku dza
Trevisan albaro
Turkish orman Aa; aa
Turkmen tokay Bag; agach
Ukrainian
Ulwa pan
Urdu jagal Darakht;
Uyghurce ormanliq
Valencian arbre
Venetian albaro
Vietnamese rng; rng cy
Vriksh jungle kanan
Warlpiri mulyu-pakarnu janpilypa
Choedwig; Coedwig; Bren; Coeden;
Welsh choedwig dirio
fforest colfen; pren
Yiddish wald boim
Zeneize rbo; erbo
A jungle is tropical and untrammeled. A forest is temperate and little touched by humans. Woods are forests
that have been worked by humans. http://forum.wordreference.com/showthread.php?t=186539
For Claudentina, a quilombola woman (descendant of escaped African slaves) in her 60s from the community of Angelim
in Sap do Norte, in the Brazilian state of Espritu Santo, the forest is a place where people used to go to find fruits
and seeds, vines, wood, plants, roots; to hunt and fish. It was also a place to practice our faith.
http://www.wrm.org.uy/bulletin/174/viewpoint.html
We found nearly 1660 definitions. Thresholds for tree cover vary from 0% to 80%. [Note: John Dwyer has done some
work which shows that average forest cover in urban USA is about 33% (From: Smith_Brad/wo@fs.fed.us)]. A crosswalk
of various forest classification systems may be found at http://www.ncasi-nerc.org/projects/evmp/vcst/. We can group
forest definitions according to their source - those found in general dictionaries and glossaries, definitions from the
International Community, National definitions, and state, provincial or local definitions. We can further group these into 4
categories - those that are declared or administrative units, those that mean a land cover, those that mean a land use and
a miscellaneous category.
Table 2 - Summary of number of published definitions of forest found

as of 13 December 2017
Scope
Definition Type Total
General International National Local
Administrative 20 0 106 21 147
Cover 241 102 534 104 981
Use 62 52 208 111 433
Ecological/Miscellaneous 25 6 50 17 98
Total 348 160 898 253 1659
Definitions: forest, tree, forest summary, woodland, afforestation, deforestation, reforestation, other terms.
2.3.1 General definitions
14
1. A certain territory of woody ground and fruitful pastures privileged for wild beasts and fowl of forest, chase and warren
to rest and abide in, in the safe protection of the king for his pleasure.
http://www.ceres.org/conference/notes/sustainable_forestry.htm
2. A defined area of land formerly set aside in England as a royal hunting ground. http://www.dictionary.com/cgi-
bin/dict.pl?term=forest
3. A forest is a certain territory of woody grounds, fruitful pastures, privileged for wild beast and fowls of forest chase,
and warren, to nest and abide in, in the safe protection of the King, for his princely delight and pleasure, with territory
of ground, so privilege is meered and bounded with unremovable marks, meers and boundaries either know by matter
of record, or else by prescription. (Manwood. 1598. The Lawes of the Forest).
http://dspace.wbpublibnet.gov.in/dspace/bitstream/10689/10100/4/Chapter%201_1%20-%20125p.pdf
4. A large extent or precinct of country, generally waste and woody, belonging to the sovereign, set apart for the keeping
of game for his use, not inclosed, but distinguished by certain limits, and protected by certain laws, courts, and officers
of its own. --Burrill. (Eng. Law) Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary, 1996, 1998 MICRA, Inc
5. A large extent or precinct of country, generally waste and woody, belonging to the sovereign, set apart for the keeping
of game for his use, not inclosed, but distinguished by certain limits, and protected by certain laws, courts, and officers
of its own. http://www.biology-online.org/dictionary/Forest
6. A waste grounds belonging to the king (Blackstone)
http://www.foresthistory.org/ASPNET/Publications/CCCforestry/contents.htm
7. An area of land proclaimed to be forest under a Forest Act or Ordinance. Ford-Robertson 1971: 107, 298.
8. An area within an administrative boundary of a forest agency, whether having trees or not.
http://fwie.fw.vt.edu/rhgiles/appendices/glossf.htm
9. Any of certain tracts of woodland or wasteland, usually the property of the sovereign, preserved for gam
http://www.yourdictionary.com/forest
10. By the English law, a forest is a circuit of ground properly under the king's protection, for the peaceable living and
abiding of beasts of hunting and the chase, and distinguished not only by having bounds and privileges, but also by
having courts and Offices. 12 do. 22. http://www.alaska.net/~winter/bouvier1856_f_all.html
11. Forest Reserve - A government land designation the purpose of which is to retain that land as forest or other natural
vegetation, or to encourage its conversion to forest.
http://www.molluscsoftasmania.net/Portfolio/Grove_1998_NatureConservationSourcebookForForestryProfessionals.p
df
12. From a management standpoint, a forest is a collection of stands administered as a unit.
http://ext.msstate.edu/pubs/pub1250.htm
13. Historically, a prescribed but unenclosed area of land on which the sovereign had the exclusive right to hunt and make
Forest Laws. More commonly, a large wooded area. http://www.tnw.org.uk/Note17.html
14. Historically, an area set aside for hunting. http://explanation-guide.info/meaning/Forest.htm and
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forest
15. Hunting preserve of the king or lord-marcher, subject to forest law but not necessarily woodland (L 237); originally an
area of land in which only the owner had the right to hunt deer and boar. http://info.sjc.ox.ac.uk/forests/glossary.htm
16. Its traditional definition is a territory, usually unenclosed, and not necessarily woodland but often covered with woods
of varying density, but also included heathland, wood pasture, arable and even villages. It was designated by
perambulation and used by the sovereign for his or her assigned, hunting, and subject to his will by forest law. The
protection of deer and their habitat was paramount. In early centuries, forest virtually meant the Kings hunting ground.
http://www.deanverderers.org.uk/glossary.html
17. National Forest - A large expanse of forest that is protected by a government and may be harvested or hunted in only
under controlled conditions http://www.allwords.com/query.asp#AHD
18. One or more stands managed together, under a single ownership or a single certificate
http://fscus.org/html/standards_policies/us_regional_standards/archives/ozark_ouachita4.html
19. Originally a tract of heath, moor or woodland controlled by the Crown for the purpose of conserving deer and other
woodland animals. http://www.dorsetcoppicegroup.co.uk/resources/Dorset_Coppice_Group_Glossary.pdf
20. The mass of land of the public domain comprising of the public forest, permanent/established forests or forest
reserves and other forest reservations.http://www.bwf.org/laws/FSAO_15.html
1. (Closed) forest Formed by trees at least 5 m tall with their crowns interlocking, covering 65% of the sky or more.
http://www.birdlist.org/cam/themes/Volume_I_s.pdf
15
2. (Closed) forest - Formed by trees at least 5 meters tall with their crowns interlocking. Total canopy cover is greater
than 40%. http://www.geery.com/Norfork_MUC.htm
3. (Closed) Forest in which the stand density is greater than 20 percent of the area and tree crowns approach general
contact with one another. https://www.uni-hohenheim.de/i490a/teaching/M4901-
430/ws_03_04/reading_materials/New_Neef_Schwarzmeier_Studie.pdf
4. (Ecological definition) Forest is one of major types of vegetation, which comprises an aggregate of woody, srubs,
herbaceous and other (mosses, liches) plants, including fauna and microorganismus; all these components are
biologically interacted during their development, and impact both each other and environment. Ref. Forest
Encyclopaedia, Vol 1, Soviet Encyclopaedia, Moscow, 1985, page 503
5. (Ecosystem) - An ecological system composed of interacting biotic and abiotic components of the environment in
which trees are a major constituent, such that their canopies cover 20% or more of the area (Maini 1991)
http://www.forestry.utoronto.ca/ac_staff/emeritus/My%20Webs/english.htm
6. (Ecosystem) - Land areas dominated by trees where the tree canopy covers at least 10% of the ground area
http://www.pbs.org/earthonedge/glossary.html
7. (Landscape) Forest is a natural and territorial complex of a different rank (from a facies to a geographical country) in
which phytocoenoses are dominated by spontaneously developing tree vegetation. Ref. Kireev D.M. 1984. Ecological
and Georaphical Terms in Forestry. Reference Glossary, Nauka, Novosibirsk, 1984, page 63
8. (NALMS) Land which is at least 10 percent occupied by forest trees of any size or formerly having had such tree
cover and not currently developed for non-forest use. Lands developed for non-forest use include areas for crops,
improved pasture, residential, or administrative areas, improved roads of any width, and adjoining road clearing and
power line clearing of any width. http://www.nalms.org/glossary/lkword_f.htm
9. (Open) Forest in which the tree canopy layer is discontinuous but covers at least 10 percent of the area and in which
the grass layer is continuous. https://www.uni-hohenheim.de/i490a/teaching/M4901-
10. (Recommended Definition) -While a definition of "forest" that is globally acceptable and appropriate for monitoring
using standard remote sensing options will necessarily be based on a small set of easily measured parameters, there
are dangers when simple definitions are applied locally. At the very least, we recommend that natural forest be
differentiated from plantations and that for defining "forest" the lower height limit defining "trees" be set at more than 5
m tall with the minimum cover of trees be set at more than 40%. These changes will help reduce greenhouse gas
emissions from what is now termed forest "degradation" without increasing monitoring costs. Furthermore, these
minor changes in the definition of "forest" will promote the switch from degradation to responsible forest management,
which will help mitigate global warming while protecting biodiversity and contributing to sustainable development.
http://www.forestcarbonportal.com/resource/critical-need-new-definitions-forest-and-forest-degradation-global-climate-
change-agreement
11. (Remote sensing) Land with tree crown cover of more than 20 % of the area. Trees should be able to grow to a height
of 7 m. Minimum area outside continuous forest: 0.5 ha. Minimum width outside continuous forest: 15 m. (minimum
size stand; for instance 15 m x 333 m). (Khl and Pivinen 1996).
12. (Riverine): 75-100% tree cover up to 20+ m. Shrub <10% if > 1m high
http://icaci.org/files/documents/ICC_proceedings/ICC2013/_extendedAbstract/131_proceeding.pdf
13. (SAF) (1958) (Forest) A plant association predominantly of trees and other woody vegetation. (SAF 1958)
http://home.comcast.net/~gyde/5-agency_paper-2.doc
14. (SAF) (1971) (Forest) Generally, an ecosystem characterized by a more or less dense and extensive tree cover. More
particularly, a plant community predominantly of trees and other woody vegetation, growing more or less closely
together. (FORD-ROBERTSON 1971) . (Society of American Foresters, 1971) http://home.comcast.net/~gyde/5-
agency_paper-2.doc
15. (SAF) (2001) A forest is considered an area with at least 10 per cent tree canopy cover.
http://www.safnet.org/aboutforestry/world.cfm
16. (Science: ecology) An extensive wood; a large tract of land covered with trees. http://www.biology-
online.org/dictionary/Forest
17. (SRM) (1980) Land on which the native vegetation (Climax or natural potential) is dominated by trees with at least 25
percent crown coverage at maturity of the trees. (SRM 1980) http://home.comcast.net/~gyde/5-agency_paper-2.doc
18. (Sub) natural woodland vegetation comprising native species forming forests of tall trees, with typical undergrowth,
and meeting the following criteria: rare or residual, and/or hosting species of Community interest (28).
http://www.forest.ru/eng/old-growth/eu-definition.html
19. (Upland) - An upland area with a tree canopy closure of greater than or equal to ten percent. Included in this category
are pine, hardwood, and mixed forest and those areas where timber harvesting and subsequent regeneration are
taking place. For a given forest stand to be classed as one particular species group, the polygon which contains the
species must have a tree canopy comprised of 66 percent or more of the total canopy. Otherwise, the forest polygon
16
will be classed as a mixed species. Classification of Upland Forests is most often supplemented through the use of
aerial imagery. http://www.1000friendsofflorida.org/PUBS/stmarksGreen/apend2.asp
20. (woodlands), almost exclusively of Aleppo Pine, with at least 20% ground cover by trees;
http://content.alterra.wur.nl/Internet/webdocs/ilri-publicaties/publicaties/Pub36/Proceeding%20of%20the%20workshop
%20leeg-h3.pdf
21. Urban forest" means those native or introduced trees and related vegetation in the urban and near-urban areas
including, but not limited to, urban watersheds, soils and related habitats, street trees, park trees, residential trees,
natural riparian habitats, and trees on other private and public properties http://www.marinreleaf.org/
22. A "tree dominated ecosystem," http://europe.mtnforum.org/rs/econfreports/MountainPeopleForestsAndTrees.pdf
23. A biological community dominated by trees and other woody plants. http://www.landhelp.info/FramifyGlossary.php
24. A biological community of plants and animals which is dominated by trees and other woody plants. (Density greater
than 20-30% understood) See Woodland. http://www.sfrc.ufl.edu/Extension/ssfor11.htm
25. A broad definition of forest is: An ecosystem characterised by a more or less dense and extensive tree cover, often
consisting of stands varying in characteristics such as species composition, structure, age class, and associated
processes, and commonly including meadows, streams, fish and wildlife (Helms, 1998: 70).
http://curis.ku.dk/ws/files/13035957/Christian_Gamborg.pdf
26. A community dominated by dense, extensive tree cover. http://fwie.fw.vt.edu/rhgiles/appendices/glossf.htm
27. A community dominated by dense, extensive tree cover.Plant community predominately of trees and other woody
plants, growing more or less closely together..Ecosystem characterized by more or less dense and extensive tree
cover, i.e.,larger than what might be called a grove.
http://www.pauldonahue.net/for_InkaNatura_guides/environmental_glossary.pdf
28. A community dominated by trees with long trunks. http://155.187.10.12/glossary/croft.html
29. A community of trees and other plants, together with the animals that live in it. This natural community is called an
ecosystem and it is self sustaining. Forests are most commonly found where there is enough water for their growth
and so they are most common in moister rather than drier parts of the world. Geography Glossary -
http://www.atlanticeurope.com/geography/GeographyGlossary.html
30. A community of trees, shrubs, herbs, and associated plants and organisms covering a considerable area; that use
oxygen, water, and soil nutrients as the community attains maturity and reproduces itself.
http://www.si.edu/crc/ep/forest/bin-pdf/Glossary.pdf
31. A community of trees, shrubs, herbs, microorganisms, and animals, the trees being the most obvious living structure.
Academic American Encyclopedia
32. A community or society of living things, the most important of which is the tree. The forest is a unit or organized whole
consisting of three distinct parts - the canopy, the floor, and the wood-mass. (Gifford 1902)
33. A complex association of trees, shrubs, and other plants in which each individual plays some part in the life of the
community" (Graves and Guise). http://www.foresthistory.org/ASPNET/Publications/CCCforestry/contents.htm
34. A complex community of plants and animals in which trees are the most conspicuous members. A mixed forest
includes both coniferous and deciduous trees. http://www.hww.ca/glossary.asp#letterR,
http://www.minntrees.org/facts/ff17.htm and http://www.hww.ca/glossary.asp#letterF
35. A complex community with life of its own. It has a soil and atmosphere of its own, chemically and physically different
from any other, with plants and shrubs as will as trees which are peculiar to it. It has resident population of insects and
higher animals entirely distinct from that outside. (Pinchot 1914)
36. A complex ecosystem consisting mainly of trees that buffer the earth and support a myriad of life forms.
http://edugreen.teri.res.in/explore/forestry/what.htm
37. A complex, self-regenerating system, encompassing soil, water, microclimate, energy, and a wide variety of plants and
animals in a mutual relationship. Plantations, on the other hand, have one or a few species of trees/crops (often
alien), planted in homogenous blocks of the same age. Plantation trees are much closer to industrial agricultural crops
than to forests (as usually understood) or a traditional agricultural field.
http://www.un.org/esa/socdev/unpfii/documents/6session_crp6.doc
38. A concentration of trees and related vegetation in nonurban areas characterized by natural terrain and drainage
patterns. http://www.kyagr.com/enviro_out/pesticide/pdf/302KAR28.pdf
39. A continuous stand of trees > 10 m high, with interlocking crowns. There are many kinds of forests and ways to
classify them, for example, by ecozone, vegetation type, climate, dominant species, conformation.
http://www.bugwood.caes.uga.edu/glossary/ and http://www.worldagroforestrycentre.org/sea/AgroModels/DBases/af/
40. A dense grove of trees and underbrush covering a large tract. Grove - A small wood without underbrush. Wood - A
dense grove of trees usually greater in extent than a grove and smaller than a forest. Thicket - A dense growth of
shrubbery or small trees. http://www.thealmightyguru.com/Pointless/NatureDefinitions.html
41. A dense growth of trees and underbrush covering a large tract [Source: WWWebster Dictionary]
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42. A dense growth of trees, plants, and underbrush covering a large area. http://www.answers.com/topic/forest
43. A dense growth of trees, together with other plants, covering a large area.
http://www.bridgingthewatershed.org/glossary.html#d
44. A densely wooded area. http://www.dorsetcoppicegroup.co.uk/resources/Dorset_Coppice_Group_Glossary.pdf
45. A diverse community of plants and animals in which trees are the most conspicuous members.
http://mojavedesert.net/glossary/forest.html
46. A diverse mix of trees and herbaceous plants, a home to wildlife, and a sanctuary for the spirit.
http://members.tripod.com/~nefpc/clearcut.htm
47. A forest (also called a wood, woodland, wold, weald, holt, frith, or firth) is an area with a high density of trees.
48. A forest has a canopy of trees whose crowns interlock at 10 m or higher, with variable lower layers;
http://www.zamsoc.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Dry-Forests-Report-Full-document.pdf
49. A forest is a dense growth of trees, together with other plants, covering a large area of land. The science concerned
with the study, preservation, and management of forests is forestry.
50. A forest is an area with a high density of trees. Forests are also referred to as:a wood, woodland, wold, weald, holt,
and firth. http://www.planetpals.com/habitats.html
51. A forest is an ecosystem-a community of plants and animals interacting with one another and with the physical
environment. http://www.pkarticleshub.com/2012/02/04/forests--an-imperative-resource/ (26)
http://www.genesisny.net/Commodity/Timber/Timberglos.html
52. A forest is usually an area filled with trees but any tall densely packed area of vegetation may be considered a forest,
even underwater vegetation such as kelp forests, or non-vegetation such as fungi,[2] and bacteria
53. A forest is an area with a high density of trees. http://www.reference.com/browse/wiki/Forest
54. A forest, also referred to as a wood or the woods and less often as a wold (or weald), holt, or firth (or firth), is an
area with a high density of trees. http://crosword911.com/forest.jsp?
=aHR0cDovL2VuLndpa2lwZWRpYS5vcmcvd2lraS9Gb3Jlc3Q= and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forest
55. A highly ordered arrangement of living organisms living in, on and around (dead, dying & living) trees in such an highly
ordered fashion it assures high quality survival for all. http://www.chesco.com/~treeman/words/words-f.html
56. A land area with a minimum 10% tree crown coverage (or equivalent stocking level), or formerly having such tree
cover and that is being naturally or artificially regenerated or is being afforested.
http://figueresonline.com/csdafinal/English/publications/cdm/glossary.html
57. A land spanning more than 0.5 ha with trees higher than 5 metres and a crown cover of more than 10%, or trees able
to reach these thresholds in situ. For tree rows or shelterbelts, a minimum width of 20 m is required. It does not
include land that is predominantly under agricultural or urban land use.
http://www.metla.fi/silvafennica/full/sf42/sf422247.pdf
58. A large area covered chiefly with trees and undergrowth or a large number or dense mass of vertical objects.
http://www.foreignword.com/Tools/dictsrch_aff.asp?
menu=Y&query=forest&src=BP&srcbox=18&go=Translate&trg=AG
59. A large area full of trees, usually wild. http://www.cup.cam.ac.uk/esl/dictionary/default.asp?
String=forest*1%2B0&ACT=SELECT
60. A large area of land covered with trees and plants, usually larger than a wood, or the trees and plants themselves
http://www.cup.cam.ac.uk/elt/dictionary/default.asp?String=forest*1%2B0&ACT=SELECT
61. A large area of land densely covered with trees and other plants http://machaut.uchicago.edu/cgi-bin/WEDT1.sh?
word=forest&searchtype=default&constraint=1 and http://www.wordsmyth.net/cgi-bin/simplesearch.cgi?
matchent=forest&matchtype=exact&matchid=-1&retall=1
62. A large area of land that is covered by trees and associated undergrowth, either growing wild or managed for the
purpose of timber production. http://www.europe.apnet.com/inscight/12031996/forest1.htm and
http://www.harcourt.com/dictionary/def/4/1/0/7/4107300.html
63. A large area of trees clumped together is called a forest.
http://entomology.cornell.edu/cals/entomology/extension/outreach/upload/Daley_TeacherResource_Forest.pdf
64. A large area thickly covered with trees. Forests grow in different conditions, although large stands of trees need
temperatures above about 50 degrees F (10 degrees C) in the warmest months and an annual precipitation over 8
inches (20 cm). Forests are distinguished by their main species of trees and plants, density, and soil type.
http://www.zmt-bremen.de/files/Downlods/marine_glossary.pdf
65. A large area thickly covered with trees. http://www.3datlas.com/list_gl.html
66. A large area where trees grow close together. http://www.linguistics.ruhr-uni-bochum.de:8099/cgi-bin/search.sh?
tmpl=tmpls&itmpl=tmpls&form=forest
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67. A large area with many trees. http://nhd.heinle.com/nhd-bin/searchNHD.pl
68. A large tract of land covered with the different types of plant forms like shrubs, herbs and trees.
http://scstsenvis.nic.in/envis/SDNPnewsletter.htm
69. A large tract of land covered with trees and underbrush http://www.lpb.org/programs/forestseries/pforser_glossary.pdf
70. A large tract of land covered with trees: more exactly, a tract of land, more or less extensive, covered more or less
densely with trees of useful character, viewed from the standpoint of economic use and development. SAF 1916
(Helms 2002).
71. A large tract of land with a fairly dense growth of trees. http://www.mpl.ird.fr/crea/taller-
colombia/FAO/AGLL/pdfdocs/landglos.pdf
72. A large tract of land with a fairly dense growth of trees. This differs in degree from woodland, which tends to refer
more to open forests (Choudhury & Jansen 1998 and Timberlake & van der Poel 1979).
http://www.iapad.org/publications/ppgis/landglossary.pdf
73. A living community of flora (plants) and fauna (animals) dominated by trees.
http://www.abanet.org/environ/committees/forest/Public%20Service%20Project%20UZ%20Forest.DOC
74. A natural place where trees grow http://www.lucs.lu.se/LUCS/020/LUCS.020.pdf
75. A natural, self-sustaining community characterized by vertical structure created by the presence of trees.
(http://www.globalff.org/Feature_Articles/Previous_Articles/pre-defo.htm and
http://www.geocities.com/atlas/word/gff_deforest.html)
76. A piece of land that is thickly covered with trees is the general of definition of a forest. Forest is also known as woods,
weald or woodlands. http://hassam.hubpages.com/hub/Types-Of-Forests
77. A place with many trees and plants. http://wings.ucdavis.edu/Book/Atmosphere/beginner/deforestation-01.html
78. A plant and animal community dominated by trees. http://www.morcd.org/totorcd/Forestry%20Terms.htm
79. A plant association predominantly of trees and other woody vegetation. http://www.inwoodlands.org /,
http://agebb.missouri.edu/mfgc/contest/glossary.htm, and http://www.fnr.purdue.edu/inwood/glossary.html
80. A plant association predominatly of trees and other woody vegetation occupying an extensive area of land. SF 1944,
1958. (Helms 2002)
81. A plant community dominated by trees and other wood plants.
http://www.ag.iastate.edu/departments/forestry/ext/dictionary.html and
http://muextension.missouri.edu/xplor/agguides/forestry/g05054.htm
82. A plant community dominated by trees and other woody plants. http://www.washingtonforests.com/glossary.html
Washington Forest Protection Association, http://www.idahoforests.org/dict1.htm the Idaho Forest, and
http://ext.msstate.edu/pubs/pub1250.htm
83. A plant community dominated by trees and woody plants. From a management standpoint, a forest is a collection of
stands administered as a unit. http://msucares.com/pubs/pub1250.htm
84. A plant community of predominantly trees and other woody vegetation growing together, its land, flora and fauna, their
interrelationships, and other resources and values attributed to it.
http://research.yale.edu/gisf/assets/pdf/tfd/IFIR_report.pdf
85. A plant community predominately of trees and other woody vegetation growing more closely together.
http://www.cnr.vt.edu/for3364/ecolterms.htm#F, http://www.cofi.org/factbook98/seven/7-4.htm and SAF 1971 (Helms
2002)
86. A system, where trees and their associates are so highly ordered in their connections that they all survive at a high
quality state. http://www.chesco.com/~treeman/words/words-f.html
87. A thick growth of trees and underbrush covering an extensive tract of land; large woods: often used figuratively.
http://www.yourdictionary.com/forest
88. A thick growth of trees in an area http://pittsford.monroe.edu/jefferson/calfieri/maps&globes/Glossary.html and
http://www.mcwdn.org/MAPS&GLOBES/Glossary.html
89. A tract of land covered by a forest. http://www.wordsmyth.net/cgi-bin/simplesearch.cgi?
matchent=forestland&matchtype=exact&matchid=-1&retall=1
90. A tract or tracts of contiguous trees or tree stands. http://www.planning.org/guidebookhtm/chapter_three.htm
91. A type of habitat or biome which has a high density of trees. http://targetstudy.com/nature/habitats/forests/
92. A type of vegetation dominated by trees and without narrow-leaved grasses in the herbaceous layer (Hamilton 1991).
93. A vegetation community dominated by trees and other woody shrubs, growing close enough together that the tree
tops touch or overlap, creating various degrees of shade on the forest floor. It may produce benefits such as timber,
recreation, wildlife habitat, etc. European Environment Agency (EEA), European Topic Centre on Catalogue of Data
Sources (ETC/CDS) : General Multilingual Environmental Thesaurus Term Detail
http://oaspub.epa.gov/trs/trs_proc_qry.alphabet?p_term_nm=F.
19
94. All lands with a tree canopy density of more than 10%, though they may not be statutorily notified as forest.
http://sedac.ciesin.org/guides/lu/glossary.jsp
95. All lands, more than one hectare in area, with a tree canopy density of more than 10 percent. Such lands may not be
statutorily notified as forest area. http://envfor.nic.in/nfc/s-git.pdf
96. All vegetation comprising a continuous stand of trees at least 10m tall with interlocking crowns (White 1983).
97. An aggregate of trees, which grow near-by, affect each other and the surrounding space and, therefore, are changing
their outside and inner structure Russian forestry scientist G.Morozov (1930) http://sapiens.revues.org/734
98. An area covered with many trees and plants. http://www.inhs.uiuc.edu/chf/pub/virtualbird/glossary.html
99. An area grown with trees. http://www.forestry.ubc.ca/concert/ashton.html#21
100. An area in which trees are the dominant plant.
http://www.enchantedlearning.com/subjects/plants/glossary/indexf.shtml
101. An area of land covered by trees; forests can be natural or planted. http://www.forestry.sa.gov.au/pdf/glossary.pdf
102. An area of land covered largely with trees. Forests are vital parts of our global ecosystem supplying oxygen,
habitat for wildlife, timber and recreation areas. http://ohia.com/ohia/roadshows/sky/glossary.htm
103. An area of tree-covered land typically consisting of hundreds or thousands (or more) of individual stands
comprising trees of similar species composition, age-structure and management regime (Apps and Price 1996).
104. An area supporting trees, ordinarily including multiple ages, species, and conditions.
http://ehe.nmsu.edu/directory/esource/Powerpoint/HORT%20302-02a%20Definitions%20&%20Tools.ppt
105. An area which contain wild growing trees (19th century).
http://dspace.wbpublibnet.gov.in/dspace/bitstream/10689/10100/4/Chapter%201_1%20-%20125p.pdf
106. An area whose principle crop is trees. A forest includes both the forest cover and the soil beneath it. (Moon and
Courtlandt 1914).
107. An area with a high density of trees http://explanation-guide.info/meaning/Forest.htm and
108. An area with a high density of trees. http://www.mepred.eu/_docs/Triangel1.4.pdf
109. An area with many trees. http://www.sandiegozoo.org/wildideas/glossary_e-f.html
110. An association of trees (as in large plantations with no undergrowth), or shrubs (as in the watersheds of the
Southwest), or both (as in the hardwood and mixed forests), growing on a considerable area, upon which it is possible
to practice forestry. http://www.foresthistory.org/ASPNET/Publications/CCCforestry/contents.htm
111. An ecosystem characterised by more or less continuous tree cover. However, a forest is more than trees - a forest
also includes shrubs, vines, herbs, mosses, microorganisms, insects and other animals, which interact among
themselves and with their environment. The type of forest is defined by either geography or climate (e.g., tropical,
boreal - another word for northern -or coastal) or for the predominant tree found in that forest (coniferous, deciduous
or mixed). http://www.evergreentheatre.com/forests.htm
112. An ecosystem characterised by more or less dense and extensive tree cover. From:
Alexander.Korotkov@unece.org. Date: Thu, 15 Oct 1998 17:09:40 +0200 and SAF 1971 (Helms 2002)
113. An ecosystem characterized by a more or less dense and extensive tree cover. More particularly, a plant
community predominantly of trees and other woody vegetation, growing more or less closely together.
http://nfdp.ccfm.org/silviterm/silvi_e/silvitermetohe.htm#F
114. An ecosystem characterized by more or less dense and extensive tree cover usually consisting of stands varying
in characteristics such as species, structure, composition, age class, and commonly including streams, fish, and
wildlife SAF 1998 (Helms 2002)
115. An ecosystem characterized by trees or a plant community in which trees predominate (from the Latin word
meaning outside the door). http://figueresonline.com/csdafinal/English/publications/cdm/glossary.html
116. An ecosystem dominated by trees, with a unique combination of plants, animals, microbes, soil, and climate.
http://forestinfo.org/sust.htm
117. An ecosystem or assemblage of ecosystems dominated by trees and other woody vegetation.
http://www.museum.state.il.us/muslink/forest/htmls/intro_def.html
118. An ecosystem that, when intact, is characterized by tree cover usually consisting of stands varying in
characteristics such as species, structure, composition, age-class, and commonly including streams, and wildlife.
While forest ecosystems are not bound by property lines, for the purpose of this document, "forest" may be delimited
by ownership or other qualifying characteristics.
http://www.fscus.org/html/about_fsc/who_we_are/glossary_of_terms.html
119. An ecosystem with a minimum level of tree cover that is generally associated with wild flora, fauna and natural soil
conditions, and not subject to agricultural practices (Gardner-Outlaw and Engelman 1998)
120. An extensive area of land covered with trees and undergrowth. Shorter Oxford English Dictionary
http://www.taxbar.com/tr/jaggers.htm
20
121. An extensive plant community in all stages of growth with a closed canopy, having the quality of self perpetuation
and of potential development into an ecological climax. http://www.britell.com/lex.html
122. An extensive wood or tract of wooded country. http://www.for.nau.edu/courses/for250/Definitions/Definitions.html
123. An extensive wood, or a large tract of land covered with trees. In America, the word is usually applied to a wood of
native growth, or a tract of woodland which has never been cultivated. It differs from wood or woods chiefly in extent
http://www.christiantech.com/cgi-bin/webster.exe?search_for_cgi-bin_texts_web1828=forest
124. An extensive wood; a large tract of land covered with trees; in the United States, a wood of native growth, or a
tract of woodland which has never been cultivated. http://machaut.uchicago.edu/cgi-bin/WEBSTER.sh?WORD=forest
and http://www.graylab.ac.uk/cgi-bin/omd?forest
125. An interconnected web that focuses on sustaining the whole, not on producing any one part or commodity. Trees
are critical structural members of the forest web, and alsofrom the human viewpointthe most obvious component
of a forest. However, trees are only a small portion of the whole that creates a fully functioning forest. A forest also
consists of animals, plants, and microorganisms, arranged in infinite diversity across scales that range from soil
bacteria to the continents of Earth. We need trees to have a forest, but we also need a forest to have trees.
http://www.forestcouncil.org/fv/fv103/article6.html
126. An open system with naturally occurring flora and fauna species which are interrelated and depends on one
another for their survival. http://www.cbnrm.net/pdf/mutanga_e_001_forestmgmt.pdf
127. Any area with over 40 per cent crown cover. This works well with broadleaf or mixed coniferous and broadleaf
forests but less well with purely coniferous forests, where canopy cover is often less than 40 per cent.
http://www.panda.org/forests4life/whatisforest.htm
128. Area of land covered by standing trees http://www.logos.it/pls/dictionary/new_dictionary.dic.main
129. Area thick with trees. http://crossword911.com/forest.html.
130. Areas characterized by tree cover (natural or semi-natural woody vegetation, generally greater than 6 meters tall);
tree canopy accounts for 25-100 percent of the cover. http://www.maced.org/ardc/frm/about.htm#input and
http://pubs.usgs.gov/wri/wri024301/pdf/wri02-4301.pdf
131. Areas dominated by trees with a total canopy cover of 61 % or more, tree crowns usually interlocking.
http://www.gap.uidaho.edu/handbook/LandCoverMapping/UNESCO/default.htm and
http://www.cast.uark.edu/cast/projects/gap/landcover/foti.html
132. Areas on which vegetation is dominated by woody perennial plants having 6 meters in height or greater.
Examples are loblolly pine forests, black spruce swamps, live oak stands, pinyon-juniper, maple, hickory, larch, and
birch. Includes areas on which vegetation is dominated by orchards or groves for fruit or nut production such as citrus,
apples, peaches, pecans, filberts, trees grown primarily for Christmas trees, nurseries and arboretums.
(http://home.comcast.net/~gyde/africover.html)
133. Areas where trees have grown naturally for centuries instead of being logged (about 150-200 years). Lindley and
Moore 1998.
134. Areas with a? minimum of 10% crown cover of trees and/or bamboos, generally associated with wild flora and
fauna and natural soil conditions, and are not subject to agricultural practices. Note that in some countries, some
areas are statutorily defined as ?Forest Area? that contain no tree cover http://sedac.ciesin.org/guides/lu/glossary.jsp
135. Areas with substantially higher levels of canopy closure, for example 3040%, depending on age, in Russia
(FFSR 1995) and 60% in South Africa (Scholes 2004).
http://www.millenniumassessment.org/documents/document.290.aspx.pdf
136. Assemblages of ecosystems comprised of trees, other vegetation, litter and soils, each having its own temporal
dynamics, carbon storage patterns, and carbon release rates to the atmosphere. [Source: FCCC/SBSTA/1998/INF.1,
18 May 1998]
137. Bosque - Dentro de la categoriavFormacion (anexo III.6). Vegetacion predominantemente arbborea,
principalmente de zonas templadas a semifrias, en climas subhumedos a much humedos. Se caracterizan por tener
especies arboreaas dominates con afinidad boreal. Incluye cuatro tipos de vegetacion: Bosque de conifereas,
Gosque de conifereas y latifoliadas, Gosque de latfoliadas y Bosque mesofilo, y ocho comunidades: Bosquede
tgascate, Bosque de oyamel (incluye ayarin yh cedro), Bosque de pino, Matorral de conifereas, Bosquevbaho abierto,
Bosque de pino-encino (incluye Encino-pino), Bosque de Encino, y Bosque mesofilo de Montana (UNAM 2000).
138. Bota plant community extending over a large area and dominated by trees, the crowns of which form an unbroken
covering layer or canopy. http://www.allwords.com/query.asp#AHD
139. Canopy cover is > 60%. Tree height is exceeding 2 (3) meters.
http://www.gisdevelopment.net/aars/acrs/1995/ts6/ts6003pf.htm
140. Combination of trees, scrub, grass, and other types of plants, as well as animals and microorganisms that are
interrelated biologically in their growth and provide impact on each other and the environment. The term "forest" is
used also to describe a landscape component, raw material, or an object of forestry management activities. Minimum
Mapping Unit of 0.5 hectares. http://ewg.gecp.virginia.edu/ewg_forest_us/general/glossary.htm
21
141. Community dominated by trees, 80% or better average canopy cover. Dr. Louis R. Iverson ILPIN
http://www.fs.fed.us/ne/delaware/ilpin/ilpin.descript.txt
142. Complete tree canopy cover and three or more overlapping vegetation strata
http://www.savannas.org.uk/savdef.htm
143. Complex, ecological system in which trees are the dominant life form. Encyclopedia Britannia 1995
144. Continuous stands of trees at least 10 meters tall, with interlocking crowns. Wass (1995 p. 1)http://hss.ulb.uni-
bonn.de/2007/1280/1280.pdf
145. De manire analogue, parle d'une "grande tendue de terrain couverte d'arbres, ensemble des grands arbres qui
occupent et couvrent cette tendue. Le Larousse. Sandrine PETIT.
146. Dense concentrations of trees over a large area of land.
http://www.enchantedlearning.com/subjects/butterfly/glossary/indexf.shtml and
http://www.ZoomDinosaurs.com/subjects/rainforest/
147. Dense growth of trees and shrubs. Colliers Encyclopedia.
148. Dense woodland http://crossword911.com/forest.html. .
149. Ecosystem characterized by more or less dense and extensive tree cover, i.e., larger than what might be called a
grove. http://www.Colorado.Edu/INSTAAR/TEAML/atlas/chapters/definitions.html#Forest and
http://www.arcticatlas.org/glossary/index
150. Ecosystem dominated by trees. Major forest biomes include tropical evergreen forest, tropical savanna,
deciduous forest, and boreal forest. http://www.geog.ouc.bc.ca/conted/onlinecourses/enviroglos/f.html#anchor244824
and http://www.physicalgeography.net/physgeoglos/f.html
151. Ecosystems dominated by trees usually having single stems, stand height exceeding 2m and with crown cover of
overstorey strata about 20% (Australian National Forest Inventory). Ranges of crown cover used by the Australian
National Forest Inventory are: open forest: 51-80% closed forest: 81-100%
152. Extensive area of woodland (L 237) http://info.sjc.ox.ac.uk/forests/glossary.htm
153. Floresta- Complexo vegetal primitivo ou implantado, com espcies nativas ou exticas que possuam em sua
poro dominante, porte arbreo. http://www.suzano.com.br/docs/recursos/maneucal/glossar.html
154. Florestar - Promover a cobertura vegetal com espcies arbreas em reas onde esta tipologia florestal no era
de ocorrncia tpica. http://www.suzano.com.br/docs/recursos/maneucal/glossar.html
155. Forest - 1- Open; 26-60% canopy closure. 2 - Closed; 60-100% canopy closure. Urban areas with a lot of large
trees are not forests. http://www.fish.washington.edu/naturemapping/wildlife/1cls9.html.
156. Forest - Sasaki says that the minimum threshold for canopy cover should be raised to 40%, the minimum tree
height should be 5 metres and that natural forests should be differentiated from plantations.
http://www.nature.com/news/2009/090819/full/news.2009.842.html
157. Forest >70% cover - http://www.cis.rit.edu/DocumentLibrary/admin/uploads/CIS000209.pdf
158. Forest: 76-100% Tree cover up to 20+ m.
http://icaci.org/files/documents/ICC_proceedings/ICC2013/_extendedAbstract/131_proceeding.pdf
159. Forest Cover - (Tree cover or canopy cover) The proportion of the land area which has foliage or canopy directly
overhead. Thus a dense, closed forest would have 100 percent canopy cover while a woodland of scattered trees
might have 5 percent or 10 percent cover. http://greenplanet.eolss.net/EolssLogn/mss/C12/E1-02/E1-02-15/E1-02-15-
TXT.aspx#Glossary
160. Forest cover in world regions, defined as including all natural forests and plantations. Taken from FAO (2005)
http://www.cambridge.org/aus/catalogue/catalogue.asp?isbn=9780521834520&ss=exc
161. FOREST COVER: (1) All trees and other plants occupying the ground in a forest, i.e. including any ground cover.
NOTE: Is the silviculturist's crop viewed from the ecologist's angle. (2) All woody growth occupying the ground in a
forest, as distinct from the ground cover NOTE: Is the silviculturist's forest crop viewed from the ecologist's angle. (3)
A category of forest site, including all the interchangeable phases of vegetation that it supports, defined mainly by the
general nature of the ground cover. NOTE: As originally developed by Cajander for Finland. -
http://www.fw.vt.edu/zedaker/3364/ecolterms.html
162. Forest cover: forest stands or cover types consisting of a plant community made up of trees and other woody
vegetation, growing more or less closely together http://www.clayoquot.org/glossary.htm#F
163. Forest includes woodland and other similar vegetation formations. http://www.mckone.org/tfrrung.html
164. Forest land comprises the actual forests areas dominated by trees or shrubs capable of producing wood or other
forest products. Minimum surface area is: 0,5 ha. Areas should be covered by forest trees for at least 20% measured
as the vertical projection from the trees for a mature stand. Unstocked forest land includes areas which are not
22
themselves productive but necessary for production.
http://192.83.171.71/newcrons/navig/en/theme8/milieu/10fo/notmeth.htm
165. Forest land currently stocked with trees. Encyclopedia Britannia 1970
166. Forest refers to primarily closed canopy humid tropical forest, and includes cloud forest.
http://www.geog.umd.edu/tropical/per80v141README
167. Forest systems: Systems in which trees are the predominant life forms. Statistics reported in this assessment are
based on areas that are dominated by trees (perennial woody plants taller than five meters at maturity), where the
tree crown cover exceeds 10%, and where the area is more than 0.5 hectares. Open forests have a canopy cover
between 10% and 40%, and closed forests a canopy cover of more than 40%. Fragmented forests refer to
mosaics of forest patches and non-forest land. http://ma.caudillweb.com/proxy/Document.782.aspx
168. FOREST VEGETATION; more than 60% canopy (leaf/branch) cover above a level 8m off the ground
http://www.esd.ornl.gov/projects/qen/veg.html A suggestion for an improved vegetation scheme for local and global
mapping and monitoring. Jonathan M. Adams Submitted to Environmental Management, January 1998.
169. Forest, woodland, timberland, timber -- (land that is covered with trees and shrubs)
http://www.notredame.ac.jp/cgi-bin/wn?forest
170. Forests (according to the U.S. National Vegetation Classification system) consist of trees with overlapping crowns
forming 60% to 100% cover. Woodlands are more open, with 25% to 60% cover.
http://www.museum.state.il.us/muslink/forest/htmls/intro_def.html
171. Forests (more accurately called woods) are areas covered in dense tree growth.
http://www.iea.org.uk/books/envindicators.htm
172. Forests are described as non-annual plants reaching a height of minimum 5 m and with a crown cover of more
than 30 percent of a defined area, normally one hectare. http://www.conservation.org/osiris/Documents/DNPI
%20Green%20Review%20on%20REDD+.pdf
173. Forests differ from woodlands in that they have continuous canopies, gaps between the tree crowns and the
ground, and juvenile trees
http://www.fs.fed.us/research/publications/forest_production_for_tropical_america/appendix_d.pdf
174. Fret Claire (woodland) - Woody plants > 8 m ht., 70-90% canopy cover. Yangambi Classification 1956. (Fournier
1991).
175. Generally 60% tree canopy with crowns interlocking.
http://www.gap.uidaho.edu/handbook/LandCoverAssessment/Appendix5/default.htm and
http://www.extension.iastate.edu/naturemapping/naturemapping_process/habitat_codes.html#forest
176. Generally, an ecosystem characterized by a more or less dense and extensive tree cover. (2) More particularly, a
plant community predominately of trees and other woody vegetation, growing more or less closely together.
http://www.cnr.vt.edu/for3364/ecolterms.htm#F, http://www.fw.vt.edu/zedaker/3364/ecolterms.html and Ford-
Robertson 1971: 107, 298 and http://www.fw.vt.edu/zedaker/3364/ecolterms.html
177. Generally, that portion of the ecosystem characterized by tree cover; more particularly, a plant community
predominantly of trees and other woody vegetation growing close together.
178. Have complete tree canopy cover and three or more overlapping vegetation strata;
http://www.scopenvironment.org/downloadpubs/scope56/Chapter04.html
179. Having a closed canopy beneath which grasses do not grow. These are distinct form open-canopied woodlands
that grow over a grass sward (IUCN and WCMC 1990).
180. Heb. ya'ar, meaning a dense wood, from its luxuriance. http://ccel.wheaton.edu/pager.cgi?
file=e/easton/ebd/ebd/T0001300.html&from=T0001374&up=e/easton/ebd/ebd.html
181. In a forest the crowns of individual trees touch to form a single canopy. In a woodland, trees grow far apart, so
that the canopy is open. http://www.botany.uwc.ac.za/envfacts/facts/deforestation.htm
182. In a forest, the treetops touch each other to form a canopy, Woodlands, trees are spaced further apart.
http://www.globaled.org/issues/152/a.html
183. In England this means a wood with no coppiced trees, often conifer Plantations. Traditionally meant a hunting
ground or 'chase' Nature Conservation Glossary http://www.wildlifetrust.org.uk/suffolk/redgrave/glossary.htm
184. In general, an area or biotic community dominated by trees of any size (usually, at least 10 percent of the area is
covered by trees). If distinction is made to woodlands, forests are composed of taller, more closely-spaced trees.
http://www.aces.edu/waterquality/glossary/glossary_results.php3?rowid=2008 and
http://www.rmrs.nau.edu/publications/rm_gtr_295/glossary.html
185. In the Preliminary Classification for Alaskan Vegetation, vegetation with at least a 10% crown cover by trees; i.e.,
single stemmed woody plants at least 5 m in height at maturity. http://www.arcticatlas.org/glossary/index.
23
186. In the United States, a wood of native growth, or a tract of woodland which has never been cultivated.
http://www.biology-online.org/dictionary/Forest
187. Includes mangroves (which, along with rainforest, form 'closed forest'), and forest-forming mallees (which, along
with schlerophyll forest, form 'open forest'). http://www.wilderness.org.au/projects/Forests/forbkgnd.html
188. Includes sclerophyll forest ('hard-leaved' trees, mainly forests dominated by eucalypts, but also species like
acacias and melaleucas) which has a canopy cover greater than 50%, and all rainforest.
http://www.wilderness.org.au/projects/Forests/forbkgnd.html
189. Includes woodlands and woodland-forming mallees (this is the definition now adopted by the Commonwealth
Government - see NFI 1998, pp.10-11). http://www.wilderness.org.au/projects/Forests/forbkgnd.html
190. Interconnected communities of diverse organisms -- bacteria and fungi, gigantic trees, birds, shrubs, ants and
beetles, fish, and mammals. http://library.advanced.org/17456/main1.html
191. La fort est un formation vgtale dans laquelle les arbres prdominent au point de modifier les conditions
cologiques rgnant au sol. Elle est dite dense ou ferme si les arbres (ou mieux la projection de leurs cimes sur le
sol) sont jointifs ou occupent plus des 2/3 de la surface, claire et ouverte si les arbres couvrent de 2/3 1/4 de la
surface. Les autres formations sont par dfinition exclues des forts. l'Encyclopdia Universalis. Sandrine PETIT
192. Land areas "dominated by trees where the tree canopy covers at least 10% of the ground area.
http://www.pbs.org/earthonedge/ecosystems/forests1.html
193. Land bearing a stand of trees of any stature, including seedlings, and of species attaining a minimum of 6 feet
average height at maturity or land from which such a stand has been removed but on which no other use has been
substituted. The term is commonly limited to land not in farms; forests on farms are commonly called woodland or
farm forest. http://www.wvgazette.com/static/series/mining/reports/EIS/VIII.Glossary.pdf
194. Land bearing forest growth. http://www.uncg.edu/bio/ConBio105/info/glossary2.htm
195. Land covered by a closed stand of trees of one or more storeys, with an interlaced upper canopy, rising to 7 - 40
m or more in height. The ground cover is dominated by herbs and shrubs, and lianes and epiphytes are characteristic.
Dwarf forests are as defined but rise to less than 7 m in height. Sub-types are sub-alpine dwarf forest (2 500 - 3 500
m); lowland forest (<1 000 m); and groundwater forest. http://www.usangu.org/reports/landres.pdf
196. Land on which the vegetation is dominated by trees. Lands shall be classified forestland if the trees now present
will provide 25% or greater canopy cover at maturity. RANGELAND TERMINOLOGY
http://ag.arizona.edu/arec/pubs/rmg/2._Rangeland_Management_/4Terms.pdf and
http://www.agroselviter.unito.it/range/docs/4Terms.pdf and
http://ag.arizona.edu/AREC/pubs/rmg/2._Rangeland_Management_/4Terms.pdf
197. Land that is covered with trees and shrubs http://dictionary.kids.net.au/word/forest and
http://www.scrabblefinder.com/word/forest/
198. Land under dense stands of trees. Paraphrased from http://src.doc.ic.ac.uk/packages/Project-
Gutenberg/etext99/world97.txt
199. Land where trees form at least 25% of the canopy cover
http://rmmcweb.cr.usgs.gov/public/mrgb/mrgblulcdefs.html#vg4.11
200. Land with tree crown cover (or equivalent stocking level) of more than 10% and area of more than 0.5 ha. The
trees should be able to reach a minimum height of at least 5m at maturity in situ. http://www.cei-bois.org/files/FINAL_-
_BoA_-_EN_-_2011_text_and_cover.pdf
201. Land with tree crown cover (stand density) of more than about 20% of the area. Continuous forest with trees
usually growing to more than 7 m in height and able to produce wood. This includes both closed forest formations
where trees of various layers and undergrowth cover a high proportion of the ground and open forest formation with a
continuous grass layer in which tree synusia cover at least 10 % of the ground.(1993).
http://books.google.com/books?id=zeTU8QauENcC&pg=PA192&lpg=PA192&dq=Germany+Forest+definition+define+
%22forest+is
%22+law+act+code&source=bl&ots=1jUsKaLHy4&sig=uRBHD83hyloLheFqPmfiDgK687o&hl=en&sa=X&ei=OcY-
T7PEOcX10gHzx8jzBw&ved=0CDgQ6AEwAw#v=onepage&q=Germany%20Forest%20definition%20define
%20%22forest%20is%22%20law%20act%20code&f=false
202. Lands classified as forest are dominated by woody vegetation over 3 m tall. Tree basal area must be greater
than 10 % of a pixel. http://scholar.lib.vt.edu/theses/available/etd-61998-142359/unrestricted/part2_b.pdf
203. Lands dominated by trees and shrubs. Pan-European Land Use and Land Cover Monitoring
http://www.geodan.nl/ec_lu/public/index.htm
204. Lands on which trees are the principal plant life, usually conducive to wide biodiversity.
http://www.nrdc.org/sitings/fslook.html Natural Resources Defense Council. Environment Terms,
http://www.nrdc.org/sitings/lookup/teraa.html and http://www.nrdc.org/reference/glossary/f.asp
24
205. Lands where the crowns of individual trees touch to form a single canopy. In a woodland, trees grow far apart, so
that the canopy is open.http://www.panda.org/resources/factsheets/forests/frame.htm?31defor.htm and
http://abe.msstate.edu/csd-tc/p3-g2/intro.htm
206. Landscape dominated by trees and other woody vegetation with a canopy cover of 20% or more (Maini 1991).
http://www.forestry.utoronto.ca/ac_staff/emeritus/My%20Webs/english.htm
207. Large area covered with trees. World Book Encyclopedia 1998.
208. Large area of land that is covered by trees and undergrowth
http://www.newberry.org/k12maps/glossary/index.html
209. Large area of trees and undergrowth http://crossword911.com/forest.html.
210. Leaf cover above a level 8m off ground, >60% http://www.esd.ornl.gov/projects/qen/adams3.html

211. More than 50% trees. Source: Amreican Forests via Fleishman, Sandra. 2003. Why were the trees cut down? The
Washington Post. Section F1,8-9. 28 June.
212. Natural areas dominated by tree cover that is generally over 6 meters, or 20 feet, in height.
http://www.rsgis.msu.edu/pdf/lclu/MIRIS_2_definitions.pdf
213. Natural forest be differentiated from plantations and that for defining forest the lower height limit defining trees
be set at more than 5 m tall with the minimum cover of trees be set at more than 40%. Sasak, Nophea; Putz, Francis
E. 2009. Critical need for new definitions of forest and forest degradation in global climate change agreements.
Conservation Letters xx (2009) 17. http://www.redd-monitor.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/2009-Putz-
Conservation-Letters-on-REDD.pdf
214. On dsigne sous le nom de forts les espaces couverts d'arbres c'est--dire de cette catgorie de vgtaux que
distinguent tout d'abord, la nature solide de leur tige, leurs normes proportions et la longue dure de leur existence.
[LE PLAY, 1847 ; p57]. Sandrine PETIT
215. Plant community predominately of trees and other woody plants, growing more or less closely together.
http://www.Colorado.Edu/INSTAAR/TEAML/atlas/chapters/definitions.html#Forest and
216. Predominately tree covered land in large tracts - Paraphrased from http://www.fsc-
uk.demon.co.uk/Appendices.html.
217. Scholes & Hall (1996) define them as having complete tree canopy cover and three or more overlapping
vegetation strata. The ground layer is NOT dominated by grasses but by other non-gramineceous herbs and shrubs.
There are also open and closed forests, moist/rain and dry forests.
218. Scholes & Hall (1996) use 50-100% tree canopy cover, and a graminaceous layer. There are also various types of
woodlands.
219. Selvas - Constituye parte de la categoria Formacion (anexo III.6). Vegetacion preominanatementearborea en
climas calido-humedos a calido-subhumedos. Se caracterizan por tener especies dominates arboraas de afinidad
tropical. Incluye dos tipos de vegetaction: Selve perennifoia y subperennifolia y Selva caducifolia y subcaducifolia. A
su vez abarca a ocho comunidades: Selva alta y mediana perennifoila, Selva baja perennikfolia, Selva alta y mediana
subpoerennifolia, Selva baja subperennifolia, Selva mediana caducifolia y subcaducifolia, Sel va baha caducifolia y
subcaducifolia, Matrorral subtropical y sel va espinosav (UNAM 2000).
220. Selvas - Vegetacion predominantemente arborea en climas calido-humedos a calido-subhumedos. Se
caracterizan por tener especies arboreas de afinidad tropical (UNAM 2000).
221. That portion of the ecosystem characterized by tree cover; more particularly, a plant community predominately of
trees and other woody vegetation growing close together (Maser 1991).
222. The trees and other plants in a large densely wooded area http://dictionary.kids.net.au/word/forest and
http://www.scrabblefinder.com/word/forest/
223. The trees themselves: http://www.wordsmyth.net/cgi-bin/simplesearch.cgi?
matchent=forest&matchtype=exact&matchid=-1&retall=1
224. This category includes productive forest land and open woodland with naturally and artificially grown forest (forest
plantation), and shrubs. Minimum volume density is the main characteristic of these lands, it should be 0.4 and higher
for young forest and shrubs, and 0.3 and higher - in all other stands. Minimum Mapping Unit of 0.5 ha.
http://ewg.gecp.virginia.edu/ewg_forest_us/general/glossary.htm
225. Traditional forest - large, densely wooded areas that are found in remote areas with few people.
http://hermes.richmond.edu/urbanforests/glossary.html
226. Tree Cover, broadleaved, evergreen (LCCS >15% tree cover, tree height >3m )
www.gvm.sai.jrc.it/glc2000/march2002/GLC2000-LCCS_global-legend280502.doc
25
227. Tree dominated ecosystems displaying the seral dynamics of ecosystem maturity and possesses tree crown
cover (stand density) of more than 20% of the area. Ranil Senanayake 100232.3435@compuserve.com
228. Tree-covered land where the tree cover density is greater than 10%. Note that cleared forest land (i.e., clearcuts)
will be mapped according to current cover (e.g., disturbed or transitional, shrubland/grassland).
http://www.epa.gov/nerlesd1/land-sci/pdf/trend.pdf
229. Tree-dominated ecosystems displaying the seral dynamics of ecosystem maturity, covering 20% of the area
(Ranil Senanayake 1999). http://europe.mtnforum.org/rs/econfreports/MountainPeopleForestsAndTrees.pdf
230. Trees cover more than 10% of land (Nolte 2003).
231. Trees growing so closely their individual leaf canopies overlap. Shade precludes development of much
undergrowth. Require considerable moisture except where inadequate moisture or short growing season. Forest are
likely to become climax vegetation association in any area. http://web.uccs.edu/geogenvs/ges100-online/Chapt11.doc
232. Trees with their crowns interlocking (generally forming 60-100% cover). Forested Estuarine areas vegetated by
woody plants 6 m tall or taller. http://www.greatplains.org/resource/biodiver/gpclass/IC2.HTM also http://www.cws-
scf.ec.gc.ca/fff/GLOSS_E.HTM#Forest
233. Trees with their crowns overlapping (generally forming 60-100% cover) (Grossman, et al. 1998).
234. Unless otherwise indicated all references to forest in the report assume natural forest (regardless of its quality).
Plantation forest areas are specified as such.(2005). http://eyesontheforest.or.id/index.php?
option=com_docman&task=doc_download&gid=5
235. Usually understood to mean land covered with woody growth of economic importance. Zon 1910
236. Vaste tendue de terrain peuple d'arbres; ensemble de ces arbres. Le Petit Robert. Sandrine PETIT
237. Vegetation dominated by trees, without a grassy or weedy under-storey, and which has not been recently farmed.
Hall (1987) http://www.ids.ac.uk/eldis/forests/forpap.htm.
238. Vegetation with an average canopy height greater than 20 ft. (6m). http://birds.cornell.edu/bfl/definitions.html
239. Wood, Woods, area of land covered with trees. Babylon.com
240. woods -- (the trees and other plants in a large densely wooded area) http://www.notredame.ac.jp/cgi-bin/wn?
forest
241. Woody vegetation > 3 meters (10 ft) in height. Canopy closure must be >35% (<35% = Category 3). Also included
in this category are areas commonly referenced as "swamp" or forested wetland
http://gis.esri.com/library/userconf/proc02/pap0811/p0811.htm
1. (Agroforest) Forest which is managed more or less intensively by small holders producing timber and non-timber
products. (Zomer RJ, Trabucco A, Coe R and Place F. 2009. Trees on Farm: Analysis of Global Extent and
Geographical Patterns of Agroforestry. ICRAF Working Paper no. 89. Nairobi, Kenya: World Agroforestry Centre. 63 p.
http://www.worldagroforestry.org/downloads/publications/PDFs/WP16263.PDF).
2. (and other wooded land) - Land under natural or planted stands of trees, whether productive or not and exceeding 0.5
ha in extent. It includes areas occupied by roads, small cleared tracts and other small open areas within the forest
which constitute an integral part of the forest (Pivinen et al. 1994).
3. (SAF 1958) Land bearing forest growth or land from which the forest has been removed but which shows evidence of
past forestry occupancy and which is not now in other use. To qualify as forest, an area must: (1) be at least 100 feet
wide; (2) be at least I acre in area; (3) have a sufficient number of trees to provide 10 percent crown coverage, be
likely to remain in forest use. (SAF 1958) http://home.comcast.net/~gyde/5-agency_paper-2.doc
4. (SAF 1971) Land carrying forest growth or, if totally lacking it, bearing evidence of former forest and not now in other
use. Note: Such land formally qualifies as forest only if not less than I acre and not less than 100 feet wide, with
trees providing not less than 10 percent crown cover, or, if less, if the lands likely to remain in forest use. (FORD-
ROBERTSON 1971). http://home.comcast.net/~gyde/5-agency_paper-2.doc
5. (SAF 1998) An ecosystem characterized by a more or less dense or extensive tree cover, often consisting of stands
varying in characteristics such as species composition, structure, age class, and associated processes, and
commonly including meadows streams, fish and wildlife. Note - forests include specialized kinds such as industrial
forests, non-industrial private forests, plantations, public forests, production forests, and urban forests, as well as
parks and wilderness (Helms 1998).
6. (Terre forestiere, terreno forestal) Land under natural or cultivated stands of trees intended for forest use, including
land cleared of trees but which will be reforested. Permanent meadows and pastures with scattered trees and shrubs
do not constitute forest (Miani 1991 - Forestry Chronicle 70(6):669 1994).
7. A classification of land use in the Natural Resources Inventory (NRI). It includes areas where trees cover at least 10%
of the land and must be at least an acre in size. Forestland was found on 395 million acres, almost 30% of all private
26
lands, in the 1992 NRI. http://goatconnection.com/articles/publish/article_86.shtml and
http://www.pfb.com/resources/ag-information/glossary-of-ag-terms-F.html
8. A land area with a minimum 10 % tree crown coverage (or equivalent stocking level), or formerly having such tree
cover and that is being naturally or artificially regenerated or that is being afforested (Pivinen et al. 1994).
9. A natural land that has not been subjected to human activities regarding change of use. Harrison (1992)
10. A section of land covered with forest or set aside for the cultivation of forests.http://www.dictionary.com/cgi-bin/dict.pl?
term=forestland
11. All land which is capable of supporting a merchantable stand of timber and is not actively being used in a use which is
incompatible with timber growing. http://www.eresourcesystems.com/Help/Glossary/glossary.html
12. All land which is capable of supporting a merchantable stand of timber and is not being actively used for a use which
is incompatible with timber growing. Forest land does not include agricultural land that is or was enrolled in the
conservation reserve enhancement program by contract if such agricultural land was historically used for agricultural
purposes and the landowner intends to continue to use the land for agricultural purposes in the future. As it applies to
the operation of the road maintenance and abandonment plan element of the forest practices rules on small forest
landowners, the term "forest land" excludes: (a) Residential home sites, which may include up to five acres; and (b)
Cropfields, orchards, vineyards, pastures, feedlots, fish pens, and the land on which appurtenances necessary to the
production, preparation, or sale of crops, fruit, dairy products, fish, and livestock exist.
http://www.mrsc.org/mc/rcw/RCW%20%2076%20%20TITLE/RCW%20%2076%20.%2009%20%20CHAPTER/RCW
%20%2076%20.%2009%20.020.htm
13. All lands bearing vegetative associations dominated by trees of any size, exploited or not, capable of producing wood
or other forest products, of exerting an influence on climate or on water regime, or providing shelter for livestock or
wildlife. Includes lands which have been clearcut or burned but which will be reforested in the foreseeable future.
Excludes orchards, shelterbelts, groups of trees along roads or city parks. Encyclopedia Britannia 1970
14. All lands bearing vegetative associations dominated by trees of any size, exploited or not, capable of producing wood
or of exerting an influence on the local climate or on the water regime. Included are: lands from which forests have
been recently clear cut or burned but which will be reforested in the near future; public and private forests of any size;
tree nurseries; forest roads; mangrove forests, forests of low growth and of dwarfed or stunted forms. Excluded are:
brush lands, groups of trees outside the forest, trees along roads, etc., and on agricultural lands and parks. (World
Forest Inventories 1953) From: Alexander.Korotkov@unece.org. Date: Thu, 15 Oct 1998 17:09:40 +0200
15. An area managed for producing timber and other products, or maintained under woody vegetation for such indirect
benefits as protection of watersheds or recreation. http://fwie.fw.vt.edu/rhgiles/appendices/glossf.htm
16. An area managed for the production of timber and other forest products or maintained as wood vegetation for such
indirect benefits as protection of catchment areas or recreation.
http://www.genesisny.net/Commodity/Timber/Timberglos.html
17. An area managed for the production of timber and other forest produce, or maintained under woody vegetation for
such indirect benefits as protection of (water) catchment areas or recreation. SAF 1971 (Helms 2002)
18. An area managed for the production of timber and other forest products, or maintained under woody vegetation for
indirect benefits as protection of a watershed, recreation, or wildlife habitat. When used as a proper noun, it refers to
the Chattahoochee or Oconee National Forest (both if plural). http://www.safc.org/resources/glossary.htm#F
19. An area managed for the production of timber and other forest produce, or maintained under woody vegetation for
such indirect benefits as the protection of watersheds, the provision of recreation areas, or the preservation of natural
habitat. http://nfdp.ccfm.org/silviterm/silvi_e/silvitermetohe.htm#F
20. An area which is for the most part set aside for the production of timber and other forest produce, or which is expected
to exercise certain climatic effects, or to protect the locality against injurious influences. Encyclopedia Britannia 1910.
p. 645. http://books.google.com/books?
id=jhZsJc4z5RkC&pg=PA657&lpg=PA657&dq=hawaii+forestland&source=web&ots=YlCTj-
qUZR&sig=PtkyXu4oaaWBg-3k45z2nub3mDs#PPA645,M1
21. An area, which has been set aside principally for the production of wood, and which, at any rate for the greater part, is
covered with trees. (19th century) http://dspace.wbpublibnet.gov.in/dspace/bitstream/10689/10100/4/Chapter
%201_1%20-%20125p.pdf
22. An ecosystem characterized by more or less dense and extensive tree cover, often consisting of stands varying in
characteristics such as species compositions, structure, age class and associated processes, and commonly
including meadows, streams, fish, and wildlife. Thus forest could be defined as a set of land parcels that has or could
have tree vegetation and is managed as a whole to achieve the objective of the owner. http://www.environmental-
auditing.org/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=fbx%2FbAIVeFU%3D&tabid=128&mid=568
23. An ecosystem with a minimum of 10 percent crown cover of trees and/or bamboos, generally associated with wild
flora, fauna and natural soil conditions and not subject to agriculture (Asian Development Bank 1995).
http://www.bicusa.org/bicusa/issues/misc_resources/585.php
27
24. Area managed for the production of timber and other forest products or maintained as wood vegetation for such
indirect benefits as protection of catchment areas or recreation (26).
http://rredc.nrel.gov/biomass/forest/tim_glossary/t_glossary.html#F and Ford-Robertson 1971: 107, 298. Also
Boundary Waters Compendium Glossary - http://www.rook.org/earl/bwca/lists/glossary/
25. Areas with a? minimum of 10% crown cover of trees and/or bamboos, generally associated with wild flora and fauna
and natural soil conditions, and are not subject to agricultural practices. Note that in some countries, some areas are
statutorily defined as ?Forest Area? that contain no tree cover. http://sedac.ciesin.columbia.edu/tg/guide_frame.jsp?
rd=LU&ds=1
26. Forest is defined as >30% crown cover and the tree height shall be >7 m. Seedlings under forest are also included in
this class. Areas occupied by forest and woodlands with a vegetation pattern composed of native or exotic coniferous
trees, and which can be used for the production of timber or other forest products. The forest trees are under normal
climatic conditions higher than 5 m with a canopy closure of 30% at least.
http://www.grida.no/baltic/related/balans_landcover_classification_methodology_ver2.pdf
27. Forest land is characterized by a predominance of tree cover and is further divided by the U.S. Census into timberland
and non-timberland. By definition, the former must be capable of producing 20 cubic feet of industrial wood per acre
per year and remain legally open to timber production. http://www.gcrio.org/CONSEQUENCES/spring95/Land.html
28. Forest land is synonymous with "designated forest land" and means any parcel of land that is twenty or more acres or
multiple parcels of land that are contiguous and total twenty or more acres that is or are devoted primarily to growing
and harvesting timber. Designated forest land means the land only and does not include a residential homesite. The
term includes land used for incidental uses that are compatible with the growing and harvesting of timber but no more
than ten percent of the land may be used for such incidental uses. It also includes the land on which appurtenances
necessary for the production, preparation, or sale of the timber products exist in conjunction with land producing these
products. http://www.mrsc.org/mc/rcw/RCW%20%2084%20%20TITLE/RCW
%20%2084%20.%2033%20%20CHAPTER/RCW%20%2084%20.%2033%20.035.htm
29. Forestland means land, other than land owned by the federal government, that was, as of the effective date of this
section, available for and capable of growing a crop of trees of any commercial species used to produce lumber and
other forest products, including Christmas trees. Commercial species are those species so designated by the board.
http://www.ancienttrees.org/fulltext.php
30. Land at least 10 percent stocked (based on crown cover) by forest trees of any size, or formerly having had such tree
cover and not currently developed for nonforest use. http://www.reo.gov/general/definitions_n-z.htm#R 2003
31. Land at least 10 percent stocked by tree stands of any size or that formerly had such tree cover and that will be
regenerated with trees. http://www.idahoforests.org/dict1.htm
32. Land at least 10 percent stocked by trees of any size, including land that formerly had such tree cover and that will be
naturally or artificially regenerated. Forest land includes transition zones, such as areas between heavily forested and
nonforested lands that are at leas t 10 percent stocked with forest trees and forest areas adjacent to urban and built-
up lands. Also included are pinyon-juniper and chaparral areas in the West and afforested areas. The minimum area
for classification of forest land is 1 acre. Roadside, streamside, and shelterbelt strips of timber must have a crown
width of at least 120 feet to qualify as forest land. Unimproved roads and trails, streams, and clearings in forest areas
are classified as forest if less than 120 feet wide. http://www.ilea.org/birdsey/glossary.html
33. Land at least 10 percent stocked with trees of any size, or that formerly had tree cover and is not currently developed
for a nonforest use. The minimum area for classification is one acre.
http://maps.vcgi.org/indicators/metadata/cntyfrst.html
34. Land at least 10-percent occupied by forest trees of any size or formerly having had such tree cover and not currently
developed for non-forest use. Lands developed for non-forest use include area for crops, improved pasture,
residential or administrative areas, improved roads of any width, adjoining road clearing, and power-line clearing of
any width. http://fwie.fw.vt.edu/rhgiles/appendices/glossf.htm and (36 CFR 219.3)
http://www.safc.org/resources/glossary.htm#D
35. Land at least 16.7 percent stocked by forest trees of any size, or formerly having had such tree cover, and not
currently developed for nonforest use. (Note: Stocking is measured by comparing specified standards with basal area
and /or number of trees, age or size, and spacing.) The minimum area for classification of forest land is 1 acre.
Roadside, streamside, and shelterbelt strips of timber must have a crown width of at least 120 feet to qualify as forest
land. Unimproved roads and trails, streams, or other bodies of water or clearings in forest areas shall be classed as
forest if less than 120 feet wide. http://www.pfmt.org/glossary/f.htm Glossary of Forestry Terms and
http://www.for.msu.edu/~kpw/glossary.htm
36. Land bearing a stand of trees of any stature, including seedlings, and of species attaining a minimum of 6 feet
average height at maturity or land from which such a stand has been removed but on which no other use has been
substituted. The term is commonly limited to land not in farms; forests on farms are commonly called woodland or
farm forests. http://www.wvgazette.com/static/series/mining/reports/EIS/VIII.Glossary.pdf
28
37. Land bearing forest growth or land from which the forest has been removed but which shows surface evidence of past
forest occupancy and is not now in other use; http://www.geocities.com/rboutilier000/wildlif1.html
38. Land capable of supporting trees and not actively in a use which is incompatible with timber growing. Washington's
Dynamic Forests - League of Women Voters of Washington Education Fund -
http://www.lwvwa.org/forest/dynamic/glossary.htm
39. Land carrying forest growth or, if totally lacking it (non-stocked (USA), unstocked (Cw) forest land), bearing evidence
of former forest and not now in other use Eurodicautom (http://eurodic.ip.lu/cgi-bin/edicbin/expert.pl).
40. Land covered with forest or reserved for the growth of forests http://www.m-w.com/cgi-bin/dictionary?
book=Dictionary&va=forestland
41. Land currently growing forest trees of any size with a total stocking value of at least 16.7 (10 base 100) in the West),
or lands formerly forested, currently capable of becoming forest land, and not currently developed for nonforest uses.
These lands must be a minimum of 1 acre in area. Roadside, streamside, and shelterbelt strips of timber must have a
crown width of at least 120 feet to qualify as forest land. Unimproved roads, trails, streams, and clearings within forest
areas are classified as forest land if they are less than 120 feet wide. Recently clearcut areas that are currently
nonstocked are classed as forest lands unless they are being used as agriculture. Forest land is divided into two
categories (timberland and other forest land), and both of these categories may be further classified as reserved if
harvesting is prohibited by statutory or administrative restrictions. Forest Glossary -
http://www.ciel.org/forestglossary.pdf
42. Land must be at least 10 acres of contiguous forest not developed for non-forest use.
http://www.forestmeister.com/highlights.html
43. Land on which the land use of forestry occurs. http://www.planning.org/guidebookhtm/chapter_three.htm
44. Land on which the vegetation is dominated by forest or, if trees are lacking, the land bears evidence of former forest
and has not been converted to other vegetation.
http://www.forages.css.orst.edu/Topics/Pastures/Grazing/Terminology/grazterm_body.html#Vegetation,
http://www.agry.purdue.edu/ext/forages/rotational/glossary.html, http://www.crops.org/cropgloss/index.php, and
http://www.ifad.org/lrkm/glossary.htm#f
45. Land primarily devoted to trees. http://fwie.fw.vt.edu/rhgiles/appendices/glossf.htm
46. Land primarily intended for growing, or currently supporting, forest. Includes land not now forested, i.e. clear-cut
lands; northern lands that are forested but not intended for any use; and plantations.
http://www.inac.gc.ca/building/forests/forest_j.html
47. Land that can support at least 10 percent native tree cover under natural conditions. Forestland may include areas of
grassland, shrubland, wetland, or other land classes. http://www.pacificforest.org/about/glossary.html
48. Land that is at least 10 percent stocked by forest trees of any size, or land formerly having such tree cover, and is not
currently developed for a nonforest use. The minimum area for classification as forest land is one acre. Roadside,
stream-side, and shelterbelt strips of timber must have a crown width at least 120 feet wide to qualify as forest land.
Unimproved roads and trails, streams and other bodies of water, or natural clearings in forested areas shall be
classified as forest, if less than 120 feet in width or an acre in size. Grazed woodlands, reverting fields, and pastures
that are not actively maintained are included if the above qualifications are satisfied. (Also see definitions of nonforest
land, idle farmland and improved/maintained pasture.) www.socrates.lv-hrc.nevada.edu/fia/dab/core1-
7/appendix7_12_00.doc
49. Land that is at least 16.7 percent stocked by forest trees of any size, or land that formerly had such tree cover and is
not currently being developed for nonforest uses. http://www.nationalaglawcenter.org/glossary/ and
http://agglossary.uaex.edu/viewFGlossary1.asp#F
50. Land that is at least sixteen and seven-tenths per cent stocked, that contains at least seven and five-tenths square
feet of basal area per acre by forest trees of any size; or that formerly had such tree cover and is not currently
developed for non-forest use; or that is a plantation containing at least five hundred trees per acre.
http://www.forestmeister.com/laws/ch61.html
51. Land that is now, or is capable of becoming, at least 10 percent stocked with forest trees and that has not been
developed for nontimber use. http://www.streamnet.org/pub-ed/ff/Glossary/glossaryforest.html
52. Land that supports tree species of commercial value (i.e., spruce-fir stands, ponderosa pine, etc.); also referred to as
timberland. http://extension.usu.edu/forestry/UtahForests/Trees_ForestryTerms.htm
53. Land under natural or cultivated stands of trees intended for forest use, including land cleared of trees but which will
be reforested. Permanent meadows and pastures with scattered trees and shrubs do not constitute forest land (Maini
1991) http://www.forestry.utoronto.ca/ac_staff/emeritus/My%20Webs/english.htm
54. Land with at least 25 percent tree canopy or that has been stocked with at least 10 percent forest trees of any size,
including land that formerly had such tree cover and that will be naturally or artificially reforested.
29
http://www.osmre.gov/pdf/022399a.txt, http://www.wvgazette.com/static/series/mining/reports/EIS/VIII.Glossary.pdf
2001 and http://www.epa.gov/region3/mtntop/pdf/VIII.Glossary.pdf
55. Lands bearing vegetative associations dominated by trees of any size, capable of producing timber or other forest
products or of exerting an influence on the climate or on the water regime. Also, lands from which forests have been
recently clear cut or burned but which will be reforested in the near future. (World Forest Inventories 1947) From:
Alexander.Korotkov@unece.org. Date: Thu, 15 Oct 1998 17:09:40 +0200
56. Lands that have, or will have because of continued growth, more than 10 per cent canopy cover
http://www.oneworld.org/cse/html/cmp/climate/ew/art20001124_5.htm
57. Lands that naturally have or can have at least 10 percent of the area covered by crowns of trees and are not currently
developed for non-forest use. The minimum area for land classification is 0.4 ha. Unimproved roads, trails, streams,
and stringers of vegetation are classed with surroundings if they are less than 36.6 meters in width. (Lund 1984).
58. The amount of land appropriated by the consumption of paper and timber products. http://www4.gu.edu.au:8080/adt-
root/uploads/approved/adt-QGU20060303.132137/public/03Main.pdf
59. Total area of existing forest, Area of forest land, Net area of forest land available for timber production without risk of
biodiversity loss. This can be composed of natural or plantation forests but should be listed separately.
http://www.sustainableforests.net/C&I_workshops/Glossary%20as%20990101.htm
60. Tree Cover (>25% tree canopy cover) Vegetative cover recognized as woody plants which usually have one perennial
stem, a definitely formed crown of foliage, and a mature height of at least 4 meters. This category contains all trees,
even those planted for the purpose of producing food or ornamentals, including Christmas trees. It also includes those
lands which have been harvested of trees, even those that have been clear cut, but will return to tree cover.
http://www.statlab.iastate.edu/soils/nssh/622.htm#16
61. Urban forest: An urban forest includes all of the natural resources in an urban area: plants, soil, water, and animals
(including all of us) [Urban Forestry]. http://media.lpb.org/images/pdf/CaseyTreesGlossary.pdf
62. Vegetation dominated by trees with their crowns overlapping, generally forming 60 - 100% cover; includes
reproductive stages or immature secondary growth stands that are temporarily less than 5 meters or 16.5 feet tall.
http://www.wec.ufl.edu/coop/gap/moreinfo.htm
1. (Forestland) Land which is currently producing (or, in some cases, capable of producing) a forest.
http://ext.msstate.edu/pubs/pub1250.htm and http://msucares.com/pubs/pub1250.htm
2. A biome with enough precipitation to support various tree species.
http://www.oznet.ksu.edu/library/MISC2/SB661.PDF
3. A collection of biological organisms and non-biological factors. From an ecological perspective, the definition of a
forest includes all these things, from the trees to the bacteria, and the soil type to the microclimates
http://mff.dsisd.net/Environment/EcologyForests.htm
4. A complex, self-regenerating system, encompassing soil, water, microclimate, energy, and a wide variety of plants and
animals in mutual relation. A commercial plantation, on the other hand, is a cultivated area whose species and
structure have been simplified dramatically to produce only a few goods, whether lumber, fuel, resin, oil, or fruit.
http://www.wrm.org.uy/english/bulletin/bull16.htm
5. A forest is temperate and little touched by humans. A jungle is tropical and untrammeled. Woods are forests that have
been worked by humans. http://forum.wordreference.com/showthread.php?t=186539
6. A forest, also referred to as a wood or the woods, is an area with a high amount of weed. People go to forests to get
high. Wikipedia http://www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=forest+facts&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8
7. A highly ordered arrangement of living organisms living in, on and around trees in such an highly ordered fashion it
assures high quality survival for all. http://www.chesco.com/~treeman/words/words-t.html
8. A land comprehensive of vegetation, fauna and soil, providing wood and other goods, and values (protection,
recreation, scenery, etc.). Lorenzo Ciccarese ciccarese@anpa.it
9. A landscape component, raw material, or an object of forestry management activities
http://ewg.gecp.virginia.edu/ewg_forest_us/general/glossary.htm
10. A natural ecosystem in which trees are a significant component
http://tropenbos.nl.php5.server34.firstfind.nl/tbi_publications/documents/Mirjam2.PDF
11. A Norman law which gave the right to keep wild animals on land for the purpose of hunting. Penalties for
infringements included mutilation and death. (Definition from some game). http://www.battle1066.com/g118.html
12. A plant community dominated by woody plants, where the plnats interact with other living and nonliving components
such as soil, water, air, animals, and microscopic orgnaisms (Forest ecosystem),
http://ext.nrs.wsu.edu/publications/pdf/wildlife/misc0198.pdf.
30
13. A system, where trees and their associates are so highly ordered in their connections that they all survive at a high
quality state. http://www.chesco.com/~treeman/words/words-t.html
14. An ecosystem dominated by woody vegetation, potentially subject to the management or oversight of foresters.
Christy, Lawrence C. et al. 2007. Forest law and sustainable development Addressing contemporary Challenges
through legal reform. Wolrd Bank, Law, Justice and Development Series. 228 p.
http://www.scribd.com/WorldBankPublications/d/16060052-Forest-Law-and-Sustainable-Development-Addressing-
Contemporary-Challenges-Through-Legal-Reform
15. An extensive area preserving some or all of its primitive wildness, usually having wild animals.
http://www.britell.com/lex.html
16. Biome with enough average annual precipitation (at least 76 centimeters, or 30 inches) to support growth of various
species of trees and smaller forms of vegetation. http://www.gsu.edu/~mstnrhx/ecogloss.htm
17. Forest - Synonymous with wilderness. It covers vast areas, is seldom visited, and forms the ultimate refuge for
numerous large mammals and predators. http://www.reservenaturelle.fr/upload/cahier74bis.pdf
18. Forests are complex ecosystems in which plants and animals coexist with one another
http://www.americanforests.org/discover-forests/forest-facts/
19. Forests are small biomes. They represent a third of the Earth's land. http://www.planetpals.com/habitats.html
20. Forests generally occur only where precipitation exceeds 60 cm/ year (24"/ year) (Ref.64 of DF91M1).
http://home.alltel.net/bsundquist1/se2.html#Dg
21. Intact forest landscape (IFL): a territory within todays global extent of forest cover which contains forest and non-
forest ecosystems minimally influenced by human economic activity, with an area of at least 500 km 2 (50,000 ha) and
a minimal width of 10 km (measured as the diameter of a circle that is entirely inscribed within the boundaries of the
territory). http://www.kaieteurnewsonline.com/2011/02/01/real-or-imaginary-rates-of-deforestation/
22. Land on which the native vegetation (climax or natural potential) is forest.
http://www.tamu.edu/classes/rang/rknight/rlem102/lecture3/rangeland-definitions.pdf
23. Land that produces woody plants-bushes as well as trees-anything that can serve as fuel in the cooking of food.
http://www.zoology.wisc.edu/courses/220/readings/Hardin/Hardin_population.pdf
24. Land with woody vegetation that meets an internationally accepted definition (e.g., UNFCCC, FAO or IPCC) of what
constitutes a forest, which includes threshold parameters, such as minimum forest area, tree height and level of crown
cover, and may include mature, secondary, degraded and wetland forests. http://www.v-c-s.org/docs/Program
%20Definitions,%20Consultation%202011.pdf
25. The term forest refers to woody vegetation, but it is also linked to specific institutions empowered to manage forests.
http://www.asb.cgiar.org/pdfwebdocs/ASBPB13.pdf
2.3.2 International definitions
1. (ADB 1997), An ecosystem with a minimum of 10 percent crown cover of trees and/or bamboos, generally associated
with wild flora, fauna and natural soil conditions and not subject to agriculture. Asian Development Bank.
2. (CBFP 2006) - Congo Basin Forest Partnership. Forests are habitats where trees are dominant, where tree crowns
form a more or less continuous layer and where grasses are virtually absent in the under story. The few grasses which
are found in forests have broad leaves and are very different from savannah species. Forests are sensitive to fire.
http://carpe.umd.edu/resources/Documents/THE_FORESTS_OF_THE_CONGO_BASIN_State_of_the_Forest_2006.
pdf
3. (Central Europe) Forestry - Compact forest complexes covering 75-80% of the area.
http://www.fao.org/ag/agl/agll/landuse/clsys/Europecenral.htm
4. (Convention on International Trade 2000) Forest area is land under natural or planted stands of trees, whether
productive or not. Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, Report on
National Reports Required Under Article VIII, Paragraph 7(a), of the Convention, Eleventh Meeting of the Conference
of the Parties, Gigiri, Kenya, April 2000 http://www.nationmaster.com/country/gr-greece/env-environment
5. (Dry-zone African countries) An ecosystem with a minimum of 10 percent crown cover of trees, and other wooded
lands are those which are covered by trees, bushes or scattered shrubs, whether natural or planted by people, and
which may be cultivated (as agro-forestry lands) or not and which are generally associated with wild flora and fauna.
"Moussa, Omnia (FAORNE)"Omnia.Moussa@fao.org
31
6. (EarthSat GeoCover LC 2002) - Trees > 3 m height, canopy closure > 35 % (Kalensky et al. 2002)
7. (ESA 2009). >15 % crown cover, >5 meters high. European Space Agency.
http://www.esa.int/esaEO/SEM5N3TRJHG_index_0.html.
8. (EU 2000). Forest land is defined as land with tree crown cover (stand density) of more than about 20% of the area.
Continuous forest with trees usually growing to more than about 7 m in height and able to produce wood. This
includes both closed forest formations where trees of various storeys and undergrowth cover a high proportion of the
ground, and open forest formations with a continuous grass layer in which tree synusiae cover at least 10% of the
ground. http://europa.eu.int/estatref/info/sdds/en/for/for_res.htm#toc
9. (EU 2004). Land with tree crown cover (or equivalent stocking level) of more than 10 % and area of more than 0.5 ha.
The trees should be able to reach a minimum height of 5 m at maturity in situ.
http://epp.eurostat.cec.eu.int/cache/ITY_OFFPUB/KS-CD-04-001-8/EN/KS-CD-04-001-8-EN.PDF
10. (EU 2010) Continuously forested areas are defined as areas where trees have reached, or can reach, at least heights
of five metres, making up a crown cover of more than 30 percent.They would normally include forest, forest
plantations and other tree plantations such as palm oil. Short rotation coppice [the practice of repeatedly cutting young
tree stems down] may qualify if it fulfils the height and canopy cover criteria. Phillips, Leigh. 2010. Palm oil plantations
are now 'forests,' says EU. EUObserver.com. http://euobserver.com/9/29410.
11. (EU 2010). Continuously forested areas are defined as areas where trees have reached, or can reach, at least heights
of 5 metres, making up a crown cover of more than 30%. They would normally include natural forest, forest
plantations and other tree plantations such as oil palm. This means, for example, that a change from forest to oil palm
plantation would not per se constitute a breach of the criterion (para 4.2.3, draft communication).
http://www.tropenbos.org/file.php/4/forests-dec21-final-web.pdf
12. (EU) Areas spanning more than 0.5 to 1.0 hectares (depending on national definitions) with trees higher than 5 meters
and a canopy cover of more than 10 percent, or trees able to reach these thresholds in situ. It does not include land
that is predominantly under agricultural or urban land use. Land registry systems should specify the concerned areas
in terms of land use as forest http://ec.europa.eu/agriculture/analysis/external/supply-wood/full_text_en.pdf
13. (EU) Forest area is "areas with crown cover (stand density) greater than around 20% of the area. Continuous forest
with trees usually reaching a height of more than 7 metres and providing a source of wood.
http://ec.europa.eu/agriculture/envir/report/en/lex_en/report_en.htm
14. (EU-JRC 2003) Forests have a tree cover of more than 10-20% and tree heights of more than 3(-5) metres. Tree
cover and forest regrowth below these thresholds were considered Wood & shrubland. http://www-
tem.jrc.it/PDF_publis/2003/Stibig_EUR_2003_full.pdf
15. (Europe) Vegetation formation composed principally of trees, including shrub and bush understories. The surface area
of the smallest unit mapped in the project is 25 hectares.
http://etc.satellus.se/the_data/Technical_Guide/part_one_text2.htm#The nomenclature
16. (European Community -DGXIII) - Ecosystems with a minimum of 10 per cent crown cover of trees and/or bamboos.
They usually contain wild flora, fauna and natural soil conditions, and are not subject to agricultural practices. Forests
can be divided into two categories: natural and plantation forests
http://europa.eu.int/comm/dg08/forests/en/en4_6.htm and
http://europa.eu.int/comm/development/body/publications/forests/en/en4_6.htm
17. (European Community) Forest (for inventory) - forest tree stands with at least 20 % canopy closure at rotation age
(closed forests according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) definition). However,
for certain types of woodland which are characteristic of the Mediterranean region (maquis and similar woodland,
stands of Quercus suber and Quercus ilex, etc.), this canopy closure should be at least 10 %. The minimum size of
the forests to be sampled be 0.5 hectare. http://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/en/lif/dat/1993/en_393R0926.html.
18. (European Environment Agency) - A vegetation community dominated by trees and other woody shrubs, growing
close enough together that the tree tops touch or overlap, creating various degrees of shade on the forest floor. It may
produce benefits such as timber, recreation, wildlife habitat, etc.(Source: DUNSTE) European Environment Agency
(EEA), European Topic Centre on Catalogue of Data Sources (ETC/CDS) : General Multilingual Environmental
Thesaurus Term Detail. http://www.epa.gov/trs
19. (European Environment Agency) Land with a tree canopy cover of more than 10 % and an area of more than 0.5 ha.
http://glossary.eea.eu.int/EEAGlossary/F/forest
20. (Forest Focus ) Forest has in mature state a crown cover of at least 10%, trees of height minimum 5 m, and an area
of at least 0.5 ha with a width of at least 20 m. http://www.efi.int/files/attachments/publications/tr_18.pdf
21. (FSC 2011) Forest is not defined, as the natural forest and plantation covers the scope of forest areas for purpose
of the P&C . Plantation Definition: Areas with tree cover in which the trees are established by either planting, sowing
or using intensive silvicultural treatments, which lack most of the principal characteristics and key elements of native
ecosystems, and which are characterized by either few species used in the treatments, even spacing, and/or even-
ages, or by significant use of non-native or alien tree species. Plantations and native ecosystem elements and
characteristics may be further defined by FSC approved national and regional standards of forest management.
Natural Forest Definition: Areas with tree cover that are not classified as plantations, in which all or almost all trees
and other plants are indigenous species, and many of the principal characteristics and key elements of native
32
ecosystems such as complexity, structure and diversity are present. Natural forests and native ecosystem elements
and characteristics may be further defined by FSC approved national and regional standards of forest management. .
http://www.fsc.org/fileadmin/web-
data/public/document_center/Current_consultations/Report_P_C_Review_Workshop_2011-06-25_26_Final.pdf
22. (GLC2000 legend 2005) : percent tree cover >15% / tree height >3m http://www.glcn.org/downs/pub/ppts/FRA-
GLCN_india/Antonio%20DiGregorio/Review%20of%20LCCS.pdf
23. (Global Forest Coalition 2009) Forests are complex tree dominated ecosystems with particular structural biotic and
abiotic components, assembled within temporal and spatial limits and with a self sustained successional dynamic
determined by its own biodiversity, including the determining anthropogenic interfaces, particularly with Indigenous
Peoples and peoples who adopted their knowledge. Source: yvetogo@hotmail.com, 30 April 2009.
24. (Global Forest Watch 2014) - Various definitions exist for the term forest, and GFW does not aim to provide a
consensus definition. Data sets hosted on GFW may define forest differently or pertain to different types of forest
(primary, secondary, tree plantations, etc.). Through information found on the Data page, we aim to be transparent
about the assumptions and definitions feeding into each data set. In our general writing, including the GFW blog,
forest refers to a landscape with a high density of trees and value for biodiversity, carbon storage, and human use.
GFW distinguishes tree cover from forest. Where found on the GFW website, tree cover refers to the biophysical
presence of trees, which may be part of natural forests or tree plantations. The inclusion of all types of tree plantations
in the tree cover definition notably distinguishes the term from some definitions of forest. Accordingly, tree cover
and forest should not be used interchangeably. Different data sets further define tree cover with added parameters
http://www.globalforestwatch.org/howto#terminology
25. (GOFC/GOLD Land and Forest Cover Classification Scheme 2002) Canopy cover 10-25 %, Tree height <1 m - >
2m. (Kalensky et al. 2002)
26. (IADB 2013). A vegetation type dominated by trees. Inter-American Development Bank.
https://www.imf.org/external/np/seminars/eng/2013/caribbean/pdf/approach.pdf
27. (ICSU) Forests have complete tree canopy cover and three or more overlapping vegetation strata; http://www.icsu-
scope.org/downloadpubs/scope56/Chapter04.html
28. (IGBP 2013) In IGBP classification system, percent crown cover should be more than 60% and tree height should be
more than 2 meters to be classified as forest. http://www.eapap.unep.org/lc/cd/html/training/module1.html
http://www.unep.org/dewa/Portals/67/pdf/Nile_Basin.pdf.
29. (IIASA) Forest, canopy coverage > 40%, trees > 6 m. http://www.iiasa.ac.at/Research/LUC/lucgis/docs/wp-96-
026.htm#Land-Cover
30. (IndexMundi) Forest area is land under natural or planted stands of trees of at least 5 meters in situ, whether
productive or not, and excludes tree stands in agricultural production systems (for example, in fruit plantations and
agroforestry systems) and trees in urban parks and gardens.. http://www.indexmundi.com/facts/greece/forest-area
31. (IPCC 1997) An ecosystem in which the dominant plants are trees; woodlands are distinguished from forests by their
lower density of trees http://www.grida.no/climate/ipcc/regional/327.htm
32. (IPCC 2003) A vegetation type dominated by trees. http://www.unep.ch/ipcc/pub/syrgloss.pdf Many definitions of the
term forest are in use throughout the world, reflecting wide differences in bio-geophysical conditions, social structure,
and economics. For a discussion of the term forest and related terms such as afforestation, reforestation, and
deforestation: see the IPCC Report on Land Use, Land-Use Change and Forestry (IPCC, 2000). See also the
Report on Definitions and Methodological Options to Inventory Emissions from Direct Human-induced Degradation of
Forests and Devegetation of Other Vegetation Types (IPCC, 2003) (Source: Second Order Draft Glossary IPCC WGI
Fourth Assessment Report http://www.junkscience.com/draft_AR4/GLOSSARY_SOD_TSU_FINAL.pdf )
33. (IPCC?) Forest land: includes all land with woody vegetation consistent with thresholds used to define forest land in
the national GHG inventory, sub-divided into managed and unmanaged. It also includes systems with vegetation that
currently fall below, but are expected to exceed, the threshold of the forest land category. Countries must also specify
a forest definition under the Kyoto Protocol. This definition is based on area (0.05 1.0 ha); canopy closure (10% -
30%) and tree height (2 5 m). http://bookshop.europa.eu/is-bin/INTERSHOP.enfinity/WFS/EU-Bookshop-
Site/en_GB/-/EUR/ViewPDFFile-OpenPDFFile?FileName=LBNA24300ENC_002.pdf&SKU=LBNA24300ENC_PDF
34. (ISO 2003) An area of land tree crown cover more than ten per cent with the potential to reach a minimum height of
two meters at maturity in situ. ISO TC207/WG5 N70 ISO/WD 14064-1.1 Secretariat: DSM/CSA. January 13, 2003.
Principles and requirements for measuring, monitoring and reporting entity- and project-level greenhouse gas
emissions and/or removals. 30 p.
35. (IUCN and WCMC 1990) Forests have a closed canopy beneath which grasses do not grow. They are distinct from
open-canopied woodlands that grow over a grass sward.
36. (IUCN) IUCN defines forests as tree dominated landscapes. http://cmsdata.iucn.org/downloads/forestcover.pdf
37. (Millnnieum Assessment Organization). Forest systems: Systems in which trees are the predominant life forms.
Statistics reported in this assessment are based on areas that are dominated by trees (perennial woody plants taller
than five meters at maturity), where the tree crown cover exceeds 10%, and where the area is more than 0.5
hectares. Open forests have a canopy cover between 10% and 40%, and closed forests a canopy cover of more
33
than 40%. Fragmented forests refer to mosaics of forest patches and non-forest land.
38. (NationMaster 2005). Land under natural or planted stands of trees, whether productive or not.
http://www.nationmaster.com/graph/env_for_are_of_lan_are-environment-forest-area-of-land
39. (North Africa) - An ecosystem with a predominance of trees constituting a minimum of 10 percent relatively dense
crown cover. "Moussa, Omnia (FAORNE)" Omnia.Moussa@fao.org
40. (OECD) Forested land - Land with tree crown cover (or equivalent stocking level) of more than 10 per cent and an
area of more than 0.5 hectares. The trees should be able to reach a minimum height of 5 metres at maturity in situ.
41. (RED 2009) Continuously forested areas with a land spanning of more than one hectare with trees higher than five
metres and a canopy cover of more than 30%, or trees able to reach those thresholds in situ.
http://www.tropenbos.org/file.php/4/forests-dec21-final-web.pdf
42. (SADC 1997) - All wooded areas with greater than +/- 70% tree canopy cover, where the dominant canopy is greater
than +/- 5m in thight (minimum height). Essentially indigenous tree species growing under natural or semi-natural
conditions (although it may include some localised areas of self-seeded exotic species). Excludes planted forests (and
woodlots). (Trevett 1997)
43. (Small Islands) Forest is defined as land with tree crown cover of more than 10 percent and area of more than 0.5 ha
whose primary use is forestry. The trees should be able to reach a minimum height of 5 metres at maturity in situ.
http://cfa.juice-e.co.uk/Example%20paper/Example%20paper.htm
44. (TBFRA 1990) TBFRA criteria for 1990 were even stricter: crown cover had to be 20 % or more and tree height at
least 7 meters. http://www.metla.fi/eu/cost/e4/coste4.pdf
45. (TBFRA 2000) TBFRA 2000 requires that the crown cover is greater than 10 % and tree height is greater than 5
meters. http://www.metla.fi/eu/cost/e4/coste4.pdf
46. (TBFRA-2000) items are most relevant for the present study: Forest land: Forest is defined as land with tree crown
cover of more than 10 percent and area more than 0.5 ha. Trees on the site are considered to be higher than 5 m.
http://www.mosus.net/documents/MOSUS_Forestry%20sector.pdf
47. (TREES) Evergreen and Semi-Deciduous Forest - forest cover > 70% in each AVHRR pixel
http://www.gvm.sai.jrc.it/Forest/statistics.htm
48. (UN 2009) the UN defines a forest as any area larger than 500 square metres with crown cover of 10 per cent and
trees capable of growing two metres high. The differences between native forests and monoculture industrial tree
plantations cannot be identified by this definition (UN-REDD, 2009). http://www.equitybd.org/documents/cts_eng.pdf
49. (UN-CBD 2001) Ecosystems in which trees are the predominant life forms. Global Biodiversity Outlook (Secretariat of
the Convention on Biological Diversity 2001)
50. (UN-CCD 2000) Dense canopy with multi-layered structure including large trees in the upper storey;
http://www.unccd.int/actionprogrammes/asia/national/2000/yemen-eng.pdf United Nations Convention to Combat
Desertification
51. (UN-ECEE/FAO 1997) Land with tree crown cover (or equivalent stocking level) of more than 10 percent and area of
more than 0.5 ha. The trees should be able to reach a minimum height of 5 m at maturity in situ. May consist either of
closed forest formations where trees of various storeys and undergrowth cover a high portion of the ground; or of
open forest formations where trees of various storeys and undergrowth cover a high portion of the ground; or of open
forest formations with a continuous vegetation cover in which tree cover exceeds 10 percent. Young natural stands
and all plantations established for forestry purposes which have yet to reach a crown density of 10 percent or tree
height of 5 m are included under forest, as are temporarily unstocked as a result of human intervention or natural
causes but which are expected to revert to forest. Includes: Forest nurseries and seed orchards that constitute an
integral part of the forest; forest roads, cleared tracts, firebreaks, and other small open areas within the forest; forest
in national parks, nature reserves and other protected areas such as those of special environmental, scientific,
historical, cultural, or spiritual interest; wind; windbreaks and shelterbelts of trees with an area of more than 0.5 ha
and a width of more than 20 m. Rubberwood plantations and cork oak stands are included. Excludes: Land
predominantly used for agricultural practices.
52. (UN-EP 2013) Lands dominated by trees with a per cent canopy cover >60% and height exceeding 2 metres
http://www.unep.org/dewa/Portals/67/pdf/Nile_Basin.pdf
53. (UN-EP) - Land covered by trees with the percent canopy cover greater than 10%. Trees are woody plants land cover
with a single well defined stem and more than 3 meters in height. Forest with 10-40% canopy cover is classified as
open forest and with 40% and above is classified as closed forest.
http://www.eapap.unep.org/lc/cd/html/training/module1.html
54. (UN-EP/CBD 2001) - Forest is a land area of more than 0.5 ha, with a tree canopy cover of more than 10 percent,
which is not primarily under agriculture or other specific non-forest land use. In the case of young forest or regions
where tree growth is climatically suppressed, the trees should be capable of reaching a height of 5 m in situ, and of
meeting the canopy cover requirement. ftp://ftp.fao.org/docrep/fao/009/j9345e/j9345e00.pdf
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55. (UN-EP/CBD 2002), A land area of more than 0.5 ha, with a tree canopy cover of more than 10 percent, which is not
primarily under agriculture or other specific non-forest land use. In the case of young forest or regions where tree
growth is climatically suppressed, the trees should be capable of reaching a height of 5 m in situ, and of meeting the
canopy cover requirement http://www.environmental-auditing.org/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=fbx%2FbAIVeFU
%3D&tabid=128&mid=568
56. (UN-EP-EAP-AP) - Land covered by trees with the percent canopy cover greater than 10%. Trees are woody plants
with a single weft defined stem and more than 3 meters in height. Forest with 10-40% canopy cover is classified as
open forest and with 40% and above is classified as closed forest. http://www.rrcap.unep.org/lc/cd/html/16thacrs.html
57. (UN-EP-GRID 2001) A vegetation type dominated by trees. http://www.grida.no/climate/ipcc_tar/wg2/689.htm (2001)
58. (UN-EP-GRID) An ecosystem in which the dominant plants are trees; woodlands are distinguished from forests by
their lower density of trees http://www.grida.no/climate/ipcc/regional/327.htm
59. (UN-ESCO 1973) Closed Forest - trees =5m with crowns interlocking. Woodland - trees =5m tall with crowns not
usually touching but with canopy cover =40% (UNESCO 1973).
60. (UN-ESCO 1973) The standard international definition of forest is an area with >25 percent canopy cover by trees
(UNESCO 1973; savannah is usually considered to be a grass-dominated system with sparse trees [by the
UNESCO definition, <25 percent cover]). http://pdf.usaid.gov/pdf_docs/PNADL906.pdf
61. (UN-ESCO 1993) Continuous stand of trees at least 10 m tall, their crowns interlocking; - Rain forest, without any
significant dry season and with trees usually more than 30 m high; - Dry forest, with dry season of several weeks or
months; - Semi-evergreen forest, where some species are deciduous but understory mostly evergreen Deciduous
forest, where trees lose their leaves simultaneously for months - Undifferentiated forest, with very heterogeneous
patterns; http://home.comcast.net/~gyde/1993annex3iufro.pdf
62. (UN-FAO 1953) Forest is defined as land bearing vegetative associations dominated by trees of any size
http://www.fao.org/docrep/015/an053e/an053e00.pdf
63. (UN-FAO 1958) Forest may be defined as all lands bearing a vegetative association dominated by tree of any size,
exploited or not, capable of producing wood or other products, for exerting an influence on climate or on the water
regime, or providing shelter for live stock and wild life.
http://www.dse.de/zel/landinfo/pas/tk247_lup_eth/forest_inventory.pdf
64. (UN-FAO 1987) the forest is a plant formation in which trees predominate to the extent of modifying the ecology of the
terrain. In order to form a specific community of this kind, the trees must occupy a sufficiently large area of land and at
a minimum level of density. http://www.fao.org/legal/legstud/frmdocrep/41_AK476E.pdf
65. (UN-FAO 1990) (Tropical countries) Ecosystems with a minimum of 10 percent crown cover of trees and/or bamboos,
generally associated with wild flora, fauna and natural soil conditions, and not subject to agricultural practices.
http://www.fao.org/docrep/007/t0830e/T0830E04.htm and
66. (UN-FAO 1993) Forests are ecological systems with minimum crown coverage of land surface (here assumed as 10
percent) and generally associated with wild flora, fauna and natural soil conditions; and not subject to agronomic
practices. For the present assessments, a tree is defined as a woody perennial with a single main stem (except in
coppice crops where multiple stems replace a single stem), a more or less definite crown and a minimum height of
more than 5 meters on maturity. Only forest areas more than 100 ha (minimum area) are considered.
http://www.ciesin.columbia.edu/docs/002-471/002-471.html and
http://www.fao.org/docrep/007/t0830e/T0830E00.htm#TOC
67. (UN-FAO 1995) Ecosystems with a minimum of 10% cover of trees and/or bamboos, generally associated with wild
flora, fauna and natural soil conditions, and not subject to agricultural practices. The term forest is further subdivided,
according to its origin, into two categories: (i) Natural forests: a subset of forest composed of tree species known to be
indigenous to the area; and; (ii) Plantation forests: established artificially by afforestation on lands which previously did
not carry forests within living memory; establishment artificially by reforestation of land which carried forest before,
and involving the replacement of the indigenous species by a new and essentially different species or genetic variety.
Definition applies for developing countries. http://figueresonline.com/csdafinal/English/publications/cdm/glossary.html
68. (UN-FAO 1995) Land with tree crown cover (stand density) of more than about 20 percent of the area. Continuous
forest with trees usually growing to more than about 7 m in height and able to produce wood. This includes both
closed forest formations where trees of various storeys and undergrowth cover a high proportion of the ground, and
open forest formations with a continuous grass layer in which tree synusia cover at least 10 percent of the ground.
Definition applies for developed countries. http://figueresonline.com/csdafinal/English/publications/cdm/glossary.html
69. (UN-FAO 1997) (developed countries) Land with tree crown cover (stand density) of more than about 20 per cent of
the area. Continuous forest with trees usually growing to more than about 7 m in height and able to produce wood.
This includes both closed forest formations where trees of various storeys and undergrowth cover a high proportion of
the ground, and open forest formations with a continuous grass layer in which tree synusia cover at least 10 per cent
of the ground (FAO 1997).
70. (UN-FAO 1997) (developing countries) Ecological systems with a minimum of 10% crown coverage of trees and/or
bamboos, generally associated with wild flora, fauna and natural soil conditions, and not subject to agricultural
practices. [Source: from http://faov02.fao.org:70/0gopher_root%3a[fao.fra]def_uk.txt (concepts, definitions and
35
methodology of the FAO Forest Resources Assessment 1990) via Bernhard Schlamadinger], (FAO 1997) and
http://www.ids.ac.uk/eldis/forests/forpap.htm.
71. (UN-FAO 1999) Land with tree crown cover (or equivalent stocking level) of more than 10% and area of more than 0.5
hectares (ha). The trees should be able to reach a minimum height of 5m at maturity in situ."
http://europe.mtnforum.org/rs/econfreports/MountainPeopleForestsAndTrees.pdf
72. (UN-FAO 2000) Land with tree a crown cover of more than 10 percent, and a tree height of at least five meters. An
important distinction is made between closed (40% crown cover) and open (10 -40 % crown cover) forest.
http://www.fao.org/docrep/field/385907.htm#P280_16342. Note: There is another definition forest for FRA 2000 based
on land use.
73. (UN-FAO 2003) Forest land is defined as having more than 10 percent crown cover and an area of more than 0.5 ha,
and excludes land predominantly used for agriculture. http://www.cof.orst.edu/cof/teach/fe456/Class_Materials/State
%20of%20Worlds%20Forests/SOTWF_2003.pdf
74. (UN-FAO 2005) Forest: land with trees of height 5 metres or more with crown cover of more than 10% (paragraph
11.35). http://www.fao.org/es/ess/census/PROGwca2010/glossary_r7.pdf
75. (UN-FAO 2005) Land spanning more than 0.5 hectares with trees higher than 5 meters and a canopy cover of more
than 10 percent, or trees able to reach these thresholds in situ. It does not include land that is predominantly under
agricultural or urban land use. FRA 2005 and 2010. http://www.fao.org/docrep/013/i1757e/i1757e13.pdf
76. (UN-FAO 2005) Woodland or forest - This includes woodlot or timber tracts, natural or planted, constituting part of the
holding which have or will have value as wood, timber, other forest products or for protection. Forest tree nurseries
should be included in this category. Rows, belts and small clumps of trees, bamboo and other woody vegetation
should be included in woodland and forest. http://www.fao.org/es/ess/census/12ch5.asp
77. (UN-FAO 2007) any area larger than one hectare (0.01 square miles) with a minimum tree cover of 10 percent to be
forested. http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/Features/Deforestation/printall.php
78. (UN-FAO 2015) Forest cover - Total cover of the forest area delineated by vertical projection http://www.fao.org/3/a-
i4498e.pdf
79. (UN-FAO) Forest area is land under natural or planted stands of trees, whether productive or not. http://ddp-
ext.worldbank.org/ext/ddpreports/viewSourceNotes?
DIMENSION_NAME=WDI_Series&HIERARCHY=Topic&cubeId=7
80. (UN-FAO) Land covered by trees with a cover of more than 40% From: Graeme Wild GraemeW@za.sappi.com
81. (UN-FAO) Land with a tree canopy cover of more than 10% and an area of more than 0.5 ha.
http://glossary.eea.europa.eu
82. (UN-FAO-RAP 2010) Forest is defined as: land spanning more than 0.5 hectares, with trees higher than 5 metres and
a canopy cover of more than 10 percent or trees able to reach these thresholds in situ. It does not include land that is
predominantly agricultural or under urban use. http://www.fao.org/docrep/012/i1594e/i1594e00.pdf
83. (UN-FCCC )Forest land - As part of COP7 (Marrakech accords) it was decided that parties could select a single value
of tree height, crown area and area to define forests, subject to certain ranges. The Designated National Authority in
each country is responsible for forest definition (see http://cdm.unfccc.int/DNA and
http://www.snvworld.org/en/regions/asia/ourwork/Documents/SNV_UnderstandingREDD.pdf)
84. (UN-FCCC 2001) (from the Marrakesh Accords of the Kyoto Protocol): An area of land: that is at least 0.05 1.0
hectares in size; which has more than 10-30 per cent of tree crown cover (or equivalent stocking levels); and which
has trees that have the potential to reach a minimum height at maturity in situ of 2-5 metres. It may consist either of
closed forest formations or open forest. Closed forest formations involve to a high proportion of the ground being
covered by trees of various storeys and undergrowth. http://www.worldgrowth.org/assets/file/WG
%20Forestry_Development_Final%20Report.pdf
85. (UN-HCR 2005) An ecosystem with a minimum of 10 per cent crown cover of trees.
http://postconflict.unep.ch/liberia/displacement/documents/UNHCR_IUCN_Forest_Management_Refugee_Returnee_
Situations.pdf(UN-IPCC 2001) A vegetation type dominated by trees http://www.ipcc.ch/pub/tar/wg1/518.htm and
http://www.pnl.gov/aisu/pubs/eemw/papers/ipccreports/workinggroup2/689.htm.
86. (UN-OECD 2005) - Land with tree crown cover (or equivalent stocking level) of more than 10 per cent and an area of
more than 0.5 hectares. The trees should be able to reach a minimum height of 5 metres at maturity in situ.
87. (UN-SD 2001) Forest and other wooded land - Land with tree crown cover (or equivalent stocking level) of more than
10 per cent and area of more than 0.5 hectares and land either with a crown cover (or equivalent stocking level) of 5-
10 per cent of trees able to reach a height of 5 metres at maturity in situ; or a crown cover (or equivalent stocking
level) of more than 10 per cent of trees not able to reach a height of 5 metres at maturity in situ (e.g. dwarf or stunted
trees); or with shrub or bush cover of more than 10 per cent. www.un.org/Depts/unsd/enviro/q2001land.pdf. United
Nations Statistics Division
88. (UN-SD) Forest Cover - All the trees and other woody plants (underbrush) covering the ground in a forest. It includes
(a) trees and all shrubs, (b) herbs and shrubs growing thereunder or in openings in the forest or brush fields, (c) litter
or fallen leaves, branches, fallen trees and other vegetable material on the forest floor and (d) the rich humus of
36
partially decayed vegetable matter at the surface and top layer of the soil.
http://esa.un.org/unsd/envmnt/gesform.asp?getitem=539 United Nations Statistical Division
89. (WAF 2004) -An ecosystem in which the dominant plants are trees covering a vast tract of land.
http://www.worldagroforestry.org/sea/Publications/files/book/BK0073-04.PDF
90. (WCMC) - While not a definition per se, the WCMC uses a 30% tree canopy cover for the development its Global
Current Forest Map - http://www.wcmc.org.uk/forest/data/cdrom2/text2.htm
91. (World Bank 2000) Ecosystem with a minimum of 10 percent crown cover of trees and/or bamboo, generally
associated with wild flora and fauna and natural soil conditions and not subject to agricultural practices. Forests are in
two categories: Natural forests: forests composed of tree species known to be indigenous to the area. Plantation
forests: established artificially by afforestation on lands previously non-forested within living memory, or established
artificially by reforestation on land that was forested, by replacement of the indigenous species with a new and
essentially different species or genetic variety. . http://www.holz.uni-
goettingen.de/ek/woodsat/pdf/worldbankforestry.pdf
92. (World Bank 2000) Forest, Open: Forest in which the tree canopy layer is discontinuous but covers at least 10 percent
of the area and in which the grass layer is continuous. http://www.holz.uni-
goettingen.de/ek/woodsat/pdf/worldbankforestry.pdf
93. (World Bank 2000) Forest. Closed: Forest with a stand density greater than 20 percent of the area, and where tree
crowns nearly contact one another. . http://www.holz.uni-goettingen.de/ek/woodsat/pdf/worldbankforestry.pdf
94. (World Bank 2005) Total Forest is defined as land with tree crown cover of more than 10 percent of the ground and
area of more than 0.5 hectares. Tree height at maturity should exceed 5 meters. (source: Earthtrends, WRI)
http://siteresources.worldbank.org/INTARD/Resources/devpol_final_text.pdf
95. (World Bank 2007) Land under natural or planted stands of trees.
http://www.sasi.group.shef.ac.uk/worldmapper/display.php?selected=106
96. (World Bank 2008). Forest Minimum are of 1 ha of land with tree-crown cover (or equivalent stocking level) of more
than 30 percent with trees able to reach the potential of a minimum height of 5 m at maturity in situ. Young plantations
and lands used for forestry are included even though they may not meet the cover and height thresholds.
http://siteresources.worldbank.org/EXTARD/Resources/336681-1215724937571/eBook.pdf
97. (World Bank 2012) Forest area is land under natural or planted stands of trees of at least 5 meters in situ, whether
agroforestry systems) and trees in urban parks and gardens. http://data.worldbank.org/indicator/AG.LND.FRST.ZS
98. (World Bank) - An area of land of not less than 1.0 hectare with tree crown cover (or equivalent stocking level) of more
than 10 per cent with trees with the potential to reach a minimum height of 2 meters at maturity in situ. A forest may
consist of either closed forest formations where trees of various stories and undergrowth cover a high proportion of
the ground or open forest. Young natural stands and all plantations which have yet to reach a crown density of 10 per
cent or tree height of 2 meters are included under forest, as are areas normally forming part of the forest area which
are temporarily unstocked as a result of human intervention such as harvesting or natural causes but which are
expected to revert to forest. The definition includes forests dedicated to forest production, protection, multiple- uses or
conservation, whether formally recognized or not. The definition excludes areas where other land uses not dependent
on tree cover predominate, such as agriculture, grazing or settlements. In low forest-cover countries, the definition
may be expanded to include areas covered by trees which fall below the 10 percent threshold for canopy density, but
are considered forest under local conditions.
http://www.iucn.org/themes/fcp/activities/publications/worldbankdraftdefinitions.pdf
99. (WRI 2003) include all areas dominated by evergreen or deciduous trees with a canopy cover of greater than 60%
and a height exceeding 2 meters. Both broadleaf and needleleaf trees are included.
http://earthtrends.wri.org/pdf_library/country_profiles/for_cou_188.pdf
100. (WRI) Land on which trees form the dominant vegetation type. http://pdf.wri.org/indoforest_glossary.pdf
101. (WRI) Terrestrial ecosystems dominated by trees, where the tree canopy covers at least 10 percent of the ground
area. http://pdf.wri.org/page_forests.pdf
102. (WRI) Total forest area includes both natural forests and plantations. Total Forest is defined as land with tree
crown cover of more than 10 percent of the ground and area of more than 0.5 hectares. Tree height at maturity should
exceed 5 meters. These forest statistics are based primarily on forest inventory information provided by national
governments. http://earthtrends.wri.org/pdf_library/country_profiles/for_cou_188.pdf
1. (A/R - SSC A/R) - Forest is a minimum area of land of 0.05-1.0 hectares with tree crown cover (or equivalent
stocking level) of more than 10-30 per cent with trees with the potential to reach a minimum height of 2-5 metres at
maturity in situ. A forest may consist either of closed forest formations where trees of various storeys and undergrowth
cover a high proportion of the ground or open forest. Young natural stands and all plantations which have yet to reach
a crown density of 10-30 per cent or tree height of 2-5 metres are included under forest, as are areas normally
37
forming part of the forest area which are temporarily unstocked as a result of human intervention such as harvesting
or natural causes but which are expected to revert to forest. A Party not included in Annex I may host an A/R CDM
project activity if it has selected and reported to the Executive Board through its designated national authority for the
CDM the parameters it has chosen for the definition of forest to be used for the purposes of hosting A/R project
activities under the CDM. http://cdm.unfccc.int/Reference/Guidclarif/glos_CDM_v04.pdf UNFCCC
2. (EU 2013) Forest means an area of land defined by the minimum values for area size, tree crown cover or an
equivalent stocking level, and potential tree height at maturity at the place of growth of the trees, as specified for each
Member State in Annex V. It includes areas with trees, including groups of growing young natural trees, or plantations
that have yet to reach the minimum values for tree crown cover or equivalent stocking level or minimum tree height as
specified in Annex V, including any area that normally forms part of the forest area but on which there are temporarily
no trees as a result of human intervention, such as harvesting, or as a result of natural causes, but which area can be
expected to revert to forest; http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:32013D0529
3. (EUROSTAT) Land with tree crown cover of more than 10 percent and area of more than 0.5 ha. The trees should be
able to reach a minimum height of 5m at maturity in situ. Young natural stands and all plantations established for
forestry purposes which have yet to reach a crown density of 10 percent or tree height of 5m are included under
forest, as are areas normally forming part of the forest area but which are temporarily unstocked as a result of human
intervention or natural causes but which are expected to revert to forest. Also included are forest nurseries and seed
orchards and other small open areas within the forest, forest in national parks, nature reserves and other protected
areas, windbreaks and shelterbelts of trees with an area of more than 0.5 ha and a width of more than 20m.
http://epp.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/cache/ITY_OFFPUB/KS-74-06-823/EN/KS-74-06-823-EN.PDF
4. (IFAD) Land on which the vegetation is dominated by forest or, if trees are lacking, the land bears evidence of former
forest and has not been converted to other vegetation. International Fund for Agricultural Development.
http://www.ifad.org/lrkm/glossary/glossary.htm#/
5. (IPCC 2006)This category includes all land with woody vegetation consistent with thresholds used to define Forest
Land in the national greenhouse gas inventory. It also includes systems with a vegetation structure that currently fall
below, but in situ could potentially reach the threshold values used by a country to define the Forest Land category.
6. (IPCC -Kyoto Protocol) A minimum area of land of 0.05 1.0 hectares with tree crown cover (or equivalent stocking
level) of more than 10 30 per cent with trees with the potential to reach a minimum height of 2 5 metres at maturity
in situ. A forest may consist either of closed forest formations where trees of various storeys and undergrowth cover a
high portion of the ground or open forest. Young natural stands and all plantations which have yet to reach a crown
density of 10 30 per cent or tree height of 2 5 metres are included under forest, as are areas normally forming part
of the forest area which are temporarily unstocked as a result of human intervention such as harvesting or natural
causes but which are expected to revert to forest. http://www.v-c-s.org/docs/AFOLU%20Guidance%20Document.pdf
7. (Islamic Countries) Forest (and woodland) - Areas covered by natural or planted trees and areas that are cleared but
planned to be reforested. Source:http://www.sesrtcic.org/SUBFILES/SUBJDEF.HTM - for 56 Islamic Countries
8. (ITTO 2005) Forests, Permanent. ITTO defines permanent forests as certain categories of land, whether public or
private, that are to be kept under permanent forest cover to secure their optimal contribution to national development
(ITTO, 2006). http://www.cde.unibe.ch/University/pdf/Feu_CP_Vol6(3)_Foener_et_al_edited_00A.pdf
9. (IUFRO 2002) A land area with a minimum 10% tree crown coverage (or equivalent stocking level), or formerly having
such tree cover and that is being naturally or artificially regenerated or that is being afforested.
http://www.efi.int/files/attachments/publications/ir_06.pdf
10. (TBFRA-20010), forest is defined as land with tree crown cover (or equivalent stocking level) of more than 10 per cent
and area more than 0.5 ha. The trees should be able to reach a minimum height of 5 m at maturity in situ. Included
are: young natural stands and all plantations established for forestry purposes which have yet to reach the crown
density of 10 percent or tree height of 5 m. areas normally forming part of the forest area which are temporarily
unstocked as a result of human intervention or natural causes but which are expected to revert to forest. forest
roads, cleared tracts, firebreaks and other small open areas, as well as forest nurseries and seed orchards that
constitute an integral part of the forest. forest in national parks, nature reserves and other protected areas such as
those of special environmental, scientific, historical, cultural or spiritual interest. windbreaks and shelter belts of trees
with an area of more than 0.5 ha and a width of more than 20 m. rubber wood plantations and cork oak stands.
Excluded is the land predominantly used for agricultural practices
http://epp.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/cache/ITY_OFFPUB/KS-BE-02-003/EN/KS-BE-02-003-EN.PDF
11. (UN 1996) Forests - whether natural, modified or planted - are biotic communities characterized by a predominance of
woody vegetation. They are found in all climatic zones (boreal, temperate, tropical and mountainous) and may take
the form of closed canopy forests or open canopy woodlands. They comprise all the components of forest ecosystems
and their natural resources. Forest lands may be covered by forests or degraded - that is, currently devoid of trees or
not maintained in a sustainable manner (UNITED NATIONS 1996)
12. (UN) Land under natural or planted stands of trees, including land from which forest has been cleared but that will be
reforested in the foreseeable future, and including areas occupied by roads, small cleared tracts and other small open
areas within the forest. http://www.un.org/Pubs/CyberSchoolBus/infonation/e_terms.htm
38
13. (UN-CBD 2010) - Forest is a land area of more than 0.5 ha, with a tree canopy cover of more than 10%, which is not
primarily under agriculture or other specific non-forest land use. In the case of young forest or regions where tree
growth is climatically suppressed, the trees should be capable of reaching a height of 5m in situ, and of meeting the
canopy cover requirement. Convention on Biological Diversity. http://www.google.com/url?
sa=t&source=web&cd=51&ved=0CBgQFjAAODI&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.iucnael.org%2Fen%2Fdocuments
%2Fdoc_download%2F560-lesniewska-definition-of-forests-in-international-environmental-law.html&rct=j&q=forest
%20definition&ei=AqRmTpnYOsbe0QHf17yJBw&usg=AFQjCNGm0ZOpKMree20-X8hkABhetZUfiw
14. (UN-DP) Refers to land under natural or planted stands of trees, whether productive or not, including land from which
forest has been cleared but which will be reforested in the foreseeable future, and including areas occupied by roads,
small cleared tracts and other small open areas within the forest that constitute an integral part of the forest. Includes
land under coniferous and non-coniferous forest, land under mixed forest and other wooded land.
http://www.undp.kz/infobase/glossary_sector.html?glos_id%5B%5D=42
15. (UN-EP 2007) - Land spanning more than 0.5 hectares with trees higher than 5 metres and a canopy cover of more
than 10 per cent, or trees able to reach these thresholds in situ. It does not include land that is predominantly under
agricultural or urban land use. http://www.unep.org/geo/geo4/report/Glossary.pdf
16. (UN-EP/CBD 2001) An area of land: that is more than 0.5 hectares in size; which has a tree canopy cover of more
than 10 per cent; and which is not primarily under agriculture or other specific non-forest land use. It includes young
forest or regions in which tree growth is climatically suppressed, only if the trees have the potential to: reach a height
of five metres in situ; and meet the requirement in respect of canopy cover. http://www.worldgrowth.org/assets/file/WG
%20Forestry_Development_Final%20Report.pdf
17. (UN-EP-GRID) Forest is defined as >30% crown cover and the tree height shall be >7 m. Seedlings under forest are
also included in this class. Areas occupied by forest and woodlands with a vegetation pattern composed of native or
exotic coniferous trees, and which can be used for the production of timber or other forest products. The forest trees
are under normal climatic conditions higher than 5 m with a canopy closure of 30% at least.
www.grida.no/baltic/related/balans_landcover_classification_methodology_ver2.pdf
18. (UN-FAO 1948) Lands bearing vegetative associations dominated by trees of any size, capable of producing timber or
other forest products or of exerting an influence on the climate or on the water regime. Also, lands from which forests
have been recently clear cut or burned, but which will be reforested in the near future.
http://www.fao.org/docrep/x5345e/x5345e03.htm#some%20definitions
19. (UN-FAO 1958) All lands bearing vegetative associations dominated by trees of any size, exploited or not, capable of
producing wood or other forest products, of exerting an influence on the climate or on the water regime, or providing
shelter for livestock and wild life. Includes: Lands from which forests have been clear-cut or burned, but which will be
reforested in the foreseeable future; Public and private forest of any size; Forest of slow growth and of dwarfed or
stunted forms e.g., subalpine; Bamboo lands; All land which is not part of a recognized fallow rotation of the shifting
cultivator, and which will return to forest when he abandons the land; also lands under shifting cultivation on which
forest production is maintained concurrently e.g., Acacia senegal in Sudan; Savanna types with density averaging
at least 0.05; Wattle (Acacia, spp.) plantations; Tree nurseries; Forest roads. Excludes: Areas occupied by orchards of
fruit or nut trees, and plantations for non-forest crops such as rubber and cinchona; Areas occupied by individual trees
or lines or groups of trees for example, along roadways, canals and streams, or in city parks, private gardens and
pastures too small to be managed as forests; Areas of windbreak and shelterbelt trees that are in small groups or
narrow strips, too small to be managed as forests; Lands primarily managed for permanent agriculture; All land which
is part of a recognized fallow rotation of the shifting cultivator, or which will not return to forest even though it bear a
light timber crop before being cut, burned over and re-cultivated. http://www.fao.org/documents/show_cdr.asp?
url_file=/docrep/007/ad906t/AD906T05.htm
20. (UN-FAO 1960) All lands bearing vegetative associations dominated by trees of any size, exploited or not, capable of
shelter for livestock and wildlife. Includes: Lands from which forests have been clear-cut or burned, but which will be
reforested in the foreseeable future; Public and private forest of any size; Forest of slow growth and of dwarfed or
stunted forms e.g., subalpine; Bamboo lands; (y) All land which is not part of a recognized fallow rotation of the
shifting cultivator, and which will return to forest when he abandons the land; also lands under shifting cultivation on
which forest production is maintained concurrently e.g., Acacia senegal in Sudan; Savanna types with density
averaging at least 0.05 (5%?); Wattle (Acacia, spp.) plantations; Tree nurseries; Forest roads. Excludes: Areas
occupied by orchards of fruit or nut trees, and plantations for non-forest crops such as rubber and cinchona; Areas
occupied by individual trees or lines or groups of trees for example, along roadways, canals and streams, or in city
parks, private gardens and pastures too small to be managed as forests; Areas of windbreak and shelterbelt trees that
are in small groups or narrow strips, too small to be managed as forests; Lands primarily managed for permanent
agriculture; All land which is part of a recognized fallow rotation of the shifting cultivator, or which will not return to
forest even though it bear a light timber crop before being cut, burned over and re-cultivated. http://www.fao.org/3/a-
ad906t.pdf
21. (UN-FAO 1963) : All lands bearing vegetative associations dominated by trees of any size, exploited or not, capable of
39
shelter for livestock and wild life. Includes: (i) Lands from which forest has been clear-cut or burned, but which will be
reforested in the foreseeable future ; Public and private forests of any size; Forest of slow growth and of dwarfed or
stunted forms - e.g., subalpine; Bamboo stands; a/ All lands affected by shifting cultivation, other than those now
being prepared or used for agricultural crops, which will become stocked with forest in the foreseeable future;
Savanna types with density averaging, at least 0.05 (see definition of density below); Wattle plantations; (Acacia,
spp.)a/ One-rotation plantations for production of timber; Nurseries of forest trees; Forest roads and other small open
areas that constitute an integral part of the forest. Excludes: (i) Areas occupied by orchards of fruit or nut trees, and
plantations for non-forest crops such as rubber and cinchona; Areas occupied by individual trees or lines or groups of
trees - for example, along roadways, canals and streams, or in city parks, private gardens and pastures - too small to
be managed as forest; Areas of windbreak and shelterbelt trees that are in small groups or narrow strips, too small to
be managed as forest; Lands primarily managed for permanent agriculture; All lands under shifting cultivation being
prepared or used for agricultural crops and such lands which will not return to forest in the foreseeable future
http://www.fao.org/3/a-ad907t.pdf. Density is estimated on the basis of how completely the tree crowns fill the space
in the stand, measured as a ratio of the area of vertical projections of the crowns to the total area of the stand. Sites
capable of supporting only open stands will thus never have 1.00 density even though the tree-stand may be the
maximum that can be grown on the site. Includes all species, commercial and non-commercial.
22. (UN-FAO 1987) forest stands by referring to them as plant formations where the principal products consist of timber
1/, to the exclusion of any other plants that are not otherwise agricultural products 2/.
http://www.fao.org/legal/legstud/frmdocrep/41_AK476E.pdf
23. (UN-FAO 1988) (and Woodland) Land under natural or planted stands of trees, whether productive or not, and
includes land from which forests have been cleared but that will be reforested in the foreseeable future (FAO 1988a:
3). http://www.wcslc.edu/pers_pages/r-ford/LUCC/unit2/background2.html#Forests, and
http://resweb.llu.edu/rford/docs/VGD/LUCC/background2.html
24. (UN-FAO 1992) Land under natural or planted stand of trees, whether productive or not. Included are shrub land,
savannah etc., land from which forests have been cleared but that will be reforested in the foreseeable future, area
occupied by forest roads, small cleared tracts and other small open areas within the forest and which constitute an
integral part of the forest. [Sources: FAO yearbook Production. 1992. Vol. 46. FAO Statistics Series No. 112. 281 pp.
http://www.mmm.fi/english/minkonf/criteria.htm]
25. (UN-FAO 1995) (and woodland) - Includes woodlot or timber tracts, natural or planted, constituting part of the holding
which have or will have value as wood, timber, or other forest products or for protection. Forest tree nurseries should
be included in this category. Rows, belts and small clumps of trees, bamboo and other woody vegetation should be
included.... Proposed definition for the World Census for Agriculture 2000. (FAO 1995).
26. (UN-FAO 1995) land under natural or planted stands of trees, whether productive or not, including land from which
forest has been cleared but that will be reforested in the foreseeable future, and including areas occupied by roads,
small cleared tracts and other small open areas within the forest which constitute an integral part of the forest
http://www.archive.org/stream/forestresourcesa034883mbp/forestresourcesa034883mbp_djvu.txt
27. (UN-FAO 1997) (and Woodland). Land under natural or planted stands of trees, whether productive or not. This
category included land from which trees have been cleared but will be reforested in the foreseeable future, but it
excludes woodland or forest used only for recreation purposes. Stands of permanent crops such as rubber, fruit trees,
nut trees, are classed as permanent crops under agricultural lands. [Source: FAO Production Yearbook. 10.10.97.
http://www.fao.org/waicent/faosat/agricult/landuse-e.htm] and http://faostat.fao.org/site/379/DesktopDefault.aspx?
PageID=379
28. (UN-FAO 2001) Forest includes natural forests and forest plantations. The term is used to refer to land with a tree
canopy cover of more than 10 percent and area of more than 0.5 ha. Forests are determined both by the presence of
trees and the absence of other predominant land uses. The trees should be able to reach a minimum height of 5 m.
Young stands that have not yet reached, but are expected to reach, a crown density of 10 percent and tree height of 5
m are included under forest, as are temporarily unstocked areas. The term includes forests used for purposes of
production, protection, multiple use or conservation (i.e. forest in national parks, nature reserves and other protected
areas), as well as forest stands on agricultural lands (e.g. windbreaks and shelterbelts of trees with a width of more
than 20 m) and rubberwood plantations and cork oak stands. The term specifically excludes stands of trees
established primarily for agricultural production, for example fruit tree plantations. It also excludes trees planted in
agroforestry systems. http://www.fao.org/docrep/003/y0900e/y0900e11.htm#P1_7
29. (UN-FAO 2001) Forests are lands of more than 0.5 hectares, with a tree canopy cover of more than 10 per cent,
which are not primarily under agricultural or urban land use. Explanatory note: Forests are determined both by the
presence of trees and the absence of other predominant land uses. The trees should be able to reach a minimum
height of 5 meters in situ. Areas under reforestation which have yet to reach a crown density of 10 per cent or tree
height of 5 m are included, as are temporarily unstocked areas, resulting from human intervention or natural causes,
that are expected to regenerate. The term specifically includes: forest nurseries and seed orchards that constitute an
integral part of the forest; forest roads, firebreaks and other small open areas; forest in national parks, nature reserves
and other protected areas such as those of specific scientific, historical, cultural or spiritual interest; windbreaks and
shelterbelts of trees with an area of more than 0.5 ha and width of more than 20 m; plantations primarily used for
40
forestry purposes, including rubberwood plantations and cork oak stands. The term specifically excludes trees planted
primarily for agricultural production, for example in fruit plantations and agroforestry systems. FAO Forest Resource
Assessment (FAO 2000b)
30. (UN-FAO 2004) Land spanning more than 0.5 hectares with trees higher than 5 meters and a canopy cover of more
agricultural or urban land use. Explanatory notes: 1. Forest is determined both by the presence of trees and the
absence of other predominant land uses. The trees should be able to reach a minimum height of 5 meters in situ.
Areas under reforestation that have not yet reached but are expected to reach a canopy cover of 10 percent and a
tree height of 5 m are included, as are temporarily unstocked areas, resulting from human intervention or natural
causes, which are expected to regenerate. 2. Includes areas with bamboo and palms provided that height and canopy
cover criteria are met. 3. Includes forest roads, firebreaks and other small open areas; forest in national parks, nature
reserves and other protected areas such as those of specific scientific, historical, cultural or spiritual interest. 4.
Includes windbreaks, shelterbelts and corridors of trees with an area of more than 0.5 ha and width of more than 20
m. 5. Includes plantations primarily used for forestry or protection purposes, such as rubberwood plantations and cork
oak stands. 6. Excludes tree stands in agricultural production systems, for example in fruit plantations and
agroforestry systems. The term also excludes trees in urban parks and gardens.
http://www.fao.org/forestry/foris/webview/forestry2/index.jsp?siteId=4261&sitetreeId=13629&langId=1&geoId=0
31. (UN-FAO 2005) Forest land is land not classified as mainly agricultural land and is land with crown cover of more
than 10 percent of trees able to reach a mature height of 5 metres or more. It includes natural and plantation forests.
Areas that are temporarily not under trees but are expected to revert to forest are included. Forest tree nurseries that
form an integral part of the forest should be included.
http://www.fao.org/es/ess/census/PROGwca2010/chapter11_r7.pdf
32. (UN-FAO 2006) (from the Global Forest Resources Assessment 2005): An area of land: that is more than 0.5 hectares
in size; which has trees that are more than five metres in height; and which has a canopy cover of more than 10 per
cent. It includes an area of land which has trees that have the potential to meet these thresholds in situ. It also
includes areas which are temporarily unstocked (due to human intervention or natural causes) which are expected to
regenerate. It excludes land that is predominantly under agriculture or urban use.
http://www.worldgrowth.org/assets/file/WG%20Forestry_Development_Final%20Report.pdf
33. (UN-FAO 2006) Land spanning more than 0.5 hectares with trees higher than 5 metres and a canopy cover of more
agriculture or urban use. Explanatory note: Forest is determined both by the presence of trees and the absence of
other predominant land uses. The trees should be able to reach a minimum height of 5 m in situ. Areas under
reforestation that have not yet reached but are expected to reach a canopy cover of 10 percent and tree height of 5 m
are included, as are temporarily unstocked areas, resulting from human intervention or natural causes, which are
expected to regenerate. It includes areas with bamboo and palms provided that height and canopy cover criteria are
met. It includes forest roads, firebreaks and other small open areas; forest in national parks, nature reserves and
other protected areas, such as those of specific scientific, historical, cultural or spiritual interest. It includes
windbreaks, shelterbelts and corridors of trees with an area of more than 0.5 ha and width of more than 20 m. It
includes plantations primarily used for forestry and protection purposes, such as rubberwood plantations and cork
oak. ftp://ftp.fao.org/docrep/fao/009/j9345e/j9345e00.pdf
34. (UN-FAO 2007) (and Woodlands) - Land under natural or planted stands of trees, whether productive or not. This
category includes land from which forests have been cleared but that will be reforested in the foreseeable future, but it
excludes woodland or forest used only for recreation purposes. http://faostat.fao.org/site/379/default.aspx
35. (UN-FAO 2010) Forest Land spanning more than 0.5 hectares with trees higher than 5 meters and a canopy cover of
more than 10 percent, or trees able to reach these thresholds in situ. It does not include land that is predominantly
under agricultural or urban land use. Explanatory notes 1. Forest is determined both by the presence of trees and the
absence of other predominant land uses. The trees should be able to reach a minimum height of 5 meters in situ 2.
Includes areas with young trees that have not yet reached but which are expected to reach a canopy cover of 10
percent and tree height of 5 meters. It also includes areas that are temporarily unstocked due to clear-cutting as part
of a forest management practice or natural disasters, and which are expected to be regenerated within 5 years. Local
conditions may, in exceptional cases, justify that a longer time frame is used. 3. Includes forest roads, firebreaks and
other small open areas; forest in national parks, nature reserves and other protected areas such as those of specific
environmental, scientific, historical, cultural or spiritual interest. 4. Includes windbreaks, shelterbelts and corridors of
trees with an area of more than 0.5 hectares and width of more than 20 meters. 5. Includes abandoned shifting
cultivation land with a regeneration of trees that have, or is expected to reach, a canopy cover of 10 percent and tree
height of 5 meters. 6. Includes areas with mangroves in tidal zones, regardless whether this area is classified as land
area or not. 7. Includes rubber wood, cork oak and Christmas tree plantations. 8. Includes areas with bamboo and
palms provided that land use, height and canopy cover criteria are met. 9. Excludes tree stands in agricultural
production systems, such as fruit tree plantations, oil palm plantations and agroforestry systems when crops are
grown under tree cover. Note: Some agroforestry systems such as the Taungya system where crops are grown only
during the first years of the forest rotation should be classified as forest.FRA 2010
41
http://www.fao.org/forestry/foris/pdf/fra/2010/north-and-central-america/united-states-virgin-islands-2010-224.doc
http://www.fao.org/docrep/014/am665e/am665e00.pdf
36. (UN-FAO Kotka III 1996) Land under natural or planted stands of trees with tree crown cover (or equivalent stocking
level) of more than 10 percent and area of more than 0.5 ha. whose primary use is forestry. The trees should be able
to reach a minimum height of 5 m at maturity in situ. Includes: closed forest formations where trees of various storeys
and undergrowth cover a height portion of the ground and open forest formations with a continuous vegetation layer in
with tree crown cover exceeds 10 percent; plantations primarily used for forestry purposes, including rubberwood
plantations and cork oak stands; areas normally forming part of the forest land area which are temporarily unstocked
as a result of human intervention or natural causes but which are expected to revert to stocked forest; young natural
stands and all plantations established for forestry purposes which have yet to reach a crown density of 10 percent;
forest roads, cleared tracts, such as firebreaks and other small open areas, as well as forest in national parks, nature
reserves and other protected areas such as those of specific environmental, scientific, historical, cultural or spiritual
interest; windbreak and shelterbelts of an area of more than 0.5 ha and width of more than 20 m. (Anon. 1996)
37. (UN-FAO) Forest land: land used mainly for wood production and other forest products, protection.
http://www.fao.org/DOCREP/005/Y4357E/y4357e20.htm
38. (UN-FAO) Land presently in forest, or showing evidence of having been recently under forest cover - e.g. recently
clear-cut or burned and not being used for other purposes - which is expected/intended to revert to forest in the near
future, either naturally or by artificial reforestation. This is because of its suitability and desirability, in view of its
functions as a sustainable source of timber, as watershed protector or local climate regulator, as a shelter for macro-
fauna and as biodiversity herder; the land is not currently being used for or subject to agricultural practices including
planted perennial tree cropping or intensively managed grazing (FAO 19?? - IPCC)
39. (UN-FAO-2013) Land spanning more than 0.5 hectares with trees higher than 5 meters and a canopy cover of more
agricultural or urban land use. (Note there are 9 explanatory notes with the definition. See
http://www.fao.org/docrep/017/ap862e/ap862e00.pdf
40. (UN-FAO-FRA 1958) - All lands bearing vegetative associations dominated by trees of any size, exploited or not,
capable of producing wood or other forest products, of exerting an influence on the climate or on the water regime, or
providing shelter for livestock and wild life. Includes: (i) Lands from which forests have been clear-cut or burned, but
which will be reforested in the foreseeable future; (ii) Public and private forest of any size; (iii) Forest of slow growth
and of dwarfed or stunted forms - e.g., subalpine; (iv) Bamboo lands; (v) All land which is not part of a recognized
fallow rotation of the shifting cultivator, and which will return to forest when he abandons the land; also lands under
shifting cultivation on which forest production is maintained concurrently - e.g., Acacia senegal in Sudan; (vi) Savanna
types with density averaging at least 0.05; (vii) Wattle (Acacia,spp.) plantations; (viii)Tree nurseries; (ix) Forest roads.
Excludes: (i) Areas occupied by orchards of fruit or nut trees, and plantations for non-forest crops such as rubber and
cinchona; (ii) Areas occupied by individual trees or lines or groups of trees - for example, along roadways, canals and
streams, or in city parks, private gardens and pastures - too small to be managed as forests; (iii) Areas of windbreak
and shelterbelt trees that are in small groups or narrow strips, too small to be managed as forests; (iv) Lands primarily
managed for permanent agriculture; (v) All land which is part of a recognized fallow rotation of the shifting cultivator, or
which will not return to forest even though it bear a light timber crop before being cut, burned over and re-cultivated.
From: Alexander.Korotkov@unece.org. Date: Thu, 15 Oct 1998 17:09:40 +0200
41. (UN-FAO-FRA 1990) - (Developed Countries) Land with tree crown cover of more than 20 % of the area. Trees should
be able to grow to a height of 7 m. Included are: 1. The area with young trees or coppice able to form forest in the
future. 2. The area temporarily unstocked due to regeneration or damage. Minimum area outside continuous forest:
0.5 ha. Minimum width outside continuous forest: 15 m. The forest roads and firebreaks etc. narrower than minimum
width of nurseries and storage less than 0.5 ha are included in the forest area. (minimum size stand; for instance 15 m
x 333 m). (Koehl and Paivinen 1996).
42. (UN-FAO-FRA 2000 and UNSD) Land with tree crown cover (or equivalent stocking level) of more than 10 percent
and area of more than 0.5 ha. The trees should be able to reach a minimum height of 5 m at maturity in situ. May
consist either of closed forest formations where trees of various storeys and undergrowth cover a high portion of the
ground; or of open forest formations with a continuous vegetation cover in which tree cover exceeds 10 percent.
Young natural stands and all plantations established for forestry purposes which have yet to reach a crown density of
10 percent or tree height of 5 m are included under forest, as are temporarily unstocked as a result of human
intervention or natural causes but which are expected to revert to forest. Includes: Forest nurseries and seed orchards
that constitute an integral part of the forest; forest roads, cleared tracts, firebreaks, and other small open areas within
the forest; forest in national parks, nature reserves and other protected areas such as those of special environmental,
scientific, historical, cultural, or spiritual interest; windbreaks and shetlterbelts of trees with an area of more than 0.5
ha and a width of more than 20 m. Rubberwood plantations and cork oak stands are included. Excludes: Land
predominantly used for agricultural practices (UN-ECE/FAO 1997). Also www.un.org/Depts/unsd/enviro/q2001land.pdf
United Nations Statistics Division (UNSD)
43. (UN-FAO-FRA 2003) Land under forestry or no land use, spanning more than 0.5 hectares; with trees higher than 5
meters and a canopy cover of more than 10 percent, or trees able to reach these thresholds in situ. NOTE: Forests
42
are determined both by the presence of trees and the absence of other predominant land uses. The trees should be
able to reach a minimum height of 5 meters in situ. Areas under reforestation which have yet to reach a crown density
of 10 percent or tree height of 5 meters are included, as are temporarily unstocked areas, resulting from human
intervention or natural causes that are expected to regenerate. The term specifically includes forest roads, firebreaks
and other small open areas; forest in national parks, nature reserves and other protected areas such as those of
specific scientific, historical, cultural or spiritual interest; windbreaks, shelterbelts and corridors of trees with an area of
more than 0.5 hectare and width of more than 20 meters; plantations primarily used for forestry purposes, including
rubberwood plantations and cork oak stands. The term specifically excludes tree stands used in agricultural
production systems, for example in fruit plantations and agroforestry systems. The term also excludes trees in urban
parks and gardens. (Source: Smith, W.B. 2003. Thoughts to simplify FRA Core Data Attributes and Definitions. 8 p.
USDA Forest Service, Washington, DC.)
44. (UN-FAO-FRA 2010 Proposed) Land with tree canopy cover of more than 10 percent and area of more than 0.5
hectares. Trees should be able to reach a minimum height of 5m at maturity in situ. Source: Brad Smith, USFS. May
2002.
45. (UN-FAO-FRA draft Tree land): All land with tree cover of more than 10 % (or equivalent stocking level), or formerly
having such tree cover and that is being naturally or artificially regenerated or that is being afforested. Land used for
agricultural purposes but with 10 % or more tree cover is included. It includes coniferous and non-coniferous trees,
bamboos and palms. Linear formations and planting over about 20 metres wide are also included. (Kotka-II)
46. (UN-FCCC 1990) Non-Kyoto Forest - Or pre-1990 forest, refers to forests already in existence on 1 January 1990.
47. (UN-FCCC 2001) Forest is a minimum area of land of 0.05-1.0 hectares with tree crown cover (or equivalent
stocking level) of more than 10-30 per cent with trees with the potential to reach a minimum height of 2-5 metres at
maturity in situ. A forest may consist either of closed forest formations where trees of various storeys and undergrowth
cover a high proportion of the ground or open forest. Young natural stands and all plantations which have yet to reach
a crown density of 10-30 per cent or tree height of 2-5 metres are included under forest, as are areas normally
forming part of the forest area which are temporarily unstocked as a result of human intervention such as harvesting
or natural causes but which are expected to revert to forest. (From Marrakesh Accords)
http://www.unfccc.int/resource/docs/cop6secpart/l11r01.pdf and. ftp://ftp.fao.org/docrep/fao/009/j9345e/j9345e00.pdf
48. (UN-FCCC) Forests are defined under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) as
woody vegetation of at least 2 m in height and 10 per cent canopy cover.
http://epress.anu.edu.au/green_carbon/pdf/imp_carbon_policy.pdf
49. (UN-FCCC) Kyoto Forest - A forest planted since 1 January 1990 on land that was previously non-forest.
50. (UN-FCCC-IPCC-GPG) This category includes all land with woody vegetation consistent with thresholds used to
define forest land in the national GHG inventory, sub-divided into managed and unmanaged, and also by ecosystem
type as specified in the IPCC Guidelines*. It also includes systems with vegetation that currently fall below, but are
expected to exceed, the threshold of the forest land category. http://www.ipcc-
nggip.iges.or.jp/public/gpglulucf/gpglulucf_files/Chp2/Chp2_Land_Areas.pdf (See Marrakesh definition of forest)
51. (UN-Millinneium Ecosystem Assessment) A canopy cover of at least 40 percent by woody plants taller than 5 meters.
The existence of many other definitions is acknowledged, and other limits (such as crown cover greater than 10
percent, as used by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations) will also be reported. Includes
temporarily cut-over forests and plantations; excludes orchards and agroforests where the main products are food
crops. http://www.millenniumassessment.org/en/Products.EHWB.aspx#downloads.
52. (World Bank 2010), Forest area is land under natural or planted stands of trees of at least 5 meters in situ, whether
agroforestry systems) and trees in urban parks and gardens http://www.tradingeconomics.com/greece/forest-area-
percent-of-land-area-wb-data.html
1. (AFF 2011) A forest ecosystem is defined as a dynamic complex of plant, animal and microorganism communities and
the non-living environment acting as a functional unit within the forest environment. http://www.afforum.org/index.php?
option=com_docman&task=doc_download&gid=43&Itemid=b
2. (Africa) According to present African legislations, a forest is defined as a non-cultivated natural environment.
http://lucy.ukc.ac.uk/sonja/rf/ukpr/Report134.htm
3. (ISO 1998) Forest - generally considered to be a plant community of predominantly trees and other woody vegetation
growing together, its land, flora and fauna, their interrelationships, and the resources and values attributed to it.
International Organization for Standardization
http://thuvienkhcnvl.dyndns.org/tailieukhcn/data/TieuChuantoanvan/ISO14000/ISO_TR_14061_1998.pdf
4. (OAS 1991) forest is an ecosystem that offers goods, including trees that provide lumber, fuel, and fruit. The forest
may also provide services in the form of water storage and flood control, wildlife habitat, nutrient storage, and
recreation. http://www.oas.org/dsd/publications/unit/oea66e/ch01.htm
43
5. (Scandinavia) applied. In Scandinavia, the concept of forest is based on productivity as a result of conventional forest
management objectives. The annual growth of timber must be greater than 1m3/ha if an area is to be described as
productive forest. For forest land where the mean annual increment of growing stock is typically 0,1-1m3/ha, the term
scrubland is used. Forest land where the increment is less than 0.1m3/ha is called wasteland. In laymans language,
the term forest implies productive forest land only. http://www.metla.fi/eu/cost/e4/coste4.pdf
6. (WWF 2007). A forest is a community of trees and bushes, which extend on a large area and maintain a close
interrelationship in ways that their canopy, fauna, soil and climatic conditions create a special ecosystem. Forested
lands have similar characteristics to forests, but vegetation is more sparse. They are however very important in
maintaining biological balance. Most of these areas, if protected from human activity, will often grow into forests.
http://www.wwf.gr/en/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=113&Itemid=131
2.3.3 National definitions - Note, many nations may use several definitions of forest land such as one as given in their
forestry laws, that which is used for reporting to the FAO for its periodic global forest resource assessment and that which
is used for reporting under the Kyoto Protocol under UNFCCC.
1. (Armenia 2005) Forest lands forested lands and lands allocated or envisaged for flora and fauna protection, nature
protection as well as non-forested lands allocated or envisaged for the running of forest economy. Forest Code of the
Republic of Armenia. http://www.nature-ic.am/res/pdfs/legislation/general/Forest%20Code%20of%20RA.pdf
2. (Australia) The definition of forest used by forestry organisations, for fire-reporting purposes, has been the vegetation
of the land under forestry jurisdiction. http://www.fire.uni-Freiburg.de/iffn/iffn_26/IFFN_26.pdf
3. (Bangladesh 1950) "Forest" includes any land recorded as forest in a record-or-rights prepared under Chapter IX of
the Sylhet Tenancy Act, 1936 or under Chapter X of the Bengal Tenancy Act, 1885 or under Chapter IV of the East
Bengal Estate Acquisition and Tenancy Act, 1950 or such other land containing tree growth as may by notification be
declared as forest by the Provincial Government"(Page-234). iucnbd@citechco.net
4. (Bangladesh 1959) The Private Forest Ordinance, 1959 defines forest as land recorded as forest under specific laws
and such other land containing tree growth as may by notification be declared as forest by the Government.
http://www.ihmsaw.org/resourcefiles/1260066650.pdf
5. (Bhutan 1969) "forest" as "any land under forests in which no person has acquired a permanent, hereditary and
transferable right of use and occupancy" http://www.fao.org/docrep/007/ad103e/AD103E07.htm
6. (Bhutan 1995) Any land and water body, whether or not under vegetation cover, in which no person has acquired a
permanent and transferable right of use and occupancy, whether such land is located inside or outside the forest
boundary pillars, and includes land registered in a person's name as Tsamgrog (grazing land) or Sokshing (woodlot
for collection of leaf litter). LEX-FAOC007101. BHUTAN: Forest and Nature Conservation Act of Bhutan, 1995. An Act
to provide for the protection and sustainable use of forests, wildlife and related natural resources of Bhutan for the
benefit of present and future generations. Also 2004 - http://www.nec.gov.bt/clearance/EA%20Guidelines/clearance-
guideline_forestry.PDF , http://www.asianlii.org/bt/legis/laws/fancaob1995409/,
http://www.oag.gov.bt/images/acts/Forest%20and%20Nature%20Conservation%20Act.pdf
7. (Botswana 1968) Forest reserve -any area hereafter declared as a Forest Reserve by the President in pursuance of
the provision of this Act. LEX-FAOC002748. BOTSWANA: Forest Act. An Act to provide for better regulation and
protection of forests and forest produce. 1968.
8. (Bulgaria) Forest land - every territory outside the building boundaries of the settlements, determined by general or
detailed building projects or by outside limiting polygons, planned mainly for forests and including tree stands, shrubs,
lands for afforestation, non-productive lands, indicated in the United Cadastre. Forest Research Institute
forestin@bulnet.bg
9. (Bulgaria) Forest land - Forest territories include all forests, and also rocks, lakes, and pastures situated within forests.
http://www.fris.sk/Phare/Projects/ManagementOfForestInEurope/PDF/annex2.pdf
10. (Cambodia) Conversion forestland is defined as idle land, comprised mainly of secondary vegetation, not yet
designated for use by any sector that shall be classified as permanent forest reserves until the Royal Government
decide[s] to use and develop the land for another purpose
http://www.itto.int/direct/topics/topics_pdf_download/topics_id=2648&no=1&disp=inline
11. (Celyon 1895)Forest means all land at the disposal of the crown. Ceylon. 1895. http://books.google.com/books?
id=E1JHAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA369&lpg=PA369&dq=%22forest+means
%22&source=bl&ots=Wyb5K9BgeN&sig=UxCBQwHldjZw0oJjFHmGDauElOU&hl=en&ei=1hFXS57SKsSXtgfwmvm9
BA&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=18&ved=0CDUQ6AEwETi0AQ#v=onepage&q=%22forest%20means
%22&f=false
12. (Central Africa Republic) Le domaine forestier de l'Etat comprend : - les rserves naturelles intgrales, - les parcs
nationaux, - les rserves de faune, - les forts rcratives, - les primtres de protection, - les primtres de
44
reboisement et - les forts de production. Loi N 90.003 Portant Code Forestier Centrafricain
http://www.riddac.org/document/pdf/rca-loiforets.pdf
13. (Central African Republic 1990) Selon la Loi 90.003 du 9 Juin 1990 portant Code Forestier Centrafricain, le domaine
forestier comprend: le domaine forestier de l'Etat et le domaine forestier des collectivits et des particuliers. Le
domaine forestier de l'Etat comprend: les rserves naturelles intgrales; les parcs nationaux; les rserves de faune;
les forts rcratives; les primtres de reboisement; et les forts de production.
http://www.fao.org/forestry/FON/FONS/outlook/Africa/ACP/Lamb/Lamb-39.htm#P6708_430877
14. (Cyprus) State Forest: State land declared as forest according to the Forest Law disregarding whether there is any
vegetation on that land or not. A.K. Christou "Forestry Department - Research and Publicity Sector"
15. (Czech Republic) Forest - Forest stand with its environment and land designated for the fulfilment of forest functions.
Forest stand means tree and shrub which, in their environment, fulfil forest functions. No area limit, classification into
forest and non-forest according to the cadastre; the limit of 0.01 ha applied in the guidelines for forest management
planning. http://www.fris.sk/Phare/Projects/ManagementOfForestInEurope/PDF/annex2.pdf
16. (Denmark) the basic definition of a forest is that the forest area must be minimum 0.5 ha. There is no specific
guideline on the crown cover or the height of the trees
http://www2.dmu.dk/1_viden/2_publikationer/3_arbrapporter/rapporter/ar211.pdf
17. (Dominica 1945) Forest reserves means any area declared by the Administrator in Council by notice in the Gazette to
be a forest reserve. LEX-FAOC002895. DOMINICA: Forest Ordinance (Chapter 80). Date of original text: 31
December 1945. Date of consolidation/reprint: 06 August 1959.
18. (Ethiopia 2007) "forest land" means a land that is demarcated for the purpose of forest development and
conservation. http://www.pfmp-farmsos.org/Docs/forest%20proclamation_english.pdf
19. (Fiji 1992) Forest or nature reserves from the following classes of land: (a) unalienated State land; (b) land leased to
the State; and (c) unalienated native land, with the prior consent of the owners of the land and of the Native Land
Trust Board. LEX-FAOC002912. FIJI: Forest Decree 1992 (Decree No. 31). Date of text: 12 May 1992.
20. (Gabon 2002) By law: In Gabon, Law n 1/82 (forest and water guidelines) distinguishes two types of forest: protected
forests and classified state forests. Protected forests, belonging to the private domain of the State, may be disposed
of and are the preferred area for "customary rights of usage" The state forests include permanent production forests,
reforestation plots, national parks for forest use, protection forests, recreational forests, botanical gardens, arboretums
and sanctuaries for specific plant species, nature reserves for all plant species, rational game use areas. The law also
specifies that customary use rights cannot be exercised within the classified state forests.
http://www.fao.org/docrep/005/y2328e/y2328e03.htm
21. (Gabon) La Loi No 1/82 (loi dite d'orientation en matire des eaux et forts) distingue 2 catgories de forts: les forts
protges et les forts domaniales classes. Les forts protges font parties du domaine priv de l'tat. Elles
peuvent tre alines et sont principalement le lieu d'lection des "droits d'usage coutumier". Selon la Loi, les
villageois conservent pour leur subsistance, le libre exercice de leurs droits coutumiers sur tout le domaine forestier
condition que ces droits soient exercs de telle sorte que la prennit de l'exploitation soit garantie. Les forts
domaniales classes sont dfinies par la Loi comme tant: les forts de production vocation permanente; les
primtres de reboisement; les parcs nationaux vocation forestire; les forts de protection; les forts rcratives;
les jardins botaniques; les arboretums et des sanctuaires de certaines espces vgtales; es rserves naturelles
intgrales d'espces vgtales; les aires d'exploitation rationnelle de la faune. L'exploitation des forts domaniales
classes ne peut se faire qu'en rgie ou par vente de coupe par adjudication publique. De plus, la Loi prcise que
l'exercice des droits d'usage coutumier est interdit dans les forts domaniales classes.
22. (Georgia 1999) State Forest Fund (SFF): The integrity of state forest, land and other resources defined as SFF by the
Georgian legislation (Forest Code of Georgia, 1999). Includes the land categories listed below: Forest: Part of
geographic landscape, which includes the unity of trees (defined by the Georgian legislation as parts of forests),
lands, bushes, grasses, animals and other objects, which are biologically inter-related and have an impact upon each
other as well as environment. Forest lands: Open plantations, nurseries, clear-cut areas, fire damaged and dead
stands, 0.1 ha and larger fields and forest farm yards. (President of Georgia, 1999).
http://www.efi.int/files/attachments/publications/annex_1_to_efi_technical_report_88__2013.pdf
23. (Guyana 1953) The Minister may, by Order, declare any area of State land to be a State forest, excluding all land
owned by any person in such area (sec. 3). LEX-FAOC004339. GUYANA : Forests Act. An Act to consolidate and
amend the law relating to forests. Date of original text: 02 May 1953.
24. (Haiti 1926) Cette loi institue la classification comme " Fort Nationale Rserve" de terrains appartenant au domaine
national et indique le rgime juridique leur affrent. LEX-FAOC002943. HAITI: Loi du 3 fvrier 1926 sur les Forts
Nationales Rserves. Date of text: 03 February 1926
25. (India 1879). " Reserved Forest" means waste land which has been declared as* reserved forest at settlement or by
any subsequent order of competent authority. * "'Village Forest" means such waste land as has been set apart under
section 8 or section 9. http://books.google.com/books?pg=RA6-PA56&lpg=RA6-PA56&dq=%22forest%20means
%22&sig=0C-
45
6Qq9owihmR0j54aj8YA7qI30&ei=aQhXS92fHJCXtgfdlpW0BA&ct=result&id=RiETAAAAYAAJ&ots=6GPnEMMlVl&out
put=text .
26. (India 1927) forest land means a piece of land notified by the Government as the forest land to develop, protect and
conserve forest and includes a rangeland and wasteland;
27. (India 1927) Forest is defined as a tract of land that is legally proclaimed to be a forest under the forest laws (mainly
1865 and 1927) and is notified as forest in the government gazette.
28. (India 1947) "forest" means any land which the State Government may, by notification, declare to be forest for the
purposes of this Act and shall be deemed to include any land which is entered as forest or jungle or jungle- Jhori or
described by any synonymous term in any record-of-rights finally published under any law for the time being in force
unless it is proved that such entry in respect of the land is incorrect ; BIHAR PRIVATE Forest ACT 1947 [Act No IX of
1948] http://www.ielrc.org/content/e4701.pdf
29. (India 1980) Any land recorded as forest in any of the land records is legally a forest land. This legal connotation
provides a working definition of forest land to the forest managers in India for all the practical purposes. This definition
disregards whether there is any vegetation on that land or not. [Source: Forest Conservation Act, 1980, From: "Vivek
K. Varma" v.varma@landfood.unimelb.edu.au Date: Fri, 17 Jul 1998 02:28:29 -0400 (EDT)].
30. (India 2005) - forest means any land covered with trees and undergrowth and includes all statutorily recognised
forests, whether designated as reserve, protected or otherwise, and any land recorded as forests in the government
records irrespective of the owners. India 2005. http://www.thehindu.com/2009/05/12/stories/2009051252140500.htm
31. (India 2007 proposed) An area owned by Govt and notified as forest under any act or recorded as a forest in any
Govt record functioning as ecological, biological, livelihood-support and/or social resource Explanation: such forests
will include areas having trees, scrub, grasslands, wetlands, water bodies, deserts, glaciers, geomorphic features or
any other area fulfilling the functions of a forest. http://moef.nic.in/divisions/fp/April_May_meet.doc
32. (India 2007 Proposed) MoEF has proposed a definition that says forest is an area under Government control notified
or recorded as forest under any Act, for conservation and management of ecological and biological resources.
http://www.mtnforum.org/sites/default/files/pub/4946.pdf
33. (India 2007) An area under Government control notified or recorded as forests under any Act for the conservation
and management of ecological and biological resources. Explanation: Such forests will include areas with trees,
scrubland, grasslands, wetlands, water bodies, deserts, glaciers, geomorphic features or any other area that is
necessary to maintain ecological security. http://moef.nic.in/divisions/fp/April_May_meet.doc
34. (India 2008) In India, forest area is defined by using the legal connotation. An area of land recorded as forest in
revenue records or proclaimed to be forest under a forest law or Act is described as forest. In other words, forest
area is an area recorded as forest in the government records. This is ifferent from the forest cover which is based on
the capability of remote sensing satellite sensor and is completely independent of the legality of land use or land
ownership. This data is provided by the Forest Survey of India (FSI).
http://mospi.nic.in/mospi_new/upload/nad10_2008_karnataka_final.pdf
35. (India 2009) - Notified forest is forest for which a state government has issued a notification in the Official Gazette
declaring that the land has been constituted as forest.
36. (India 2014). Deemed Forests - basically not recorded forest areas as per government records,
http://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/MoEF-Asks-States-to-Identify-Deemed-Forest-
Areas/2014/08/26/article2398873.ece
37. (India) Forests include all lands classed as forest under any legal enactment dealing with forests or administered as
forests, whether state owned or private, & whether wooded or maintained as potential forest land. The area of crops
raised in the forests & grazing lands or the area open for grazing within the forests should remain included under the
forest area. http://www.krishiworld.com/html/land_utilisation6.html
38. (India) In India, the Recorded Forest Area is defined as "all lands statutorily notified as forest though they may not
necessarily bear tree cover". T P Singh tpsingh@teri.res.in
39. (Indonesia 1967) Forest under the BFL (Basic Forestry Law) is defined as any kind of land-cover area (with or without
tress), which is stated by the government as forest. It may be in the form of forest area or area without trees which the
government as forest has designated.
http://www.jica.go.jp/project/indonesia/0065045I0/activities/pdf/output1_2_1_fulltext.pdf
40. (Indonesia 1998) Hutan ialah suatu lapangan bertumbuhan pohon-pohon yang secara keseluruhan merupakan
persekutuan hidup alam hayati beserta alam lingkungannya dan yang ditetapkan oleh Pemerintah sebagai hutan.
(Translation: A forest is an area growing trees which as a whole forms a living natural community and natural living
environment, which is designated by the government as being forest). Source: Decision of the Minister of Forestry and
Plantations on social forest(ry) (Keputusan Menteri Kehutanan dan Perkebunan tentang hutan kemasyarakatan,
Number 677/Kpts-II/1998) based on the Forestry Law provided by Nico Smith, MSc. Lecturer at FakultasI Kehutanan
Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatra Barat
41. (Indonesia 1999) forest area means a certain area designated or stipulated by the government to be retained as
permanent forest, and state forest means a forest located on lands bearing no ownership rights (the Indonesian
phrase is tanah yang tidak dibebani hak atas tanah). http://insideindonesia.org/content/view/1245/47/ and Moniaga,
46
Sandra 2009. Fighting over the land and forest. Inside Indonesia. http://www.insideindonesia.org/edition-98/fighting-
over-the-land-and-forest
42. (Indonesia 1999) titled forest is a forest located on land on which the land title is registered.
43. (Indonesia 2000) - Forest area means a certain area which is designated and/or stipulated by government to be
retained as permanent forest." http://www.fire.uni-freiburg.de/iffn/country/id/id_25.htm
44. (Israel) 2. Land which was declared as Forest Land by any legal or official program or 3. Land managed by the Israeli
Forest Department. From: GilS@kkl.org.il
45. (Italy 1923) In Italy, forests are part of the areas submitted to restraints imposed by a 1923 Italian law (R.D.L. 1923).
This law obliges local authorities to demarcate all areas (not only wooded) that can not be subjected to land-use
change, since they are important for slope stability, for mass and superficial erosion prevention and for regulating
water regime. Regio Decreto Legislativo 30 Dicembre 1923, n. 3267. Riordinamento e riforma della legislazione in
materia di boschi e terreni montani. Lorenzo Ciccarese ciccarese@anpa.it
46. (Kenya 1964) Forest areas means an area of land declared under section 4 to be a forest area. Section 4(1)
empowers the Minister from time to time, by notice in the Gazettee:- Declare any unalienated Government land to be
a forest area:- Declare the boundaries of a forest and from time to time after those boundaries; Declare that a forest
area shall cease to be a forest area;http://freeafrica.tripod.com/ogiekland/book/Chapter06.htm#ActForest
47. (Kenya 2005) Gazetted (state/public) forests are forest reserves managed by the state agency, the Kenya Forest
Service (KFS). http://environment.yale.edu/tfd/uploads/TFD_ILCF_Kenya_BackgroundPaper.pdf
48. (Kosovo 2003) "Forest" is land registered as such in the cadastral records. "Forestland" is land that is being managed
for the production of wood or other forest products or whose best use, given its natural characteristics and economic
conditions, involves the growing of trees. . "Forestland" does not include --Orchards; Lands within the inhabited
bounds of cities, towns, or villages, including urban parks; Parks or other areas for the protection of natural resources
excluded from the jurisdiction of this law by laws other than this Law; Lands where trees have been planted in strips
primarily to control erosion, create shelter from the wind, give shade, or improve aesthetics; -Roadsides that have
been planted with trees; and Lands where the portion suitable for growing trees is less than 0.1 hectare. Law 2003/3
on Forests in Kosovo. http://www.gazetazyrtare.com/e-gov/index.php?
option=com_content&task=view&id=244&Itemid=28&lang=en
49. (Laos 1996) - All areas under the management of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry whether covered with forest
or not, but not used for or defined as permanent agricultural land. www.iges.or.jp/fc/ir98-3-24.PDF
50. (Laos 1996) - Land with or without forest on it, which the state has determined as forest land. www.iges.or.jp/fc/ir98-3-
24.PDF
51. (Laos) Living natural resources "necessary for the preservation of the environment, water sources, soil, wildlife and
the livelihood of the pluri-ethnical population". Forest lands are all areas under the management of the Ministry of
Agriculture and Forestry, whether covered or not by forests, if not used or defined as permanent agricultural land.
Source: LEX-FAOC004704. LAOS: Decree of the Prime Minister on the Management and Use of Forests and Forest
Land (No. 169/PM)
52. (Lativa 2000) The definition of the notion forest land is given in Paragraph 1 of Article 3 of the Forest Law: as the
land carrying forest, the land under forest infrastructure facilities, as well as overflowing clearings, bogs and gaps in
the forest and areas contiguous to it. http://www.iufro.org/download/file/5574/4510/61300-jundola01_pdf/
53. (Lesotho 1998) - Forest reserve - any area which has been declared as such by the King or (now) the Minister
responsible for forestry. Forestry Act 1998. Via David May ISTF CVP Lesotho.
54. (Liberia) Communal Forest means an area set aside legally or temporarily by regulation for the sustainable use of
non-timber forest products by local communities on a non-commercial basis.
http://darwin.defra.gov.uk/documents/13008/3153/13-008%20AR1%20Ann%201%20CF_Manual_LFRfinal.pdf
55. (Liberia) Law defines communal forest as A small described forest area immediately adjacent to one or more
villages to be used exclusively by the local inhabitants and shall not be used for any commercial purposes.
http://darwin.defra.gov.uk/documents/13008/3153/13-008%20AR1%20Ann%201%20CF_Manual_LFRfinal.pdf
56. (Liberia) The Act creating a Protected Forest Area System in Liberia defines communal forests as areas set aside
legally or temporarily by regulation for sustainable use of forest products by local communities on a non-commercial
basis http://darwin.defra.gov.uk/documents/13008/3153/13-008%20AR1%20Ann%201%20CF_Manual_LFRfinal.pdf
57. (Madagascar) Les ressources forestires de Madagascar comprennent les forts et les produits issus de ces forts.
Les forts sont composes de Rserves Naturelles Intgrales (RNI), de Rserves Spciales (RS), de Parcs
Nationaux (PN), de Stations Forestires (SF), de Forts Classes (FC), de Rserves Forestires (RF), de Primtres
de Reboisement et de Restauration (PRR) et de Mangroves. Tous produits ligneux ou non-ligneux d'origine vgtale
fournis par la fort notamment les bois, le charbon, les corces, les fibres, les bambous, les rsines, le miel, la flore
dont les plantes mdicinales et les plantes fourragres sont qualifis de produits de la fort.
58. (Malaysia 1984)"open forest" means any permanent reserved forest or part thereof declared to be an open forest
under section 45; "closed forest" means any permanent reserved forest or part thereof declared or deemed to be a
closed forest under section 45; http://www.agc.gov.my/Akta/Vol.%207/Act%20313.pdf0
47
59. (Montserrat 1956) Forest reserves and Protected Forests shall be demarcated in accordance with section 16. LEX-
FAOC017877. MONTSERRAT: Forestry Ordinance. Date of original text: 1956.(
60. (Myanmar 1992) Forest Land means land including reserved forest and protected public forest; The Forest Law
http://www.blc-burma.org/html/Myanmar%20Law/lr_e_ml92_08.html
61. (Myanmar) Land including reserved forest and protected public forest; Reserved Forest means land constituted as a
reserved forest under this Law; Protected Public Forest means land declared to be protected public forest under this
Law. Source: FOREST LAW State Law and Order
62. (Nepal 1993) Forest land (national forests)= meant all forests, excluding private forests, within the kingdom of Nepal,
whether marked or unmarked with forest boundary markers; the term includes waste or uncultivated lands or
unregistered lands surrounded by or adjoining forests, as well as paths, ponds, lakes, rivers, or streams and reverine
lands with forests.(Forest Act 1993) Krishna H Gautam <khg13@student.canterbury.ac.nz
63. (Pakistan 1911) Forest land - Any land which has been declared to be forest by notification under a Forest Act.
Definition adopted from Glossary of Technical Terms for use in Indian Forestry - compiled by A.M.F. Caccia and
revised by R.S. Troup, 1911. Source: Mumtaz Ahmad, Section Forest Officer, Pakistan Min. of Environment, Local
Government, and Rural Development.
64. (Pakistan 1927) "Reserved Forest" means land which was, demaracted as such at the settlement, or which may be
constituted as such under the provision of the Forest Act, 1927. http://nwfp.gov.pk/nwfpgov/Gov/Details.php?id=76
65. (Pakistan 1953) Forest - in a legal sense, an area of land proclaimed to be forest under a Forest Act or Ordinance.
Definition adopted from the British Commonwealth Forest Terminology Part-I, 1953. Source: Mumtaz Ahmad, Section
Forest Officer, Pakistan Min. of Environment, Local Government, and Rural Development.
66. (Pakistan 1959) forest includes any land recorded as forest in a record-of-rights prepared under Chapter IV of the
State Acquisition and Tenancy Act, 1950 (E.B. Act XXVIII of 1951) or such other land containing tree growth as may
by notification be declared as forest by the Government;] Pakistan. (East Pakistan Ordinance No.XXXIV OF 1959).
http://bdlaws.gov.bd/print_sections.php?id=289&vol=&sections_id=11690
67. (Pakistan 1992) Forest" means and includes all protected, reserved and designated forest, grassland and range
land;. http://www.cda.gov.pk/cda-latest/documents/docs/ICT-Zoning-regulations-1992.pdf
68. (Philippines 1975) Forest lands include the public forest, the permanent forest or forest reserves, and forest
reservations. a. Public forest is the mass of lands of the public domain which has not been the subject of the present
system of classification for the determination of which lands are needed for forest purposes and which are not. b.
Permanent forest or forest reserves refers to those lands of the public domain which have been the subject of the
present system of classification and declared as not needed for forest purposes. Forestry Code, Revised (PD No.
705, 1975, as amended) http://bim.aseanbiodiversity.org/elib/reference/download.php?refNo=00541&fileId=541
69. (Philippines 1975) The term forest land refers to all property owned by the national government that is still in the
public domain. It is a legal, not a botanical description.
http://www.cifor.org/publications/pdf_files/Books/Bchokkalingam0605-02.pdf
70. (Philippines 1996) FOREST LAND refers to the public forest, or permanent forest inside the watershed reservations.
http://www.napocor.gov.ph/WMD%20WEBPAGE/mandates/memorandum/mo%2096-27.htm
71. (Philippines 2009) Forest reserves as forest land which has been reserved by the President of the Philippines for any
specific purpose or purposes. http://www.apforgen.org/National%20status%20reports.pdf
72. (Poland) Forest land - Definition of Forests in the Forest Act includes: * Forest Stands * Other areas designated for
forest production, nature reserves or part of National Park or listed in the nature conservation register * Forest
infrastructure, and installations, including those for tourism.
73. (Puerto Rico 1975) The Governor may declare public land as Commonwealth Forests under section 3. Such areas
shall be of particular interest for forestry use including development and protection of watersheds. These forests shall
be controlled by the Secretary of Natural Resources. LEX-FAOC017870. PUERTO RICO: Puerto Rico Forest Act (No.
133 of 1975). Date of text: 01 July 1975
74. (Romania) Forest - National definition in use: designated areas, no sampling on other areas but for these areas some
old data exist http://www.metla.fi/eu/cost/e43/minutes/wg1-min-florence.pdf
75. (Russia 1997) Pursuant to the Russian Forest Code of 1997, the forest estate is defined as including all forests,
excluding only defence lands, urban settlements and municipal forests, and its boundaries are identified by
demarcation (sec. 7). http://www.iufro.org/download/file/5574/4510/61300-jundola01_pdf/
76. (Sierra Leone 1988) Classified Forest a national production forest, national protection forest or community forest.
National production forest means a national forest of which the primary management objective is production of forest
produce. National protection forest means a national forest of which the primary management objective is
preservation of the forest environment and protection of soil, water, flora and fauna. Community forest means an area
of land which is constituted as a community forest under section 18. LEX-FAOC005732. SIERRA LEONE: Forestry
Act, 1988. Being an Act to make new provisions in the Law relating to Forestry in Sierra Leone and for connected
purpose.
77. (Slovakia) Forest includes forest stands with its environment and other areas designated for the fulfillment of forest
functions. Forest stand means tree and shrub species which, in their environment, fulfill forest functions. No area limit,
48
classification into forest and non-forest according to the cadastre; limit of 0.01 ha in the Guidelines for forest managm.
planning. http://www.fris.sk/Phare/Projects/ManagementOfForestInEurope/PDF/annex2.pdf
78. (Slovenia 1993) The term forest is defined also by the Law on Forests of Slovenia (Official Journal of the Republic of
Slovenia, nr. 30/1993). Article two states: .... A forest is an area of land, covered with forest trees in the form of stands
or other forest growths which provide any of the functions of a forest. Forest, according to this law also includes
overgrown plots of land which are defined as forest in the spatial part of the forest management plan. The forest
infrastructure which is apportioned to individual plots is an integral part of the forest. The following are not forest within
the meaning of this law: individual forest trees; groups of forest trees up to an area of 0.05 ha; non-autochthonous
riverine and windbelt trees; avenues; pastures overgrown with forest trees if they are used for pasturing, irrespective
of how they are described in the land register. Zavod za Gozdove Slovenije, (Institution for forest of Slovenia), 2011.
79. (Sri Lanka) Forest - Dense Forest - High growing, natural trees with more than approx. 75 % crown coverage. Open
Forest(- Dense natural vegetation cover with between 45 and 75 % Forest Plantations - Man-made, mostly
monocultural forests of teak, eucalyptus, pines and other species
http://www.fao.org/ag/agl/agll/landuse/clsys/Srilanka.htm
80. (St. Lucia) An area of land, with or without trees, declared to be a forest reserve, protected forest, or prohibited area
(Source: Michael Andrew, chiefforest@maffe.org)
81. (Sudan) Government forest reserves managed by the forest department. It can be bare land intended to be planted
with trees or shrubs in the future (K. H. Badi, Forest Deptartment, Sudan A. M.S. Bayoumi, Forest Department,
Sudan)
82. (Switzerland 1992) Forest Land means land including reserved forest and protected public forest. The Forest Law;
http://www.burmalibrary.org/docs11/Forest-Law-1992.pdf
83. (Taiwan 2006) Forestland as used in Paragraph 1, Article 3 of this Act is defined as follows: 1. A land designated for
forestry purpose under Article 3 of the Non-Urban Land Use and Control Rules and land subject to forestland control
under Article 7 of the same Rules; 2. A land in a non-urban land area not subject to zoning, and land in an urban
planning preservation, scenery and agricultural areas determined as forestland by the competent authorities of a
province-level municipality or county/city government; 3. A land designated as conservation land under this Act; 4. A
land used for forest recreation area in accordance with Article 17 of this Act; and 5. A land deemed located in a
national park area under the National Park Law and determined as forestland by the competent authorities in
consultation with the competent authority of the national park. http://law.moj.gov.tw/PDAENG/NewsContent.aspx?
msgid=2429
84. (Taiwan 2008). state forest means a forest belonging to the nation and in the territory of the nation, but without an
owner. 2. A public forest means a forest held by a direct municipality, county (city), town, village or legal public entity.
3. A private forest means the ownership of a forest acquired by a private citizen or private legal entity. Chiayi Forest
District Office. 2008. http://chiayi.forest.gov.tw/ct.asp?xItem=34177&CtNode=3036&mp=341
85. (Tajikistan 1993) The composition of lands of the state forest reserve the following lands are allocated:
86. (Thailand 1941) forest" means land which has not been taken up or acquired by any other means under the Land
Law; http://www.forest.go.th/act/forest/fr3_e.htm
87. (Thailand 1941) Forestry Act (1941): Forest is a land without occupants in accordance with the land law
(Praraachabanyat Paamai Po. So. 2484, Matraa 4 (1) [Forestry Act of 1941, Article 4, Section 1].
http://enviroscope.iges.or.jp/modules/envirolib/upload/1504/attach/ir98-3-12.pdf
88. (Thailand 1941) Land not entitled under any Land Acts. Forest Law of 1941. Songkram Thammincha fforskt@ku.ac.th
89. (Thailand 1941) The Forest Act B.E. 2484 (1941) defines "forest" as any land which is not yet occupied by anyone
according to the law. Since agricultural land and land upon which houses and other buildings are standing has
presumably become private property, almost all other land except wasteland will be forest.
http://www9.ocn.ne.jp/~aslan/pgazpape.pdf ,
http://eprints.lse.ac.uk/4743/1/The_Political_Ecology_of_the_Ecosystem_Approach_for_Forests(LSERO).pdf and
http://personal.lse.ac.uk/FORSYTHT/Political%20Ecology%20of%20Ecosystem%20Approach.pdf
90. (Thailand 1967) Land including mountain, stream, swamp, canal, river, lake, island, coastal areas not entitled under
any Land Acts. Forest Reserve Act of 1967. Songkram Thammincha fforskt@ku.ac.th
91. (Thailand 1996) A community forest can be any area the community wants to be designated a community forest
whether it is within the limits of a conservation zone such as a national park, wildlife sanctuary, watershed area; or
non-conservation zone such as a national forest or public use area. Thailand's Community Forest Act Draft
http://www.farmersrights.org/pdf/asia/Thailand/Thailand-commforestdraft96.pdf
92. (Tonga 1961) - "Forest reserve" means any demarcated forest or proclaimed forest reserve but shall not include a
village forest reserve "Reserved area " means any demarcated area of land or proclaimed area of land which may
be under grass or scrub but which may be needed for afforestation in the future The King in Council may declare
any unalienated land to be a forest reserve or reserved area Forests Act 1961 (Chapter 126 of the 1988 Revised
Edition of the Laws of Tonga). Via James Barton jpbarton@xtra.co.nz
49
93. (Trinidad and Tobago) Forest Reserve - means and includes a forest and every part of a forest declared to be a Forest
Reserve under the Land Regulations for the time being in force Forest Act: Chapter 66:01. Narine Lackhan, Director
of Forestry.
94. (Uganda ) Forests include all alpine, tropical high and medium altitude forests, woodlands, wetland and riparian
forests, plantations and trees, whether on land held in trust by government (gazetted Forest Reserves, National Parks
and Wildlife Reserves) or nongazetted land (mailo, leasehold, freehold or customary lands). The Uganda Forestry
Policy. http://www.sawlog.ug/downloads/The%20Uganda%20Forestry%20policy.pdf
95. (Uganda 1947) forest reserve - An area declared to be a central forest reserve or a local forest reserve under the
provision of section 4 of the FORESTS ACT, 1947. An Act To Consolidate the Law Relating to Forests and Forest
Reserves.
96. (Ukraine 2010) Forest Code of Ukraine: According to Article 8, state forests include all forests with the exception of
municipal and private forests. http://www.envsec.org/publications/fact_finding_study_illegal_logging_eng_feb_11.pdf
97. (United Kingdom 1598) A certen Territorie of wooddy grounds & fruitfull pastures, priviledged for wild beasts and
foules of, Forrest, Chase, and Warren, to rest and abide in, in the safe protection of the King, for his princely delight
and pleasure, ..." (Kenneth Rosenbaum <kenro@igc.apc.org from Manwood (1598).
98. (United Kingdom) (Eng. Law) Large extent or precinct of country, generally waste and woody, belonging to the
sovereign, set apart for the keeping of game for his use, not inclosed, but distinguished by certain limits, and
protected by certain laws, courts, and officers of its own. Burrill. http://machaut.uchicago.edu/cgi-bin/WEBSTER.sh?
WORD=forest and http://www.graylab.ac.uk/cgi-bin/omd?forest
99. (United Kingdom) A defined area of land formerly set aside in England as a royal hunting ground.
http://www.dictionary.com/cgi-bin/dict.pl?term=forest
100. (United Kingdom) By the English law, a forest is a circuit of ground properly under the king's protection, for the
peaceable living and abiding of beasts of hunting and the chase, and distinguished not only by having bounds and
privileges, but also by having courts and offices. 12 do.
101. (United Kingdom) Forest/woodland - Areas marked with woodland annotations on the OS map including woodland
on farm holdings and woodland used for recreation. http://www.planning.detr.gov.uk/luc15/annex_b.htm
102. (United Kingdom) In law, in Great Britain, a certain territory of woody grounds and pastures, privileged for wild
beasts and fowls of forest, chase and warren, to rest and abide in, under the protection of the king, for his pleasure. In
this sense, the word has no application in America. http://www.christiantech.com/cgi-bin/webster.exe?search_for_cgi-
bin_texts_web1828=forest
103. (USA-FED-DA-FS) (National Forest) - A unit formally established and permanently set aside and reserved for
National Forest purposes. http://www.fs.fed.us/database/lar/lardefn.htm and
http://www.fs.fed.us/land/staff/lar/definitions_of_terms.htm
104. (Uzbekistan) The area of the State Forest Fund is termed forest land and includes land for afforestation, and non-
forest land, where afforestation requires additional reclamational activities for site preparation. Forest lands include
such categories of lands as forest covered area, non-closed-up artificial (young) plantings, sparse crops, sparse
forests, fire-sites, perished stands, cut sites, and glade abandoned sites. Non-forest lands include arable land,
hayfields, pastures, marshes, sands and other lands. http://www.iufro.org/download/file/7408/5123/Uzekistan_pdf/
105. (Western Samoa 1967) "Forest land" means, - (a) State forest land; or (b) Public or customary land which is
subject to a licence or lease to the Minister or any other person for any purpose of forestry; or (c) Freehold land which
is subject to a licence or lease to the Minister or any other person for any purpose of forestry, or in respect of which
the Minister is a trustee under Part IX of this Act: Forests Act 1967 Laws of Western Samoa.
http://www.thecommonwealth.org/Shared_ASP_Files/UploadedFiles/42862479-BC6A-481C-ADEB-
50432C31A072_ForestsAct1967.pdf
106. (Zambia 1973) Local Forest any area declared to be a Local Forest under section seventeen. LEX-
FAOC003914. ZAMBIA: Forests Act 1973 (Act No. 39). An Act to repeal and replace the Forest Act and to provide for
the establishment and management of national forests and local forests, the conservation and protection of forests
and trees, the licensing and sale of forest produce and other matters.
1. (Afghanistan 1999) Open Forest (Between 20-60% Canopy Cover) - Mainly needleleaved, evergreen, open cover of
trees, with less than 60% cover, occurring mainly in mountainous areas.; Closed Forest (More Than 60% Canopy
Cover) - Mainly needleleaved, evergreen, closed cover of trees, with more than 60% cover, occurring mainly in
mountainous areas. Source: FAO. 1999. Provincial Land Cover Atlas of Islamic State of Afghanistan. AFG/90/002
Utilization of Remote Sensing for the Inventory and Monitoring of Agricultural Land in Afghanistan. Food and
Agricultural Organization of the United Nations (FAO), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Afghan
Geodesy and Cartography Head Office (AGCHO). FAO, Rome.
2. (Albania 2004) Forest is defined as an area covered at least 30% by dense trees on more than one tenth of a hectare
[Law no. 9385 On Forests and Forest Service]
50
3. (Albania 2006 KP) Cover Min. Area (ha) = 0.1 Min. Crown Cover (%) = 30 Min. Tree Height (m) = 3 Min. Strip Width
(m) = ns http://cdm.unfccc.int/DNA/index.html
4. (Albania 2007 UNFCCC ) An area with 30% minimum tree crown cover, minimum 0.1 ha land area value, and 3m of
tree potential height. (Fida, 2007) http://www.environmental-auditing.org/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=fbx%2FbAIVeFU
5. (Albania 2008). 2 Forest is defined as an area covered at least 30% by dense trees on more than one tenth of a
hectare [Law no. 9385 On Forests and Forest Service]. 3 Open forest or forest land is defined as an area covered by
5-30% by forest vegetation, unregistered in another land use cadastre. [Law no. 9385 On Forests and Forest
Service]. 4. Forest is defined as dense woodland with a density of trees and shrubs not less than 30%. 5. Forest land
is defined an area with a density of trees and shrubs from 5-30%.
http://www.profor.info/profor/sites/profor.info/files/Annex%208%20-%20SQA%20Albania_E.pdf and
http://illegallogging.rec.org/publications/AL_IL%20Diagnostic%20Audit_Final.pdf a
6. (Albania 2011) A forest is defined as land with tree crown cover of more than 10%, an area of more than 0.5 ha and
an average width of more than 20 m. Trees should be able to reach a minimum height of 5 m at maturity in
situ.FOREST EUROPE, UNECE AND FAO, 2011.
7. (Albania) Forest is defined as dense woodland with a surface larger than 1000 m2 with a density of forest trees and
shrubs not less than 30 %, which produces wood material and has influence on the surrounding environment. Land
with forest vegetation is defined as forest wood area with a density of forest trees and shrubs from 5 to 30 % which
are not registered in the cadastra as other land estates. Forest estate includes also open areas up to 2 ha. such as
openings, rocks and sandbank which are in forests, the surfaces occupied by forest shelterbelts, wood lots and shrub
surfaces. LEX-FAOC004693. ALBANIA: Law No. 7623 for forestry and forest police service.
http://faolex.fao.org/faolex1/
8. (Albania) Forest - Lands with tree crown cover of more than 30% and area of more than 0.1 ha. The trees should be
able to reach a minimum height of 5 m in situ... Includes high forest, coppice and shrubs.
9. (Albania) Forest land - Besides the forests according to the FAO definition, also areas where trees should not be able
to reach a minimum height of 5 m at maturity and bare/rocky terrain, eroded and abandoned/refused lands are
classified as the forest land. http://www.fris.sk/Phare/Projects/ManagementOfForestInEurope/PDF/annex2.pdf
10. (American Samoa) Includes: upland forests, coastal forests, mangrove forests, dwarf forests, moss forests, secondary
vegetations and agroforest areas (including ones with coconuts and bananas).
http://www.fao.org/forestry/fo/country/index.jsp?lang_id=1&geo_id=109
11. (Argentina 2003) Minimum area = 0.5 ha, minimum tree crown cover = 10%, minimum tree height = 5 m.
http://www.fs.fed.us/research/sustain/2003SustainabilityReport/documents/SustainableForests.pdf
12. (Argentina 2006 KP) Cover Min. Area (ha) = 1 Min. Crown Cover (%) = 22.5 Min. Tree Height (m) = 3 Min. Strip Width
(m) = ns
13. (Argentina 2007) Forest Land Land with tree crown cover of more than 20 percent. The trees should be able to reach
a minimum height of 7 meters at maturity in situ. It may consist of closed forest formation where trees of various
storey and undergrowth cover a high proportion of the ground. http://www.greenspace.it/index.php?
option=com_docman&task=doc_download&gid=16&Itemid=336&lang=it
14. (Argentina 2007) The National Law 26.331 defines a woodland as a "natural forestry ecosystem integrated by mature
native trees, with different species of plants and animals, associated to the topsoil, subsoil, atmosphere, climate and
hydric resources, [...] under a condition of dynamic equilibrium...". Its regulation also defines as prime conditions that
the woodlands should have trees of at least 3 m high and should occupy a surface superior to 10 has.
https://www.researchgate.net/post/Which_conditions_are_used_to_define_an_ecosystem_as_a_woodland?
ch=reg&cp=re221_b1m_p32&pli=1&loginT=TIy9Igbuj555qN69cnuPm4x7mnABAv97
15. (Argentina) Forest Land: Native forest or plantation. "Mirta Rosa Larrieu" milarr@sagyp.mecon.ar
16. (Argentina) Forest: Plantation of trees. - Bosque nativo: Native forest, Natural forest; Bosque cultivado: Plantation.
("Mirta Rosa Larrieu" milarr@sagyp.mecon.ar .)
17. (Armenia 1994) The forest is one of the elements of the geographical landscape, and an entire whole of
interconnected and interrelated trees, other plant species, soil, animals, microorganisms, and the components of the
environment. Source: FOREST CODE OF ARMENIA (1994). Preamble. Karen Ter-Ghazaryan, Ministry of Nature
Protection FREC@FREENET.AM
18. (Aruba 1998) Forest: (thorny) woodlands, protected areas including mangrove areas, urban parks and trees for
agricultural and commercial purposes are considered to fit the definition of forest as well. Even single trees are
included in the definition if they form important esthetical elements in town or in the landscape. FAO Forestry paper
137/2, FORESTRY POLICIES IN THE CARIBEAN, volume 2: Reports of 28 selected countries and territories, FAO
1998. Facundo Franken, Department of Agriculture, Animal Production and Fisheries, Section Natural Resources
Aruba.
51
19. (Australia 1970) An area dominated by trees greater than 5m in height with canopy cover of 30% or greater (Specht
1970). http://www.myenvironment.net.au/index.php/me/content/download/5678/33263/file/Uniting%20Church
%20report.pdf
20. (Australia 1992) An area dominated by trees greater than 5m in height with canopy cover of 30% or greater,
including plantations (NFPS 1992).
http://www.myenvironment.net.au/index.php/me/content/download/5678/33263/file/Uniting%20Church%20report.pdf
21. (Australia 1992) An area, incorporating all living and non-living components, that is dominated by trees having usually
a single stem and a mature or potentially mature stand height exceeding 2 metres, and with existing or potential
projected crown cover of overstorey strata about equal to or greater than 20 percent. This definition includes both
native and plantation regardless of age. (From: "Ross Penny"Ross.Penny@nre.vic.gov.au the definition of forest used
by the National Forest Inventory (and based on the 1992 Australian National Forest Policy Statement). We include all
of the 'tree-forming' mallees (a plant of the genus Eucalyptus) in our definition of forest. From:
Roger.Hnatiuk@brs.gov.au. It is also sufficiently broad to encompass areas of trees that are sometimes described as
woodlands. http://www.brs.gov.au/nfi/forestinfo/summary.html From:Jim.Stevenson@affa.gov.au This definition
includes Australia's diverse native forests and plantations, regardless of age. It is also sufficiently broad to encompass
areas of trees that are sometimes described as woodlands. http://www.australiansforanimals.org.au/afanewsjan.html
and Karol.Andrzejewski@affa.gov.au NFI (1992) definition of Forest (from National Forest Policy Statement)
22. (Australia 1996) Forest is defined as areas dominated by trees having usually a single stem and a mature or
potentially mature stand height exceeding 5 metres, and with existing or potential projective cover of overstorey strata
about equal to or greater than 30 per cent; while woodland is similarly defined but with a projective cover of overstorey
strata of less than 30 per cent. http://www.oecd.org/officialdocuments/publicdisplaydocumentpdf/?
cote=OCDE/GD(96)5&docLanguage=En
23. (Australia 1998) Forest - A land area, incorporating all living and non-living components, dominated by trees usually
having a single stem and a mature or potentially mature stand height exceeding 2 metres, and with existing or
potential crown cover of overstorey strata about equal to or greater than 20%. This definition includes native forests
and plantations and areas of trees that are sometimes described as woodlands.
http://adl.brs.gov.au/data/warehouse/pe_brs90000003841/sofr2008Full_11a.pdf
24. (Australia 2003) Minimum area = 0.5 ha, minimum tree crown cover = 20%, miniumum tree height 2 m.
25. (Australia 2003) Sclerophyll forest with canopy cover greater than 50% including all rainforest. Excludes mangroves
and woodland mallee (TWS 2003a).
26. (Australia 2003). An area dominated by trees having usually a single stem, greater than 2m in height with canopy
cover of 20% or greater including plantations. (NFI 2003) Current definition.
27. (Australia 2004) An area dominated by trees having usually a single stem and a mature or potentially mature stand
height exceeding two meters, and with existing or potential projected cover of overstorey strata about equal to or
greater than 20 percent. http://adl.brs.gov.au/data/warehouse/brsShop/data/callitris.pdf
28. (Australia 2005) forest area (defined as land with actual or potential tree cover greater than 20% canopy cover and 2
m in height.
http://wwwdocs.fce.unsw.edu.au/fce/Research/ResearchMicrosites/CAER/WorkingPaperSeries/WPS0705.pdf
29. (Australia 2008 KP) Cover Min. Area (ha) = 0.2 Min. Crown Cover (%) = 20 Min. Tree Height (m) = 5 Min. Strip Width
(m) = ns
http://unfccc.int/files/national_reports/initial_reports_under_the_kyoto_protocol/application/pdf/kyoto_target_web.pdf
(2008)
30. (Australia 2009) Forest - A vegetation type dominated by woody vegetation having a mature or potential mature stand
height exceeding 5 metres, with an overstorey canopy cover greater than 20%. http://www.daff.gov.au/rfa/glossary
31. (Australia 2009). Forest means a vegetation community dominated by trees with a projective foliage cover greater than
20%. http://greensmps.org.au/webfm_send/266
32. (Australia KPl) A forest is defined as vegetation that has a height of 2 metres, crown canopy cover of 20% and a
minimum forest area of 0.2. ha.
http://www.climatechange.gov.au/government/initiatives/unfccc/submissions/~/media/submissions/international/forest-
management-unfccc-submission-feb11.pdf
33. (Australia Old) A vegetation type dominated by woody vegetation having a mature or potential mature stand height
exceeding 5 metres, with an overstorey canopy cover greater than 20%.
http://www.rfa.gov.au/documents/janis/janis011.html#E9E11
34. (Australia- Old) An area incorporating all living and non-living components that is dominated by trees usually with a
single stem and a mature or potentially mature stand height exceeding five metres. The existing or projected foliage
cover of overstorey strata should be equal to or greater than 30 per cent.
http://www.rfa.gov.au/dfa/other_info/glossary.html and http://www.rfa.gov.au/rfa/national/dfa/other/glossary.html
52
35. (Australia) - An area, incorporating all living and nonliving components, that is dominated by trees having usually a
single stem and a mature or potentially mature stand height exceeding 5 metres, and with existing or potential
projective cover of overstorey strata about equal to or greater than 30 per cent. This definition includes Australia's
diverse native forests and plantations, regardless of age. It is also sufficiently broad to encompass areas of trees that
are sometimes described as woodlands http://www.rfa.gov.au/rfa/vic/east/raa/esfm/gloss1.html
36. (Australia1999) An ecosystem characterised by a more or less dense and extensive tree cover. It means natural forest
and does not include plantations or agroforests (National Forest Summit, Australia 1999).
http://www.nfn.org.au/kyoto/gp9.html
37. (Austria 1996) Forests are areas of min. 1000 m2 and cover percentage 30% with tree species.
http://books.google.com/books?id=zeTU8QauENcC&pg=PA192&lpg=PA192&dq=Germany+Forest+definition+define+
%22forest+is
38. (Austria 1997) All areas of the country covered by woody plants specified in the appendix of forest law 1975 are forest
are if minimum area of 500 m2, width = 10 m of are covered by woody plants and minimum crown coverage of 30 %
(ocular estimation) (European Communities 1997a - p 43). and http://www.metla.fi/eu/cost/e43/minutes/wg1-min-
florence.pdf
39. (Austria 2001) Minimum area: 0.05 ha; Minimum width: 10 m; The cultural type registered in the land register is
insignificant; minimum crown coverage of 30 % (occular estimation). Schieler and Hauk 2001.
40. (Austria 2006 KP) Cover Min. Area (ha) = 0.05 Min. Crown Cover (%) = 30 Min. Tree Height (m) = 2 Min. Strip Width
(m) = 10 http://unfccc.int/files/national_reports/initial_reports_under_the_kyoto_protocol/application/pdf/at-initial-
report-200611-corr.pdf (2006)
41. (Austria 2009 NIR and NFI) Crown Cover > 30%, tree height >2 m, area > 0.05 ha.
http://afoludata.jrc.ec.europa.eu/metaed/project_collection/JRC_54744_Mascaref_Full_Report_for_print.pdf
42. (Azerbaijan 2006 KP) Cover Min. Area (ha) = 0.5 Min. Crown Cover (%) = 20 Min. Tree Height (m) = Min. Strip Width
(m) = 2.5 http://cdm.unfccc.int/DNA/index.html
43. (Bahamas 2005 GFRA) Forest - Land spanning more than 0.5 hectares with trees higher than 5 meters and a canopy
cover of more than 10 percent, or trees able to reach these thresholds in situ. It does not include land that is
predominantly under agricultural or urban land use. ftp://ftp.fao.org/docrep/fao/010/aj009E/aj009E00.pdf
44. (Bahamas 2010) Forest means any area consisting mainly of trees including forest cover, all other vegetation,
wetlands, coil and ground beneath it. Bahamas Forestry Act of 2010.
http://www.bahamasforestry.com/docs/ForestryAct2010.pdf
45. (Bahamas 2011) Forest area is land under natural or planted stands of trees of at least 5 meters in situ, whether
agroforestry systems) and trees in urban parks and gardens. http://www.tradingeconomics.com/bahamas/forest-area-
percent-of-land-area-wb-data.html
46. (Bahamas) Forest - a biological community dominated by trees and other woody plants.
http://bahamasforestry.com/glossary.php.
47. (Belarus 2002) The collection of forest trees and other plants, soil, animals, microorganisms and other natural
ingredients that have internal linkages and communication with the external environment; virgin, natural forest has not
experienced significant human impact, which varies over many generations forest trees only under the influence of
natural processes; small-leaved, forest, formed mainly small-leaved tree species (birch, aspen and alder gray);
coniferous, forest, formed mostly shade-tolerant conifers (spruce, fir, cedar, etc.); deciduous, forest, formed by mainly
deciduous trees (oak, beech, ash, maple, etc.). Ministry of Forestry of the Republic of Belarus, 2002.
48. (Belarus) Cover Min. Area (ha) = Min. Crown Cover (%) = Min. Tree Height (m) = Min. Strip Width (m) = ns
49. (Belgium (Flanders) 2000) - Flanders Forest area included in the forest mapping meets art. 3 of the Forest Decree
and is at least 0.5 ha, 25 m wide and has a closure of at least 20%. Shrublands with an area less than 0.5 hectares
are not included in the forest mapping, but fall under the rules of the Forest Decree. Bogaert D. Agentschap voor
Natuur en Bos, 2000. http://www.efi.int/files/attachments/publications/annex_1_to_efi_technical_report_88__2013.pdf
50. (Belgium (Wallonia) 2006)- Area of land of at least 0.1 ha and with at least 10% covered by a forest canopy (trees
must be able to reach a minimum of 5 m).IPRFW, Walloon Permanent Forest Resources Inventory, 1994-2006.
51. (Belgium 1999). Forests in general are considered to be surfaces covered with trees which function as ecosystems
and can fulfil several functions such as wood production, recreation, nature conservation, landscape, soil and water
protection and shelter (Natural resources 1999). http://www.ymparisto.fi/download.asp?contentid=25582&lan=en
52. (Belgium 2009 NIR) Crown cover > 20%, tree height > 5, area > 0.5 ha.
53
53. (Belgium 2010 NFI) Crown cover > 10%, tree height > 5m, area > 0.1 ha.
54. (Belgium-2006 KP) Cover Min. Area (ha) = 0.5 Min. Crown Cover (%) = 20 Min. Tree Height (m) = 5 Min. Strip Width
(m) = ns http://unfccc.int/files/national_reports/initial_reports_under_the_kyoto_protocol/application/x-zip-
compressed/bel_ir_report_22dec.zip (2006)
55. (Belize 2006 KP) Cover Min. Area (ha) = 0.3 Min. Crown Cover (%) = 30 Min. Tree Height (m) = 5 Min. Strip Width (m)
= ns http://cdm.unfccc.int/DNA/index.html
56. (Benin) - Une surface terrestre couverte de formations forestires d'origine anthropique ou non. Cest une surface o
seule les activits forestires ne peuvent tre menes. Note: Sur cette surface, les activits agricoles sont interdites.
(Z. Yacoubou, Unit de Recherche Forestire, Cotonou, Rpublique du Benin)
57. (Bolivia 2006 KP) Cover Min. Area (ha) = 0.5 Min. Crown Cover (%) = 30 Min. Tree Height (m) = 4 Min. Strip Width
58. (Bolivia) BOSQUE: Ecosistema vegetal caracterizado por sus especies maderables de regular a gran tamao,
adems de variadas especies menores distribuidas en sinusias. Cobija un gran nmero de especies animales que
dependen de l. La complejidad y biodiversidad de los bosques aumenta de las zonas fras a las tropicales. Dicho de
otra manera, agrupacin de arboles que forman espesura y que pierden poco a poco su individualidad para concurrir
a la formacin de un nuevo ser nico; tiene formaciones de existencias y propiedades que le son peculiares,
funcionando a manera de un organismo complejo, del cual son factores la vegetacin, la atmsfera y el suelo.
Source: Luis Castello faopaf@caoba.entelnet.bo Adjunto srvase encontrar la versin no oficial y premilinar del
Glosario Forestal elaborado por el Proyecto de Apoyo a la Coordinacin e Implementacin del Plan de Accin
Forestal para Bolivia
59. (Bolivia) FLORESTA: Terreno poblado de rboles (bosque). Source: Luis Castello faopaf@caoba.entelnet.bo Adjunto
srvase encontrar la versin no oficial y premilinar del Glosario Forestal elaborado por el Proyecto de Apoyo a la
Coordinacin e Implementacin del Plan de Accin Forestal para Bolivia
60. (Bosnia FbiH RS) - Forest - Land covered with forest trees in a group larger than 0.1 hectare.
61. (Bosnia-Herzegovina The forest, in terms of this Law has a new definition. It refers to any ground surface covered with
forest trees or forest shrubs exceeding any contiguous area of 500 m2 and having a width of at least 10 meters.
http://www.iufro.org/download/file/5579/4508/61300-zidlochovice03_pdf/
62. (Brazil -2006 KP) Cover Min. Area (ha) = 1 Min. Crown Cover (%) = 30 Min. Tree Height (m) = 5 Min. Strip Width (m)
= ns http://cdm.unfccc.int/DNA/index.html - Sasaki & Putz 2009
63. (Brazil 2009 KP)l a forest is defined as an area of land greater than 1 hectare, with more than 30% canopy cover and
a minimum tree height of 5 metres. http://www.nature.com/news/2009/090819/full/news.2009.842.html
64. (Brazil KP) Land spanning more than 0.5 ha with tress higher than 5m and a canopy cover of more than 10 percent,
or trees able to reach these thresholds in situ. http://www.environmental-auditing.org/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=fbx
%2FbAIVeFU%3D&tabid=128&mid=568
65. (Bulgaria 2001) Forest" is defined as any land exceeding 1 decare, covered or planted with forest trees or brushwood
and located outside the boundaries of settlements (sec. 3). However, single trees in farmlands, afforested areas
adjacent to monuments, forest belts on lands within cooperative and state farms, and forest stands planted by
enterprises, organizations or cooperatives on their lands, are not part of the national forest stock (sec. 4).
http://www.iufro.org/download/file/5574/4510/61300-jundola01_pdf/
66. (Bulgaria 2007) For defining forest, in Bulgaria is used the definition in the Forest Act: Forest is area, covered with
forest tree species on area not less than 0.1 ha.
http://unfccc.int/files/national_reports/initial_reports_under_the_kyoto_protocol/application/msword/initial_report-
bulgaria.doc
67. (Bulgaria 2007) Min. Area (ha) = 0.1 Min. Crown Cover (%) = Min. Tree Height (m) = 3 Min. Strip Width (m) = 10
Forest is area, covered with forest tree species on area not less than 0.1 ha. (2007 )
bulgaria.doc
68. (Bulgaria 2010 NFI) area > 0.5 ha.
69. (Bulgaria 2013?) Article 2, paragraph 1 of the Law - "Forest for the purposes of this Act is land occupied by forest
vegetation an area not less than 1 ha." In practice - any land area greater than 1 ha and a width of not less than 10 m
(measured to the width of tree roots). Article 2, paragraph 2 ZGor - "Forest Fund under this Act is the territory intended
primarily for forest covering forests and shrubs, as well as land for afforestation and agricultural land referred to in the
cadastre. http://www.efi.int/files/attachments/publications/annex_1_to_efi_technical_report_88__2013.pdf
70. (Bulgaria) Forest - every land covered with forest tree species and having area above 1 dka (0.1ha). The width of the
area should be no smaller than 10 m. Forest Research Institute forestin@bulnet.bg
71. (Bulgaria) Forest - Land covered by trees and shrubs (natural or artificially planted). The minimum area is 0.1 ha.
54
72. (Cambodia 2006 KP) Cover Min. Area (ha) = 0.5 Min. Crown Cover (%) = 10 Min. Tree Height (m) = 5 Min. Strip Width
(m) = ns http://cdm.unfccc.int/DNA/index.html - Sasaki & Putz 2009
73. (Cambodia 2007 KP) In January 2007, the RGC defined the forest as follows: Tree cover: the area with the forest
cover of 10 per cent and above Minimum land areas: 0.5 ha and above Tree height: 5m and above.
http://enviroscope.iges.or.jp/modules/envirolib/upload/3196/attach/cambodia's_redd.pdf
74. (Cambodia) - Natural ecosystem, generally associated with wild vegetation (not indicate the crown cover of trees),
fauna including natural soil and wild watercourses located in that area, and not subject to agricultural or other
practices. All the forest land, including the forest plantation (see further) are the ownerships of State and under the
supervision of the State. The term Forest Land subdivided into two categories: 1) - classified forest land: Production
Forest, Conservation Forest and Reforestation areas. 2) - Protection forest land: the forest land not yet identified and
classified as in the first category (O. Syphan, Forestry Department, Phnom Penh, Cambodia)
75. (Cambodia) Forest: is a combination of evergreen forest, semi-evergreen forest, deciduous forest, re-growth of
secondary forest, forest plantation and bamboo. http://ekh.unep.org/files/SEF%20II%20Report%20-%20Cambodia.pdf
76. (Cameroon 1994) CDM Executive Board. Section 2 of the 1994 forestry law (No. 94-1 of 20 January 1994) defines a
forest as, any land covered by vegetation with a predominance of trees, shrubs and other species capable of
providing products other than agricultural produce. http://www.communitycarbonforestry.org/NewPublications/ESP
%20article%20CAMERON.pdf
77. (Cameroon) (Dense Forest) - Evergreen or moist deciduous forest zones, dominated by trees of at least 5 m high and
with a forest-cover proportion of 30% or more. http://ftp.geog.ucl.ac.be/TDARprojets/SSTCt310006/telsat/raster-t.html
78. (Cameroon) Forest means any land covered by vegetation, with predominance of trees, shrubs and other species
capable of providing products other than agricultural products. http://www2.worldbank.org/hm/hmlandpolicy/0248.html
79. (Canada 2003) Minimum area = 0.5 ha, minimum tree crown cover = 20%, minimum tree height = 5 m.
80. (Canada 2007 KP) Cover Min. Area (ha) = 1 Min. Crown Cover (%) = 25 Min. Tree Height (m) = 5 Min. Strip Width (m)
= ns
http://unfccc.int/files/national_reports/initial_reports_under_the_kyoto_protocol/application/pdf/initial_report_of_canad
a.pdf (2007)
81. (Canada 2011) Forest landAreas of land where tree canopies cover more than 10 percent of the total area and the
trees, when mature, can grow to a height of more than 5 metres. Does not include land that is predominantly urban or
used for agricultural purposes. http://nfdp.ccfm.org/glossary_e.php.
82. (Canada 2011) Generally, an ecosystem characterized by a more or less dense and extensive tree cover. More
particularly, a plant community predominantly of trees and other woody vegetation, growing more or less closely
together. http://nfdp.ccfm.org/terms/terms_e.php?letter=f
83. (Canada) Forest - A vegetation type dominated by trees. Many definitions of the term forest are used throughout the
world. For reporting on managed forest carbon stock changes, Canada uses the definitions of 1 ha minimum area,
25% canopy cover of trees that have the potential to reach 5 m height at maturity.
http://carbon.cfs.nrcan.gc.ca/definitions_e.html
84. (Canada) forest: [fort] A plant community predominantly of trees and other woody vegetation, growing more or less
closely together. http://www.pfc.cfs.nrcan.gc.ca/landscape/inventory/terms/haddon/glossary.html#F
85. (Cape Verde) Floresta - Todo o povoamento de rvores destinado a proteco e fertilizao do solo, sem prejuzo da
utilidade produtiva florestal; LEX-FAOC013213. CAPE VERDE: Forestry Act (No. 48/V/98).
86. (Cayman Islands 2009) Forest and woodland defined as a class of vegetation characterized by a closed tree canopy,
with interlocking crowns generally providing 60-100% cover. Woodland, by comparison, is characterized by an open
canopy, with tree crowns constituting just 25-60% cover. The canopy height of forest and woodland ranges from about
16m, down to about 4.5m in height, below which shrubland species dominate. Burton (2008b):
http://www.seaturtle.org/mtrg/projects/cayman/Cayman_NBAP.pdf
87. (Chile 1979) a piece of land with vegetable formations in which trees predominate and that extend for at least
5,000m2, with a minimum width of 40m, with a tree top greater than 10% in arid and semiarid areas, or greater than
25% in more favourable conditions. http://derechoambiental.udp.cl/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/chile-case-cdm-ar-
projects-as-published-by-iucn.pdf
88. (Chile 2002) By forest cover: In Chile, forest land is any area covered by plant formations with a predominance of
trees, covering an area greater than 5 000 m2 and 40 m wide, with crown cover of more than 10 per cent (arid and
semi-arid zones) or 25 percent in more favoured zones. http://www.fao.org/docrep/005/y2328e/y2328e03.htm
89. (Chile 2003) Minimum area = 0.5 ha, minimum tree crown cover = 25%, minimum tree height = 2 m.
http://www.fs.fed.us/research/sustain/2003SustainabilityReport/documents/SustainableForests.pdf. (
90. (Chile 2008) Bosque: sitio poblado con formaciones vegetales en las que predominan rboles y que ocupa una
superficie de por lo menos 5.000 metros cuadrados, con un ancho mnimo de 40 metros, con cobertura de copa
arbrea que supere el 10% de dicha superficie total en condiciones ridas y semiridas y el 25% en circunstancias
ms favorables. Forest: site populated with vegetation in which trees predominate occupying an area of at least 5,000
square meters, with a minimum width of 40 meters, with tree crown cover exceeding 10% of the total area in arid and
55
semi-arid conditions and 25% under more favorable circumstances.
http://www.conaf.cl/cms/editorweb/transparencia/potestades/Ley-20283_bn.pdf
91. (Chile KP) The Chilean Designated National Authority (CONAMA) adopted the below definition as the forest
thresholds for afforestation and reforestation Clean Development Mechanism project activities: - A single minimum
tree crown cover of 25 % - A single minimum plantation area of 0.5 hectare - A single minimum tree height of 5 meters
http://cdm.unfccc.int/filestorage/R/1/J/R1JCI978BD2ENFKQLP34SXZ5YVH0OW/PDD%20SIF%20CHILE.pdf?
t=TnV8bHo4cGE3fDBiE0-069vqmcR6RdUAKaoS
92. (Chile) Any place covered with plant formations (predominantly trees) over 5,000 m 2 and 40 m width, and arboreal
cover over 10% of the area (arid and semiarid zones) or 25% of the area in zones with more advantageous
conditions. Patricio Gonzalez pgonzale@infor.cl.
93. (China 2000) Min. area = 0.067 ha, Min. Crown Cover = 20 %, Min. Height = 5 m, Min. Strip Width = 10. Includes
bamboo and trees. Updated by Zhang Xiaoquan (23 Jan 02). Trees > 2 cm dia.
http://www.fao.org/forestry/fo/country/index.jsp?lang_id=1&geo_id=102.
94. (China 2003) Forest land of arbour species spanning more than 0.0667 ha with a crown cover of more than 20%.
http://books.google.com/books?id=iU6ctBak3-gC&pg=PA142&lpg=PA142&dq=%22For+management+purposes,
+State+Forests+are+divided
%22&source=bl&ots=yvf2xSmFSt&sig=RmwVGV7UljL1nK9cjAb0NK8VVdY&hl=en&sa=X&ei=QsM6T-
mOKaG90QG6zfHdCw&ved=0CCMQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=%22For%20management%20purposes%2C%20State
%20Forests%20are%20divided%22&f=false
95. (China 2003) Minimum area = 0.5 ha, minimum tree crown cover = 20%, minimum tree height = 2 m.
96. (China 2004) forest(s) means the land(s) and its collateral trees and bamboo, collectively. According to the
delineation of ownership, forest(s) shall be distinguished as national forest(s), public forest(s), and private forest(s);
forests principally belong to the nation. http://www.forest.gov.tw/ct.asp?xItem=21160&CtNode=1870&mp=3
97. (China 2006 KP) Cover Min. Area (ha) = 0.67 Min. Crown Cover (%) = 20 Min. Tree Height (m) = 2 Min. Strip Width
98. (China 2006) The definition of forest in China was adjusted from a minimum of 30 percent to 20 percent of cover in
1994. In 2004, the definition of forest was modified again to include special purpose scrubs, which grow in area with
annual rainfall below 400 mm or above; the tree line in a mountain with a minimum canopy cover of 30% and in which
its primary function is environmental protection. (Zhang, et al, 2006) http://www.environmental-
99. (China 2009) En China, se consideran zonas forestales aquellas con una superficie de ms de 1 mu (0,667
hectreas) de rboles con una densidad de copa del 20 por ciento o superior. 18 de Noviembre de 2009
http://www.portalforestal.com/informacion/noticias/3965-la-cobertura-forestal-de-china-alcanza-el-2036-por-ciento-del-
territorio.html
100. (China) Area with forest cover equal to or greater than 0.2 ha. Yongqi Zheng Chinese Academy of Forestry.
Zhengyq@rif.forestry.ac.cn..
101. (Colombia 2006 KP) Cover Min. Area (ha) = 1.0 Min. Crown Cover (%) = 30 Min. Tree Height (m) = 5 Min. Strip
Width (m) = ns http://cdm.unfccc.int/DNA/index.html - Sasaki & Putz 2009
102. (Congo 2000). Min. Crown Cover = 10%. http://www.fao.org/forestry/fo/country/index.jsp?lang_id=1&geo_id=12
103. (Congo, Republic of) - Area generally occupied by natural forestry stands. (A. Moutanda, Confrence des
Responsables de Recherche Agronomique Africains (CORAF), Pointe Noire, Congo)
104. (Costa Rica - Forestal o Bosque) -Todo tipo de vegetacin natural la cual puede estar en espacios abiertos como
lo es el bosque secundario, o bosque cerrado como el bosque maduro. El bosque secundario es clasificado como tal
en la zona seca: (1) si tiene una altura mayor de 6 metros, por que el comportamiento arbreo en estas zonas, con
vegetacin de menos de esta altura es rala y aun se detecta pasto Jaraugua mezclado con la vegetacin arbrea. Y
(2) si densidad de la vegetacin arbrea y arbustiva debe ser suficientemente de la manera que elimine el pasto, y
sustituido por enredaderas y arbustos. En climas hmedos la regeneracin de bosques secundarios ocurre mas
rpidamente comparado con las reas secas, y la densidad inicial de la vegetacin arbrea es mayor.
105. (Costa Rica ) Central American country, forest is defined for fiscal etc. reasons in the national forest act (Act 3
Ley Forestal No. 7575) as a native ecosystem, with human interventions or not, regenerated through succession or
other forest techniques, covering an area of 2 or more hectares, characterized by the presence of mature trees of
different ages, species or aspects, with one or more layers covering more than 70% of the surface area and with more
than 70 trees per hectare of dbh 15cm or more. http://wiki.awf.forst.uni-goettingen.de/wiki/index.php/Forest_Definition
106. (Costa Rica ) The Forestry Law considers as forest any extension of land of two ha or greater with at least 60
trees per hectare. http://web.idrc.ca/en/ev-43425-201-1-DO_TOPIC.html
107. (Costa Rica 1996 Bosque) - Ecosistema nativo o autoctono, intervenido o no, regenerado por sucesion natural u
otras tecnicas forestales, que ocupa una superficie de dos o mas hectareas, caracterizada por la presencia de
arboles maduros de diferentes edades, especies y porte variado, con uno o mas doseles que cubran mas del 70% de
esa superficie y donde existan mas de sesenta arboles por hectarea de quince o mas centimetros de diametro
56
medido a la altura del pecho (DAP). From the "Ley Forestal 7575 de Costa Rica de 1996" "Eva Muller"
coseform@sol.racsa.co.cr. Variation: Ecosistema nativo o autctono, intervenido o no, regenerado por sucesin
natural u otras tcnicas forestales, que ocupa una superficie de dos o ms hectreas, caracterizada por la presencia
de rboles maduros de diferentes edades, especies y porte variado, con uno o ms doseles que cubran ms del
setenta por ciento (70%) de esa superficie y donde existan ms de setenta rboles por hectrea de quince o ms
centmetros de dimetro medido a la altura de pecho (DAP). (Ley Forestal No. 7575, Costa Rica ) Christoph Kleinn,
CATIE.
108. (Costa Rica 1996 Ecosistema boscoso) - Composicion de plantas y animales diversos, mayores y menores, que
interaccionan: nacen, crecen, se reproducen y mueren, dependen unos de otros a lo largo de su vida. Despues de
miles de anos, esta composicion ha alcanzado un equilibrio que, de no ser interrumpido, se mantendra
indefinidamente y surfrira transformaciones muy lentamente. From the "Ley Forestal 7575 de Costa Rica de 1996"
"Eva Muller" coseform@sol.racsa.co.cr
109. (Costa Rica 2003?) The Forestry Law defines a forest as an autochthonous native ecosystem, intervened or not,
regenerated by natural succession or other forestry techniques, occupying a surface of two or more ha, characterized
by the presence of mature trees of different ages, species and size, with one or more canopies covering over 70% of
this surface and having more than 60 trees/ha of 15 cm or more in diameter (Art .3). http://web.idrc.ca/en/ev-43425-
201-1-DO_TOPIC.html
110. (Costa Rica 2006 KP) Min. Area (ha) = 1.0, Min Crown Cover (%) = 30Min. Tree Height (m) = 5 Min. Strip Width
(m) = ns http://cdm.unfccc.int/DNA/index.html - Sasaki & Putz 2009.
111.(Costa Rica 2012) The definition submitted to the CDM (minimum canopy cover of 30%, minimum height of 5 meters,
minimum size of 1 hectare) is used as a preliminary definition for its REDD+ program, but Costa Rica has also
reserved the right to change the definition and revise its reference level once a final decision is made and adopted
http://www.un-redd.org/FRELPublication/tabid/794487/Default.aspx
112. (Costa Rica 2014) According to Costa Ricas Emissions Reduction Project Idea Note (ER-PIN) for design
purposes of the National Forest Inventory and the MRV for REDD+, Costa Rica has used the definition of forest that it
uses for CDM projects: Forest is an area of land with a minimum size of 1.0 ha, with a canopy cover over 30%, and
presenting trees with the potential to reach a minimum height of 5 meters at maturity in situ. A forest may consist of
tight formations where trees of various strata and undergrowth cover a high proportion of the ground, or open
formations with canopy cover over 30%. Young natural stands and all plantations that have not yet reached a canopy
cover of 30%, or a height of 5 meters are considered forest. http://theredddesk.org/countries/costa-rica/legal-
frameworks
113. (Cote dIvoire 1965) Sont considres comme forts les formations vgtales dont les fruits exclusifs ou
principaux sont les bois d'bnisterie, d'industrie et de service, les bois de chauffage et charbon et qui
accessoirement peuvent produire d'autres matires telles que bambous, corces, latex, rsines, gommes, graines et
fruits. TITRE I DEFINITIONS, Article 1. - LOI NO 65/425 DU 20 DEC 1965. portant Code Forestier
114. (Cte d'Ivoire 2006 KP) Cover Min. Area (ha) = 0.1 Min. Crown Cover (%) = 30 Min. Tree Height (m) = 5 Min. Strip
Width (m) = ns http://cdm.unfccc.int/DNA/index.html - Excludes palms and bamboos
115. (Croatia 1995) Land coherently stocked with trees, shrubs and ground vegetation, where wood mass is
permanently produced, and benefits of general welfare are expressed by ecological (protective) and social forest
functions". ("Sumarski List", Hrvatsko Sumarsko Drustvo, Journal of the Forestry Society of Croatia. No 9-10, Godina
CXIX, Zagreb, 1995)
116. (Croatia 2008 KP) Min. Area (ha) = 0.1 Min. Crown Cover (%) = 10 Min. Tree Height (m) = 2 Min. Strip Width (m)
= ns http://unfccc.int/files/meetings/ad_hoc_working_groups/kp/application/pdf/awgkp_croatia_2011.pdf and
http://unfccc.int/files/national_reports/initial_reports_under_the_kyoto_protocol/application/pdf/27-08-
08_initial_report_croatia.pdf
117. (Croatia 2010) Forest is defined as the land covered by forest trees formed as forest stand over an area larger
than 10 ars (1 ar = 100 square meters). Separate forest tree groups over an area up to 10 ars, forest nurseries, wind
barrier belts, tree avenues, and parks in settlements are not considered forests.
http://www.fao.org/docrep/013/al485E/al485e.pdf and Faculty of forestry University of Zagreb, Ministry for regional
development of forestry and water management, 2010.
118. (Croatia KP) forest is land spanning more than 0.1 hectares with trees higher than 2 meters and canopy cover
more than 10 percent, or trees able to reach these thresholds in situ, http://books.google.com/books?id=iU6ctBak3-
gC&pg=PA132&lpg=PA132&dq=Croatia++Forest++definition+define+%22forest+is
%22+law&source=bl&ots=yvf2xQpJPr&sig=mQUVqbZLIEa6C88qGsh1mYS9UDY&hl=en&sa=X&ei=SoI6T_26K4Tg0
QGAmoHFCw&ved=0CCMQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=Croatia%20%20Forest%20%20definition%20define
%20%22forest%20is%22%20law&f=false
119. (Croatia) Forest is defined by Croatian Forest law as land with tree cover occupying areas greater than 0.1 ha.
http://books.google.com/books?id=iU6ctBak3-gC&pg=PA132&lpg=PA132&dq=Croatia++Forest++definition+define+
%22forest+is
%22+law&source=bl&ots=yvf2xQpJPr&sig=mQUVqbZLIEa6C88qGsh1mYS9UDY&hl=en&sa=X&ei=SoI6T_26K4Tg0
57
QGAmoHFCw&ved=0CCMQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=Croatia%20%20Forest%20%20definition%20define
%20%22forest%20is%22%20law&f=false
120. (Cuba) Bosque: formaciones naturales (bosques naturales) o artificiales (plantaciones) integradas por rboles,
arbustos y otras especies de plantas y animales superiores e inferiores, que constituyen un ecosistema de relevancia
econmica y social por las funciones que desempea. "Nelida Puentes Alvarez" npuentes@eco.upr.edu.cu
121. (Cyprus 1992) - An area of at least 1 ha covered with forest tree vegetation and crown cover more than 10
percent. A.K. Christou "Forestry Department - Research and Publicity Sector" publicity@cytanet.com.cy. Cyprus
(open woodland) Forest area with only few trees per ha (that is crown cover about 1-2 percent) (UN/ECE 1992 p.
125).
122. (Cyprus 2002) Old definition: Forest Land with tree crown cover of more that 10 % and area of more than 1 ha.
Cyprus Department of forests ministry of agriculture, natural resources and environment, 2006. Kyriacou K. 2002.
123. (Cyprus 2006) It corresponds to FRA definition except the threshold value for minimum area, which is 1 ha, with
trees higher than 5 m and a crown cover of more than 10%, or trees able to reach these thresholds in situ. Land
predominantly under agricultural or urban use not included. Cyprus Department of forests ministry of agriculture,
natural resources and environment, 2006. Kyriacou K. 2002.
124. (Cyprus) Spanning more than 0.5 ha with trees higher than 5 m and a crown cover of more than 10%, or trees
able to reach these thresholds in situ, Land predominantly under agricultural or urban use not included.
http://books.google.com/books?id=iU6ctBak3-gC&pg=PA142&lpg=PA142&dq=%22For+management+purposes,
+State+Forests+are+divided
%22&source=bl&ots=yvf2xSmFSt&sig=RmwVGV7UljL1nK9cjAb0NK8VVdY&hl=en&sa=X&ei=QsM6T-
mOKaG90QG6zfHdCw&ved=0CCMQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=%22For%20management%20purposes%2C%20State
%20Forests%20are%20divided%22&f=false
125. (Czech Republic 2004) - Forest land: land with forest stands and land after cutting ready for reforestation, forest
line and soft roads of width less than 4 m. Forest roads, water surfaces, land above timber line and other land serving
for forest management. Minimum area is 0.01 ha and with a minimum width of 20 m. NIL definition: Forest - areas
(subplot), which are forest land as defined in the Forest Act No. 289/95 Coll. 3, paragraph 1, letter a) and the
Ministry of Agriculture Decree No. 84/1996 (which are divided into forest land stand soil and forest-free areas). Are
also included in this category sites that have the character of the forest and not defined in the above legislation (e.g.
forests on agricultural land). Ustav pro Hospodarskou Upravu Lesu (UHUL), 2004.
126. (Czech Republic 2006 KP) Cover Min. Area (ha) = 0.05 Min. Crown Cover (%) = 30 Min. Tree Height (m) = 2 Min.
Strip Width (m) = 20
http://unfccc.int/files/national_reports/initial_reports_under_the_kyoto_protocol/application/pdf/initial_report_aau_unfcc
c_cze.pdf. (2006)
127. (Czech Republic 2009 NIR) Tree height > 2m, area > 0.05 ha.
128. (Czech Republic) Forest - National definition, threshold value 20 % crown cover, 400 sq. m. area, minimum height
limit, no comparable data available http://www.metla.fi/eu/cost/e43/minutes/wg1-min-florence.pdf
129. (Democratic Republic Congo 2008 KP) Cover Min. Area (ha) = 0.5 Min. Crown Cover (%) = 30 Min. Tree Height
(m) = 3 Min. Strip Width (m) = ns http://cdm.unfccc.int/DNA/cdf/files/2008/1111_DRC.pdf
130. (Democratic Republic of Congo) Article 1 defines forest as any land with trees or bushes that can produce forest
products, act as home to wildlife or have an effect on climate or soils, or any land that previously had such vegetation
on it. http://www.mappingforrights.org/files/Rights%20and%20mapping%20in%20DRC%20%20-%20FINAL.pdf
131. (Denmark 2004) A forest is a tree-grown area which is larger than hectare and is more than 20 metres wide.
The trees shall be able to grow to a highstemmed closed forest inside a reasonable timespan, cf. the Danish Nature
Agency's guidelines of 1 October 2004 on the Forest Act. http://en.itst.dk/spectrum-equipment/Auctions-and-calls-for-
tenders/800-mhz/filarkiv/800MHz%20consultation%20document.pdf
132. (Denmark 2009 NIR) Crown cover > 10%, tree height > 5m, area > 0.5 ha, width > 10 m.
133. (Denmark 2010 NFI) Crown cover > 10%, tree height > 5m, area > 0.5 ha,
134. (Denmark) Forest means areas of 3 ha or more with woody plants which may on the site of growth develop into
tall standard (above 6 m). Woody plants also include many-stemmed mountain pine. www.mst.dk/rules/Ministerial
%20Orders%20no%20longer%20in%20force/Chemicals%20not%20in%20force/05030500.doc
135. (Dominican Republic 2000) Min. Cover = 10 %. http://www.fao.org/forestry/fo/country/index.jsp?
lang_id=1&geo_id=12
136. (Dominican Republic 2006 KP) Cover Min. Area (ha) = 0.0629 Min. Crown Cover (%) = 20 Min. Tree Height (m) =
5 Min. Strip Width (m) = ns http://cdm.unfccc.int/DNA/index.html
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137. (Dominican Republic) Bosques - En esta categoa predominan especies de rbolescon alturas mayores de 5
metros y densidad del dosel superior variable de denso (60-100%) a abierto (40-60%).
138. (Ecuador 2006 KP) Cover Min. Area (ha) = 1.0 Min. Crown Cover (%) = 30 Min. Tree Height (m) = 5 Min. Strip
139. (Egypt 2003) Forests include all areas dominated by evergreen or deciduous trees with a canopy cover of greater
than 60% and a height exceeding 2 meters. Both broadleaf and needleleaf trees are included.
http://www.egyptchm.org/chm/implementation/pdf/arid_lands.pdf
140. (El Salvador 2006 KP) Cover Min. Area (ha) = 0.5 Min. Crown Cover (%) = 30 Min. Tree Height (m) = 5 Min. Strip
141. (Eritrea 2000) Forest and woodland 10 % canopy closure. Source: ECE-FAO Partnership Programme: Kenya
Workshop on Forestry Statistics. Appendix 6 and http://www.fao.org/forestry/fo/country/index.jsp?
lang_id=1&geo_id=62
142. (Estonia 1998) Forest [mets] - growing site of ligneous plants which area is at least 0.5 ha and which corresponds
to the following conditions: 1) height of growing trees is at least 1.3 m and density of crowns is at least 30%; 2) it is
managed for timber and other forest products or there are ligneous plants preserved for use in ways which are
described in the Forestry Act. Forests can be divided into productive forests (producing at least 1 cubic metre of stem
timber as an average for long period) and unproductive forests (producing less than 1 cubic metre of stem timber as
an average for long period. Estonian new Forestry Act From: "Sulev Svilponis" Sulev@ekm.envir.ee . Definitions are
unofficial translations The Forest Act Passed on 9 December 1998, (RT* I 1998, 113/114, 1872),Entered into force on
9 January 1999. http://www.envir.ee/metsaamet/english/acts/forestact.htm
143. (Estonia 1998) Forest Act (FA) (1998) forest is defined as a site of woody vegetation with an area of at least 0,5
ha which meets at least one of the following criteria: 1) the height of the trees is at least 1,3 m and the canopy density
at least 30 per cent; 2) it is managed for obtaining timber or other forest produce, or woody vegetation is maintained
there for the use in the ways specified in this Act. http://www.keskkonnainfo.ee/publications/16285_PDF.pdf
144. (Estonia 2006 KP) Min. Area (ha) = 0.5 Min. Crown Cover (%) = 30 Min. Tree Height (m) = 1.3 Min. Strip Width
(m) = 20
http://unfccc.int/files/national_reports/initial_reports_under_the_kyoto_protocol/application/msword/aau_report_estoni
a_24_10_unfccc.doc. (2006)
145. (Estonia 2007) According to the act, forest land is land listed in the land register as forest and or land of at least
0.1 hectares where woody plants with a height of at least 1.3 m and with crown closure of at least 30% grow (Forest
Act, 2007). http://stud.epsilon.slu.se/1798/1/Link_M_100910.pdf
146. (Estonia 2009 NIR) Crown cover > 30%, tree height > 2m, area > 0.5 ha.
147. (Estonia 2010 NFI) Crown cover > 30%.
148. (Estonia 2010) Forest land (reference definition, applied parallel with National definition since 2005) Land with
tree crown cover (or equivalent stocking level) of more than 10% and area of more than 0.5 ha. The trees should be
able to reach a minimum height of 5 m at maturity in situ (incl. temporarily unstocked areas). Prt E., Adermann V.,
Merenk M., 2010. http://www.efi.int/files/attachments/publications/annex_1_to_efi_technical_report_88__2013.pdf
149. (Estonia 2013) - Area (ha) 0.5; Tree crown cover (%) 30; Tree height (m) 2. http://eur-
lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:32013D0529
150. (Estonia KP) A plot of land with an area of at least 0.1ha and woody plants with the height of at least 1.3m and
with the canopy density of at least 30 percent grow there. http://www.environmental-auditing.org/LinkClick.aspx?
fileticket=fbx%2FbAIVeFU%3D&tabid=128&mid=568
151. (Estonia) Collection of trees which density is at least 30% and growing stock is more than 30 cubic metres per
hectare. Forest Survey Centre From: "Sulev Svilponis" Sulev@ekm.envir.ee . Definitions are unofficial translations.
152. (Estonia) Forest - forest land with vegetation growing on it and with wildlife living in it. The lower area limit is 0.5
ha. http://www.fris.sk/Phare/Projects/ManagementOfForestInEurope/PDF/annex2.pdf
153. (Estonia) Forest [mets] - forest land with plant community. Trees, bushes and other plants are important part of
forest. Forest fauna is part of forest ecosystem. Current Estonian Forestry Act (valid until 01/01/99) From: "Sulev
Svilponis" Sulev@ekm.envir.ee. Definitions are unofficial translations.
154. (Estonia) Forest [mets] - Part of landscape and habitat which is formed when trees are growing together and
where appear multifarious mutual influence and relations between trees and site conditions (relief, soil, microclimate).
Collection of trees is called forest if the area, height and density are exceeding the limits when environmental
conditions start to change qualitatively. Estonian Encyclopedia From: "Sulev Svilponis" Sulev@ekm.envir.ee .
Definitions are unofficial translations
155. (Ethiopia 1994) The .Forestry Conservation, Development and Utilization Proclamation. was issued at the Federal
level in 1994 (Proclamation No.94/1994). The term.forest. is defined as ..a community of plants either naturally grown
or developed by planting and in many respects are trees and other plants having a woody character. (Art.2.3). Forests
are thus defined into natural forests (e.g. naturally growing indigenous trees) and forests established by planting (e.g.
59
afforestation or reforestation). The definition given to .forest. and .trees. in the SNNPRS Forestry Proclamation is
similar to that given in the Federal Proclamation (Arts.2.3 and 2.8 of Proclamation No.77/2004).
http://cdm.unfccc.int/filestorage/L/4/Q/L4QB30W8C5RYZMT6UKOFX1PV9GNIHS/Annex%205%20Legal
%20aspects.pdf?t=OXR8bHpqZnlvfDByMiF2MIecUaf9gjv8IjJT
156. (Ethiopia 2006 KP) Cover Min. Area (ha) = 0.05 Min. Crown Cover (%) = 20 Min. Tree Height (m) = 2 Min. Strip
157. (Ethiopia 2007) "forest" means a community of plants, either naturally grown or developed by planting and mainly
consisting of trees and other plants having woody character; http://www.pfmp-farmsos.org/Docs/forest
%20proclamation_english.pdf
158. (Ethiopia KP) The Ethiopian Designate National Authority for CDM, EPA, has communicated to the UNFCCC
CDM Executive Board the definition of forest used for CDM projects in Ethiopia, which is as follows: A minimum area
of 0.05 hectares; A minimum tree crown cover of 20 per cent; A minimum average tree height above 2 m.
159. (Ethiopia KP) The Ethiopian DNA has determined that within Ethiopia, a forest is defined as land with trees that
has: A minimum area of 0.05 hectares; A minimum tree crown cover of 20 per cent; A minimum average tree
height above 2 m. http://www.climate-standards.org/projects/files/ethiopia/Ethiopia_Humbo_CCBA_PDD_June_6.pdf
160. (Ethiopia) Natural high forest. Min. av. height 7 m. Canopy closure 68%. Source: ECE-FAO Partnership
Programme: Kenya Workshop on Forestry Statistics. Appendix 6.
161. (Fiji 1992) In the National Forest Inventory (1991-1992) on a scale of 1:50,000 the minimum forested area shows
on the map is 4 ha. There is no legal definition of what a forest is, although it is classified into three: Dense forest -
Crown density by trees and/or ferns 75-100% and grown coverage of grass, palm and /or bamboo 0-25%. Medium
dense - Crown density by trees and/or ferns 45-80% and ground coverage by grass, palm and/or bamboo 20-55%.
Scattered forest (including scattered coconut stands), dens bushland (thickets) with single trees - crown density by
trees and/or ferns 15-50% and ground coverage by grass, palm and/or bamboo 50-80%. Malakai Sevudredre,
Conservator of Forests, F.9641/2. 01/06/2000.
162. (Fiji 2007) The re-defined threshold for forest is from 4 hectares in the 1991 NFI down to 0.5 hectares in the 2007
NFI. http://geodata.rrcap.unep.org/all_reports/PECCO_Draft_30dec2010.docx
163. (Fiji 2010)Forest Densities: 1. dense forest: crown density by trees and/ or ferns 75-100% and round coverage by
grass, palm and/ or bamboo 0-25% 2. medium dense forest: crown density by trees and/ or ferns 45-80% and ground
coverage by grass, palm and/ or bamboo 20-55% 3. scattered forest: shrub forest (including scattered coconut
stands), dense bushland (thickets) with single trees. Crown density by trees and/or ferns 15-50% and ground
coverage by grass, palm and/ or bamboo 50-85% http://www.cbd.int/doc/world/fj/fj-nr-04-en.pdf
164. (Finland 2006 KP) Cover Min. Area (ha) = 0.5 Min. Crown Cover (%) = 10 Min. Tree Height (m) = 5 Min. Strip
Width (m) = 20 http://unfccc.int/files/national_reports/initial_reports_under_the_kyoto_protocol/application/x-zip-
compressed/fin_ir_report_22dec.zip Temporarily unstocked areas are included (forest regeneration areas).
165. (Finland 2009 NIR) Crown cover > 10%, tree height > 5m, > area > 0.5 ha, width > 20 m.
166. (Former USSR 1992) - Land bearing stands of the main forest-forming species as well as forest plantations,
nurseries, and the like. Forests do not include roads or other land not subject to afforestation. Other wooded land
includes scrub and plantation in which trees are rare. This category also conventionally includes clearings, burnt
areas, and glades subject to stocking in the future. (UN/ECE 1992 p. 275).
167. (France 1992) Forest greater than or equal to 4 ha. (UN/ECE 1992 p. 156).
168. (France 1997) Identified from aerial photos, from ocular estimates. Lands with either measured trees (diameter
7.5 cm) have a crown cover percentage reaching at least 10% (ground projection of crowns) - or there are more than
500 stems per ha that are viable trees (able to make a stand): seedlings, plants or shoots, vigorous, well shaped and
regularly distributed. Cover at least 5 acres, the average width of canopy being at least 15 m. Rest of definition
appears to include orchards. (European Communities 1997a - p. 254-255). Forest also includes poplar stands of
between 0.05 and 0.5 ha. UN/ECE 2000 p 77.
169. (France 2005) According to the national forest definition the minimum forest area is 0.05 ha, with the canopy
cover of 10% , minimum height of tree 5-7 m and the minimum width of strip 25 m.(FRA,2005)
http://icaci.org/documents/ICC_proceedings/ICC2011/Oral%20Presentations%20PDF/A3-Data%20integration/CO-
028.pdf
170. (France 2006 KP) Cover Min. Area (ha) = 0.5 Min. Crown Cover (%) = 10 Min. Tree Height (m) = 5 Min. Strip
Width (m) = 20
http://unfccc.int/files/national_reports/initial_reports_under_the_kyoto_protocol/application/pdf/rapport_initial_de_la_fr
ance_kyoto_quantite_attribue_ccnuc..pdf. (2006)
171. (France 2009 NIR) Crown cover > 10%, tree height > 5m, area > 0.5 ha, width > 20 m.
http://afoludata.jrc.ec.europa.eu/metaed/project_collection/JRC_54744_Mascaref_Full_Report_for_print.pd
172. (France 2010 NFI) Crown cover > 10%, area > 0.5 ha, width > 15 m.
60
173. (France 2010) - A forest is defined as land with tree crown cover of more than 10%, an area of more than 0.5 ha
and an average width of more than 20 m. Trees should be able to reach a minimum height of 5 m at maturity in
situ.Institute National de lInformation Geographique et Forestiere, 2010.
174. (French Polynesia 2000) Forest - Includes natural forest and forest plantations but excluding cocco plantations.
175. (Gabon 2001) An area with a plant cover that provides wood and nonagricultural plant products and which
shelters wildlife and directly or indirectly affects the soil, climate or water supply. http://books.google.com/books?
id=KDcRI1Nj9n0C&pg=PA31&lpg=PA31&dq=Gabon+forest+definition+define+%22forest+is%22+law,+code,
+act&source=bl&ots=KcKcJElGQp&sig=VXqWDovWVaNhzxlOslyQu7G0HME&hl=en&sa=X&ei=mbE-T-
C9JYXu0gGrv83MCA&ved=0CCMQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=Gabon%20forest%20definition%20define
%20%22forest%20is%22%20law%2C%20code%2C%20act&f=false
176. (Gambia) - A land area with at least 10% tree cover, naturally grown or planted, and or 50% or more shrub and
tree generation cover and includes government forest parks, community forests and protected forests irrespective of
their tree and shrub cover;..... Source: Danso A. A. Forestry Department forestry.dept@gamtel.gm
177. (Gambia) all lands at leas10 % tree cover and 50% vegetative cover http://books.google.com/books?id=dZh6-
ekpSawC&pg=PA104&lpg=PA104&dq=Ethiopia+Forest+definition+define+%22forest+is
%22+law+act&source=bl&ots=Wx8pSUKv7a&sig=I5dj10rusCk4zljYh9dOAZi5Vgw&hl=en&sa=X&ei=jC8-
T9mtFqHz0gH49OCpBw&ved=0CCMQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=Ethiopia%20Forest%20definition%20define
%20%22forest%20is%22%20law%20act&f=false
178. (Georgia 1999) A part of geographical landscape, comprising attributed to forest by Georgian legislation, land
under these trees, as well as shrubs, grass, animals and other components biologically linked in the process of their
development, affecting each other and the environment. Source: Forest Code (June, 1999) Kate Metreveli, Head of
the WB Forestry, Project Preparation Unit. kattimet@geo.net.ge
179. (Georgia 1999): The integrity of state forest, land and other resources defined as SFF by the Georgian legislation
(Forest Code of Georgia, 1999). Includes the land categories listed below: Forest: Part of geographic landscape,
which includes the unity of trees (defined by the Georgian legislation as parts of forests), lands, bushes, grasses,
animals and other objects, which are biologically inter-related and have an impact upon each other as well as
environment. Forest lands: Open plantations, nurseries, clear-cut areas, fire damaged and dead stands, 0.1 ha and
larger fields and forest farm yards. (President of Georgia, 1999).
180. (Georgia 2008) - Forest - a part of geographical landscape, comprising trees attributed to forest by Georgian
legislation, land under these trees, as well as shrubs, grass, animals, and other components biologically linked in the
process of their development, affecting each other and the environment.
http://www.unece.org/fileadmin/DAM/env/pp/compliance/C2009-
35/Communication/Annex_1_ACCCC200835_GeorgianForestCode.doc
181. (Georgia 2010) A forest is defined as land with tree crown cover of more than 10%, an area of more than 0.5 ha
and an average width of more than 20 m. Trees should be able to reach a minimum height of 5 m at maturity in situ.
FAO, 2010. http://www.efi.int/files/attachments/publications/annex_1_to_efi_technical_report_88__2013.pdf
182. (Germany 1975) Forests are all tracts of land where forest trees grow, including functionally related parts (e.g.
clearings and openings, forest roads). http://www.fao.org/legal/legstud/ls88/ls88e.pdf
183. (Germany 2006 KP) Cover Min. Area (ha) = 0.1 Min. Crown Cover (%) = 10 Min. Tree Height (m) = 5 Min. Strip
Width (m) = ns
http://unfccc.int/files/national_reports/initial_reports_under_the_kyoto_protocol/application/pdf/ec_assigned_amount_r
eport_en.pdf.
184. (Ghana 1999) A large area of land thickly covered with trees, bushes, shrubs and thickets. (Osei Kofi, Forestry
Dept.- Letter 7 May 99)
185. (Ghana 2009 KP) defines a forest as an area of land greater than 0.1 hectare, with more than 15% canopy cover
and a minimum tree height of 2 metres. http://www.nature.com/news/2009/090819/full/news.2009.842.html
186. (Greece 1945) - All land which has been forest or areas of equal ecological value with forest vegetation (like areas
with wild bushes and sporadic trees with a density of their canopy ground projection larger than 25% of the area), as
of 1945, is characterized as forest and is protected by the Law. Potsiou, Chryssy A.; Dimitriadi, Katerina. 2008. Tools
for Legal Integration and Regeneration of Informal Development in Greece: A Research Study in the Municipality of
Keratea. Surveying and Land Information Science 68(2): 103-118. http://lambda.qsensei.com/content/b7spn
187. (Greece 2000) FRA 2000. Land with tree crown cover (or equivalent stocking level) of more than 10%and area of
more than 0.5 ha. The trees should be able to reach a minimum height of 5 meters (m) at maturity in situ. FOREST
EUROPE, UNECE AND FAO, 2011.
188. (Greece 2002). Greeces national definition of forest (an area of at least 0.5 ha or a strip of land 30 m wide with at
least 10% tree coverage and forest type vegetation). http://www.ymparisto.fi/download.asp?contentid=25582&lan=en
189. (Greece 2003) Forest is defined as an area made up of wild trees species creating a canopy with a crown density
>25%. Forestland is defined as an area made up of wild woody vegetation (scattered trees, shrubs, or open land
61
within forests and open land above tree line) with > 25% vegetation. There is a controversy over the threshold percent
cover to characterize as forest or forest land (protection afforded by law) as formerly 15 % was used. Law 86/1969:
Forest Code. Law 998/1979, 3208/2003.. Mouflis, George et al. n.d. Session 1: Vegetation, bioclimatic zones, forest
service and forest management in Greece. Training, Networking and capacity building for Sustainable forest in
Povolgie. Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. 48 slides. http://tempus.marstu.net/presentations/mouflis1(eng)_s2.pdf
190. (Greece 2006 KP) Greece has identified the following single minimum values for tree crown cover, land area and
tree height for use in accounting for its activities under Article 3, paragraphs 3 and 4 of the Kyoto Protocol: Tree crown
cover: 25%; Land area: 0.3 Ha; Tree height: 2 m. Hellenic Ministry for the Environment, Physical Planning and Public
Works 2006. Initial Report of Greece under the Kyoto Protocol. Climate Change. 45 p.
http://unfccc.int/files/national_reports/initial_reports_under_the_kyoto_protocol/application/msword/greece_-
_initial_report.doc
191. (Greece 2006) Forest forest area: (Greek Constitution )The organic group of wild plants with wooded stem which
form (with in site living flora and fauna) a special biocommunityand environment. Forest area if wooded vegetation is
sparse (recent quantitative criteria L.3208/03: 25% cover, height of vegetation, species). Palaskas, Dimitrios Sp;
Stamou, Nikolaos I. 2006. Social and economic benefits from compiling the Forest Data Bank Project (Dasologio) in
Greece. 12th EC GI & GIS Workshop -Innsbruck, June 21-23 2006. 20 slides http://www.ec-gis.org/Workshops/12ec-
gis/presentations/Plenary%20room/THU_Nat_SDI_2/palaskas.pdf
192. (Greece 2006) Specifically in order for a patch to be characterized as forest or woodland, its size should
exceed 0,3 hectares or unless so, it should be at least 30 meters wide or in close interdependence and interaction
with other forest areas. Furthermore the forest canopy cover should exceed 30 percent. The distinction among the two
categories is based on criteria relating to the existence of stratums of forest canopy and the canopy cover of each
layer. In general woodlands correspond mainly to areas covered with a discontinuous tree layer, shrubs and
herbaceous vegetation. Mallinis,G. et al. 2006? An object oriented approach for the discrimination of forest areas
under the criteria of forest legislation in Greece using very high resolution data. The International Archives of the
Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing and Spatial Information Sciences, Vol. 34, Part XXX.
http://www.isprs.org/proceedings/XXXVI/4-C42/Papers/13_Automated%20classification%20IC%20I%20-
%20Forest/OBIA2006_Mallinis_et_al.pdf
193. (Greece 2009 NIR and NFI) Crown cover > 10%, area > 0.5 ha, width > 30 m.
194. (Greece 2011). Land with tree crown cover (or equivalent stocking level) of more than 10%and area of more than
0.5 ha. The trees should be able to reach a minimum height of 5 meters (m) at maturity in situ. FOREST EUROPE,
UNECE AND FAO, 2011.
195. (Greece 2012) - A forest is an area where wild trees with wooden trunk exist and forest lands where wild plants
with hard branches like bushes, low or tall, even rocky areas that are surrounded by areas with such vegetation. Any
piece of land if not cultivated can become a forest land. Chryssy Potsiou . chryssyp@survey.ntua.gr 5 Feb. 2012.
196. (Greece) Forest is defined as land with tree crown cover (stand density) of more than about 20% of the area, and
with trees which usually grow to more than about 7 m in height and are able to produce wood. This includes both,
closed forest formations where trees of various storeys and undergrowth cover a high proportion of the ground, and
open forest formations with a continuous grass layer in which tree synusia cover at least 10% of the ground.
http://www.lasy.gov.pl/dokumenty/in_english/files/forest_and_forestry_in_eu-pdf/at_download/file
197. (Greece) Forests are characterised by forest trees (high and coppice forests) that produce or are able to produce
at least 1 m3 of commercial timber per hectare per year. http://bookshop.europa.eu/is-
bin/INTERSHOP.enfinity/WFS/EU-Bookshop-Site/en_GB/-/EUR/ViewPDFFile-OpenPDFFile?
FileName=LBNA24300ENC_002.pdf&SKU=LBNA24300ENC_PDF
198. (Guatemala 1996) Native or autochthon ecosystem, intervened or not, regenerated through natural succession or
other forestry mechanisms, that does occupy an area greater than 2 ha, characterized by the presence of mature
trees of different ages, species and appearance, with one or more layers. "Ecosistema en donde los rboles son las
especies dominantes y permanentes"(Ley Forestal, Decreto 101-96, capitulo II: Art. 4).
199. (Guatemala-2006 KP) Cover Min. Area (ha) = 0.5 Min. Crown Cover (%) = 30 Min. Tree Height (m) = 2 Min. Strip
Width (m) = ns http://cdm.unfccc.int/DNA/index.html
200. (Guinea Bissau 2000) Min. crown cover = 10 % http://www.fao.org/forestry/fo/country/index.jsp?
lang_id=1&geo_id=67
201. (Guyana 2011 KP) In accordance with the Marrakech Accords, Guyana has elected to classify land as forest if it
meets the following criteria: Tree cover of minimum 30% At a minimum height of 5 m Over a minimum area of
1 ha. http://www.forestry.gov.gy/Downloads/Guyana_MRVS_Interim_Measures_Report_16_March_2011.pdf
202. (Honduras 2006 KP) Cover Min. Area (ha) = 1.0 Min. Crown Cover (%) = 30 Min. Tree Height (m) = 5 Min. Strip
203. (Honduras) Terrenos que sostienen una asociacin vegetal dominada por rboles o arbustos de cualquier tamao
ya sea que crezcan espontneamente o que procedan de siembra o plantacin, que fueren capaces de producir
madera, lea u otros productos forestales, de ejercer influencia sobre el clima, suelos, sobre el rgimen de aguas o
62
sobre el medio ambiente en general, o de proveer refugio al ganado y la vida silvestre. (Reglamento General Forestal
Titulo I, Captulo I, Art. 1)
204. (Hungary 2006 KP) Cover Min. Area (ha) = 0.5 Min. Crown Cover (%) = 30 Min. Tree Height (m) = 5 Min. Strip
Width (m) = 10
http://unfccc.int/files/national_reports/initial_reports_under_the_kyoto_protocol/application/pdf/hungaryaareport_v4fin.
pdf (2006)
205. (Hungary 2006) Definition: Forest should be consisted more than 50% of the tree species (listed in the Forest Act)
and forest cover is more than 30%. Mezgazdasgi Szakigazgatsi Hivatal (MGSZH), 2006.
206. (Hungary 2006) Forest land (1000 ha) - With defined tree species, minimum block size 0.5 ha, -Crown cover min.
50% (30% if protection function). Area: all forest where the forest block is at least 0.5 ha (all area which has forest
cadastral status, plus all area where forest is found) Definition: Forest should be consisted more than 50% of the tree
species (listed in the Forest Act) and forest cover is more than 30%. Mezgazdasgi Szakigazgatsi Hivatal
(MGSZH), 2006. http://www.efi.int/files/attachments/publications/annex_1_to_efi_technical_report_88__2013.pdf
207. (Hungary 2009 NRI) Crown cover > 30%, tree height > 5m, area > 0.5 ha..
208. (Hungary) -By law forest means area covered by woody vegetation with area bigger than 0,15 ha. Other wooded
lands not included can be only row of trees, alleys, etc. having no adequate system (ortho-photos, software, etc.) its
quantity can be only wrong estimated. http://www.fao.org/forestry/foris/webview/forestry2/index.jsp?
siteId=5081&sitetreeId=18927&langId=1&geoId=0
209. (Hungary) Forest - National definition based on limited species list & canopy cover limit (15 %), information for
other land uses available http://www.metla.fi/eu/cost/e43/minutes/wg1-min-florence.pdf
210. (Iceland 2006 KP) Cover Min. Area (ha) = 0.5 Min. Crown Cover (%) = 10 Min. Tree Height (m) = 2 Min. Strip
Width (m) = ns
http://unfccc.int/files/national_reports/initial_reports_under_the_kyoto_protocol/application/msword/initial_report_-
_iceland.doc (2006)
211. (Iceland 2010 KP) In accordance to the GPG arising from the Kyoto Protocol a country-specific definition of forest
has been adopted. The minimal crown cover of forest is 10%, the minimal height 2 m, minimal area 0.5 ha and
minimal width 20 m. http://groa.rala.is/Kortavefsja/ICELAND_NIR_2010.pdf
212. (Iceland 2011)- Forest area is a land with a minimum area of 0.5 ha, with a minimum 10% crown cover, and
minimum height of trees of 5 m at maturity in situ. FOREST EUROPE, UNECE and FAO 2011.
213. (Iceland 2011) National definition: areas with trees higher than 2 m and 10% crown cover are defined as forests in
Iceland. http://www.efi.int/files/attachments/publications/annex_1_to_efi_technical_report_88__2013.pdf
214. (Iceland) Forest (skogur) - Ecosystems where the dominant organisms are trees. The term includes all organisms,
processes and physical components of these ecosystems. Includes scrubland where the dominant "trees" (usually the
native birch, Betula pubescens) may only reach 1-2 m in height. Source: Latest draft of a new forestry act : rstur
Eysteinsson throstur@simnet.is
215. (India 1865) forest was first defined in the Indian Forest Act, 1865 as land covered with trees, brushwood and
jungle, http://www.mtnforum.org/sites/default/files/pub/4946.pdf
216. (India 1996) An extensive are covered by trees and bushes with no agriculture.
http://iasc2008.glos.ac.uk/conference%20papers/papers/P/Patnaik_130901.pdf
217. (India 1997) For forest cover assessments - all lands with a tree canopy density of more than 10 percent though
they may not be statutorily notified as forest. Thus the forest cover assessments would leave out barren "forest" areas
but include plantations done outside forest reserves. T P Singh tpsingh@teri.res.in and Forest Survey of India. 1997.
The state of Forest Report (Ministry of Environment and Forests. Dehra Dun, India.)
218. (India 2003) The 2003 forest cover analysis by the Forest Survey of India using satellite data, including forests of
a defined area of more than 1 ha and 10% of tree canopy cover,
219. (India 2006 KP) Cover Min. Area (ha) = 0.05 Min. Crown Cover (%) = 15 Min. Tree Height (m) = 2 Min. Strip Width
220. (India 2006) The Act has defined forest land as land of any description falling within any forest area and includes
most types of forests. The Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act,
2006 http://www.mtnforum.org/sites/default/files/pub/4946.pdf
221. (India 2008) Forest cover consists of all lands having tree canopy density of more than 10 percent that can be
interpreted from satellite data. The resolution and limitations of the sensor are crucial in estimation of area under
forest cover. http://mospi.nic.in/mospi_new/upload/nad10_2008_karnataka_final.pdf
222. (India) Forest cover - All lands, more than one hectare in area, with a tree canopy density of more than 10
percent. Such lands may not be statutorily notified as forest area. http://moef.gov.in/nfc/s-git.pdf
223. (India) Forest Cover is defined as an area more than 1 ha in extent and having tree canopy density of 10 percent
and above. This definition is based on the resolution of digital satellite data (pixel size 23.5m X 23.5m), scale of
63
interpretation (1:50,000) and the technique used for image processing. http://sudiv.gov.in/PDFFiles%5CNSR
%5CNational%20Status%20Report%20(ITTO)%20-%2023.9.06%5CCompiled%20Report%5CCompiled%20report
%20_F_.pdf
224. (India) Forest land is one with standing trees. http://www.thestatesman.net/index.php?
option=com_content&view=article&id=382252&catid=52
225. (Indonesia 1998) an area growing trees which as a whole forms a living natural community and a natural living
environment, which is designated by the government as being a forest" (Nico Smith 1999).
http://europe.mtnforum.org/rs/econfreports/MountainPeopleForestsAndTrees.pdf
226. (Indonesia 2002) Land on which trees form the dominant vegetation type. The Indonesian government uses a
land use definition of forest in the various land use classes that comprise Permanent Forest Status (see below).
However, up to 20 percent of Permanent Forest Status land has been deforested.
http://www.globalforestwatch.org/common/indonesia/sof.indonesia.english.low.pdf and SaveForest. n.d..Definitions.
http://www.freewebs.com/irwantoforester/definition2.html
227. (Indonesia KP) - Forest area: 0.05 to 1 ha (Indonesia decided on 0.25 ha) Potential to reach a minimum height
at maturity in situ of 2-5 m (Indonesia decided on 5 m). Tree crown cover (or equivalent stocking level): 10 to 30 %
(Indonesia decided on >30%) Under this definition a forest can contain anything from 10% to 100% tree cover; it is
only when cover falls below the minimum crown cover that it designated as non-forest. However, if this is only a
temporary change, such as for timber harvest with regeneration expected, the land remains in the forest classification.
http://www.forestcarbonpartnership.org/fcp/sites/forestcarbonpartnership.org/files/Documents/PDF/IFCA_Consolidatio
n_report_REDD_Indonesia_0.pdf
228. (Indonesia KP) An area dominated by a group of trees having height usually more than 5m, with a canopy density
of more than 10 percent. http://www.environmental-auditing.org/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=fbx%2FbAIVeFU
229. (Indonesia KP) The values for the definition of forest have also been given as, minimum land area of 0.25 ha;
30% crown cover and 5m tree height. http://www.communitycarbonforestry.org/NewPublications/ESP%20article
%20CAMERON.pdf
230. (Indonesia) A unit of ecosystem in the form of lands comprising biological resources, dominated by trees in their
natural forms and environment, which can not be separated each other. http://www2.bonet.co.id/dephut/41-99-1.htm
231. (Iran 1962) FOREST LAND: It is an area which comply with one of the following; a-Lands in which the forest
characteristries like seedlings or sprouts or stumps collectively or sparsely exist, provided before the Forest
Nationalization (January 1962), they were not under fallow or cultivation of annuals. b-Lands in which natural trees
and shrubs sparsely exist, and their crown cover is 1-5% "M.Zobeiri" zobeiri@nrf.ut.ac.ir
232. (Iran) A vegetation cover where trees are its main elements. They are divided into various types according to
superficial and inner situation, and dominated by especial ecological conditions in respect of flora, fauna, climatic and
edaphic factors. http://neda.net/faro/forestry1.htm
233. (Iran) FOREST: It is a land mainly covered by trees, shrubs and other woody plants. Forest density is classified as
follow: 1 Very dense: crown cover of woody elements (trees, shrubs) more than 75%, 2 Dense - 50 -75%, 3 Middle
dense - 25 -50%, 4 Sparse 5 -25%, 5 Very - 1 - 5% "M.Zobeiri" <zobeiri@nrf.ut.ac.ir
234. (Ireland 2002) There are no legal definitions for the terms forest and forestry in Ireland. A practical definition for
forest is an area of at least 0.5 ha (sometimes, in the case of broadleaves, 0.2 ha) with a minimum width of 40 m over
no more than two-thirds of its length, with at least 50% canopy cover by trees. http://www.ymparisto.fi/download.asp?
contentid=25582&lan=en
235. (Ireland 2006 KP) Use Min. Area (ha) = 0.1 Min. Crown Cover (%) = 20 Min. Tree Height (m) = 5 Min. Strip Width
(m) = ns http://unfccc.int/files/national_reports/initial_reports_under_the_kyoto_protocol/application/x-zip-
compressed/fin_ir_report_22dec.zip. (2006).Young natural stands and all plantations that have yet to reach a crown
density of 20 percent or a tree height of 5 metres are included under forest. Areas normally forming part of the forest
area that are temporarily un-stocked as a result of human intervention, such as harvesting or natural causes such as
wind-throw, but which are expected to revert to forest are also included.
236. (Ireland 2009 NIR and NFI) Crown cover > 20%, tree height > 5m, area > 0.1 ha, width > 20 m.
237. (Ireland 2010) To define area as a forest it has to pass these minimum requirements: - tree crown cover: 10%-
land area: 0.5 ha - tree height: 2 m. Further IFI has added practical requirements that are in accordance to
international definitions: - minimum width of forest: 20 m - maximum permanent gap in forest. 0.5 ha. Tomppo E.,
Gschwantner T., Lawrence M., 2010.
238. (Isle of Man 1984) - The term "forest" only appears in the Forestry Act 1984, where it is not defined. The context of
its usage means a large woodland. "IOM Gov DAFF" <daff@gov.im
239. (Israel) Forest Land: 1. Land covered with forest. From: GilS@kkl.org.il
240. (Israel) Forest: A vegetation formation in which trees have more than 10% crown cover. From: GilS@kkl.org.il
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241. (Italy 1988) A wooded land with an area =0,2 Ha; with a canopy width =20m; with a cover closure =20% MAF,
Ministero dell'Agricoltura e delle Foreste (1988). Inventario Forestale Nazionale 1985. Istituto Sperimentale per
l'Assessamento forestale e per l'Alpicoltura. 2 vols. Rome. Lorenzo Ciccarese ciccarese@anpa.it
242. (Italy 1998) An area (min. area: 2000 m2; min. cover: 20%; min. width: 20 m.) having one (or more) of these
features: aimed to provide wooden products and non-wooden (commonly considered-forest) products, such as
berries, mushrooms, resins, etc; covered with woods or shrubs, having direct and indirect functions in protecting
human activities from disturbances; with tree and shrub crown cover, which preservation is needed for naturalistic,
scenic and recreational purposes. MAF, Ministero dell'Agricoltura e delle Foreste (1988). Inventario Forestale
Nazionale 1985. Istituto Sperimentale per l'Assessamento forestale e per l'Alpicoltura. 2 vols. Rome.. Lorenzo
Ciccarese ciccarese@anpa.it. and: Vittorio Tosi ISAFA Biometria <isafa.biofor@tqs.it (MAF 1988)
243. (Italy 2006 KP) Cover Min. Area (ha) = 0.5 Min. Crown Cover (%) = 10 Min. Tree Height (m) = 5 Min. Strip Width
(m) = ns http://unfccc.int/files/national_reports/initial_reports_under_the_kyoto_protocol/application/pdf/aa-report-
notificato.pdf (2006)
244. (Italy 2007) National definition: forest is a land covered by trees more than 2000 m2, 20% of canopy, with a
minimun width of 20 m. Ministero Delle Politiche Agricole, Alimentari e Forestali Corpo Forestale Dello Stato. CRA
(Istituto Sperimentale per lAssestamento Forestale e per lAlpicoltura), 2007.
245. (Italy 2009 NIR and NFI) Crown cover > 10%, tree height > 5m, area > 0.5 ha.
246. (Jamaica 1987) Forest stands including both coniferous (softwood) and broad leaf evergreens. Crown closure
must equal or exceed 75%. Source: Land use map 1983/1984, 1:500 000, Rural Physical planning division, Ministry of
Agriculture, Hope Gardens, Kingston 6, Jamaica, 03/1987 http://www.fao.org/ag/agl/agll/landuse/clsys/Jamaica.htm
247. (Jamaica 1992) Jamaica has several definitions depending on remote sensing source used. Using the largest
scale definition, forest land appears to be areas covered with trees at least 5-7 m tall, with a crown closure of 75%
and a minimum area of 4 ha. See: 1) Land use classification 1:100 000 scale (National level, Landsat TM) and 1:15
000 scale (Watershed level, aerial photographs 1:15 000 and biophysical inventory): STRATES100-15.CDR; 2)
Definition of land use types 1:100 000 scale: STRATES100.XLS; 3) Stratification of vegetation/land use (Photo-
interpretation - 1:15 000 aerial photographs): STRAT-SUM1A.XLS; 4) Correlation between land use types 1:15 000
and rapid ecological assessment vegetation types (Jamaica, 1992): STRATES15A.XLS; 5) Definition of land use
types 1:15 000 scale: VEG-DEF.DOC. Source: (forestman@cwjamaica.com)
248. (Japan - academic definition - forest land) A place covered by a group of trees with more or less height, density,
and extent. Yukichi Konohira <Konohira@cc.tuat.ac.jp
249. (Japan - academic definition - forest) Both trees growing in a group and the land where they stand. Yukichi
Konohira <Konohira@cc.tuat.ac.jp
250. (Japan 1951) A forest is a group of living trees or bamboos and the land on which the group of trees or bamboos
is growing. The exception is land with trees that are managed for agriculture, residence, or similar purposes.
251. (Japan 2003) Minimum area = 0.3 ha, minimum tree crown cover = 30%, minimum tree height = 5 m.
252. (Japan) Forest: In addition to Forest Row, forestland is with tree crown cover of more than 30 percent. Definition
of Forest Resource Inventory Book, Forest Agency. From: Masahiro Amano <masahiro@ss.ffpri.affrc.go.jp.
253. (Japan) Socially common definition - forest / forest land : a land where trees are growing in a group or an area of
a certain size with dense tree cover. Yukichi Konohira <Konohira@cc.tuat.ac.jp
254. (Kenya 1995) Kenyas woody vegetation includes forests, woodlands, bushland and wooded grasslands. Wass
(1995) defines forests as continuous stands of trees at least 10 meters tall, with interlocking crowns; woodlands as
open stands of trees, at least 8 meters tall, with a canopy cover of 40% or more with the field layer usually dominated
by grasses; bushlands as open stands of bushes and climbers, usually between 3 and 7 meters tall with a canopy
cover of 40% or more and wooded grasslands as land covered with grasses and other herbs, with woody plants
covering between 10% and 40% of the ground. http://cmsdata.iucn.org/downloads/forestcover.pdf
255. (Kenya 2005) forests refers to any land containing a vegetation association dominated by trees of any size,
whether exploitable or not, capable of producing wood or other products, potentially capable of influencing climate,
exercising an influence on the soil, water regime, and providing habitat for wildlife, and includes woodlands; forest
area means any land declared to be a forest land under this Act.
http://www.fankenya.org/downloads/ForestsAct2005.pdf
256. (Kenya 2006 KP) Cover Min. Area (ha) = 0.1 Min. Crown Cover (%) = 30 Min. Tree Height (m) = 2 Min. Strip
257. (Kenya) Min. av. height 2 m, 40% canopy cover. Note these figures vary by vegetation type. The most liberal
thresholds are shown here. Source: ECE-FAO Partnership Programme: Kenya Workshop on Forestry Statistics.
Appendix 6.
258. (Kirbati 2010) At the regional level forest is defined as; trees that have a certain size of canopy, they are not
agricultural and are not located in urban areas. http://www.sprep.org/att/irc/ecopies/countries/kiribati/115.pdf
65
259. (Kiribati) Forest and woody vegetation - Intensive agroforestry practices system based on coconut breadfruit,
bananas, pandanus and native figs. The system tends to represent natural forest since the trees occur spontaneously.
It includes coastal vegetation, inland forest and wetlands. http://www.fao.org/forestry/fo/country/index.jsp?
lang_id=1&geo_id=114
260. (Korea- Republic of 2006 KP) Cover Min. Area (ha) = 0.5 Min. Crown Cover (%) = 10 Min. Tree Height (m) = 5
Min. Strip Width (m) = ns http://cdm.unfccc.int/DNA/index.html
261. (Kosovo 2010) - Land with tree crown cover (or equivalent stocking level) of more than 10% and area of more
than 0.5 ha. The trees should be able to reach a minimum height of 5 m at maturity in situ. Gashi F., 2010.
262. (Kyrgyzstan - New National Forest Inventory) Forest -- Vegetation existing of forest species with the objective of
timber production and various protective and other functions. The horizontal forest area has a minimum crown cover
density of 20%, a minimum width of 25 meters and a minimum height of 2.0 meters. Source: Irina Yunusova
irina@lesic.elcat.kg
263. (Kyrgyzstan 1999)- New Forest Code - One of the main types of vegetation on the Earth, comprising trees,
shrubs, grassland and other plants, including animals and microorganisms, which are biologically interrelated in their
evolution and exert influence on one another and the environment. Forest soil is an integral part of the forest whole.
Forest is an integral and a very important component of biosphere and geographic landscape. It plays an important
role in maintaining the hydrological regime of rivers, preventing erosion and deflation of soils, combating hot dry
winds. Source: Irina Yunusova <irina@lesic.elcat.kg
264. (Kyrgyzstan 2000) Forest in strict sense (conifer/broadleaf/mixed - see definitions at 3.3) is defined as vegetation
consisting of forest species (according to the species list in annex 2) with the objective of timber production and
various protection and other functions. The horizontal forest area has a minimum crown cover density of 20 % (see
Figure 2-4, Figure 2-5 and Figure 2-6), a minimum width of 25 metres and a minimum height of 2.0 metres. In case of
forest cultures no minimum height has to be considered.
http://kirfor.ucentralasia.org/bitcache/833d526f022370574cea70a841a6474fef581009?
vid=610&disposition=attachment&op=download
265. (Kyrgyzstan 2006 KP) Cover Min. Area (ha) = 0.5 Min. Crown Cover (%) = 20 Min. Tree Height (m) = 3 Min. Strip
266. (Kyrgyzstan) - Forest -One of the main types of vegetation, comprised of the concomitance (?) of trees, shrub,
grass and other plants, also including animals and microorganisms , biologically interrelated in their development and
influencing each other and environment. At the same time forest is a very important part of the biosphere and an
element of geographical landscape. Forest is a raw material source. Source: Irina Yunusova <irina@lesic.elcat.kg
267. (Lao 1992) Forests areas suitable for forest production and having a tree cover with a crown density of at least
20%, and supporting trees with a dbh more than 10cm, covering at least 0.5 ha (LSFP 92).
http://www.forestcarbonpartnership.org/fcp/sites/forestcarbonpartnership.org/files/Documents/PDF/Sep2010/Final_R-
PPdraft3-09-10_submission_with_annexes.pdf
268. (Lao 2000) Min. Cover = 20% http://www.fao.org/forestry/fo/country/index.jsp?lang_id=1&geo_id=39
269. (Lao 2006 KP) Cover Min. Area (ha) = 0.5 Min. Crown Cover (%) = 20 Min. Tree Height (m) = 5 Min. Strip Width
(m) = ns http://cdm.unfccc.int/DNA/index.html Excludes palms and bamboos
270. (Lao 2011) Lao PDR uses a definition of forest cover of 20% canopy density, which is different from the definition
used by FAO (personal communication, Mr. Khamseneas, Planning Division, Department of Forestry (DoF). February
2011). http://www.recoftc.org/site/uploads/content/pdf/ASFN%20v10%20-web%20version%20(compressed)_139.pdf
271. (Lao KP) GOL has already submitted a forest definition to UNFCCC (minimum 20% forest cover, minimum area
0.5 ha, minimum tree height 5 m, and palm trees and bamboo considered as non-forest).
http://www.dof.maf.gov.la/docs/Lao_FIP_Investment%20Plan%20Master_2nd%20draft-for-public%20review.pdf
272. (Latvia 1937 ) The Law on Forest Protection of Oct. 14, 1937 defined the forest by the following traits: i) land
areas overgrown by forest ; ii) meadows, pastureland and other non-cultivated lands overgrown by forest, stocked to
no less than a half of full density and encircled by forest; iii) felling coupes, irrespective of the situation with forest
regeneration there; iv) all lands, irrespective of the tree age and density, where the owner has ceased other
management activities to let the forest grow there. Stands on swampy sites, provided the tree height at the age of 60
years remained below 7 m, were not counted as forest. ). http://www.iufro.org/download/file/5574/4510/61300-
jundola01_pdf/
273. (Latvia 2000) According to the Forest Law of the Republic of Latvia adopted in 2000 (Item 2, Paragraph 3, Section
1) Item 1 states: "The forest is an ecosystem in all its stages of development. Trees with the height of at least seven
metre prevail, and the present or potential tree crown cover accounts for at least 20% of the forest stand area."
http://www.fao.org/docrep/article/WFC/XII/0504-C3.htm
274. (Latvia 2000) Forest (area>0.1 ha, potential height of trees>7 m, present or potential projection of crowns >20%).
Latvijas Valsts mezi, 2000.
66
275. (Latvia 2001) forest is defined as an ecosystem in all its development stages, dominated by trees, the height of
which in the particular forest site may reach at least seven metres, and the present or potential tree crown cover
accounts for at least 20% of the stand area. http://www.iufro.org/download/file/5574/4510/61300-jundola01_pdf/
276. (Latvia 2006 KP) Cover Min. Area (ha) = 0.1 Min. Crown Cover (%) = 20 Min. Tree Height (m) = 5 Min. Strip Width
(m) = ns
http://unfccc.int/files/national_reports/initial_reports_under_the_kyoto_protocol/application/pdf/latvia_aa_report__unfc
cc.pdf
277. (Latvia 2007) Forest is an ecosystem in all stages of its development, dominated by trees the height of which at
the particular location may reach at least seven meters and the present or potential projection of the crown of which is
at least 20 per cent of the area occupied by the forest stand. The following shall not be regarded as forest: Areas
separate from forests, covered with trees, the size of which does not exceed 0.1 ha; Rows of trees of artificial or
natural origin, the width of which is less than 20 meters; Orchards, parks, cemeteries and forest tree seed orchards.
http://circa.europa.eu/Public/irc/dsis/pip/library?
l=/environmental_expenditur/country_studies/projects_awarded_2005/lv_296_forestpdf/_EN_1.0_&a=d
278. (Latvia 2007) Forestland is land covered by forest, land under forest infrastructure facilities, as well as adjacent
overflowing clearings, marshes and glades. http://circa.europa.eu/Public/irc/dsis/pip/library?
l=/environmental_expenditur/country_studies/projects_awarded_2005/lv_296_forestpdf/_EN_1.0_&a=d
279. (Latvia 2010 KP) Crown cover > 20%, tree height > 5m, area > 0.1 ha.
280. (Latvia) Forest -National definition in use: crown cover 20 %, 7 m height limit
http://www.metla.fi/eu/cost/e43/minutes/wg1-min-florence.pdf
281. (Lebanon) Forest refer to forest land spanning more than 0.5 hectares with trees higher than 5 meters and a
canopy cover of more than 10%, or trees able to reach these threshold in situ. It does not include land that is
predominantly under agricultural or urban land use. http://www.capeaction.org.za/uploads/BD_in_SEA_manual.pdf
282. (Liechtenstein 1997) - Focuses on growing stock and applies to measurable criteria - width of forest area, crown
closure and top height. Width of growing stock with canopy closure = 100% is at least 25 m and with crown closure =
20% at least 50 m. Canopy closure between 20 % and 100 % depending on width of growing stock. Minimum top
diameter 3 m (exceptions afforestation, young growth, mountain alder, mountain pine) (European Communities 1997b
- p. 1067)
283. (Liechtenstein 2000) Minimum area of land: 0.0625 ha (with a minimum width of 25 m), minimum crown cover:
20%, minimum height of the dominant trees: 3 m (dominant trees must have the potential to reach, 3 m at maturity in
situ). Amt fr Wald, Natur und Landschaft (AWNL), 2000.
284. (Lithuania 2009 NIR) Tree height > 5m, area > 0.1 ha.
285. (Lithuania 2013) - Area (ha) 0.1; Tree crown cover (%) 30; Tree height (m) 5. http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-
content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:32013D0529
286. (Lithuania) forest can also be defined as at least 0.1 ha area grown-up with trees the height of which reaches 5 m
or more under natural conditions, as well as thinned out or even having lost the vegetation naturally or because of
human activities (Forest act of Republic of Lithuania). http://sapiens.revues.org/734
287. (Luxembourg 2003) Land with tree crown cover (or equivalent stocking level) of more than 10% and area of more
than 0.5 ha. The trees should be able to reach a minimum height of 5 m at maturity in situ. Le gouvernement du
Grand Duch du Luxembourg, 2003.
288. (Luxembourg 2006 KP) Cover Min. Area (ha) = 0.5 Min. Crown Cover (%) = 10 Min. Tree Height (m) = 5 Min. Strip
Width (m) = ns
http://unfccc.int/files/national_reports/initial_reports_under_the_kyoto_protocol/application/pdf/mev_initial_report_061
2.pdf (2006)
289. (Luxembourg 2009 NIR and NFI) Crown cover > 10%, tree height > 5m, area > 0.5 ha.
290. (Macedonia 1997) Forest, as defined in this law, is land with forest types of trees and bushes, forest moor lands
and meadows, forest roads, forest nurseries and other areas closely related to forests. As defined in this Law, alleys,
plantations with fast-growing types of trees, parks with populated areas, field protection belts, protective vegetation in
the coastal belts of the water flows outside from the forests, isolated groups of forest trees on area of maximum 2
acres, and border trees between agricultural land are not considered forests. Law on Forests of 1997.
http://www.foper.org/download/alumni/todorov_thesis.pdf
291. (Madagascar 2006 KP) Cover Min. Area (ha) = 1.0 Min. Crown Cover (%) = 30 Min. Tree Height (m) = 5 Min. Strip
292. (Malaw 2000) Min Area = 100 ha, Min. Crown Cover = 80%. http://www.fao.org/forestry/fo/country/index.jsp?
lang_id=1&geo_id=39
293. (Malawi 1997) - Forest/woodland contains <20 % open area. (Trevett 1997)
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294. (Malaysia 2006 KP) Cover Min. Area (ha) = 0.5 Min. Crown Cover (%) = 30 Min. Tree Height (m) = 5 Min. Strip
295. (Malaysia 2006) The areas under oil palm, rubber and tree crops are frequently regarded as forest. The official
definition of a forest used in Malaysia differs from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) definition, which
excludes areas under agricultural crops (e.g., oil palm). (JoeangoHutan, 2006) http://www.environmental-
296. (Malaysia) - An ecosystem with a minimum of 10 percent crown cover of trees and / or bamboos, generally
associated with wild flora, fauna and natural soil conditions, and not subject to agricultural practices. This definition is
also applied to the term "forest land". From: hcthang@forestry.gov.my (Thang Hooi Chiew), Forestry Department
Peninsular Malaysia
297. (Mali 2000) Cover = 20 % http://www.fao.org/forestry/fo/country/index.jsp?lang_id=1&geo_id=68
298. (Mali 2006 KP) Cover Min. Area (ha) = 1.0 Min. Crown Cover (%) = 30 Min. Tree Height (m) = 2 Min. Strip Width
299. (Mali) Any area of land covered in vegetation of which the exclusive, primary and secondary products are wood,
resins, gum, fruits, bamboo, creepers, raffia, or any other plants not classed as agricultural products.
http://www.un.org/esa/forests/pdf/aheg/aheg1/Mali_E.pdf
300. (Mauritania 1982) Sont considres comme forts les formations vgtales dont les produits princilpaux sont les
bois, ou d'autres matires telles aue Ecorce, Tanin, Gomme. ARTICLE 2. LEX-FAOC002244. MAURITANIA:
Ordonnance nº 82-171 portant Code forestier. Date of text: 15 December 1982.
301. (Mauritius 1983) - Includes a national forest and all land which is not under cultivation and which is covered by
trees (The Forests and Reserves Act 1983 - http://www.intnet.mu/iels/Forest_act_1983.htm
302. (Mexico SARH 1994) (Arbolado). Los terrenos ar bolados enlosques las copas de los arboles cubren mas del
20% de la superficie (SARH 1994)
303. (Mexico - SARH 1994) (Area forestall). Terrenos cuyas caracteristics topograficas y condiciones ecologicas,
permiten que sustente como forma optima de uso del suelo a la vegetacion arborea, ar bustiva o her bacea natural
(SARH 1994).
304. (Mexico SARH 1994) (Bosque). Comunidad vegetal en la que prodominan los arboles y otras especies lenosas.
(SARH 1994).
305. (Mexico 2003) Minimum area = 25 ha, minimum tree crown cover =10%, minimum tree height = 3 m.
306. (Mexico 2005 KP ) countrys preliminary definition of forest as provided by the host countrys Designated National
Authority in August 2005: Tree crown cover value of more than 30 per cent,A minimum area of 1 ha, and Trees with a
mature tree height of more than 2 m. http://www.seawaterfoundation.org/pdf_archives/Attachment%2016%20-
%20Report%20to%20UN%20on%20Mexico%20Seawater%20Forestry%20Project.pdf
307. (Mexico 2006 KP) Cover Min. Area (ha) = 1.0 Min. Crown Cover (%) = 30 Min. Tree Height (m) = 4 Min. Strip
308. (Mexico 2010) Mexican forest law specifies that a forest is at least one hectare with more than 15% actual or
potential woody crown cover (with a few exceptions). http://www.istf-bethesda.org/specialreports/mendoza/Mendoza-
eng.pdf
309. (Mexico INEG 1995I) (Superficie de bosque). Son los terrenos cuibertos coan arboles, generamente de gran
altura, que se encuentran en zonas con clima teplado-frio, donde las especiaes principales pueden ser: pino, Encino,
oyamel, cedro, etc. (INEGI 1995).
310. (Mexico INEG 1995I) (Superficie de selva). Son los terrenos cubiertos con arboles y vegetacion abundante y
tupida de rapido crecimiento que se encuentran en clima calido humedo, donde las principales especies encontradas
pueden ser: caoga, palo de agua, ramon, cedro rojo, pochote, etc. (INEGI 1995).
311. (Mexico INEG 1997I) (Selva). Vegetacion arborea en climas calido humedos a calidos semisecos. Se
carateriza por tener generalmente una gran variedad de especies de origen tropical. INEGI 1997. Minimum mapping
area 25 ha (INEGI n.d.)
312. (Mexico INEGI 1997) (Bosque). Vegetacion arborea, princialment de zones templadas y semifrias, en climas
subhumedos a muy humedos (INEGI 1997). Minimum mapping area 25 ha (INEGI n.d.)
313. (Mexico -INEGI y SEMARNAP 1999) (Superficie con bosque). Es la superfice cubierta con v egetacion aroforea,
generalmente de gran altura, pertenecienta a regions de clima templado o frio y ese encuentra constituida,
principalmente por coniferas y latifoliadas; las especies mas communes son el pino, enciono y oyamel (INEGI y
SEMARNAP 1999).
314. (Mexico -INEGI y SEMARNAP 1999) (Superficie con selva). Area cubierta con vegetacion densa, abundante y
tupida con variadas especies de rapido crecimiento que se encuentran en zonas con clima calido-humedo, con altas
precipitaciones pluviales. Entre las especies que se pueden encontrar ees esta clasificacion estan: caoba, palo de
agua, ramon, cedro rojo, pochote, etc. (INEGI y SEMARNAP 1999).
315. (Mexico -INEGI y SEMARNAP 1999) (Terrenos forestales) - Areas cubiertas con vegetacion forestal, sin incluir
aquellas situadas en zonas urbanas (INEGI y SEMARNAP 1999).
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316. (Mexico -INEGI y SEMARNAP 1999) (Vegetacion forestal) - Comunidad vegetal dominada por especies aboreas,
arbustivas o crasas, que crece y se desarrolla en forma natural formando bosques (topicales, templados y frios), y
vegetacion de zonas aridas (INEGI y SEMARNAP 1999)
317. (Mexico SARH 1994) (Cubierta forestal). Termino amplio que comprende toda la vegetacion espontanea natural
(arboles, palmeras, arbustos, matorrales deserticos, hier bas, etc.) que ocupa un area en un momento dado (SARH
1994)
318. (Mexico) (Bosque).- Vegetacin forestal, principalmente de zonas de clima templado, en la que predominan
especies leosas perennes que se desarrollan en forma espontnea, con una cobertura de copa mayor al 10% de la
superficie que ocupa, siempre que formen masas mayores a 1 500 metros cuadrados. Esta definicin es adecuada
en aspectos fsicos y biolgicos, ya que relaciona la cantidad de tierras forestales con la superficie total del pas, lo
que dara una idea del porcentaje de reas cubiertas de vegetacin arbolada y uso de la tierra; la cual no debe ser
menor del 10% en un pas. El umbral de su limite mnimo y mximo debe estar con relacin a las necesidades que
tiene cada pas o en el mbito mundial sobre aspectos como necesidades de fijacin de carbono, regulacin de ciclos
climticos e hidrolgicos, (clima y topografa), fijacin del suelo, etc. Source: Glosario de Trminos de la Memoria del
Inventario Nacional Forestal Peridico y del Reglamento de la Ley Forestal from Unidad del Inventario
<varelah@servidor.unam.mx
319. (Mexico) (Terrenos forestales)- Los terrenos forestales son definidos por la Ley Forestal como todos aquellos que
estn cubiertos por vegetacin forestal, excluyendo aquellos situados en reas urbanas. Los terrenos de aptitud
preferentemente forestal son aquellos que no estando cubiertos por vegetacin forestal, por sus condiciones de
clima, suelo y topografa, puedan incorporarse al uso forestal, excluyendo los situados en reas urbanas y los que sin
sufrir degradacin permanente, puedan ser utilizados en la agricultura la ganadera
http://www.semarnap.gob.mx/indices/tematico/bosques/introduccion.htm
320. (Mexico) (Terrenos forestales)- Son terrenos forestales los que estn cubiertos por bosques, selvas o vegetacin
forestal de zonas ridas. Source: Glosario de Trminos de la Memoria del Inventario Nacional Forestal Peridico y
del Reglamento de la Ley Forestal from Unidad del Inventario varelah@servidor.unam.mx
321. (Moldova 2011) - Land with tree crown cover (or equivalent stocking level) of more than 10 % and area of more
than 0.5 ha. The trees should be able to reach a minimum height of 5 m at maturity in situ. FOREST EUROPE,
UNECE and FAO, 2011.
322. (Monaco 2006 KP) Cover Min. Area (ha) = 0.5 Min. Crown Cover (%) = 10 Min. Tree Height (m) = 5 Min. Strip
Width (m) = ns
http://unfccc.int/files/national_reports/initial_reports_under_the_kyoto_protocol/application/msword/protocole_de_kyot
o_rapport_initial_complt.doc (2006)
323. (Mongolia 2006 KP) Cover Min. Area (ha) = 1 Min. Crown Cover (%) = 10 Min. Tree Height (m) = 1 Min. Strip
Width (m) = ns http://cdm.unfccc.int/DNA/index.htm
324. (Montenegro 2000) Forest land definition based on the 2000 Forest law: A forest relates to any area larger than
0.05 ha, covered with forest trees, having a protective function, and intended for forest production or it has special
purpose, no matter of tree cover and size (high forest, copice forests and other types of forest vegetation such as
shrubs, shrubberies and maquis). Also forest bare land is part of the forest land according to that definition.
http://www.unece.org/fileadmin/DAM/publications/timber/QL_SoEF_Montenegro_final.pdf
325. (Morocco 2006 KP) Cover Min. Area (ha) = 1.0 Min. Crown Cover (%) = 25 Min. Tree Height (m) = 2 Min. Strip
326. (Morocco) Forest (Arabic : Ghabah, French : Foret, Spanish : Bosque, Berber : Ari) - Piece of land covered a
vegetation in which trees(not only fruit trees) are predominant(over 50%), and with at least 3 ha of continuously
forested area, and with a tree crown cover equal or superior to 20%. Mohammed Ellatifi, m.ellatifi@ellatifi.8m.com
327. (Mozambique 1997) - High forest 18 m, low forest < 18 m. Canopy cover 25 %. (Trevett 1997)
328. (Myanmar 2006 KP) Cover Min. Area (ha) = 1 Min. Crown Cover (%) = 20 Min. Tree Height (m) = 2 Min. Strip
329. (Namibia 1997) Forest = areas with tree height 5 m, Savanna/shrub = areas with tree height <5 m. Canopy cover
20%. Moses Chakanga. chakanga@forestry.met.gov.na and (Trevett 1997)
330. (Namibia 2011 KP) - a general definition of what constitutes a forest is a stand of a minimum size of 0.5 ha, a
minimum height of 5 m and a crown cover of 15 % or more. http://www.mawf.gov.na/Documents/Forest%20Research
%20Strategy.pdf
331. (Nepal 1964 &1977) Crown cover greater than 50 percent. Wallace, Michael B. 1988. Forest degradation in
Nepal: Institutional context and policy alternatives. Research Report Series No. 6. 46 p.
http://rmportal.net/tools/biodiversity-support-program/cbnfm/USAID-BDB-cd-2-data/pnabb308-
nepal.pdf/attachment_download/file
332. (Nepal 1993) An area fully or partly covered by trees (Forest Act 1993). Krishna H Gautam
<khg13@student.canterbury.ac.nz and. http://www.biodiv-nepal.gov.np/dofchapter.html and
http://www.recoftc.org/site/fileadmin/docs/Country_profile/forest_act_combined.pdf
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333. (Nepal 1999) Forest is defined as the land with a forest cover, i.e. with trees whose crown cover more than 10
percent of the area and not used primarily for the purpose other than forestry and shrub is same as forest but well
defined stem can not be found (MFSC, 1999) http://eprints.usq.edu.au/568/1/Livelihood_Paper-Final.pdf
334. (Nepal 2000) Crown Cover 10%. http://www.fao.org/forestry/fo/country/index.jsp?lang_id=1&geo_id=35 . Wallace
(1988) also indicates a 50% threshold for crown cover.
335. (Netherlands 1997) Land areas of 0.5 ha and more with a width of at least 30 m that are covered with trees or
brushes; with a at maturity, a crown closure of 20% and over, the crown closure may (temporary) be lower than this
figure because of final fellings for example; the tree and brush species should be able to form forests. (European
Communities 1997b - p. 727).
336. (Netherlands 2006) - Land with tree crown cover (or equivalent stocking level) of more than 10 % and area of
more than 0.5 ha. The trees should be able to reach a minimum height of 5 m at maturity in situ. Landbouw, natuur en
Voedselkwaliteit, 2006.
337. (Netherlands 2006) National definition: Under forest is normally closed forests with a mean crown projection of
less than 60%. There is no longer any old natural forest present in the Netherlands, and virtually all forest is planted.
Only in some heaths and marshes is there any spontaneous natural regeneration. About 7% of forest area is such
naturally regenerating young forest. Landbouw, natuur en Voedselkwaliteit, 2006.
338. (Netherlands 2009 NIR and NFI) Crown cover > 20%, tree height > 5m, area > 0.5 ha, width > 30 m.
339. (New Zealand 1998) - A tree-covered area greater than 5 hectares with an average canopy height of at least 6
metres and a minimum 20 percent tree crown coverage. In "closed forests" the trees occur in single or multiple stories
with crowns interlocking.From: Indigenous Forest Policy (New Zealand Institute of Forestry, July 1998)
340. (New Zealand 2003) Minimum area = 0.5 ha, minimum tree crown cover =20%, minimum tree height = 6 m.
341. (New Zealand 2006 KP) Cover Min. Area (ha) = 1 Min. Crown Cover (%) = 30 Min. Tree Height (m) = 5 Min. Strip
Width (m) = ns
http://unfccc.int/files/national_reports/application/pdf/new_zealands_initial_report_under_the_kyoto_protocol.pdf
(2006)
342. (New Zealand KP) Under New Zealands definition, forest is a minimum area of land of 1.0 hectares with tree
crown cover (or equivalent stocking level) of more than 30 per cent with trees with the potential to reach a minimum
height of 5 metres at maturity in situ. Tree cover less than 30 metres wide is excluded.
http://www.climatechange.govt.nz/glossary.html#f
343. (Nicaragua 2006 KP) Cover Min. Area (ha) = 1.0 Min. Crown Cover (%) = 20 Min. Tree Height (m) = 4 Min. Strip
344. (Nicaragua) Bosque - Draft -Ecosistema con un mnimo de un 25% de copas de rboles y/o bamb y palmceas,
asociadas generalmente a una fauna silvestre y condiciones de suelos naturales. www.nicarao.org.ni/ja (see Borrador
de la ley, CAPITULO II DEFINICIONES) Harrie harnic@ibw.com.ni
345. (Niger 2006 KP) Cover Min. Area (ha) = 1.0 Min. Crown Cover (%) = 30 Min. Tree Height (m) = 4 Min. Strip Width
346. (Niger 2011 KP) The Nigerien Designated National Authority (DNA) fixed the following values for afforestation and
reforestation activities in the framework of the CDM: . Minimum tree crown cover: 30 percents Minimum land area: 1
hectare Minimum tree height at maturity: 4 meters.
https://s3.amazonaws.com/CCBA/Projects/Niger_Acacia_Senegal_Plantation_Project/CDM_Niger_Acacia_Senegal_
Plantation_Project_PDD.pdf
347. (Nigeria 2005) Forest in terms of its resources from a research conducted in the forest communities of Cross
Rivers State of Nigeria in 2005 which was sponsored by United States Agency for International Development
(USAID). Forest means a land area covered by trees and other plant species and inhabited by animal species in its
natural state or which could be State Forest Reserve, Community Forest, Private Forest or Forest designated as
World Heritage, managed or manageable or exploited by human species in a sustainable manner. http://www.redd-
monitor.org/2009/09/08/redd-will-fail-with-the-current-definition-of-forest/
348. (Northern Mariana Islands) Forest - Natural or man-made group of trees (diverse species) growing within a
minimum area of 100 sq. ft. Source: Estanislao Villagomez stanvill@gtepacifica.net Division of Agriculture.
349. (Northern Mariana Islands) Forestland - Natural or managed area covered with diverse tree species reserved for
dual purposes benefiting mankind, wildlife and ecosystem as a whole. Source: Estanislao Villagomez
stanvill@gtepacifica.net Division of Agriculture.
350. (Norway 2006 KP) Cover Min. Area (ha) = 0.5 Min. Crown Cover (%) = 10 Min. Tree Height (m) = 5 Min. Strip
Width (m) = ns http://unfccc.int/files/national_reports/initial_reports_under_the_kyoto_protocol/application/x-zip-
compressed/nor_ir_report_22dec.zip (2006)
351. (Norway 2010) Forest land is defined according to the Global Forest Resources Assessment (FRA) 2004.Forest
land is land with tree crown cover of more than 10 per cent and area of more than 0.5 ha. The trees should be able to
70
reach a minimum height of 5 m at maturity in situ. No minimum width for Forest land is considered in the Norwegian
inventory causing a small discrepancy according to the definition in FRA 2004.
http://www.klif.no/publikasjoner/2639/ta2639.pdf
352. (Pakistan 1953) Forest - A plant community predominantly of trees and other woody vegetation, usually with a
closed canopy. Definition adopted from the British Commonwealth Forest Terminology Part-I, 1953. Source: Mumtaz
Ahmad, Section Forest Officer, Pakistan Min. of Environment, Local Government, and Rural Development
353. (Pakistan 2006 KP) Cover Min. Area (ha) = 0.05 Min. Crown Cover (%) = 30 Min. Tree Height (m) = 3 Min. Strip
354. (Pakistan 2007) Pakistan is an area comprising not less than 0.05 ha with tree crown cover of more than 30% with
trees with the potential to reach a minimum height of 3 meters. http://www.intercooperation.org.pk/uploads/CDM-
FINAL%20report.pdf
355. (Panama 1992) "Cobertura Boscosa" se definieron dos dases, la piimera como: a) "Cobertura Boscosa poco
Intervenida" la cual corresponds a una superficie densamente cubierta por copas de una gran cantidad de arboles,
independientemente del tipo de bosque y/o especies forestales que pudieran encontrarse; y una segunda categoria
definida como: b) "Cobertura Boscosa Fuertemente Intervenida", la cual corresponds a superfides boscosas en
donde la cobertura de copas flucta entre 45% y 60% del terreno, independientemente de las especies que la
componen. Source: Informe de Cobertura Boscosa 1992. Junio 1995. Republic of Panama, Instituto Nacional de
Recursos Naturales Renovables, Direccion Nacional de Cuencsa Hidrograficas.
356. (Panama 1992) bosque - Vegetacon dominante compuesta de rboles leosos, que se presentan como
primarios y que ban alcanzado su mximo desarroho, sobre una localizacin particular. Source: Informe de Cobertura
Boscosa 1992. Junio 1995. Republic of Panama, Instituto Nacional de Recursos Naturales Renovables, Direccion
Nacional de Cuencsa Hidrograficas
357. (Panama 2006 KP) Cover Min. Area (ha) = 1.0 Min. Crown Cover (%) = 30 Min. Tree Height (m) = 5 Min. Strip
358. (Papua New Guinea) Forest - Natural communities of flora (trees) and fauna (birds, animals) in a natural setting.
Forest has a crown closure of 10% and above as opposed to non-forest and an area of more than 100 hectares as
being the standard. Forest can imply both natural forest and plantations but more so the former (natural). Vitus Ambia,
Papua New Guinea Forest Authority.
359. (Papua New Guinea) Forest Land - Land that has forest growing on it, be it natural and or plantation forest and
irrespective of its exploitative capability. In PNG over 80% of the land is customarily owned and the State can only
plan and designate areas for forest exploitation and other use. The final decision as to whether or not the area is
exploited rests with the customary land-owners. Vitus Ambia, Papua New Guinea Forest Authority.
360. (Paraguay 2006 KP) Cover Min. Area (ha) = 0.5 Min. Crown Cover (%) = 25 Min. Tree Height (m) = 5 Min. Strip
361. (Peru 2006 KP) Cover Min. Area (ha) = 0.5 Min. Crown Cover (%) = 30 Min. Tree Height (m) = 5 Min. Strip Width
362. (Peru 2010 KP), a forest within the CDM context is defined as Land with canopy cover of more than 30 per cent
of the area and a minimum area of 0.5 ha. Trees must reach a minimum height of 5m at maturity in situ.
http://www.asb.cgiar.org/PDFwebdocs/REALU%20I-Peru%20Report-.pdf
363. (Peru) - Comunidades vegetales naturales en las que predominan especies leosas referidas a determinada
superficie del suelo, as como las plantaciones forestales. (Ley Forestal y de Fauna Silvestre, Art. 8)
364. (Philippines 2000) Refers to land with an area of more than 0.5 hectare and tree crown cover (or equivalent
stocking level) of more than 10 percent. The trees should be able to reach a minimum height of 5 meters at maturity in
situ. It consists either of closed forest formations where trees of various storeys and undergrowth cover a high
proportion of the ground or open forest formations with a continuous vegetation cover in which tree crown cover
exceeds 10 percent. Young natural stands and all plantations established for forestry purposes, which have yet to
reach a crown density of more than 10 percent or tree height of 5 meters are included under forest. These are
normally forming part of the forest area, which are temporarily unstocked as a result of human intervention or natural
causes but which are expected to revert to forest. It includes forest nurseries and seed orchards that constitute an
integral part of the forest; forest roads, cleared tracts, firebreaks and other small open areas; forest within protected
areas; windbreaks and shelter belts of trees with an area of more than 0.5 hectare and width of more than 20 meter;
plantations primarily used for forestry purposes, including rubber wood plantations. It also includes bamboo, palm and
fern formations (except coconut and oil palm). Reference: Food and Agriculture Organization, 2000
http://www.nscb.gov.ph/glossary/AGRI.ASP
365. (Philippines 2006 KP) Cover Min. Area (ha) = 0.5 Min. Crown Cover (%) = 10 Min. Tree Height (m) = 5 Min. Strip
366. (Philippines KP) Philippines has adopted the UNFCCCs definition of forest as an area of at least half a hectare
(5,000 square meters) in size with a 10 per cent stocking level, meaning, that at least 500 square meters of which
should be shaded by trees with a minimum height of five meters. http://www.indigenousclimate.org/index.php?
option=com_docman&task=doc_download&gid=85&Itemid=&lang=en
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367. (Philippines) A forest is best described as an ecosystem wherein trees are the dominant life form, as a community
of plants and animals interacting with one another and its physical environment, and as consisting of trees with
overlapping crown of 60-100% forest cover, as defined by the United States National Vegetation Classification system
(Section 4). http://www.haribon.org.ph/attachments/article/425/Forest%20Resources%20Bill_HB3638%20with
%20primer.pdf
368. (Philippines) Forest - areas of one hectare or more which are at least 10 percent stocked with forest trees
(including seedlings and saplings), with palm, bamboo, or brush. Narrow strips of land bearing forest must be at least
60 meters wide and one hectare in size to qualify as forest. Industrial plantations and tree farms, one hectare or more
in sizes, are also included. http://www.nscb.gov.ph/ru12/DEFINE/DEF-ENV.HTM and (Forest Management Bureau)
http://www.nscb.gov.ph/glossary/enr.htm
369. (Philippines) Senate Bill No. 1404 defines "forest cover" as follows: "forest cover includes pine forest, mossy
forest, dipterocarp forest (closed and open canopy) and mangrove vegetation:
http://law.upd.edu.ph/plj/images/files/PLJ%20volume%2066/PLJ%20volume%2066%20first%20quarter%20-05-
%20Antonio%20G.M.%20La%20Via%20-%20Conservation%20and%20Democratization.pdf
370. (Poland 2009 NIR) Tree height > 2m, area > 0.1 ha.
371. (Poland) Forest - Continuous area of at least 0.1 ha covered by forest vegetation (forest stands) = trees and
shrubs with herbaceous ground cover.
372. (Poland? 1991) Forest Act of 28 September 1991. (OJ 1991 No 101 item. 444) for the forest land is considered a
homogeneous area of at least 0.10 ha, which is covered by forest vegetation (forest crop), i.e. trees, shrubs and forest
undergrowth or temporarily deprived of that what is intended for forest production() (Forest Act, 1991).
028.pdf
373. (Poland?) Forest and wooded lands class covers the area with dense plantings: forests, scrubs and others. The
minimum width of a wooded area shall be 15 m and a minimum length of 40 m. Group of trees, small forest or scrub
with the surface less than 1000 m2 represent the class Natural Object. In the area of double-storied stand scrubs are
included into the forest when their surface is less than 2000 m2.
028.pdf
374. (Portuga 2010) l Extent of land with an area 5 000 m2 and a width 20 m, with a degree of covered (defined
as the ratio between the area of horizontal projection of the crown and the total area of the plot) 10% which reveal
the presence of trees that forest for their characteristics or form of exploitation has reached or will reach, arboreal
(height than 5 m) regardless of the stage which is the time of observation. Autoridade Florestal National (AFN) and
Ministerio da Agricoltura do Desenvolvimento Rural e das Pesca, 2010.
375. (Portugal 1994) - According to minimum tree densities which vary from species to species (as low as 90/ha for
cork oak, up to 840 for most conifers) with conifer heights from 1.5-5m hand broadleaf heights from 2-5m; or where
the projected area of crowns of trees more than 5m height covers more than 15% of the ground areas. This rather
complicated definition is necessary to define when grant payments are applicable and is necessary because Portugal
has a long agroforestry tradition. (decree 199/94) From: Gerry Lawson <gjl@ite.ac.uk
376. (Portugal 2006 KP) Cover Min. Area (ha) = 1 Min. Crown Cover (%) = 10 Min. Tree Height (m) = 5 Min. Strip
Width (m) = 20
http://unfccc.int/files/national_reports/initial_reports_under_the_kyoto_protocol/application/pdf/pt_initialreportkp.pdf
(2006)
377. (Portugal 2009 NRI and NFI) Crown cover > 10%, tree height > 5m, area > 0.5 ha, width > 20 m.
378. (Portugal 2010) Extent of land with an area 5 000 m2 and a width 20 m, with a degree of covered (defined as
the ratio between the area of horizontal projection of the crown and the total area of the plot) 10% which reveal the
presence of trees that forest for their characteristics or form of exploitation has reached or will reach, arboreal (height
than 5 m) regardless of the stage which is the time of observation. Autoridade Florestal National (AFN) and Ministerio
da Agricoltura do Desenvolvimento Rural e das Pesca, 2010.
379. (Romania 1996) - The total forest vegetation mentioned in the Forest Management Plans, both state-owned or
private property, constitute the national forest area. Under the Forestry Code/1996 a forest area is defined as an area
larger than 0.25 ha and covered with forest trees; the current forestry code refers to forest vegetation not included in
the national forest area as forested pastures, forest windbreaks, forested low production areas, forests for watershed
protection, community forest parks, dendrologic collections, forest tree alignments and the alpine vegetation with
Pinus mugo. http://www.fao.org/docrep/w7170E/w7170e0f.htm
380. (Romania 2000) - Forest - land covered by forest vegetation with an area of more than 0.25 ha. For FRA 2000 -
Source: UN/ECE 2000 p 85 and http://www.fris.sk/Phare/Projects/ManagementOfForestInEurope/PDF/annex2.pdf
72
381. (Romania 2011) - Forest is a land covered 0.5 ha, 10% crown cover and 5 m height. SILVA RNP, 2011.
382. (Romania) According to the definition given in our Forest Code, forest is considered land covered by forest
vegetation with an area of more than 0.25 ha. In order to approximate the TBFRA definition of the forest, the item
Forest includes lands needed for culture (nurseries, orchards...), for production (game food...), for administration
(forest roads, fire breaks...) and temporarily excluded from the forest fund. These are separately recorded in our
statistics and in addition to forest area make forest fund.
http://www.unece.org/fileadmin/DAM/timber/fra/pdf/chp1_tot.pdf
383. (Romania) -Dense group of trees, interdependent one to another and to the other plants, animals and
environmental conditions, creating a complex and unitary community, able to fulfill social and economic functions.
Sorin Sfirlogea <sorinsf@rosilva.ro National Forests Administration.
384. (Romania) Forest land - Surface of forest covered by forest vegetation, destined to fulfill social and/or economic
function. Sorin Sfirlogea <sorinsf@rosilva.ro National Forests Administration
385. (Romania) -This term includes not only surfaces covered by forest vegetation, but also nurseries, administrative
surfaces (around the forest ranges offices, a.o.) glades (blanks) (M. Ilie, Bucuresti, Romania)
386. (Russian Federation 1998) A population of forest plants changed in the exterior form and an internal structure
under influence of effect against each other, on occupied soil and atmosphere. (G.F. Morozov- archfounder of
scientific forestry in Russia). In practice of forestry forest consider as tree stands with a polnota more than 0,3. If
polnota less than 0,3 - stand calls as light forest or open woodland. Main difference of a forest from "not forests " - the
existence of mutual influence between all elementary component of a forest. [From: " Russian Forest Encyclopedia"
"Igor Yakovlev" yakovlev@mari-el.ru Date: Sat, 6 Jun 1998 21:16:59 +0400]
387. (Russian Federation 1998) One of main types of vegetation consist of an aggregate of trees, shrub, grassy etc.
plants (mosses, lichens), including animals and microorganisms biologically interconnected in the development and
influencing against each other and an environment. [From: " Russian Forest Encyclopedia" "Igor Yakovlev"
yakovlev@mari-el.ru Date: Sat, 6 Jun 1998 21:16:59 +0400]
388. (Russian Federation 2003) Minimum area = 0.5 ha, minimum tree crown cover =30%, minimum tree height =
Varies http://www.fs.fed.us/research/sustain/2003SustainabilityReport/documents/SustainableForests.pdf
389. (Russian Federation 2007 KP) Cover Min. Area (ha) = 0.5 Min. Crown Cover (%) = 30 Min. Tree Height (m) = 5
Min. Strip Width (m) = ns
http://unfccc.int/files/national_reports/initial_reports_under_the_kyoto_protocol/application/pdf/initial_report_russia.pdf
390. (Russian Federation) An element of the geographical landscape composed of the totality (the aggregate) of
arboreal (woody), bushy (shrubbery), herbaceous plants, animals and microorganisms, which are biologically
interdependent in their developments and influencing each other, as well as external environment (GOST 18486-73,
Russia)
391. (Rwanda 2006 KP) Cover Min. Area (ha) = 0.05 Min. Crown Cover (%) = 10 Min. Tree Height (m) = 3 Min. Strip
392. (Rwanda 2006) In the humid region forest are areas larger than 0.5 ha with tree cover more than 20 % and trees
are > 7m. In the dry region (Akagera) this is > 5m. Young forest plantation and coppices are only found in the humid
area. Young forest plantation have trees less than 7 m and cover from 10- 40 % or trees more than 7 meter and cover
from 10- 20 %. Bush is found in the larger humid natural forest. Tree cover is by definition less than 20 % and in
practice mostly less than 10% and shrub cover more than 20 % and high forbs and
grasses.http://www.itc.nl/library/papers_2006/general/westinga_for.pdf.
393. (Rwanda 2010) A land with 0.5 ha or more covered with trees higher than 7 meters and a canopy cover of more
than 10%, or tree stands which have the potential to reach these thresholds in situ.
http://www.agit.at/php_files/myagit/papers/2010/8163.pdf
394. (Rwanda 2010) An ecosystem dominated by trees (defined as perennial woody plants taller than 5 meters at
maturity), where the tree crown cover (or equivalent stocking level) exceeds 10% of the ground surface and the area
is larger than 0.5ha. http://rnra.rw/uploads/media/Forestry_Sector_Strategic_Plan.pdf
395. (Rwanda 2012) A group of trees higher than 7 m and a canopy cover of more than 10 %, or trees able to reach
these thresholds in situ on a land of about 0.25 ha or more. http://www.gsdi.org/gsdiconf/gsdi14/papers/29.pdf
396. (Senegal 2006 KP) Cover Min. Area (ha) = 0.5 Min. Crown Cover (%) = 30 Min. Tree Height (m) = 2 Min. Strip
397. (Slovak Republic 2011) - A forest is defined as land with tree crown cover of more than 10%, an area of more than
0.5 ha and an average width of more than 20 m. Trees should be able to reach a minimum height of 5 m at maturity in
situ. FOREST EUROPE, UNECE AND FAO, 2011. Ministry of Agriculture of the Slovak Republic, 2009.
398. (Slovak Republilc 2009) National definition: Forest is land spanning more than 0.3 ha with trees taller than 5 m
and a canopy cover of more than 20%, or trees able to reach these thresholds in situ. Ministry of Agriculture of the
Slovak Republic, 2009.
73
399. (Slovenia 1993) - Under the 1993 Forest Act, a forest is an area of land covered with forest trees in the form of a
stand or with other forest growth, which ensures any forest function (economic, ecological and social).
400. (Slovenia 1994) Cover Min. Area (ha) = 0.05 Min. Crown Cover (%) = Min. Tree Height (m) = Min. Strip Width (m)
= ns Excludes individual trees- riverine and windbelt trees- plantations- etc.
slovenia.docSlovenian Forest act (1994) -Forest means land overgrown with forest trees in the form of stands or other
forest plants which provides any of the functions of a forest. Forest according to this Act also includes overgrown plots
of land defined as forest in the spatial element of the forest management plan.
401. (Slovenia 1998) A plot of land overgrown with forest trees in the form of stands or other forest growths which
provide any of the functions of a forest. Forests according to this law also include overgrown plots of land defined as
forest in the spatial element of the forest management plan. The following are not forest within the meaning of this
law: individual forest trees, groups of forest trees up to an area of five hectares, non-autochthonous riverine and
windbelt trees, avenues, parks, plantations of forest trees, pens for rearing game, and pastures overgrown with forest
trees if used for pasturing, irrespective of how they are described in the land register. [From: Slovenian LAW ON
FORESTS - Milan SINKO milan.sinko@UNI-LJ.SI via "Maksym Polyakov" <mpoliak@pcomp.usau.kiev.ua Date: Fri,
12 Jun 1998 16:11:17 +0300 (MSD)]
402. (Slovenia 2006 KP) Cover Min. Area (ha) = 0.05 Min. Crown Cover (%) = 30 Min. Tree Height (m) = 2 Min. Strip
Width (m) = ns
slovenia.doc
403. (Slovenia 2007) forest is land covered with forest trees in the form of stands with minimal tree height 5 m and with
minimal area of 0.25 ha. http://bookshop.europa.eu/is-bin/INTERSHOP.enfinity/WFS/EU-Bookshop-
404. (Slovenia 2008 NIR) Area > 0.5 ha.
405. (Slovenia 2009) The national forest inventory defines forest as: (a) A plot of land overgrown with forest
trees in the form of stands, which can reach a height of at least 5 m and sized to at least 0.25 ha (b) A plot of
agricultural land in transition to forest land sized to at least 0.25 ha that has not been used for agriculture for the last
20 years and is overgrown with forest trees which can reach a height of at least 5 m and their crown cover should
be at least 75% (c) Riverside forest corridors and windbreaks sized to at least 0.25 ha, if their widths are at least
one tree-height. Kusar et al. in Tomppo et al. 2009. P. 439-440.
406. (Slovenia 2013) - Area (ha) 0.25; Tree crown cover (%) 30; Tree height (m) 2 http://eur-
lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:32013D0529
407. (Slovenia) Forest - A land overgrown with forest trees - stands or other plants - which provides any of the
functions of forests. Includes: land defined as forests in the forest management plan, and forest infrastructure not
allocated into a separate lot. Excludes: individual trees and groups of forest trees smaller than 0.05 ha, non-native
riverain and windbelt trees, avenues, parks, plantations of forest trees, pens for rearing game, pastures overgrown
with forest trees. Definition applies also to forest trees outside forests insofar as they are specifically defined.
408. (Solomon Islands 1999) Any area of land predominantly covered by trees, and includes areas planted with trees
except when such planting is carried out for agricultural purposes. [LEX-FAOC018884] SOLOMON ISLANDS: Forests
Act (No. 3 of 1999). Date of text: 24 September 1999.
409. (Somalia) Min. av. height 5-10 m. Canopy closure 20%. Source: ECE-FAO Partnership Programme: Kenya
Workshop on Forestry Statistics. Appendix 6.
410. (South Africa 1996) Tree canopy cover >70%. A multi-strata community with interlocking canopies, composed of
canopy, subcanopy, shrub and herb layers. Excludes planted forests. Thompson. 1996? www.sac.co.za/geoinfo/
field_guide.htm
411. (South Africa 1998) Forest is defined as more than two trees whose canopies touch. 1998 Forest Act.
http://www.oceandocs.net/bitstream/1834/560/1/case%20study.pdf
412. (South Africa 1998) Forested (wetland) A class is characterised by woody vegetation that is taller than 6 m. These
habitats normally possess an overstorey of trees, an understorey of young trees or shrubs, and a herbaceous layer.
http://www.ext.grida.no/soesa/nsoer/resource/wetland/inventory_classif.htm#classes South African National Wetland
Inventory . Proposed wetland classification system for South Africa . J. Dini, G. Cowan & P. Goodman. FIRST DRAFT.
August 1998
413. (South Africa 1999) Forest is a continuous stand of trees at least 10m tall, with their crowns interlocking. It is
generally multi-layered vegetation unit dominated by trees (largely evergreen or semi-deciduous) whose combined
strata have overlapping crowns (i.e. crown cover is > 75 percent). (Bailey, et.al., 1999) http://www.environmental-
74
414. (South Africa 2002) Indigenous forest is defined as "a generally multilayered vegetation unit dominated by trees
(largely evergreen or semi-deciduous) whose combined strata have overlapping crowns (i.e. the crown cover is
greater than or equal to 75 percent), and where graminoids in the herbaceous stratum (if present) are generally rare"
http://www.fao.org/docrep/005/y4001e/Y4001E06a.htm
415. (South Africa 2006 KP) Cover Min. Area (ha) = 0.05 Min. Crown Cover (%) = 30 Min. Tree Height (m) = 2 Min.
Strip Width (m) = ns http://cdm.unfccc.int/DNA/index.html - Sasaki & Putz 2009
416. (South Africa) - forests of all kinds - Government policy in South Africa is formulated to include "forests of all
kinds", that is, the indigenous forests, where trees grow with their crowns virtually intertwined, natural woodlands,
where tree cover may be as little as 10%, plantation, and community forests.
http://www.polity.org.za/govdocs/white_papers/forestry.html
417. (South Africa) Forest means any ecosystem containing trees on forest land or any component of such an
ecosystem, and includes land, water, air, woody vegetation and living organisms; www.dwaf.gov.za/Forestry/Forestry
%20Policy/October%202001%20draft%20Protocol.doc
418. (South Africa) Closed canopy with three or more tree layers; many species and age classes; typically 5 to 20 m
tall. Fires penetrate only rarely. http://www.polity.org.za/govdocs/green_papers/forest1.html#t1.1 Note: This definition
of Forest appearst to exclude Plantations, Woodlands, and Wooded Grasslands.
419. (South Africa) Multi-layered vegetation of trees with a cover of greater than 75%. Fire does not normally pass
through forest. From: Graeme Wild <GraemeW@za.sappi.com
420. (Spain 1997) A territory or ecosystem predominately with tree species and a cover closure = 10 %, also includes
open forest over cultivated or pasture land where the crown closure is = 20 %. (European Communities 1997b - p.
927).
421. (Spain 2006 KP) Cover Min. Area (ha) = 1 Min. Crown Cover (%) = 10 Min. Tree Height (m) = 5 Min. Strip Width
(m) = ns
422. (Spain 2008) - Forest surface is considered the land populated by forest tree species and whose dominant
canopy cover (FCC) is more than 10%. It consists of: (i) woodland - land with trees whose FCC> = 20%; (ii) sparse
woodland - 10% = <FCC <20%. It also includes land with scrub or grassland species dominant plant natural
expression, but a FCC of between 10% and 20%. Ministerio de Medio Ambiente y Medio Rural y Marino, 2008.
423. (Spain 2009 NIR) Crown cover > 10%.
424. (Spain 2010 KP) Crown cover > 20%, tree height > 3m, area > 1.0 ha.
425. (Spain 2010 NFI) Crown cover > 5%, area > 0.25 ha, width > 20 m.
426. (Sri Lanka 2006 KP) Cover Min. Area (ha) = 0.05 Min. Crown Cover (%) = 30 Min. Tree Height (m) = 3 Min. Strip
427. (Sri Lanka 2010 KP) is now defined as follows: a minimum land area of 0.05 hectares with a minimum tree canopy
cover of 20% and a canopy height of 3 m. The definition does not specify whether species such as rubber, bamboo
and palm trees are included. http://www.forestcarbonasia.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Sri-Lanka-Country-Report-
final-02.06.2011.pdf
428. (St. Lucia) - Timber lands/Forest lands - Lands whereon trees are growing and which are not permanent
agriculture cultivation. (Source: Michael Andrew, chiefforest@maffe.org)
429. (St. Lucia) Any area of land covered in trees usually of various ages, mixed or single species as in forest
plantations. (Source: Michael Andrew, chiefforest@maffe.org)
430. (Sudan 1970) forests and woodlands as any area of vegetation dominated by trees of any size.
http://postconflict.unep.ch/publications/sudan/09_forests.pdf
431. (Sudan). Min. av. height 10 m. Canopy closure 40 %. Source: ECE-FAO Partnership Programme: Kenya
432. (Swazi Nation -1910) "private forest" means a forest, plantation or tree situate on land not owned by the
Government, or on Swazi nation land; www.sntc.org.sz/documents/ForestPreservationAct.do
433. (Swaziland 1994) Forest a vegetation type dominated by trees, which may be pristine rainforest, scrub
woodland; Palm savanna or plantation (Wong 2000). According to FAO (1994) Forests are ecosystems with a
minimlum of 10% cover of trees or bamboos. https://scholar.sun.ac.za/bitstream/handle/10019.1/1174/Dlamini.pdf?
sequence=1
434. (Sweden 2000) All land with a tree crown cover of more than 20 percent plus have the land with a tree crown
cover ranging from 1 percent to 20 percent, and area more than 0.25 ha. For FRA 2000 - Source: UN/ECE 2000 p 87
435. (Sweden 2006 KP) Cover Min. Area (ha) = 0.5 Min. Crown Cover (%) = 10 Min. Tree Height (m) = 5 Min. Strip
Width (m) = 10
http://unfccc.int/files/national_reports/initial_reports_under_the_kyoto_protocol/application/msword/initial_report_unde
r_the_kyoto_protocol_-_sweden_unfccc_sign.doc (2006)
75
436. (Sweden 2009 NIR) Crown cover > 10%, tree height > 5m, area > 0.5 ha.
437. (Sweden 2009) - Types of land under the Forestry Act Determined for the traditional types of land in productive
forest, bog, mountain pine forests and other land. Forest land: Land bearing forest or without measures to increase
production has the potential to bear forest with a height of 5 m and with a crown cover of at least 10%. Sveriges
Lantbruksuniversitet (SLU), 2009.
438. (Sweden 2010 NFI) Area > 0.25 ha? (Source gives >0.25 m as tree height).
439. (Switzerland 1997) - Focuses on growing stock and applies to measurable criteria - width of forest area, crown
closure and top height. Width of growing stock with canopy closure = 100% is at least 25 m and with crown closure =
20% at least 50 m. Canopy closure between 20 % and 100 % depending on width of growing stock. Minimum top
height 3 m (exceptions afforestation, young growth, mountain alder, mountain pine) (European Communities 1997b -
p. 1067)
440. (Switzerland 2006) -Forest is land covered by trees with a minimum height of 3 m and the minimum width of the
tree stand is 50 m. In addition, the tree crowns have to cover at least 20% of the area. Swiss Federal Research
Institute (WSL) and Swiss Forest Monitoring, 2006.
441. (Switzerland) - Any land area covered with forest trees or bushes.
http://www.fao.org/legal/legstud/frmdocrep/41_AK476E.pdf
442. (Taiwan, ROC) Forest - A plant association predominantly of trees and other woody vegetation ( Bamboo etc. ) in
forest land. In Taiwan, the national forests are administrated by Taiwan Forestry Bureau, now subordinated to Council
of Agriculture (COA). Source: "ªL°§½service" service@dns.forest.gov.tw
443. (Tajikistan 1998) Ecosystems, which besides trees include soils, waters, and the multitude of associated animals,
plants and micro-organisms. Source: State of the Environment Tajikistan 98 - Forest
http://www.grida.no/prog/cee/enrin/htmls/tadjik/soe/forest/forest1.htm
444. (Tajikistan 2010).forests - an ecosystem with a minimum of 10 percent crown cover of forest trees/or bamboos
generally associated with wild flora, fauna, natural regeneration and natural soil conditions that is not subject to
agricultural practices. Forestry Code of Tajikistan. http://naturalresources-centralasia.org/assets/files/Forestry
%20sector%20analysis%20of%20the%20republic%20of%20Tajikistan%20eng.pdf
445. (Tanzania 1998) All land bearing a vegetative association dominated by trees of any size, exploitable or not, and
capable of producing wood or other products of exerting influence on the climate or water regime or providing shelter
to livestock and wildlife. From: Tanzania Forest policy, Roger Malimbwi, Faculty of Forestry <forestry@sua.ac.tz and
(MNRT 1998a) http://www.unep-wcmc.org/forest/restoration/docs/TanzaniaFLR.PDF
446. (Tanzania 2002) ''forest'' means an area of land with at least 10% tree crown cover, naturally grown or planted and
or 50% or more shrub and tree regeneration cover and includes all forest reserves of whatever kind declared or
gazetted under this Act and all plantations; http://www.bunge.go.tz/Polis/PAMS/Docs/14-2002.pdf
447. (Tanzania 2002) Land having10 percent tree cover or 50 percent shrub or tree regeneration cover, to be
designated as a national forest reserve. http://books.google.com/books?
id=KDcRI1Nj9n0C&pg=PA32&lpg=PA32&dq=having10+percent+tree+cover+or+50+percent+shrub+or+tree+regenera
tion&source=bl&ots=KcKcFGiIKo&sig=zK4quavMBqFqG0EoOq65imubhq8&hl=en&sa=X&ei=DNo4T8S2Fqb00gGxip
GwAg&ved=0CCUQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=having10%20percent%20tree%20cover%20or%2050%20percent
%20shrub%20or%20tree%20regeneration&f=false
448. (Tanzania 2002) Under the Forest Act/Law, forests are defined as an area of land with at least 10% tree crown
cover, naturally grown or planted and or 50% or more shrub and tree regeneration cover and includes all forest
reserves of whatever kind declared or gazetted under the forest act and all plantations http://www.climate-
standards.org/projects/files/tanzania/ufp_mfp_combined_validation_VCS_PDD-1.pdf
449. (Tanzania 2008 KP) a forest is areas with trees of a height of more than 3m, with a crown cover of 30%, covering
one hectare of land. (In a communication in October 2008 between Sangito Sumari, Managing Director of
GreenResources Ltd and Dr Tango, Ministry of National Resources and Tourism, Tanzania, a definition of 2.5m,30%
and 1 ha was indicated). http://www.climate-
standards.org/projects/files/tanzania/ufp_mfp_combined_validation_VCS_PDD-1.pdf
450. (Tanzania) (Closed Forest) Trees 8 m and canopy closure 60%. No figures given for open forest. Source: ECE-
FAO Partnership Programme: Kenya Workshop on Forestry Statistics. Appendix 6.
451. (Tanzania) An area of land covered with trees, grass, and other vegetation but dominated by trees. From:
Tanzania Forest policy, Roger Malimbwi, Faculty of Forestry <forestry@sua.ac.tz
452. (Thailand 2001) Closed forest. Forest in which the stand density is greater than 20 percent of the area and tree
crowns approach general contact with one another. Open forest. Forest in which the tree canopy layer is
discontinuous but covers at least 10 percent of the area and in which the grass layer is continuous.
http://www.landcoalition.org/sites/default/files/legacy/legacypdf/08_gtz_land_tenure_systems.pdf
76
453. (Thailand 2006 KP) Cover Min. Area (ha) = 0.16 Min. Crown Cover (%) = 30 Min. Tree Height (m) = 3 Min. Strip
454. (Thailand) Forest land - forest area derived from satellite imagery interpretation by the Royal Forest Department.
Songkram Thammincha fforskt@ku.ac.th
455. (Togo 2006 KP) Cover Min. Area (ha) = 0.5 Min. Crown Cover (%) = 10 Min. Tree Height (m) = 5 Min. Strip Width
(m) = ns http://cdm.unfccc.int/DNA/index.html. Includes palms and bamboo
456. (Trinidad & Tobago 2006 KP) Cover Min. Area (ha) = 0.4 Min. Crown Cover (%) = 10 Min. Tree Height (m) = 3
Min. Strip Width (m) = ns http://cdm.unfccc.int/DNA/index.html
457. (Trinidad and Tobago) Forest Reserve - means and includes a forest and every part of a forest declared to be a
Forest Reserve under the Land Regulations for the time being in force Forest Act: Chapter 66:01. Narine Lackhan,
Director of Forestry.
458. (Tunisia 1988) On entend par fort, toute formation vgtale d'origine naturelle ou artificielle compose d'une ou
plusieurs espces forestires d'arbes, d'arbustes ou de broussailles l'tat put ou en mlange.LEX-FAOC002805.
TUNISIA: Loi nº 20 portant Code Forestier. Date of text: 13 April 1988.
459. (Turkey 1937) The first Forest Code defined forests as areas covered by a collection of trees and shrubs grown
either naturally or cultivated by humans, and producing woody materials or any kind of forest yield. This definition
excluded steppes, city parks, thorny areas, and areas of less than 5 ha that were not adjacent to natural forest
boundaries and were owned by private entities. http://www.fao.org/forestry/16407-
0c0665eddd86a68c9fbbe87cdde52501c.pdf.
460. (Turkey 1950) AMMENDMENT 5653 was passed in 1950 (see APPENDIX_2). This law changed clauses 1 and 3
(among others) of Forest law 3116 redefying Legal Forests as follows : "A collection of trees or bushes occurring
naturally or planted by people" with the exception of the following : " All types of prickly plants, Trees in parks and
graveyards, Trees not found in natural Forests such as poplar, eucalyptus,willow and acasia,Clumps of trees and
bushes covering less than 3 hectars on private land more than 3 km from government Forest. All types of maquis. ".
Giraud, Brian. 2011. Property rights in Turkish forests. 106 p.
http://turkeyforest.com/files/forest_report_18.02.2011_with_font_14_&_navigation_--
property_rights_in_turkish_forests_-_final_version.pdf or http://turkeyforest.com/
461. (Turkey 1956). The groups of trees and small trees and their fields are in the scope of forest. Bit sedgies; the
fields containing steppe plants; all kinkds of prickly plants; parks; trees and groups of trees in city backyards and
places in the territory of counties and villages, the places existing I private areas and cultivated trees and small trees.
http://web.ogm.gov.tr/languages/English/dokumanlar/dgf6831law.pdf.
462. (Turkey 1987) - THE CURRENT FORESTRY LAW 6831 of 1956 (see APPENDIX_4). In 1956 the present
Forestry law was introduced replacing law 3116 and offering its own (similar) Forest definitions and Forestry policies.
Legal Forests were again redefined as "naturally occurring or planted collections of trees or shrubs together with the
land they occupy." Exceptions were again listed as follows: " Reed beds; Steppes; Land containing all types of prickly
plants; parks (amendment 2896 clause 1 of 23/9/1983) tree and shrub covered areas in city cemeteries and in old
cemeteries located inside municipality and Village limits; Private land containing trees and shrubs which do not grow
naturally in surrounding Forests (amendment no 3373 clause 1 of 22/5/1987). Private registered land within Forest
land or ajacent to Forest land, any private land outside Forest areas used as agricultural land containing random or
orderly arranged trees or clumps of any species of tree or shrub.; (amendment no 3373 clause 1 of 22/5/1987).
Private land less than 3 hectars in area located outside Forest areas containing any kind of tree or shrub. Private land
containing or scheduled to be planted with (according to the suitability of the region) any kind of fruit bearing tree or
shrub, including stone (nut bearing) pine and (acorn bearing) oak, (amendment no 2896 clause 1 of 23/9/1983).
Private land containing grafted and ungrafted olive trees, land containing wild olive trees that has been separated
from government Forest by special law provided that the improvement and ownership conditions have been met and
land containing wild and grafted nut trees, mastic trees and trees as specified by law 77 of 9//1956. Land covered
by maquis and heather and land that does not have conservation characteristics. "
http://www.elo.org/UserFiles/File/GR_GIRAUD.doc
463. (Turkey 1987) Tree and woodland communities, which are grown by human efforts, are regarded as Forest,
together with their lands; Privately owned lands containing trees and woodland species, which do not grow naturally in
the neighbouring forest or any kind of trees or woodlands on privately owned land and smaller than three hectares are
not considered as forest; http://faolex.fao.org/docs/texts/tur20346.doc
464. (Turkey 1988) Naturally occurring or planted collections of trees or shrubs together with the land they occupy shall
be called forests. The word forest refers to both the forest cover and the underlying real estate. Giraud, Brian.
2011. Property rights in Turkish forests. 106 p.
465. (Turkey 2000) - Forest - All tree and tree formations communities together with their land are forest. Except for
land covered with steppe vegetation, marshes and wetlands covered with buses, city park areas, cemeteries, private
lands with tree cover which is not grown in surrounding forests naturally, land out of forest borders with an area of less
than 3 ha. UN/ECE 2000 p 89.
77
466. (Turkey 2003) Naturally occurring or planted collection of trees or shrubs together with the land they occupy.
Exceptions are listed as follows: Reedbeds; Steppes; Land containing all types of prickly plants; Parks; Tree and
shrub covered areas in city cemeteries and in old cemeteries located inside municipality and village limits; Private
land containing trees and shrubs which do not grow naturally in surrounding forests; Land with Title Deeds within or
adjacent to Forest Boundaries or if outside Forest Boundaries, privately owned land with any kind of ownership
document, used as agricultural land and containing random or orderly arranged trees or clumps of any tree or shrub;
Private land less than 3 hectars in area located outside forest areas containing any kind of tree or shrub; Private land
with Title Deeds within or adjacent to Forest Boundaries and Private Land with any kind of ownership document
outside Forest Boundaries containing or scheduled to be planted withy (according to the suitability of the region) any
kind of fruit bearing tree or shrub, including stone (nut bearing) pine and acorn bearing) oak; Private lands containing
grafted and ungrafted olive trees, land containing wild olive trees that has been separated from government forest by
special law provided that the improvement and ownership conditions have been met and land containing wild and
grafted nut trees, mastic trees andtrees as specified by law 77 of 9/1956; Land covered by maquis and heather and
land that does not have conservation characteristics. Giraud, Brian. 2011. Property rights in Turkish forests. 106 p.
467. (Turkey 2004) Groups of trees and small trees growing naturally or grown by people are considered forest
together with the land where they stand and also includes exceptions of this definition within the rest of the article.
(Turkish Article 1 of the Forest Law no. 6831). Karabeyli, Levent et al. 2004. Protection of forests. Turkish Court of
Accounts. Performance Audit Report. 78 p.
http://www.sayistay.gov.tr/english_tca/Performance/ProtectionOfForests.pdf
468. (Turkey 2004) Article 1 of the Forest Law no. 6831 defines the forests as Groups of trees and small trees growing
naturally or grown by people are considered forest together with the land where they stand and also includes
exceptions of this definition within the rest of the article.
http://www.sayistay.gov.tr/english_tca/Performance/ProtectionOfForests.pdf
469. (Turkey 2009) A forest ecosystem is a natural unit consisting of all plants of which the main element is forest
trees, animals and micro-organisms (biotic factors) in an area functioning together with all of the non-living physical
(abiotic factors) factors of the environment. The forest area in terms of crown density is classified into two main
groups. Forest area with the crown density of 11-100 percent is defined as productive forest area constituting about
50 percent of the countrys forest area while the area with the crown density of 1-10 percent, the remaining about 50
percent named as degraded forest area. GDF. 2009. State of Turkey's Forests. Republic of Turkey. Ministry of
Environment and Forestry. General Directorate of Forestry. Forest Administration and Planning Department. 28 p.
http://web.ogm.gov.tr/languages/English/dokumanlar/Publications/stateofforests.pdf
470. (Turkey 2010) Land spanning more than 0.5 hectares with trees higher than 5 meters and a canopy cover of more
agricultural or urban land use. FRA and LULUCF.
http://web.ogm.gov.tr/diger/forestandclimate/Dokumanlar/reports/ProposalforTurkeysPost-2012NegotiatiForestry.pdf
471. (Turkey 2010) The forest area of Turkey is classified into two main groups on the basis of crown coverage. Forest
area with a crown coverage of 11-100 % is defined as productive forest area and covers about 50 % of the countrys
forest area. Forest area with crown coverage of 1-10 % is considered as degraded forest area which covers the
remaining 50 % of Turkish forest lands. Tolunay, Ahmet et al. 2007. Definition and Classification of Traditional
Agroforestry Practices in the West Mediterranean Region of Turkey. International Journal of Agricultural Research, 2:
22-32. http://scialert.net/qredirect.php?doi=ijar.2007.22.32&linkid=pdf
472. (Turkey 2011) - A forest is defined as land with tree crown cover of more than 10%, an area of more than 0.5 ha
and an average width of more than 20 m. Trees should be able to reach a minimum height of 5 m at maturity in situ.
FOREST EUROPE, UNECE AND FAO, 2011.
473. (Turkey 2013) - The ecosystem with the forest trees which are able to reach a minimum height of 5 mt at maturity
in suitalble sites. Forest land: The the area of land with forest trees by hectares.
http://web.ogm.gov.tr/Dkmanlar/istatistikler/Ormancilik-Istatistikleri_2011.pdf.
474. (Uganda 2003) "forest" means an area of land containing a vegetation association that is predominantly
composed of trees of any size, and includes - (a) a forest classified under this Act; (b) a natural forest, woodland or
plantation; (c) the forest produce in a forest; and (d) the forest ecosystem; "forest ecosystem" means any natural or
semi-natural formation of vegetation whose dominant element is trees, with closed or partially closed canopy, together
with the biotic and abiotic environment; The National Forestry and Tree Planting Act, 8/2003.
http://www.nemaug.org/regulations/forestry_tree_planting_act.pdf
475. (Uganda 2006 KP) Cover Min. Area (ha) = 1.0 Min. Crown Cover (%) = 30 Min. Tree Height (m) = 5 Min. Strip
476. (Uganda 2008) An area of at least one hectare of land with a minimum tree canopy cover of 30% and a minimum
tree potential height of 5 metres (Adapted from UNFCCC, 2001).
http://www.envalert.org/docs/Inventoryofcriticalissuesinforestry.pdf
78
477. (Uganda KP) Uganda has defined and communicated the national forest thresholds as land which has: Minimum
area of 1 hectare Minimum tree crown cover of 30 %; and A minimum height of 5 meters at maturity.
http://www.greenresources.no/Portals/0/Carbon/KFP%20CCBA%20PDD%20Version%204.pdf
478. (Uganda) Tropical high forest. Min. canopy closure 40%. Source: ECE-FAO Partnership Programme: Kenya
479. (Ukraine 1994) Combination of land, vegetation dominated by trees and shrubs, animals, microorganisms and
other natural components interconnected in their development and influencing each other and the environment.''
[From: ``The Forest Code of Ukraine'' Kiev, 1994, 56p. "Maksym Polyakov" mpoliak@pcomp.usau.kiev.ua Date: Thu,
11 Jun 1998 12:06:37 +0300 (MSD)]
480. (Ukraine 2006 KP) Cover Min. Area (ha) = 0.1 Min. Crown Cover (%) = 30 Min. Tree Height (m) = 5 Min. Strip
Width (m) = 20
http://unfccc.int/files/national_reports/initial_reports_under_the_kyoto_protocol/application/pdf/ukraine_aa_report.pdf
(2006)
481. (Ukraine 2006) - In Ukraine's forest are forest areas, including those protective plantings linear type, area of not
less than 0.1 ha. In Ukraine the forest area does not include: green spaces within settlements (parks, gardens,
squares, boulevards, etc.) that are not included in the prescribed manner to the forest; individual trees and groups of
trees, shrubs on
http://www.efi.int/files/attachments/publications/annex_1_to_efi_technical_report_88__2013.pdfagricultural land,
homestead, cottage and garden areas. Supreme Council of Ukraine, 2006.
482. (United Kingdom 2000) - Forest 20 % and 0.25 ha. For FRA 2000 - Source: UN/ECE 2000 p 90
483. (United Kingdom 2006 KP) Cover Min. Area (ha) = 0.1 Min. Crown Cover (%) = 20 Min. Tree Height (m) = 2 Min.
Strip Width (m) = 20.
http://unfccc.int/files/national_reports/initial_reports_under_the_kyoto_protocol/application/pdf/report_final.pdf (2006)
484. (United Kingdom 2006) Woodland is defined as an area of trees, where a tree is a woody species capable of
achieving >5m in height and 25% canopy cover under favourable growing conditions.
http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/planningandbuilding/pdf/144275.pdf
485. (United Kingdom 2009 NIR and NFI) Crown cover > 20%, tree height > 2m, area > 0.1 ha, width > 20 m.
486. (United Kingdom 2009) For the National Forest Inventory (2009-2014), the definition of forest or woodland as an
area of tree covered land greater than 0.5ha (about 1.25 acres) and at least 20 m wide whose canopy cover or
canopy closure extends to 20% or more of the land area (or the potential to achieve this).In other words, if the site
were viewed from the air, 20% or more of the ground would be obscured by the trees' foliage when the trees are
mature. This definition of woodland is in keeping with other internationally accepted definitions of woodland. The
current National Inventory is being carried out between 2009 and 2014. FC, 2010.
487. (United Kingdom 2010) - For the National Inventory of Woodland, forest is defined as areas with a canopy cover
of 20% or more (or the potential to achieve this) and over 50 m in width. The NIWT woodland map aimed to include all
areas satisfying this definition and with a minimum area of 2.0 ha or over. Woodland area from 0.1 ha to 2.0 ha was
derived from the Survey of Small Woods and Trees
488. (United Kingdom) (Woodland) vegetation dominated by trees that are more than 5 m high when mature, which
form a distinct, although sometimes open canopy which has a cover of greater than 20%.
http://jncc.defra.gov.uk/page-2433#1858.
489. (United Kingdom) A large area dominated by trees, both conifers and broad-leaved, either planted or natural.
Usually taken to include a complex landscape comprising of woodland, open space, water and settlements.
http://www.forestresearch.gov.uk/fr/INFD-5V8E8R
490. (United Kingdom) Forest (Wood) - Generally speaking, a forest is a large wood or a collection of woods although
the two terms are often interchangeable http://www.forestry.gov.uk/forestry/hcou-4ubj75
491. (Uruguay 1988) A los efectos de la aplicacin de esa Ley, se consideran bosques las asociaciones vegetales que
tengan ciertas caractersticas y que ocupen una superficie mnima de 2 500 m². Adems, se designan como
terrenos forestales ciertas zonas o grupos de suelos (costas arenosas, orillas de ros, etc.) y se habilita al
departamento competente para designar otras por razones de conveniencia pblica y teniendo en cuenta la aptitud
forestal de los suelos. Por otra parte, el presente Decreto establece los requisitos y los criterios segn los cuales los
"bosques particulares" pueden calificarse como protectores o productores. Cuando sus caractersticas no permitan
incluirlos en la calificacin indicada se considerarn "bosques generales". Asimismo se declara obligatoria la
plantacin de ciertos terrenos forestales que ocupen una superficie mnima de 10 hectreas. Por ltimo se dictan
varias disposiciones cuyo objeto es la conservacin de los recursos forestales y, en particular, la prohibicin de las
cortas que sean perjudiciales para los bosques protectores. LEX-FAOC003578. URUGUAY: Decreto 452/988 por el
que se dictan normas reglamentarias para considerar bosques aquellas asociaciones vegetales de determinadas
caractersticas. Date of text: 06 July 1988.
79
492. (Uruguay 2003) Minimum area = 0.25 ha
493. (Uruguay 2006 KP) Cover Min. Area (ha) = 0.25 Min. Crown Cover (%) = 30 Min. Tree Height (m) = 3 Min. Strip
494. (USA 2003) Minimum area = 0.5 ha, minimum tree crown cover =30%, minimum tree height = Varies
495. (USA) A stand of trees where trees are no more than 60 feet apart. Based upon excavated roots of some mature
trees and determined that a forest could not be a forest if the trees were more than about 20 meters apart. This
definition assumed that the trees were mature. This was a definition for the USA. Source: "J. Foster"
<borealis@mail.wellsgray.net from an article in Journal of Forestry.
496. (USA-FED-5-Agency1982). Treeland. Areas on which vegetation is dominated by trees, provided these areas do
not qualify as Built-up land or Cultivated cropland: Examples are areas consisting of such species as Douglas fir,
Ponderosa pine, slash pine, oak, aspen, ash, and maple. http://home.comcast.net/~gyde/5-agency_paper-2.doc
497. (USA-FED-Census Bureau1870) Woodland over 40 acres of forest per square mile. Distribution of woodland
within the territory of the U.S. (1873) See images 49-60 http://memory.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/r?
ammem/gmd:@field(NUMBER+@band(g3701gm+gct00008))
498. (USA-FED-Census Bureau1995) Forest land is characterized by a predominance of tree cover and is further
divided by the U.S. Census into timberland and non-timberland. By definition, the former must be capable of
producing 20 cubic feet of industrial wood per acre per year and remain legally open to timber production.
http://www.gcrio.org/CONSEQUENCES/spring95/Land.html
499. (USA-FED-Corps of Engineers) Any area dominated by trees, that is not normally subject to inundation during the
growing season or is only periodically influenced by flooding. (Trees understood to be more than 20 feet tall).
http://delta.geol.uno.edu/coastal/research/bump/usace_method.html
500. (USA-FED-DA Bureau of Forestry 1905) An area whose principal crop is trees. A forest includes both the forest
cover and the soil beneath it. A forest judged by the character of the stand may be timberland or woodland. These
constitute the two great classes of forest, between which it is possible to draw a practical but not an absolute
distinction. Timberland may be broadly defined as that class of forest which contains in commercial quantities trees of
sufficient size and of the required kind to furnish saw logs, pulp wood, ties, poles, or wood for similar uses. Woodland
may be broadly defined as forest which contains trees fit for firewood or fencing, but none or very few trees which are
suitable for the uses enumerated above. A timber tract is a body of timberland, usually of large area. A woodlot is a
forest of small area in which the wood is used mainly for fuel, fencing, and other farm purposes.
http://ir.library.oregonstate.edu/xmlui/bitstream/handle/1957/6265/terms%20used%20in%20forestry%20%5Bocr
%5D.pdf?sequence=1
501. (USA-FED-DA-FS 1998) Forests, upland - forests where palms do not predominate and where the water table is
too low to support mangrove or swamp forest species (MacLean and others 1988a).
http://www.fs.fed.us/psw/publications/documents/psw_gtr145/psw_gtr145.pdf
502. (USA-FED-DA-NRCS) For the purpose of developing ecological site descriptions, a spatially defined site where
the historic climax plant community was dominated by a 25% overstory canopy of trees, as determined by crown
perimeter-vertical projection. http://nsscnt.nssc.nrcs.usda.gov/nfm/apxframe.htm and National Soil Survey Handbook
http://www.statlab.iastate.edu/soils/nssh/622.htm
503. (USA-FED-DA-SCS) Lands with at least 25 percent tree canopy cover or lands at least 16.7 stocked by forest
trees of any size. Source: USDA- Soil Conserv. Serv. 1977. INTERA -FS/S'CS Agreement-Inventory, Appraisal, and
Assessment Responsibilities. Memo dated 1/17/77. Note: this was an attempt to resolve differences in definitions
between the USFS and the Soil Conservation Service - now NRCS. See also Lund, et. al. 1981.
504. (USA-FED-DC-NOAA 2007?) Areas dominated by trees generally greater than 5 meters tall and greater than 20
percent of total vegetation cover. http://www.csc.noaa.gov/crs/lca/tech_cls.html#9 and
www.csc.noaa.gov/crs/lca/ccap.html.
505. (USA-FED-DC-NOAA-Coastal Services Center) Includes areas dominated by single-stemmed, woody vegetation
unbranched 2 to 3 feet above the ground having a height greater than 6 meters (20 feet)
http://www.csc.noaa.gov/crs/lca/oldscheme.html (2004)
506. (USA-FED-DI-BLM 2011). Forest. Contains tree species commonly harvested as a timber resource including
ponderosa pine, lodgepole pine, Douglas-fir, spruce/fir mix, and aspen.
http://www.blm.gov/pgdata/etc/medialib/blm/co/programs/land_use_planning/rmp/white_river/documents/rmpa-
2.Par.82091.File.dat/07_WRFO_RMPA-EIS_Chapter%206_Aug2012.pdf
507. (USA-FED-DI-FWS) Woody vegetation greater than 6 meters in height.
http://www.nwi.fws.gov/riparian.htm#DEFINITIONS
508. (USA-FED-DI-GS-NLCD 1992). Forested Upland - Areas characterized by tree cover (natural or semi-natural
woody vegetation, generally greater than 6 meters tall); tree canopy accounts for 25-100 percent of the cover NLCD
92 http://landcover.usgs.gov/classes.php#upland
509. (USA-FED-DI-NBS/NPS 1994) Areas with tree 5 m in height or more and with crowns interlocking (60-100%
crown cover). (TNC-NBS/NPS. 1994).
80
510. (USA-FED-DI-NPS 2009) Areas dominated by trees. Wang, Y. Q.; Nugranad-Marzilli, J. 2009. Land cover change
in Northeast Temperate Network parks 1973-2002. Natural Resource Technical Report NPS/NETN/NRTR
2009/238. National Park Service, Fort Collins, Colorado.
http://science.nature.nps.gov/im/units/netn/inventory/docs/Inventory
%20Reports/Land_Cover_Change_FINAL_20091203.pdf
511. (USA-FED-DS-AID 2008) A forest is best defined as an ecosystem or assemblage of ecosystems dominated by
trees and other woody vegetation. Forests (according to the U.S. National Vegetation Classification system) consist of
trees with overlapping crowns forming 60% to 100% cover. Woodlands are more open, with 25% to 60% cover.
http://www.usaid.gov/locations/latin_america_caribbean/environment/docs/section_118/Jamaica_2008_FAA_118_and
_119_FINAL.pdf
512. (USA-FED-EPA 2001) The term forest means a concentration of trees and related vegetation in non-urban areas
sparsely inhabited by and infrequently used by humans; characterized by natural terrain and drainage patterns.
http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/14mar20010800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/cfr_2002/julqtr/pdf/40cfr171.2.pdf
513. (USA-FED-EPA) - Lands at least 10 percent covered by trees of any size, at least one acre in extent. This
includes areas in which trees are intermingled with other cover, such as chaparral and pinyon, juniper areas in the
Southwest, and both naturally regenerating forests and areas planted for future harvest (plantations or tree farms).
http://www.epa.gov/indicate/roe/html/roeAppDf.htm#f
514. (USA-FED-EPA) (Natural) Forested - A class of vegetation dominated by trees generally forming 25% canopy
cover. http://www.epa.gov/mrlc/Implmnt_plan.htm#Def MRLC
515. (USA-FED-EPA) Plant communities which exist along floodplains or on the eastern side of rivers where they were
protected from fires. They are dominated by trees that are intolerant of fire and can grow in poorly drained soils,
although bur oak trees can be a part of this community. In Northeastern Illinois, the word "forest" is often used
interchangeably with "woodland" or "woods," as in the "Big Woods." EPA/Great Lakes National Program Office :
Natural Landscaping for Public Officials: Glossary Term Detail http://oaspub.epa.gov/trs/trs_proc_qry.alphabet?
p_term_nm=F
516. (USA-FED-EPA) Vegetative communities comprised principally of trees potentially over 10m in height and
typically characterized by closed or multi-layered canopies. http://www.epa.gov/nerlesd1/land-sci/table1.htm
517. (USA-FED-FGDC) Closed Tree Canopy - trees with crowns interlocking with crowns forming 60-100% cover.
Open Tree Canopy - trees with crowns not usually touching forming 10- or 25-60% cover [Source:
http://biology.usgs.gov/fgdc.veg/standards/appendix3.htm]
518. (USA-FED-FGDC) Mature (late successional) height of trees > 5 m (16.5 ft.) and canopy cover =/>25%. FGDC.
http://www.forestguild.org/climate_change/Pinon-Juniper.pdf and http://www.fgdc.gov/fgdc.html
519. (USA-FED-NASA) A dense growth of trees, plants, and underbrush covering a large area.
http://www.dictionary.com/cgi-bin/dict.pl?term=forest and http://vathena.arc.nasa.gov/curric/land/wetland/gloss.html
520. (Vanatu 1933) An area covered with trees with a canopy height greater than 10 m, crowns touching or
overlapping, and no groundlayer visible on airphotos (GoV 1993: VANRIS);
http://cn.china.cn/2011images/vanuatu/NFP_Comprehensive_June_2011.pdf
521. (Vanatu 1993) Areas of natural vegetation with a predominant canopy height of over 10 meters (Baldwin &
Mathias, 1993); http://cn.china.cn/2011images/vanuatu/NFP_Comprehensive_June_2011.pdf
522. (Vanatu 2001) Any area of Vanuatu predominantly covered by trees, and includes areas planted with trees,except
where such trees are for agricultural purposes (Forestry Act, 2001);
523. (Vanuatu) Forest - Tree canopy is greater than 10 m in height. Crowns are touching or overlapping. Ground layer
not visible on airphotos. Source: Bellamy, J.A. Vanuatu Resource Information System. VANRIS Handbook. Via Adam
Gerrand.
524. (Venezuela 1977) AREAS BOSCOSAS: son espacios naturales compuestos por uno o ms ecosistemas
forestales que por sus caractersticaas ecolgicas y masa arbrea predominante densa, son aptas para la produccin
permanente de bienes forestales (maderables y no maderables) y de servicios ambientales y sociales, cuyo manejo
sustentable permita mantener los ciclos ecolgicos y, por ende, la cubierta forestal. Reglamento de la Ley Forestal de
Suelos y Aguas (1977). Areas Naturales Protegidas de Venezuela. Series Aspectos Conceptuales y Metodolgicos,
DGSPOA/ACM/01, feb 1992. Via Profauna@marnr.gov.ve
525. (Venezuela 1977) BOSQUE: Comunidad vegetal dominada por elementos tpicamente arbreos, que forman por
lo menos un estrato de copas (dosel)ms o menos contnuo, generalmente de 5 m de altura (2); espacio natural
conformado por rboles, arbustos, hierbas,bacterias, hongos, protozoarios, artrpodos, otros invertebrados de todos
los tamaos, clases y descripciones, vertebrados, oxgeno, dixido de carbono, agua, minerales y materia orgnica
muerta, que en su totalidad constituyen el ecosistema forestal. Reglamento de la Ley Forestal de Suelos y Aguas
(1977). Areas Naturales Protegidas de Venezuela. Series Aspectos Conceptuales y Metodolgicos,
526. (Venezuela) - Incluye bosques (formas arbreas) de al menos 5 metros de altura.
81
527. (Vietnam 1998) - A biological community (including tree or bamboo dominant) which have a large area and a
determine density so that relation between the biological community and the environment , and between the diverse
composition of the biological community for having an forestry environment different with the outside environment.
{Definition of barren-land: It is area of barren land without forest or actually not yet afforested, only bush or scattered
trees , bamboo with a coverage < 0.3 .} Source: The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development Vietnam Nr:
..BNN/KH signed on October 1998 by Mr Nguyen Van Dang Deputy Minister. Lund note: From the definition of Barren
land, we may assume that the threshold for forest is 30% crown cover
528. (Vietnam 2006 KP) Cover Min. Area (ha) = 0.5 Min. Crown Cover (%) = 30 Min. Tree Height (m) = 3 Min. Strip
529. (Vietnam KP) forest is: (i) an area of at least 0.5 ha; with (ii) a minimum crown cover of 30%; and (iii) a minimum
tree height at maturity of 3m. http://www.asb.cgiar.org/PDFwebdocs/REALU-Final%20Report%20-%20Vietnam.pdf
530. (Virgin Islands St. Thomas) Forest closed tree canopy (> 50%) http://rps.uvi.edu/CES/vivegzon.htm
531. (Yemen 2006 KP) Cover Min. Area (ha) = 0.5 Min. Crown Cover (%) = 30 Min. Tree Height (m) = 3 Min. Strip
532. (Yemen) (Local Arabic term for Forests: Ghabat or Ahraj) - Piece of land covered a vegetation in which trees (not
only fruit trees) are predominant(over 50%), and with at least 3 ha of continuously forested area, and with a tree
crown cover equal or superior to 10%. Mohammed Ellatifi, m.ellatifi@ellatifi.8m.com
533. (Zimbabwe 2002) Natural moist forest Tree height >15m, canopy cover >80%
http://ageconsearch.umn.edu/bitstream/18021/1/dp020002.pdf
534. (Zimbabwe) Natural forest - This class which consists of moist evergreen or deciduous species can be defined as
vegetation which shows a canopy cover greater than 80% and tree heights greater than 15 metres. This class usually
occurs in high rainfall areas and as riverine vegetation along big rivers. Dominick Kwesha "VegRIS"
vegris@harare.iafrica.com
1. (America Samoa 1988). Land at least 10 percent stocked by live trees or land formerly having such tree cover and not
currently developed for nonforest use. USDA Forest Service Resour. Bull. PSW 25. 14 p.
http://www.botany.hawaii.edu/basch/uhnpscesu/pdfs/sam/Cole1988AS.pdf
2. (Argentina) - Terreno que mantiene unas existencias forestales o del que ha sido extrado el arbolado, pero que
muestra de forma evidente haber estado cubierto por l anteriormente y que en la actualidad no est dedicado a otro
aprovechamiento. (I. Conesa de Flores, Universidad Nacional del Nordeste, Resistencia, Argentina)
3. (Armenia 2005) Forest - interconnected and interacting integrity of biological diversity dominated by tree-bush
vegetation and of components of natural environment on forest lands or other lands allocated for afforestation with the
minimal area of 0,1 ha, minimal width of 10 m and with tree crowns covering at least 30% of the area, as well as non-
forested areas of previously forested forest lands. Forest Code of Armenia: http://www.nature-
ic.am/res/pdfs/legislation/general/Forest%20Code%20of%20RA.pdf
4. (Australia -Old) An area, incorporating all living and non-living components, that is dominated by trees having usually
a single stem and a mature or potentially mature stand height exceeding 5 metres, and with existing or potential
projective cover of overstorey strata about equal to or greater than 30 per cent. This definition includes Australia's
diverse native forests and plantations, regardless of age. It is also sufficiently broad to encompass areas of trees that
are sometimes described as woodlands. The focus of this Statement excludes woodlands.
http://www.rfa.gov.au/nfps/gloss.html
5. (Austria 1977) An area stocked by trees (a list of tree species in this context is given in an annex to the Austrian
Forestry Act), if the stocking of trees represents an area of at least 1000 m 2 and is of an average width of at least 10
m. Forest areas, which are unstocked due to forest management practices (for instance harvesting areas or areas
used for timber storage, skidding tracks or forest roads), are still referred to as "forest land." (Austrian Forestry Act
(Federal Legal Gazette no. 440/1975, as amended Federal Legal Gazette 231/1977, 142/1978 and 576/1987) From:
Weiss Peter weissp@ubavie.gv.at)
6. (Belarus 2000) Forest includes land covered in trees (main and other forest-forming species), non-continuous forest
growth, nurseries, and plantations. Not covered in trees - openings, slashes, dead stands, cuttings, clearings. (For
FRA 2000 - Source: UN/ECE 2000 p .73).
7. (Belarus 2006 KP) Use Min. Area (ha) = 0.1 Min. Crown Cover (%) = 30 Min. Tree Height (m) = Min. Strip Width (m) =
ns National Forest Legislation defines forested lands as forested lands of the forest fund occupied by young forest of
timber species with stand density of 0.4 and higher, and stands of other age groups with stand density of 0.3 and
higher, as well as areas occupied by bushes, at which stands of timber species cannot be developed without special
forest improvement.. 0.1 hectare is adopted as a minimal accounting unit of area.
http://unfccc.int/files/national_reports/initial_reports_under_the_kyoto_protocol/application/pdf/initial_report_belarus_e
nglish_1.pdf(Bolivia 2002) By principal land use: in Bolivia, forest land refers to areas covered with natural forest,
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cultivated, intended for various uses, and also treeless lands which may be reforested. Meadows and pasture, with
scattered trees or shrubs, do not constitute forest lands. http://www.fao.org/docrep/005/y2328e/y2328e03.htm
8. (Bolivia) TERRENO FORESTAL: Es superficie cubierta de bosque nativo, cultivado, destinado para diferentes usos;
tambin son terrenos desprovistos de rboles, que que pueden ser reforestados. Las praderas y pastizales con
rboles o arbustos dispersos, no constituye un terreno forestal. Aquel que utilizado tcnica y cientficamente,
proporciona en forma permanente mayor utilidad econmica, protectora y escnica, con cultivo forestal de bajo
aprovechamiento agropecuario. Source: Luis Castello faopaf@caoba.entelnet.bo Adjunto srvase encontrar la versin
no oficial y premilinar del Glosario Forestal elaborado por el Proyecto de Apoyo a la Coordinacin e Implementacin
del Plan de Accin Forestal para Bolivia
9. (Bosnia FbiH RS) Forest land is land on which forest is grown or land that is, because its natural characteristics,
foreseen or used for this purpose. Forest land is land covered with forest or where it is more rational, due to natural
characteristics, to have a forest or cultivate the land for forestry production.
10. (Bosnia 2001) Forest Law, land covered by forest trees in the form of stands on an area bigger than 0.1 hectare is
considered forest. Separated groups of forest trees on an area smaller than 0,1 hectare, forest nurseries, windscreen
zones and parks in populated areas are not considered forests. Land where forests are grown or which are, because
of their natural features and management conditions, anticipated to be favorable for growing of forests are considered
as forestlands. http://www.iufro.org/download/file/5574/4510/61300-jundola01_pdf/
11. (Bosnia and Herzegovina 2013) - Forests (definitions) Including all areas covered with forest tree species, minimum
(0.16 ha, minimum width 20 m) with minimum crown coverage 20%, whatever age, or origin of the tree. Growth more
than 5 m in height. Forest including areas temporarily unstocked areas (with crown cover less than 20%) if higher
coverage can be expected in the near future. Forest includes forest roads inside the forest area, less than 5 m in wide
(could be covered with tree crowns) and streams. Forest does not include forest roads wider than 5 m, and streams
and rivers wider than 7 m (at the highest water level).
12. (Bulgaria 2007 KP) Area over 0.1 ha, covered with forest tree species higher than 5 meters and tree crown cover
over 10% or with trees which can reach these parameters in natural environment. Forests are also: 1. areas which are
in a process of recovering and are still under the parameters, but it is expected to reach forest crown cover over 10%
and tree height 5 meters; 2. areas, which as the result of anthropogenic factors of or natural reasons are temporary
deforested, but will be reforested; 3. protective forest belts, as well as tree lines with area over 0.1 ha and width over
10 meters; 4. cork oak stands.
bulgaria.doc
13. (Burkina Faso 1997) Au sens du present Code, sont consideres comme forets les espaces occupes par des
formations vegetales d'arbres et d'arbustes, a l'exclusion de celles resultant d'activites agricoles (all area but town and
agricultural lands) Source: au BF d'apres le Code Forestier au Burkina Faso (ministere de l'environnement et de l'eau,
1997) Loi n[006/97/ADP du 31 janvier 1997, portant Code Forestier au Burkina FAso, Article 12. Via Daniel-Yyves
Alexandre.
14. (Burundi 1985) Aux termes du prsent Code, on entend, d'une manire gnrale, par forts ou boisements: 1. Les
terrains recouverts d'une formation vgtale base d'arbres ou d'arbustes, que cette formation soit naturelle ou
rsultant de semis ou de plantations faits de main d'homme: a. capables de produite du bois ou des produits
forestiers; b. ou exerant un effet indirect sur le climat, le rgime des eaux ou le sol. 2. les terrains qui taient
recouverts de forts ou boisements rcemment coups blanc ou incendis, mais qui seront susceptibles de
rgnration naturelle ou de reboisement artificiel. LEX-FAOC002166. BURUNDI: Loi nº 1-02 portant Code
forestier. Date of text: 25 March 1985.
15. (Cambodia 2009) Forest, means a unit of natural or artificial forest ecosystem, in the form of wet, flooded or dry land,
comprised of mixed vegetation, natural or planted, wildlife and other natural resources located therein, primarily
utilized for timber and NTFPs production conservation and other forest services. Lands to which this law does not
apply include all land designated by the State as permanent agricultural land including, chamcar, idle land to be
designated for non timber agriculture production, industrial land and land for urbanization and construction. Cambodia
Economic Development Council(CEDC)/ http://www.cedc-info.org/English/qtzcfg/8c09d4969ce4d2be/
16. (Cameroon 1994) Cameroon is based on the 1994 Forest Code, in which community forests are defined as forest
areas in the non-Permanent Forest Domain (NPFD), a land use designation that permits timber extraction,
agriculture, mining, and other utilisation activities. Each community forest must not exceed 5,000 hectares, and must
be managed by village communities following a simplified management plan that excludes the use of heavy
machinery. http://files.forestsnetwork.org/Chapter4.pdf
17. (Canada Indian and Northern Affairs) Land primarily intended for growing, or currently supporting, forest. Includes
land not now forested, i.e. clear-cut lands; northern lands that are forested but not intended for any use; and
plantations. http://www.ainc-inac.gc.ca/pr/pub/bldg/frst/glss_e.html
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18. (Canada 2011) Silviculture/forest management: An area managed for the production of timber and other forest
produce, or maintained under woody vegetation for such indirect benefits as the protection of watersheds, the
provision of recreation areas, or the preservation of natural habitat http://nfdp.ccfm.org/terms/terms_e.php?letter=f
19. (Canada) Forest land - Land primarily intended for growing, or currently supporting forests. Includes temporarily
nonforested lands such as clearcuts. http://www.pfc.cfs.nrcan.gc.ca/landscape/inventory/terms/363_ch2.pdf
20. (Canada) Forest land: [terrain forestier] - Land primarily intended for growing, or currently supporting, forest. Includes
land not now forested, e.g., clearcuts; northern lands that are forested but not intended for any use; and plantations.
http://www.pfc.cfs.nrcan.gc.ca/landscape/inventory/terms/haddon/glossary.html#F
21. (Canada) Land primarily intended for growing, or currently supporting, forest. Includes land not now forested (e.g.,
clearcuts), and plantations. Source: "Forest Inventory Terms in Canada." From: "Haddon, Brian"
<BHaddon@nrcan.gc.ca
22. (Cape Verde 1998) Zona florestal - O espao territorial que for reservado no plano de ordenamento do territrio a
usos florestais, nomeadamente para a criao, restaurao, conservao e aproveitamento do coberto florestal; LEX-
FAOC013213. CAPE VERDE: Forestry Act (No. 48/V/98).
23. (Chile) Terrenos de aptitud preferentemente forestal (Lands with forestry preferably aptitude) - Todos aquellos
terrenos que por las condiciones de clima y suelo no deban ararse en forma permanente, estn cubiertos o no de
vegetacin, excluyendo los que sin sufrir degradacin puedan ser utilizados en agricultura, fruticultura o ganadera
intensiva. All terrain where climate and soils conditions do not allow permanent plowing, being or not covered with
vegetation, excluding those that would not be degraded and can be used in agriculture, fruit production or intensive
cattle raising. From: Patricio Gonzalez <pgonzale@infor.cl
24. (Comoros 1930) (Article premier) Par fort, au sens de la prsente loi, on entend toutes surfaces rpondant aux
qualifications ci-aprs : - les surfaces couvertes d'arbres ou de vgtation ligneuse, autres que plantes des fins
exclusives de production fruitire, de production de fourrage ou d'ornementation; - les surfaces occupes par les
arbres et les buissons situs sur les berges des cours d'eau et lacs et sur des terrains rods ; - les terrains dont les
fruits exclusifs ou principaux sont des produits forestiers, tels qu'ils sont dfinis l'alina ci-dessous ; Sont qualifis
produits des forts : tous produits naturels issus de leur exploitation et dont la liste fera lobjet dun dcret.Article 2 :
Sont assimils aux forts : - les surfaces non boises d'un bien fonds forestier telles que les clairires ou surfaces
occupes par des routes forestires, constructions et installations ncessaires la gestion forestire ; - les terrains
non boiss vocation forestire, notamment pour la conservation et la restauration des sols, la conservation de la
biodiversit, la rgulation des systmes hydriques ou l'accroissement de la production forestire ds qu'ils auront fait
l'objet d'un classement tel que dfini aux articles 76 et suivants de la prsente loi; - les terrains dboiss depuis moins
de cinq ans et n'ayant pas fait l'objet d'une autorisation de dfrichement ; - les marais, les peuplements d'alos ; - les
peuplements naturels et purs d'arbres produisant des fruits, tels que les manguiers et anacardiers ; - les mangroves,
les bois sacrs, les raphires (coeur de palmiers Ravinala). Article 3 : Des surfaces minimales peuvent tre fixes par
voie rglementaire et adaptes au niveau rgional. Article 4 : Ne sont pas considrs comme forts : - les cultures
darbres et boisements plants sur un terrain non forestier ; - les jardins boiss, les alles et parcs urbains et les
ppinires non situes sur des biens fonds forestiers ; - les cultures d'arbres et boisements destins une
exploitation court terme, plants sur un terrain non forestier, annoncs et enregistrs comme tels auprs de
l'Administration forestire lors de leur tablissement. - toute surface donnant des produits agricoles, sauf s'il s'agit de
surface couverte d'arbres ayant pouss naturellement, ou de reboisements ; - les pturages, suivant la vocation des
sols dfinie par la loi. EX-FAOC002302. MADAGASCAR; COMOROS: Dcret du 25 janvier 1930 rorganisant le
rgime forestier Madagascar et dpendances, compte tenu des modifications jusqu'au 1941. Date of text: 25
January 1930.
25. (Congo, Democratic Republic) Article 1(a) Forestry Code: land covered with plant formation based on trees or bushes
suitable for providing forest products, sheltering wild fauna and exercising a direct orindirect effect on the soil, climate
or water system and land that could benefit from reforestation under Article 1(b) Forestry Code: land which, having
previously contained a tree or shrub plant covering, has been cut bare or burnt and for which natural regeneration or
reforestation actions are implemented. http://www.nortonrose.com/files/forest-carbon-rights-in-redd-countries-a-
snapshot-of-africa-pdf-994-kb-32479.pdf
26. (Croatia 2010) National definition: Forest is defined as the land covered by forest trees formed as forest stand over an
area larger than 10 ars (1 ar = 100 m2). Separate forest tree groups over an area up to 10 ars, forest nurseries,
windbreaks, tree avenues, and parks in settlements are not considered forests. Faculty of forestry University of
Zagreb, Ministry for regional development of forestry and water management, 2010.
27. (Cuba 1998) Patrimonio forestal lo integran los bosques naturales y artificiales, los terrenos destinados a esta
actividad,las reas deforestadas con condiciones para la actividad forestal, as como los rboles de especies
forestales que se desarrollen en forma aislada o en grupos, cualquiera que sea su ubicacin y tenencia. Tambin
forman parte del patrimonio forestal las reas inforestales... (Artculo 3) Area inforestal: rea dentro del bosque y en
terrenos destinados a la actividad forestal no aptas para el crecimiento del bosque,como pastizales, cinagas, ros,
arroyos, embalses, asomos rocosos, viales,viveros,reas destinadas para el autoabastecimiento, criaderos de
animales e instalaciones. (Artculo 2 ,Ley Forestal). Bibliografa.-Ley No 85.Ley Forestal en Gaceta Oficial de la
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Repblica de Cuba,Edicin Ordinaria,La Habana, Lunes 31 de Agosto de 1998."Nelida Puentes Alvarez"
<npuentes@eco.upr.edu.cu
28. (Cyprus 2002) It corresponds to FRA definition except the threshold value for minimum area, which is 1 ha, with trees
higher than 5 m and a crown cover of more than 10%, or trees able to reach these thresholds in situ. Land
predominantly under agricultural or urban use not included. Old definition: Forest Land with tree crown cover of more
that 10 % and area of more than 1 ha. Cyprus Department of forests ministry of agriculture, natural resources and
environment, 2006. Kyriacou K. 2002.
29. (Czech Republic 1996) Forest stands with its environment and land designated for the fulfillment of forest functions.
Forest functions shall mean benefits towards the general well-being of the society conditional on the existence of
forests, which consist of wood-producing and non-wood-producing functions. Forest stands shall mean trees and
shrubs of forest tree species which, in their particular environment, fulfil forest functions. [Source: Act on Forests and
Amendments to Some Acts (the Forest Act) dated 3 November 1995. Ministry of Agriculture of the Czech Republic.
Prague, 1996. 58 pp. From: "Maksym Polyakov" <mpoliak@pcomp.usau.kiev.ua Date: Mon, 15 Jun 1998 11:32:47
+0300 (MSD)]
30. (Czech Republic 1997) Land destined to fulfill the forest functions, that is: (a) land with forest stands and land after
clear cutting ready for reforestation, forest line and soft road of a width less than 4 m; (b) forest roads, water surfaces,
land above timber line and other land serving for forest management. Minimum area is 0.01 ha with a minimum width
of 20 m and with no definition on crown cover or stand density. (European Communities 1997b - p. 1225).
31. (Czech Republic 2004) Forest land: land with forest stands and land after cutting ready for reforestation, forest line
and soft roads of width less than 4 m. Forest roads, water surfaces, land above timber line and other land serving for
forest management. Minimum area is 0.01 ha and with a minimum width of 20 m. NIL definition: Forest - areas
(subplot), which are forest land as defined in the Forest Act No. 289/95 Coll. 3, paragraph 1, letter a) and the
Ministry of Agriculture Decree No. 84/1996 (which are divided into forest land stand soil and forest-free areas). Are
also included in this category sites that have the character of the forest and not defined in the above legislation (e.g.
forests on agricultural land). Ustav pro Hospodarskou Upravu Lesu (UHUL), 2004.
32. (Czech Republic) definition of forest is given by law: "Forest land is land destined to fulfil the forest functions that is:
land with forest stands and land after clear cutting ready for reforestation, forest line and soft road of a width less than
4 m; forest roads, water surfaces, land above timber line and other land serving for forest management." The Czech
forest management instructions give 0.01 ha as a minimum area of forest, with a minimum width of 20 m.
(CarboInvent JRC: http://afoludata.jrc.it/carboinvent/cimd_eufoin_data.cfm#countrylist)
http://www.carpathianconvention.org/NR/rdonlyres/7D98EFF7-133E-4B26-9488-
EBF73ACD26B5/0/Report1_ForestResources.pdf
33. (Czech Republic) Forest land - Land with forests stands & cleared areas under regeneration, unpaved forest roads
with width <4m, paved forest roads, nurseries, plantations, small water areas, other areas & lands above the alpine
limit of woody vegetation. http://www.fris.sk/Phare/Projects/ManagementOfForestInEurope/PDF/annex2.pdf
34. (Denmark 1998) More than 0.5 ha, broader than 30 m, covered by tree-species which are or is able to be more that 6
m's in height. (From: PMP@sns.dk Date: Tue, 29 Sep 1998 09:31:59 +0100). Note: at first glance this appears to be a
land cover description, but subsequent definitions of afforestation and reforestation for Denmark show that "forest" is
really a land use term.
35. (Denmark 2006 KP) Use Min. Area (ha) = 0.5 Min. Crown Cover (%) = 10 Min. Tree Height (m) = 5 Min. Strip Width
(m) = 20
http://unfccc.int/files/national_reports/initial_reports_under_the_kyoto_protocol/application/pdf/aareporttounfccc-
20dec2006.pdf, (2006) In addition, the forest area includes temporarily unstocked areas, smaller open areas in the
forest needed for management purposes and fire breaks. Forests in national parks, reserves, or areas under special
protection are included. Windbreaks and groves covering more than 0.5 ha and with a minimum width of 20 m are
also considered as forests. Farmlands, orchards, gardens (houses and summer houses) are NOT included in the
forest area.
36. (Denmark 2011) - Land with tree crown cover (or equivalent stocking level) of more than 10% and area of more than
0.5 ha. The trees should be able to reach a minimum height of 5 m at maturity in situ. Areas with agricultural
production and urban land are not included.FOREST EUROPE, UNECE AND FAO, 2011.
37. (Denmark) Areas covered with species capable of producing wood that grow to a height of more than 6 m. Forest or
plantation shall be more than 0.5 ha in size. Forest area should be wider than 20 m (no hedgerows) although narrow
sections are allowed as part of a larger forest. The forest area has -- or is expected to have within a short period -- a
crown density of at least 50 percent. Older stands of Christmas trees on arable land are considered forest, if at the
time of inventory, they were in such a condition the wood production was at least the same economic importance as
the production of Christmas trees. (UN/ECE 1992 p. 140).
38. (Estonia 1999) Forest land [metsamaa] - Land that is assigned for growing ligneous plants (by land survey or by land
cadastre). Other lands that have importance for forestry can also be assigned into forest land if these are not suitable
85
for other category. Current Estonian Forestry Act (valid until 01/01/99) From: "Sulev Svilponis" Sulev@ekm.envir.ee.
Definitions are unofficial translations.
39. (Estonia 2002) By legal definition, "forest" means a site of woody vegetation with an area of at least 0,5 ha, and at
least one of the following requirements: Trees with the height of at least 1,3 m and with the canopy coverage of at
least 30 %. If the site is managed for obtaining timber or other forest products. http://www-
sydsvenskskogsvetenskap.slu.se/Grundutbildning/Masterk/2002/Estonia/forest.html
40. (Estonia 2005) Forest land (= productive forest land, National definition) Minimum area 0.1 ha and 30% crown cover,
with height more than 1.3 m, with average annual productivity more than 1 m3/ha of stem wood (incl. temporarily
unstocked areas). Prt E., Adermann V., Merenk M., 2010.
41. (Estonia 2010) Forest land (reference definition, applied parallel with National definition since 2005) Land with tree
crown cover (or equivalent stocking level) of more than 10% and area of more than 0.5 ha. The trees should be able
to reach a minimum height of 5 m at maturity in situ (incl. temporarily unstocked areas). Forest land (= productive
forest land, National definition) Minimum area 0.1 ha and 30% crown cover, with height more than 1.3 m, with average
annual productivity more than 1 m3/ha of stem wood (incl. temporarily unstocked areas). Prt E., Adermann V.,
Merenk M., 2010. http://www.efi.int/files/attachments/publications/annex_1_to_efi_technical_report_88__2013.pdf
42. (Estonia) Forest land - Land which fulfils at least one of the following: 1) Trees are >1.3 m high, crown density is
>30%; 2) Land is or it is intended to be managed to get timber and other forest products or where trees are conserved
for use in other ways (nature conservation, environment protection, sanitary protection, recreation, hygiene and sport,
research and studies, multiple use, hunting, state security); 3) Ability to produce timber in the long run of at least 1 m3
of bole timber per 1 ha a year. Increment on forest land with small productivity may be lower.
43. (Estonia) Forest land [metsamaa] - Land which is used for forestry. Forest land can be divided: - land with forest
(stands), - land without forest (not regenerated cut over areas, treeless, openings, burnt woodlands, perished stands)
- young silvicultures which are not yet dense enough, - tree nurseries. Estonian Encyclopedia From: "Sulev Svilponis"
Sulev@ekm.envir.ee. Definitions are unofficial translations.
44. (Finland 1997) Land with the potential capacity to produce a mean annual increment of at least 1 m 3/ha stemwood,
over bark, given an optimum tree species mixture, growing stock volume and prescribed rotations. (European
Communities 1997a - p. 186).
45. (Finland 2000) - Finland adopts two definitions of forests: one is the FRA FAO 2000 definition: Forest is land
spanning more than 0.5 ha with trees higher than 5 m and a canopy cover of more than 10%, or trees able to reach
these 5 m thresholds in situ. It does not include land that is predominantly under agricultural or urban land use.
METLA (Finnish Forest Research Institute), 2009.
46. (Finland 2009) The second definition is the national definition of forest that in Finland is the same as in the two other
Nordic countries, Sweden and Norway: forest is defined as a land capable of producing an annual increment of
volume growing stock of at least 1 m3/ha per year over the rotation under the most favorable tree species
composition, and not used for any other purpose than forestry or forestry related purposes. METLA (Finnish Forest
Research Institute),
47. (France 2011) Forest: Wooden area of 50 acres with trees able to reach a height greater than five meters at maturity
in situ, a of more than 10% and a width of at least 20 meters. Areas temporarily cleared or regenerating forests are
classified as though they covered less than 10% during the inventory. Note: poplar (rate of free covered poplar grown
on more than 75%) are included in the definition of forest. In contrast, walnut groves and chestnut groves as well as
truffle cultivation and orchards are excluded (agricultural production). http://www6.nancy.inra.fr/lef_eng/LEF-Data-
Group/Tools/Glossary/ FN definition , new inventory method . 2009.
48. (Gabon 1982) Sont qualifis de forts au sens de la prsente loi, les primtres comportant ou non une couverture
vgtale et capables: soit de foumir du bois ou des produits vgtaux autres qu'agricoles; soit d'abriter la faune
sauvage; soit d'exercer un effet direct ou indirect sur le sol, le climat ou le rgime des eaux. Source: Loi no. 1/82/PR,
22 Juillet 1982, d'orientation en matire des Eaux et Forts Title II, Article 9 (Jean-Pierre Profizi)
49. (Germany 1975) A forest ("Wald") in the meaning of the Federal Forest Act (Section 2) is "(1)... every tract of land
planted with forest plants. Also to be rated as forests are clear-cut or thinned out tracts of land, forest tracks and
roads, forest marking-off-safety strips, gaps in the forest cover as well as clearings, forest meadows, game feeding
points, timber storing points as well as other areas connected with forests and ancillary to them. (2) Smaller lots
planted with individual clusters of trees, with line-planted trees or with hedges or serving as forest nurseries and being
situated on farmland or within built-up areas, are not forests within the meaning of this act. (3) The States may assign
other tracks of land as forests; they may institute exemptions from the legal definition of "forest" for christmas-tree
plantations and plantations providing ornamental sprigs as well as for parks within residential areas."
http://www.landconsult.de/markus/foram/home/forrev2.html
50. (Germany 2001) Forest within the meaning of the FFI (Federal Forest Inventory) is any area of ground covered by
forest vegetation, irrespective of the information in the cadastal survey or similar records. The term forest also refers
86
to cutover or thinned areas, forest tracks, firebreaks, openings and clearings, forest glades, feeding grounds for game,
landings, rides located in the forest, further areas linked to and serving the forest including areas with recreation
facilities, overgrown heaths and moreland, overgrown former pastures, alpine pastures and rough pastures, as well as
areas of dwarf pines and green alders. Heaths, moorland, pastures, alpine pastures and rough pastures are
considered to be overgrown if the natural forest cover has reached an average age of five years and if at least 50% of
the area is covered by forest. Areas with forest cover in open pasture land or in built-up areas of under 1000 m 2,
coppices under 10 m wide and the cultivation of Christmas trees and ornamental brushwood as well as parkland
attached to country houses are not forest within the meaning of the FFI. Watercourses up to 5 m wide do not break
the continuity of a forest area. (Source: Anon. 2003. Survey instructions for Federal Forest Inventory II (2001-2002).
2nd corrected and revised reprint. May 2001. Bundesministerium fr Verbaraucherschutz Ernhrung und
Landwirtschaft, Bonn, Germany)
51. (Germany 2002) - The National Forest Inventory definition follows the definition of forest under the Federal Forest Act:
Forest within the meaning of the NFI is any area of ground covered by forest vegetation, irrespective of the
information in the cadastral survey or similar records. The term forest also refers to cutover or thinned areas, forest
tracks, fire breaks, openings and clearings, forest glades, feeding grounds for game, landings, rides located in the
forest, further areas linked to and serving the forest including areas with recreation facilities, overgrown heather and
moorland, overgrown former pastures, alpine pastures and rough pastures, as well as areas of dwarf pines and green
alders. Heath, moorland, pastures, alpine pastures and in rough pastures are considered to be overgrown if the
natural forest cover has reached an average age of five years and if at least 50% of the area is covered by forest.
Areas with forest cover in open pasture land or in built-up areas of under 1000 m, Coppice under 10 m wide and the
cultivation of Christmas trees and ornamental brushwood as well as parkland attached to country houses are not
forest within the meaning of the NFI. Watercourses up to 5 m wide do not break the continuity of a forest area.
Source: Survey instructions for Second Federal Forest Inventory, 2nd corrected and revised reprint, May 2001.
Bundesministerium fr Ernhrung, Landwirtschaft und Verbraucherschutz, 2002.
52. (Germany1997) Any area stocked with woody plants. Forest include clear-felled areas, forest roads, forest meadows,
game pastures, timber yards, pipe routes located in the forest, further recreation facilities connected with the forest,
overgrown heathens and moors, overgrown former meadows, alpine areas and rough grazing as well as dwarf pine
and green alder areas. Heathens, moors, meadows, alpine areas and rough grazing are considered overgrown when
the natural stocking has an average age of 5 years and at least 50% of the area is stocked. (European Communities
1997a - p 306).
53. (Ghana 2006 KP) Use Min. Area (ha) = 0.1 Min. Crown Cover (%) = 15 Min. Tree Height (m) = 2 Min. Strip Width (m)
= ns http://cdm.unfccc.int/DNA/index.html - Sasaki & Putz 2009
54. (Greece 1992) Forest Land includes: (a) areas larger than 0.5 ha or strips more than 30 m wide with tree crown cover
(stand density) of more than 10% of the area, or areas with 250 trees of reproductive age per hectare, able to produce
wood or other products or services and are not used for any other land-use (b) areas where trees are removed to
below 10% of stand density and are not given for other landuse (c) reforested areas and (d) scrublands (areas
covered by broadleaved evergreens). http://bookshop.europa.eu/is-bin/INTERSHOP.enfinity/WFS/EU-Bookshop-
55. (Greece 1997) Areas with 0.5 ha or 30cm (30 m?) strips with a tree crown closure that covers 10% of the area, or
areas with 250 trees of a regeneration size not used for other purposes, and which are able to produce forest
products or/and other services. Includes areas where trees have been removed with a crown closure less than 10%
and they have not been used for other purposes, areas with regeneration, brush lands (areas covered by evergreen
broad-leaved trees) Includes other wooded lands. (European Communities 1997a - p 371).
56. (Greece 2001) NATIONAL DEFINITIONS. Area with 0.5 ha or 30 m strips with a tree crown closure that covers 10% of
the area, or areas with 250 trees of a regeneration size, not used for other purposes or/and other services. Area
where trees have been removed with a crown closure less than 10% and they have not been used for other purposes.
Area with regeneration. Brush lands (area covered by evergreen broadleaved trees
http://www.efi.int/files/attachments/publications/annex_1_to_efi_technical_report_88__2013.pdf.
57. (Greece 2002) 1) Areas with 0.05 ha or 30 cm (30 m?) strips with a tree crown closure that covers 10% of the area, or
areas with 250 trees of regeneration size not used for other purposes or/ and other services. 2) Areas where trees
have been removed with a crown closure less than 10% and that have not been used for other purposes. 3) Areas
with regeneration. 4) Brush lands (areas covered by evergreen broad-leaved trees.) Schuck, Andreas et al. 2002.
Compilation of forestry terms and definitions. European Forest Institute Internal Report No. 6. 48 p.
http://www.efi.int/files/attachments/publications/ir_06.pdf
58. (Greece 2008) Includes: (a) areas larger than 0.5 ha or strips more than 30 m wide with tree crown cover (stand
density) of more than 10% of the area, or areas with 250 trees of reproductive age per hectare, able to produce wood
or other products or services and are not used for any other land-use (b) areas where trees are removed to below
10% of stand density and are not given for other land-use (c) reforested areas and (d) scrublands (areas covered by
broadleaved evergreens). Grassi, Giacomo. 2008. Reporting emissions and removals from forests: experience from
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LULUCF in Europe and challenges for REDD. European Commission - Joint Research Centre, Ispra, Italy. 30 slides.
http://www.rainforestcoalition.org/TinyMceFiles/2008-presentations/Grassi_Berlin%20March%2016-18%202008.pdf
59. (Greece 2013) NEW DEFINTION: Forest is a land with 10% crown cover with minimum height of trees of 5 m at
maturity (in situ); areas of approximately 0.5 ha or strips with widths of 30 m (with tree canopy cover of 10%); areas
not used for any purpose other than production of wood. Galatsidas S. 2001.
60. (Grenada 1949) "Timber lands" means lands whereon trees are growing and which are not under permanent
agricultural cultivation. LEX-FAOC005062. GRENADA: Forest, Soil and Water Conservation Ordinance. An ordinance
to make provision for the conservation of forest, soil, water and other natural resources of the Colony. Date of original
text: 01 August 1949
61. (Hungary 1996) Forest-land shall be: a) an area of one thousand five hundred square meters or more covered with
wood-including also land with spontaneous afforestation and land temporarily utilized together with the glades and
fire strips located in it; b) an area of one thousand five hundred square meters or more on which forest plantation
(seed sowing, planting of saplings, propagation) was performed; c) the area of a tree plantation of one thousand five
hundred square meters or more covered with tree species not indigenous in the natural geographic environment of
the country for the period of a production cycle, and not exceeding thirty years, planted without applying state subsidy
and after the enactment of this Act (hereinafter: tree plantation) (Act No LIV of 1996 on Forests and the Protection of
Forests § 8 (1)). Tree crown cover = 30% in open forest formations. For FRA 2000 - Source: UN/ECE 2000 p 79
62. (Hungary 1997) A biocoenosis formed of arborescent plants of the species determined in an order by the Minister of
Agriculture and of associated live beings (forest biocoenosis) together with its soil, irrespective of whether the growing
stock or another components of the biocoenosis is temporarily missing. (Act No. LIV of 1996 on Forests and the
Protection of Forests, Ministry of Agriculture, Republic of Hungary, Budapest, 1997)
63. (Hungary) Forest - Biocenosis formed of arborescent plants and associated live beings (forest biocenosis) together
with its soil, irrespective of whether the growing stock or other components of the biocenosis is temporarily missing,
minimum size >0.15 ha for forest
landhttp://www.fris.sk/Phare/Projects/ManagementOfForestInEurope/PDF/annex2.pdf
64. (Hungary) Forest land - Area of 0.15 ha or more covered with wood including land with spontaneous afforestation,
land temporarily utilized for other purposes - together with glades and fire strips located in it. Includes forest
plantations (seed sowing, planting or coppice sprouting) of 0.15 ha or more. Includes: Forest lands smaller than the
limit if surrounded by a real estate registered in a sector other than forestry; and Land directly serving forestry
activities (listed explicitly in 9). http://www.fris.sk/Phare/Projects/ManagementOfForestInEurope/PDF/annex2.pdf
65. (Iceland 2010) Forest land: All land, not included under Settlements, presently covered with trees or woody vegetation
more than 2 m high, crown cover of minimum 10% and at least 0.5 ha in continuous area and minimum width 20 m
and also land which currently fall below these thresholds, but in situ expected to reach these thresholds at mature
state. http://groa.rala.is/Kortavefsja/ICELAND_NIR_2010.pdf
66. (Iceland) Forest land (skoglendi) - Land that is or will be, mostly or fully, covered by forest vegetation, natural or
planted, forest or scrub*. *The Icelandic word "kjarr", which is translated as scrub, refers to low-growing and crooked
birch and in some cases willows. Source: Latest draft of a new forestry act : rstur Eysteinsson <throstur@simnet.is
67. (Indonesia 1998) Hutan adalah hamparan lahan yang berisi atau yang dikehendaki akan berisi pepohonan, unsur-
unsur hayati lainnya, dan non-hayati yang secara keseluruhan merupakan satu kesatuan ekosistem. (Rancangan
Undang-Undang Nomor .... Tahun 1998 tentang Kehutanan). (Translation: A forest is a spread out area filled with or
planned to be filled with trees, other living (biological) and non-living elements which as a whole form a ecosystem
unit. (Law on Forestry, Number ... Year 1998))Other terms used in this law are: - Sumberdaya hutan (forest resource)
- Kawasan hutan (forest area) - Kawasan hutan negara (state forest land) - Kawasan hutan adat (traditional forest
land) - Kawasan hutan produksi (production forest) - Kawasan hutan lindung (conservation/protected forest). Source:
Nico Smith, MSc. Lecturer at Fakultas Kehutanan Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatra Barat
68. (Indonesia 1998) the legal definition of forest in Indonesia is: "a spread out area filled with or planned to be filled with
trees, other living (biological) and non-living elements which as a whole form an ecosystem unit" (Law on Forestry
1998, Tr. Nico Smith 1999). http://europe.mtnforum.org/rs/econfreports/MountainPeopleForestsAndTrees.pdf
69. (Ireland 1997) - Coillte estate - High forests- commercial forests and plantable bare land - capable of growing trees.
(European Communities 1997a - p. 401)
70. (Italy 1997) A territory with one or more of the following characteristics: purpose to wood or non-wood productions
currently regards as forested, contain tree or bush stands with direct or indirect function of protection, contain
spontaneous tree or bush stands with naturalist, scenic or recreation function. Included also are areas temporarily
without a stand because cutting or exceptional occurrence. Not included city parks, gardens, nurseries, orchards, etc.
(European Communities 1997a - p. 464)
71. (Italy 2007) - Land with tree crown cover (or equivalent stocking level) of more than 10% and area of more than 0.5
ha. The trees should be able to reach a minimum height of 5 m at maturity in situ. May consist either of closed forest
formations where trees of various stories and undergrowth cover a high proportion of the ground; or open forest
formations with a continuous vegetation cover in which tree crown cover exceeds 10%. Young natural stands and all
plantations established for forestry purposes which have yet to reach a crown density of 10% or tree height of 5 m are
88
included under forest, as are areas normally forming part of the forest area which are temporarily unstocked as a
result of human intervention or natural causes but which are expected to revert to forest. Includes: forest nurseries
and seed orchards that constitute an integral part of the forest; forest roads, cleared tracts, firebreaks and other small
open areas; forest in national parks, nature reserves and other protected areas such as those of specific scientific,
historical, cultural or spiritual interest; windbreaks and shelterbelts of trees with an area of more than 0.5 ha and width
of more than 20 m; plantations primarily used for forestry purposes, including rubberwood plantations and cork oak
stands. Excludes: Land predominantly used for agricultural practices
http://www.efi.int/files/attachments/publications/annex_1_to_efi_technical_report_88__2013.pdf.
72. (Japan - legal definition) - 1) Land aimed at growing a group of trees (includes a non-forested land at present) or 2) a
mountainous area with tree cover registered as 'forest' on a land register. Note: House lots and shrine enclosures
being not aimed at growing trees are not forests even if they are covered with trees. Yukichi Konohira
Konohira@cc.tuat.ac.jp
73. (Japan 2006 KP) Use Min. Area (ha) = 0.3 Min. Crown Cover (%) = 30 Min. Tree Height (m) = 5 Min. Strip Width (m) =
20 http://unfccc.int/files/national_reports/initial_reports_under_the_kyoto_protocol/application/pdf/aarepjpn_4.1e.pdf
74. (Japan) Forest: In this law, FOREST shall be defined as listed below. The definition, however, shall exclude lands
used for agriculture, housing, or equivalent purposes and standing trees and bamboo upon those lands. (1) Lands
with trees and bamboo in groups and standing tree and bamboo upon the lands. (2) Besides the lands mentioned in
the paragraphs, lands that serve as habitats for trees and bamboo. Definition of Forest Law, Forest Agency. From:
Masahiro Amano masahiro@ss.ffpri.affrc.go.jp
75. (Kenya 2005) Forests are often thought of as areas with continuous tree cover consisting either of naturally occurring
(indigenous) tree species or plantations. However, this definition ignores the importance of open savannah or dry land
forests in which individual trees are scattered over wide areas of grassland. It also fails to cover small groups of trees
planted on farms and other cultivated land. It is these dry land forests and farm trees that provide important livelihood
strategies for many of Kenyas poor people, including wood fuel, charcoal burning for income, and use of wood
products for building. Forest Act 2005. http://www.donorplatform.org/load/5971
76. (Korea, Republic of) Forest is defined as one of followings: 1. collectively standing and growing trees and bamboos,
and the land that have them. 2. the land that temporarily lost standing trees and bamboos. 3. the land that is used for
collectively growing trees and bamboos. 4. forestry roads. 5. rockland and wetland within 1, 2 and 3. Forest does not
include followings 1. Orchard 2. the land that have growing trees and bamboos within buildings 3. the road with
growing street trees. 4. stream banks. Korean Forestry Law. "Matthias ChangDuck Koo" koochangd@hotmail.com.
77. (Kyrgyz 1999) Forest lands are lands of the Forest Fund both covered and uncovered by forest and intended for forest
growing. Forest Code of the Kyrgyz Republic: http://www.libertas-institut.com/de/Mittel-Osteuropa/Forest%20Code.pdf
78. (Kyrgyzstan -1999) - Forest lands Lands of the Forest Fund both covered and uncovered by forest and intended for
forest growing. Source: Irina Yunusova irina@lesic.elcat.kg and http://www.libertas-institut.com/de/Mittel-
Osteuropa/Forest%20Code.pdf
79. (Kyrgyzstan) (forest?) areas - - Areas both covered and not covered with the forest territories included into the
National Forest Fund (stock). The main use of such lands is forest planting and growing. Source: Irina Yunusova
irina@lesic.elcat.kg
80. (Latvia 2000) According to the Forest Law of the Republic of Latvia adopted in 2000 (Item 2, Paragraph 3, Section 1)
"forestland is the land carrying the forest, the land under forest infrastructure facilities, as well as overflowing
clearings, bogs and glades in the forest and in the territories contiguous to it".
http://www.fao.org/docrep/article/WFC/XII/0504-C3.htm
81. (Latvia) Forest land includes areas which constitute an integral part of the forest: forest roads, cleared tracts,
firebreaks and other small open areas within the forest.
82. (Latvia) Rural or urban land covered by forest or land which is not covered by forest but prescribed for forest growing
in compliance with the State Land Cadastre. Source: "Maksym Polyakov" mpoliak@pcomp.nauu.kiev.ua
83. (Latvia) The forest definition is not included in Forest Act. State Land Service for land use inventory is applying the
following definition of forest and forest land: Land with tree crown cover of more than 20% and area of more than 0.1
ha. The trees should be able to reach a minimum height of 7m at maturity in situ. Young natural stands and artificially
reforested areas of more than 0.1 ha, up to 20 years old with mean height >1m and number of trees 2000-3000/ha
(depends on species). Includes areas normally forming part of the forest area which are temporarily unstocked as a
result of human intervention or natural causes but which are expected to revert to forest.
84. (Lesotho) - Forest - Any existing area of land under section 11 and any areas of land used for forestry, or declared
forestry use, under sections 12, 13, and 14 of this Act. Forestry Act 1998. Via David May ISTF CVP Lesotho.
85. (Liberia 2006) Forest Land: A tract of land, including its flora and fauna, capable of producing Forest Resources, not
including land in urban areas, land in permanent settlements, and land that has been in long-term use for non-shifting
cultivation of crops or livestock in a manner that precludes producing Forest Resources. An Act Adopting the National
Forestry Reform Law of 2006. http://www.fao.org/forestry/16151-05fd47b845599b5d3a594a9b0240dacff.pdf
89
86. (Liberia KP) Liberia is proposing a forest definition that consists of a minimum canopy cover of 30%, trees greater
than 5 meters, and a minimum mapping unit of 1 hectare.
http://www.forestcarbonpartnership.org/fcp/sites/forestcarbonpartnership.org/files/Documents/PDF/May2011/Liberia
%20R-PP%20revised%20draft%20for%20presubmission%2017-03-11.pdf
87. (Liechtenstein 2006 KP) Use Min. Area (ha) = 0.0625- 0.25 Min. Crown Cover (%) = 20-60 Min. Tree Height (m) = 3
Min. Strip Width (m) = 25-50
http://unfccc.int/files/national_reports/initial_reports_under_the_kyoto_protocol/application/pdf/initial-report-lie.pdf
(2006). The following forest areas are not subject to the criterion of minimum stand height: shrub forest consisting of
dwarf pine (Pinus mugo prostrata) and alpine alder (Alnus viridis). The following forest areas are not subject of the
criteria of minimum stand height and minimum crown cover, but must have the potential to achieve both criteria: a)
afforested area on land not under forest cover for 50 years (afforestations); b) regenerated forest, as well as burned,
cut or damaged areas situated on land classified as forest. Although orchards, parks, camping grounds, open tree
formations in settlements, gardens, cemeteries, sports and parking fields may fulfil the (quantitative) forest definition,
they are not considered as forests.
88. (Lithuania 2001) Forest a land area not less than 0.1 hectare in size covered with trees, the height of which in a
natural site in the maturity age is not less than 5 meters, other forest plants as well as thinned or vegetation-lost forest
due to the acts of nature or human activities (cutting areas, burnt areas, clearings). Tree lines up to 10 meters of width
in fields, at roadsides, water bodies, in living areas and cemeteries , single trees and bushes, parks planted and
grown by man in urban and rural areas are not defined as forests. The law on the amendment of the forest law of the
Republic of Lithuania. http://www.seniejitrakai.lt/law-on-the-amendment.
89. (Lithuania 2006 KP) Use Min. Area (ha) = 0.1 Min. Crown Cover (%) = 10 Min. Tree Height (m) = 5 Min. Strip Width
(m) = 10
http://unfccc.int/files/national_reports/initial_reports_under_the_kyoto_protocol/application/pdf/initial_report_lithuania.p
df (2006) Temporarily unstocked areas (forest regeneration areas) are included
90. (Lithuania 2010) Forest land NFI is: a land area not less than 0.1 ha in size covered with trees, the height of which in
a natural site in the maturity age is not less than 5 m, other forest plants as well as thinned or vegetation lost forest
due to the acts of nature or human activities (cutting areas, burnt areas, clearings). Forest pitches, nursery areas,
forest seed orchards, raw-material bushings and plantation, forest roads, forest block, technological and fire break
lines, areas covered by timber storage houses and other forest related equipment, recreation grounds, animal feed
grounds, and land assigned for afforestation is ascribed to forest land as well. Tree lines up to 10 m of width in fields,
at roadsides, water bodies, in living areas and cemeteries, single trees and bushes, parks planted and grown by man
in urban and rural areas are not defined as forests. Department of Statistics, 2010.
91. (Lithuania) Forest - A tract of land not less than 0.1 ha, covered with trees or other forest vegetation or temporarily
without it (cleared or burned areas). Not considered a forest: Clusters of trees situated in fields, by roadsides, water
bodies, within towns or rural settlements as well as cemeteries, narrow - up to 10 metres - tree lines, hedges, single
trees, shrubs as well as parks planted by man within towns and rural settlements.
92. (Lithuania) Forest - land area, no less than 0,1 ha, covered by trees and other forest plants or temporarily has lost
them (clear-cut and burnt areas). Narrow belts up to 10 m, small groups and single trees in villages and towns, also
artificially established parks are not forests. In forest inventory we use such a restriction: all forests must have site
index - 11 m and more. Forests with less productivity, mainly growing on peatlands are inventoried as peatlands
covered by woody plants (Other wooded lands). Source: A. Kuliesis, Director of Lithuanain Forest Inventory and
Management Institute Email: Sekrtetore sek@mp.is.lt
93. (Lithuania) Forest land - areas of land, covered by forest (stands) and without forests (clear-cut, destructed areas,
glades, nurseries, seed orchards, woody plants and special plantations for preparation of various raw materials).
Forest land also includes forest roads, block lines, border lines, technological lines, antifire belts, timber yards, other
areas for technological, recreational needs, game forage, also land nominated for afforestation. Source: A. Kuliesis,
Director of Lithuanain Forest Inventory and Management Institute Email: Sekrtetore sek@mp.is.lt
94. (Lithuania) Forest land is land covered by forest stands or not covered by forest (cleared areas, perished stands,
forest meadows, nurseries, seed-plots, seed orchards and raw shrubbery and plantations). Includes forest roads and
drain ditches, forest compartment lines, technological and fire-prevention strips, piling places and facilities related to
forest, rest spots, game feeding points, swamps, sands, as well as land for afforestation. Forest land may be forestry
or conservation designated. http://www.fris.sk/Phare/Projects/ManagementOfForestInEurope/PDF/annex2.pdf
95. (Luxembourg) Terres reprsentant un couvert forestier (ou peuplement quivalent) de plus de 10 % et une superficie
suprieure 0,5 ha. Les arbres doivent pouvoir atteindre une hauteur abattable minimale de 5 mtres. Ces forts
peuvent comprendre soit des formations forestires denses dont les divers tages et le sous-bois couvrent une forte
proportion du sol, soit des formations forestires claires avec une strate herbace continue dans lesquelles les cimes
couvrent plus de 10 % de la superficie. Sont galement compris dans les forts les jeunes peuplements naturels ou
toutes plantations cres des fins forestires, mais dont les cimes ne couvrent pas encore 10 % de la superficie ou
dont les arbres sont encore infrieurs 5 mtres, tout comme les zones qui font normalement partie de la rgion
90
forestire et qui sont temporairement dboises par le fait de l'intervention de l'homme ou de causes naturelles, mais
qui sont appeles redevenir des forts. Ces terres comprennent : les ppinires, les vergers graine qui font partie
intgrante de la fort ; les routes forestires , les zones coupes blanc, les pare-feu et autres petites clairires.
Source: Definitions De La Foret Utilisees Dans Le Cadre De L'inventaire Forestier National Au Luxembourg (Marc
Wagner)
96. (Macedonia 1997) Land covered with forest tree and shrub as well as forest bare lands and forest roads, forest
nurseries and other areas that are closely connected to forests. (Law on forests, 1997g., article 3). Republic Of
Macedonia, Ministry Of Agriculture, Forestry And Water Economy. National Forestry Strategyfor Sustainable
Development, 2002. http://www.efi.int/files/attachments/publications/annex_1_to_efi_technical_report_88__2013.pdf
97. (Macedonia) - Forest - Land covered with forest trees and shrubs, including forest bare lands and meadows, pastures,
nurseries, and area closely related to the forest, no area limit.
98. (Macedonia) Forest Land includes forest trees and shrubs, forest-bare lands and meadows, forest pastures, nurseries
and other areas closely related to the forest.
99. (Madagascar) (Article premier) Par fort, au sens de la prsente loi, on entend toutes surfaces rpondant aux
qualifications ci-aprs : - les surfaces couvertes d'arbres ou de vgtation ligneuse, autres que plantes des fins
exclusives de production fruitire, de production de fourrage ou d'ornementation; - les surfaces occupes par les
arbres et les buissons situs sur les berges des cours d'eau et lacs et sur des terrains rods ; - les terrains dont les
fruits exclusifs ou principaux sont des produits forestiers, tels qu'ils sont dfinis l'alina ci-dessous ; Sont qualifis
produits des forts : tous produits naturels issus de leur exploitation et dont la liste fera lobjet dun dcret.Article 2 :
Sont assimils aux forts : - les surfaces non boises d'un bien fonds forestier telles que les clairires ou surfaces
occupes par des routes forestires, constructions et installations ncessaires la gestion forestire ; - les terrains
non boiss vocation forestire, notamment pour la conservation et la restauration des sols, la conservation de la
biodiversit, la rgulation des systmes hydriques ou l'accroissement de la production forestire ds qu'ils auront fait
l'objet d'un classement tel que dfini aux articles 76 et suivants de la prsente loi; - les terrains dboiss depuis moins
de cinq ans et n'ayant pas fait l'objet d'une autorisation de dfrichement ; - les marais, les peuplements d'alos ; - les
peuplements naturels et purs d'arbres produisant des fruits, tels que les manguiers et anacardiers ; - les mangroves,
les bois sacrs, les raphires (coeur de palmiers Ravinala). Article 3 : Des surfaces minimales peuvent tre fixes par
voie rglementaire et adaptes au niveau rgional. Article 4 : Ne sont pas considrs comme forts : - les cultures
darbres et boisements plants sur un terrain non forestier ; - les jardins boiss, les alles et parcs urbains et les
ppinires non situes sur des biens fonds forestiers ; - les cultures d'arbres et boisements destins une
exploitation court terme, plants sur un terrain non forestier, annoncs et enregistrs comme tels auprs de
l'Administration forestire lors de leur tablissement. - toute surface donnant des produits agricoles, sauf s'il s'agit de
surface couverte d'arbres ayant pouss naturellement, ou de reboisements ; - les pturages, suivant la vocation des
sols dfinie par la loi. Madagascar TITRE I. DEFINITION DE LA FORET
100. (Mali 1986) - Article premier. - Une fort est une association d'arbres biologiquement interdpendants au cours de
leur volution et exerant une influence sur le milieu dans un territoire plus ou moins grand. Les produits exclusifs ou
principaux des forts sont le bois d'oeuvre, le bois de service, le bois de chauffage, les rsines, la gomme, les fuits et
tous autres sous-produits ligneux. Art. 2 - Les primtres de reboisement sont les terrains plants de mains d'homme
en espces vgetales ne donnant pas de produits agricoles, ainsi que les forts naturelles enrichies par les travaux
de plantation ou de sylviculture. Art. 3 - Les dfrichements sont les primtres dans lesquels la totalit ou une partie
des arbres et arbustes a t coupe par l'homme en vue de s'installer ou installer une production agricole ou
industrielle. Art. 4- Les primtres de protection sont les terrains soustraits des dfrichements selon les dispositions
de l'art. 13 de la prsente loi et qui ont fait l'objet d'un acte de classement comme tel. Art. 5 - Le domaine forestier
comprend: - Les forts dfinies comme telles aux articles 1 et 51, -Les primtres de reboisement, - Les terrains
soustraits des dfrichements par les dispositions de l'art. 13, - Les terrains de parcours portant une vgtation
arbore ou arbustive, - Les jachres anciennes de 5 ans et plus. Art. 6 - Ne font pas partie du domaine forestier: - Les
terrains de culture en cours d'utilisation et les vergers, - Les jachres anciennes de moins de 5 ans, -Les terrains non
boiss faisant l'objet d'un titre foncier appartenant des personnes autres que l'Etat. - Les emprises humains:
agglomrations, routes.... LEX-FAOC002238. MALI: Loi nº 86-42/AN-RM portant Code forestier. Date of text:
24 March 1986.
101. (Malta 2003) - Forest area is land under natural or planted stands of trees of at least 5 m in situ, whether
agroforestry systems) and trees in urban parks and gardens. EarthTrends, 2003.
102. (Mexico) (Forestal).- Todo aquello que se relaciona con los bosques. Esta definicin es adecuada desde el punto
de vista econmico y social, ya que da idea de la relacin entre las reas arboladas y la poblacin. Sin embargo es
ms ambigua por la desigualdad en cada pas en la distribucin de la poblacin urbana y rural Source: Glosario de
Trminos de la Memoria del Inventario Nacional Forestal Peridico y del Reglamento de la Ley Forestal from Unidad
del Inventario <varelah@servidor.unam.mx
91
103. (Morocco) Forest land /Forest domain (Arabic : Ard ghabawyah/Milk ghabawee, French : Terrain
forestier/Domaine forestier, Spanish : Terreno forestal) - Land covered with a forest, or land belonging to the State and
put under the control of the forest Service, even if it does not any more trees on it (but did in the past). Mohammed
Ellatifi, m.ellatifi@ellatifi.8m.com
104. (Nepal 2002) - Area where trees with well-defined stems are growing and crown coverage is more than 10 per
cent. Area must not be used primarily for uses other than forestry (widely understood) and must be at least 100 m
wide. Area can include treeless patches not wider than 25 m and not exceeding 1 hectare.
http://www.bioone.org/doi/pdf/10.1659/0276-4741(2002)022 per cent5B0085:IONSFR per cent5D2.0.CO per cent3B2
105. (Nepal) Forest is defined as all land with a forest cover, i.e. with trees whose crowns cover more than 10% of the
area, and not used primarily for purposes other than forestry. Temporarily clear-cut area that will be planted is also
forest area. http://www.fao.org/forestry/fo/country/index.jsp?lang_id=1&geo_id=35
106. (Netherlands 2006 KP) Use Min. Area (ha) = 0.5 Min. Crown Cover (%) = 20 Min. Tree Height (m) = 5 Min. Strip
Width (m) = 30 May consist either of closed forest formations where trees of various storeys and undergrowth cover a
high proportion of the ground; or of open forest formations with a continuous vegetation cover in which tree crown
cover exceeds 20 per cent. Young natural stands and all plantations established for forestry purposes which have yet
to reach a crown density of 20 per cent or tree height of 5 m are included under forest, as areas normally forming part
of the forest area which are temporally unstocked as a result of human intervention or natural causes but which are
expected to revert to forest. Forest Land also includes: forest nurseries and seed orchards that constitute an integral
part of the forest; forest road, cleared tracts, firebreaks and other small open areas, all smaller than 6 m. within the
forest; forest in national parks, nature reserves and other protected areas such as those of special environmental,
scientific, historical, cultural or spiritual interest, with an area of more than 0,5 ha and a width of more than 30m;
windbreaks and shelterbelts of trees with an area of more than 0,5 ha and a width of more than 30m. This excludes
tree stands in agricultural production systems for example in fruit plantations and agro forestry systems.
http://unfccc.int/files/national_reports/initial_reports_under_the_kyoto_protocol/application/pdf/initial_report_final_1912
06.pdf (2006)
107. (New Zealand 1949) Forest land - Land on which for1est is growing, land used for agroforestry, and land intended
to be forested or used for agroforestry by the owner or occupier of the land. (from Forests Act 1949).
108. (New Zealand 2006) Use Min. Area (ha) = 5 Min. Crown Cover (%) = 20 Min. Tree Height (m) = 6 Min. Strip Width
(m) = ns "Tree" includes not only timber trees- but also all other kinds of trees- shrubs- and bushes- seedlings-
saplings- cuttings- suckers- and shoots of every description. http://www.cbd.int/doc/world/us/us-nr-vfe-en.pdf lists the
minimum area of 0.5 ha. (2003) and USFS 2004. Forests planted in exotic tree species predominately grown for
wood or wood fibre greater than 1 ha in extent. All forest in this class will exceed 30 percent canopy cover and 5
metres in height before 10 years of age. Indigenous forest is defined as forest dominated by tall indigenous forest
canopy species greater than 1 hectare in size. All forests mapped into this class exceed 30 percent canopy cover and
5 metres in height
http://unfccc.int/files/national_reports/application/pdf/new_zealands_initial_report_under_the_kyoto_protocol.pdf,
109. (New Zealand 2011) Forest land: (a) means an area of land of at least 1 hectare that has, or is likely to have, tree
crown cover from forest species of more than 30 percent in each hectare; and (b) includes an area of land that
temporarily does not meet the requirements specified in paragraph (a) because of human intervention or natural
causes but that is likely to revert to land that meets the requirements specified in paragraph (a); (c) does not include:
a shelter belt of forest species, where the tree crown cover at maturity has, or is likely to have, a naverage width of
less than 30 metres; or an area of land where the forest species have, or are likely to have, a tree crown cover at
maturity of an average width of less than 30 metres, unless the area is contiguous with land that meets the
requirements specified in paragraph (a) or (b). If an area of land temporarily does not meet the forest species and
crown cover requirements because of human action or natural events (it may have just been harvested, or trees may
have been blown over by strong winds), but is likely to meet these requirements again in the future, it is still
considered to be forest land as per paragraph (b) above. Such areas are termed temporarily unstocked.
http://www.maf.govt.nz/portals/0/documents/forestry/forestry-ets/2011-ETS-look-up-tables-guide.pdf
110. (New Zealand) Forest land - A minimum area of land of one hectare with tree crown cover (or equivalent
stocking level) of more than 30 per cent with trees with the potential to reach a minimum height of five metres at
maturity in situ. This category includes all land with woody vegetation consistent with thresholds used to define forest
land in the national GHG inventory, sub-divided at the national level into managed and unmanaged and also by
ecosystem type as specified in the IPCC Guidelines.6 It also includes systems with vegetation that currently falls
below, but is expected to exceed, the threshold of the forest land category. Young natural stands and all plantations
which have yet to reach a crown density of 30 percent or tree height of five metres are included under forest, as are
areas normally forming part of the forest land area which are temporarily un-stocked as a result of human intervention
such as harvesting or natural causes but which are expected to revert to forest (Kyoto Protocol definition). Tree cover
less than 30 metres wide is excluded. Does not include shelter belt where the tree crown cover at maturity has, or is
expected to have, an average width of less than 30 metres; or an area of land where the tree crown cover at maturity
has, or is expected to have, an average width of less than 30 metres, unless the area is contiguous with other forest
land. http://www.climatechange.govt.nz/glossary.html#f
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111.(New Zealand) Forest land - land used for the production of commercial forests -
http://www.environment.govt.nz/footprint/glossary.html
112. (Niger 1974) Sont qualifis forts, les terrains dont les fruits exclusifs ou principaux sont les bois d'bnisterie, les
bois de service ou d'industrie, les bois de chauffage et charbon, ou des produits accessoires tels que : les corces
et fruits tanin, les corces textiles et tinctoriales, le kapok, la glu, les gommes, les palmiers spontans et tous autres
vgtaux ne constituant pas un produit agricole. Article 2: LEX-FAOC002294. NIGER: Loi nº 74-7 du 4 mars
1974 fixant le rgime forestier. Date of text: 04 March 1974.
113. (Norway 1992) - Forest is Land spanning more than 0.5 ha with trees higher than 5 m and a canopy cover of more
than 10%, or trees able to reach these thresholds in situ. It does not include land that is predominantly under
agricultural or urban land use. Productive forest area: Forest area that under favourable stand conditions has an
annual yield capacity per hectare of at least 1 cubic metre of wood including bark. Noregs Offisielle Statistikk, 1992.
114. (Norway 1993) Land which produces forest or which on an overall farming- and forestry assessment is considered
to be most suitable for forest production and is not being used for any other purpose. [Source: The Norwegian Forest
and Forest Protection Act of May 21, 1965 with amendments, latest by the Act no. 96 of June 11, 1993.
http://www.nijos.no/panorama/!skog.htm From: "Maksym Polyakov" <mpoliak@pcomp.usau.kiev.ua Date: Mon, 15
Jun 1998 19:27:19 +0300 (MSD)]
115. (Norway 1997) Productive forest land - Land with an average potential production equal to or higher than 1 m 3
(including bark) per ha and year regardless of the current stocking (European Communities 1997b - p. 832).
116. (Norway) For the purpose of this Act, forest land means land which produces forest 2) or which on an overall
farming- and forestry assessment is considered to be most suitable for forest production and is not being used for any
other purpose. http://odin.dep.no/ld/engelsk/dep/020001-200002/index-dok000-b-n-a.html
117. (Pakistan 1953) Forest - An area set aside for the production of timber and other forest produce, or maintained
under woody vegetation for certain indirect benefits which it provides e.g. climatic or protective. Definition adopted
from the British Commonwealth Forest Terminology Part-I, 1953. Source: Mumtaz Ahmad, Section Forest Officer,
Pakistan Min. of Environment, Local Government, and Rural Development.
118. (Peru) Forest Land means (i) that portion of SINANPE described in Exhibit A, which will be conserved,
maintained and restored with funds provided pursuant to the Forest Conservation Agreement, and (ii) any other forest
land in Per approved for conservation, maintenance and restoration by a majority vote of the Oversight Committee in
accordance with the terms of the Forest Conservation Agreement.
http://www.mef.gob.pe/DGCP/Documentacion/fondos/PERU_USA/convenio_dinat.pdf
119. (Philippines) - Forest lands include the public forest, the permanent forest or forest reserves, and forest
reservations. Public forest is the mass of lands of the public domain which has not been the subject of the present
system of classification for the determination of which lands are needed for forest purposes and which are not. b.
Permanent forest or forest reserves refers to those lands of the public domain which have been the subject of the
present system of classification and declared as not needed for forest purposes. g. Forest reservations refer to forest
lands which have been reserved by the President of the Philippines for any specific purpose or purposes. Source:
REVISED FORESTRY CODE [REVISING PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 389, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE
FORESTRY REFORM CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES] http://www.chanrobles.com/pd705.htm and
http://sunsite.nus.edu.sg/apcel/dbase/filipino/primary/phdfor.html
120. (Poland 1997) A ground covered with a forest vegetation, of area above 0.1 ha; it includes forest grounds,
temporarily deprived of forest vegetation, and grounds related to forestry (forest roads, nurseries, etc.). (European
Communities 1997b - p. 1251). Forest roads, nurseries, etc. excluded. For FRA 2000 - Source: UN/ECE 2000 p 83
121. (Poland 2006 KP) Use Min. Area (ha) = 0.1 Min. Crown Cover (%) = 10 Min. Tree Height (m) = 2 Min. Strip Width
(m) = 10
http://unfccc.int/files/national_reports/initial_reports_under_the_kyoto_protocol/application/pdf/raport_aau_eng_22-12-
06.pdf (2006)
122. (Poland 2010) (1) Land covered with forest vegetation, of area above 0.1 ha; it includes forest grounds
temporarily deprived of forest vegetation, and (2) Lands related to forestry (forest roads, nurseries etc.) (FAO 2010).
123. (Poland 2012) Land covered with forest plants or lacking such plants for a temporary period of time as well as
land associate with forestry management. Land covered with forest crops, young woodland and older trees as well as
plantations of poplar and other fast growing trees being maintained both on forest land as well as outside of forests is
included in forest land surface area. Land that has been temporarily deprived of trees and which includes logged over
forest, blanks, irregularly stocked open stand as well as pine plantations being maintained on forest land and outside
of forest land as well as forest land deprived of trees as a result of industrial emissions or mining (flood lands,
depressed land). Land connected with silviculture includes land used for purposes of forest management: buildings
and structures, spatial division lines in forests, forest roads, forest nurseries, wood stockpiling areas, land reclamation
equipment, land under power lines, forest parking lots and tourist equipment.
http://www.stat.gov.pl/gus/definicje_ENG_HTML.htm?id=ANG-3369.htm
93
124. (Poland? ) In SLMN forest is defined as an area of land use categories Ls wooded, with trees older than 20 years.
028.pdf
125. (Portugal 1997) Every portion of land with a greater than 2000 m 2 and 15 m wide, is considered forest area. Forest
area includes exploitable forests, recently harvested or burned areas, recent seedlings and plantations, and green
zones (reserves, protection forests and recreation forests). (European Communities 1997b - p. 879).
126. (Romania 2007 KP) Use Min. Area (ha) = 0.25 Min. Crown Cover (%) = 10 Min. Tree Height (m) = 5 Min. Strip
Width (m) = ns
http://unfccc.int/files/national_reports/initial_reports_under_the_kyoto_protocol/application/pdf/romanias_initial_report
_under_the_kyoto_protocol.pdf (2007) includes also: forest nurseries, trees genetic trials within the forest land, forest
pathways and roads, meadows, glades and other forest gaps, forest ecosystems within the national and natural parks,
natural protected areas and other protected forest areas, protection forest belts with an area larger than 0.5 ha and a
minimum width of 20 m, as well as Pinus mugo shrubs in alpine areas
127. (Romania) Forest land - Land belonging to the national forest estate, and that intended for afforested to serve
silvicultural, production and/or other needs.
128. (Russia (European Part) 2003) - Forest Land (FL) = covered by forest + uncovered by forest, comprises land
which is suitable and designated for forest growth. FL is divided into following categories: Forested Areas; Non-
Stocked Planted Forests; Forest Plantations and Nurseries; Natural Sparse Forests; and Unforested Areas. .Forested
Areas include: (1) lands, covered by young stands with the relative stocking 0.4 and more, and stands of other age
groups with the relative stocking 0.3 and more; (2) cutovers, burns and other territories of naturally reforesting FL, on
which amount and quality of natural regeneration, or young trees, protected under harvest, are corresponding to
requirements, developed for conversion of these categories into FA; (3) areas covered by shrubs in regions where
tree species cannot grow due to severe natural and geographical conditions, or where special shrub management is
provided. IIASA 2003. http://www.efi.int/files/attachments/publications/annex_1_to_efi_technical_report_88__2013.pdf
129. (Russian Federation 1965) Professional of Forest Inventory - Forest (forested area) includes lands: covered by
young stands of tree species with relative stocking 0.4 and more, and stands of other age groups with relative
stocking 0.3 and more; harvested areas, burnt stands and other forest lands, which are in the process of natural
regeneration, and on which amount and quality of young trees both naturally regenerated or conserved during harvest
is not less than those required by manuals applaying for transfer such areas into forested area; covered by shrubbery
in territories, on which high forests are not able to grow due to natural climatic conditios (e.g., geographical or
altitudinal tree lines). Ref. Federal Forest Service of Russia. Manual on Forest Inventory in Forest Fund of Russia,
Part 1, Moscow, 1995, page 53
130. (Russian Federation 2000) - Forest includes land -wooded land (main and other forest-forming tree species), non-
continuous forest growth, nurseries and plantations, and unwooded land-openings, slashes, dead stands, cuttings,
clearings. For FRA 2000 - Source: UN/ECE 2000 p 85
131. (Russian Federation1995) Forest lands include lands covered by forest vegetation or those not covered by it but
intended for its restoration (cutovers, slashes, perished forest stands, open stands [comment: better-sparse forests],
wastelands, glades [comment: better-grassy glades and barrens], areas occupied by nurseries, free-growing forest
cultures [comment; i.e., forest plantations], and others. http://www.fire.uni-freiburg.de/iffn/iffn_24/iffn24.pdf
132. (Rwanda 2013) land covered with trees, shrubs and other plants or land which was covered with trees and is in
the process of regeneration or under replantation or land that has not been covered with trees but is intended for
forestry purposes or other activities related to forests http://www-
wds.worldbank.org/external/default/WDSContentServer/WDSP/IB/2014/08/14/000470435_20140814100003/Rendere
d/INDEX/PAD10410PAD0GE040Box385296B00OUO090.txt
133. (Rwanda 2014) Land under natural or planted stands of trees of at least 5 meters in situ, whether productive or
not, and excludes tree stands in agricultural production systems (for example, in fruit plantations and agroforestry
systems) and trees in urban parks and gardens. http://knoema.com/WBWDIGDF2015Feb/world-development-
indicators-wdi-february-2015
134. (Serbia & Montenegro) A forest is a forest area exceeding 0.5 ha. Hedgerows, municipal parks, forest nurseries
and groups of trees on areas smaller then 0.5 ha are not considered forests. Plantations are forests raised from
selected plant sources with intensive high yield measures (short rotation). Unstocked forest land includes land which
yields the best results if forests are growing on it. http://www.unece.org/trade/timber/docs/dp/dp-40.pdf
135. (Serbia 2010) - The inventory uses the definition of FRA FAO. A national definition is given in the FRA 2010
country report: A forest is every area over 5 are covered with forest trees in the form of stands having a protective
function but is used for production of forest assortments or has a special purpose. Tree line paths, parks in inhabited
places, forest tree nurseries, and groups of forest trees on an area under 5 are not considered a forest. [1are=0.01
ha] http://www.efi.int/files/attachments/publications/annex_1_to_efi_technical_report_88__2013.pdf
136. (Slovakia 2006 KP) Use Min. Area (ha) = 0.3 Min. Crown Cover (%) = 20 Min. Tree Height (m) = 5 Min. Strip
Width (m) = 20 http://unfccc.int/files/national_reports/initial_reports_under_the_kyoto_protocol/application/pdf/svk-
_aaus-initial-_report-october-2006.pdf (2006) Temporarily unstocked areas are included (forest regeneration areas).
94
137. (Slovakia) - Land determined to permanently fulfil the functions of forests (forest stands, forest nurseries, seed
plantations, plots to be afforested, cleared boundary lines, skidding roads, infertile forest land, alpine land with specific
functions) (M. Jasensk, Faculty of Wood Technology, Technical University Zvolen, Slovak Republic)
138. (Slovakia) Forest land includes the area of forest stands, nurseries, plantations, temporary clearings where forest
is under regeneration, forest roads, meadows and other areas.
139. (Slovakia) Forest Land includes: land with minimum tree crown cover of 20 % for trees capable to reach minimum
height of 5 m in situ. The minimum area for forest is 0.3 ha. Temporarily unstocked areas are included (forest
regeneration areas). For linear formations, a minimum width of 20 m is applied. http://bookshop.europa.eu/is-
bin/INTERSHOP.enfinity/WFS/EU-Bookshop-Site/en_GB/-/EUR/ViewPDFFile-OpenPDFFile?
FileName=LBNA24300ENC_002.pdf&SKU=LBNA24300ENC_PDF
140. (Slovenia 1993) The term forest is defined also by the Law on Forests of Slovenia (Official Journal of the
Republic of Slovenia, nr. 30/1993). Article two states: .... A forest is an area of land, covered with forest trees in the
form of stands or other forest growths which provide any of the functions of a forest. Forest, according to this law also
includes overgrown plots of land which are defined as forest in the spatial part of the forest management plan. The
forest infrastructure which is apportioned to individual plots is an integral part of the forest. The following are not forest
within the meaning of this law: individual forest trees; groups of forest trees up to an area of 0.05 ha; non-
autochthonous riverine and windbelt trees; avenues; pastures overgrown with forest trees if they are used for
pasturing, irrespective of how they are described in the land register. Zavod za Gozdove Slovenije, (Institution for
Forest of Slovenia), 2011.
141. (Slovenia 2011) - The national forest inventory defines forest as: (a) A plot of land overgrown with forest trees in
the form of stands, which can reach a height of at least 5 m and sized to at least 0.25 ha (b) A plot of agricultural land
in transition to forest land sized to at least 0.25 ha that has not been used for agriculture for the last 20 years and is
overgrown with forest trees which can reach a height of at least 5 m and their crown cover should be at least 75% (c)
Riverside forest corridors and windbreaks sized to at least 0.25 ha, if their widths are at least one tree-height. Kusar et
al. in Tomppo et al. 2009. p. 439-440.
142. (Slovenia) Forest - National definition is use, probably close to FAO but a specific problem may be when to regard
abandoned agriculture land as forest http://www.metla.fi/eu/cost/e43/minutes/wg1-min-florence.pdf
143. (Slovenia) Forest land is a forest or forest plot matching with the definition of forest, and non-forest plots of land
ecologically or functionally linked to forest, together guaranteeing the performance of the function of forest.
144. (South Africa) - In terms of the National Forests Act, 1998, forests include all natural forests, woodlands and
plantations as well as the forest produce produced in it. In keeping with this definition, reference in this paper to
forestry development and forest activities includes the use of these three categories of forest resources, as well as the
primary processing of all timber, nontimber and non-wood forest products derived from these sources.
http://www.nda.agric.za/doaDev/sideMenu/ForestryWeb/webapp/ResourceCentre/Documents/Policy,_Legislation,_Le
gal_Proceducers_&_Act/Third_draft_KIP_on_forestry_and_poverty_1Feb.pdf
145. (South Africa) Forest landmeans any land covered by trees or which is designated in any legislation, or national
or sub-national forestry plan, or land-use plan as forest land or as land for afforestation or reforestation;
www.dwaf.gov.za/Forestry/Forestry%20Policy/October%202001%20draft%20Protocol.doc
146. (Spain 1998) Forest-tree lands. All lands with a forest-tree cover, at maturity, "in situ, of more than 5% of the area,
which is able to reach a minimum height of 7 m and to produce wood. Minimum area is 0.25 ha. Excludes wood lots
and isolated tree groups with areas under 0.25 ha. Forest lands are divided into forest 20 % cc, open forests 5-20%
cc, unstocked areas and complementary areas - roads, buildings, etc. related to forestry activities. Source:
Establecimiento de una tipologa de usos agroselvcolas de los suelos. Spain Min. de Agricultura, Pesca y
Almentacion. 1998. 173 p.
147. (Spain) Montes - de tierra en que vegetan espeices arbreas arbustiva, de matorral o herbceas, sea
espontneamente o prodedan de siembra o plantacin, siempre que no sean caracteristicas del cultivo agricola o
fueran objecto de mismo (Art. 1.2 Ley de Montes) Montes 57:49. A este en aaden en la Ley de Montes, las terrenos
que haya quedado adscritos a la finalidad de ser repoblados y transformados en forestales, ye se excluyen en
cambio los prados, las praderas cant bricas y los terrenos en una finca agricoltura en los ques existen algunas
especies forestales destinadas al sostenimiento del ganado. Cabe citar un ejemplo, que luego se traera a colacin, el
de la Ley forestal Valenciana qye considera tambin montes los terrenos yermos y agriclas abandonados en los que
se de alguna de las signientes curcunstancias: - Estn en los limites de un montes, - tengan signos de su estado
forestal, - sean susceptibles de destino forestal.
148. (Sweden 1992) Land suitable for wood production and not primarily used for other purposes. Potential yield under
ideal management conditions at least 1 m3sk per hectare per year. Includes abandoned agricultural land and land
user for grazing not yet covered by forest. Includes forest land with density of tree crowns = 0%. (UN/ECE 1992 p.
249)
95
149. (Sweden 1997) Land suitable for forest production, not used for other purposes, and with an average production
higher than (or equal to) 1 m3 per hectare and year during a period of 100 years. The minimum area is 0.25 ha.
(European Communities 1997b - p. 983)
150. (Sweden 2009) Types of land under the Forestry Act Determined for the traditional types of land in productive
forest, bog, mountain pine forests and other land. Forest land: Land bearing forest or without measures to increase
production has the potential to bear forest with a height of 5 m and with a crown cover of at least 10%. Sveriges
Lantbruksuniversitet (SLU), 2009.
http://www.efi.int/files/attachments/publications/annex_1_to_efi_technical_report_88__2013.pdf (Sweden) Land that is
suitable for timber production and that is not used for other purposes to any significant degree. Soil is deemed
suitable if it can produce on average a total forest cubic metre of 1 m 3 per ha and year for a 100 year growth period
(min. site quality class VIII according to Jonson or H100 higher than approx. 10 m). The class forest land includes
extensively grazed permanent pasture and land within wildlife reserves that is not agricultural land. Also classified as
forest land are abandoned farmland and other land suitable for forest production but not used for that purpose, unless
forest is a clearly inappropriate land use (e.g. monument areas). Farmland that has not been used within the previous
three years is considered abandoned and re-classified as forest land. However so-called transition land is classified
as farmland until its land use is altered. Plant nurseries, seed plantations, ornamental plant cultivations, clear cases of
Christmas tree plantations and energy forest plantations are classified as built-up land. http://www-
markinfo.slu.se/eng/soildes/ago/agodef.html Swedish forest taxation system,
151. (Sweden) Land which is suitable for wood production, and not used to a significant extent for other purposes; and
land where tree cover is desirable in order to protect against sand or soil erosion, or to prevent a lowering of the tree
line. [Source: Swedish Forest Act - http://www.svo.se/eng/englaw.htm]
152. (Switzerland 2006 KP) Use Min. Area (ha) = 0.0625-0.25 Min. Crown Cover (%) = 20-60 Min. Tree Height (m) = 3
Min. Strip Width (m) = 25-50 (2006). The following forest areas are not subject to the criterion of minimum stand
height: shrub forest consisting of dwarf pine (Pinus mugo prostrata) and alpine alder (Alnus viridis). The following
forest areas are not subject of the criteria of minimum stand height and minimum crown cover, but must have the
potential to achieve it: afforested, regenerated, as well as burned, cut or damaged areas. Although orchards, parks,
camping grounds, open tree formations in settlements, gardens, cemeteries, sports and parking fields may fulfil the
(quantitative) forest definition, they are not considered as forests.
153. (Taiwan, ROC) Forest land - the land that is at least 0.5 hectare in size with at least 10% of the area covered with
tree crowns or commercial bamboo, the forest belt beside road or river is at least 50 meters wide. The road, river,
other water area or open lands in forest is less than 20 meters wide. The open land over than 0.5 hectare which is
considered to reforestation or afforestation. Source: The Third Forest Resources and Land Use Inventory in
Taiwan¨ - "ªL°§½service" service@dns.forest.gov.tw
154. (Tajikistan 1993) Forests lands - covered with forests, non-closed forest cultures, forest-nurseries, plantations,
thinning, burning, felling and clearings; Non-forests - pashni, hay making, pastures, waters, gardens and vineyards,
roads and through cuts, farmsteads, bogs, sands and glaciers. Forest Code of the Republic of Tajikistan. .
http://faolex.fao.org/docs/texts/taj19369.doc
155. (Thailand 1941) Land which has not been taken up or acquired by any other means under the Land Law. Forest
Act, 1941, Royal Forestry Department, Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives. "Wilailak Pangtawaong"
<wpangtaw@deqp.go.th
156. (Togo 1938) Sont qualifis forts, les terrains dont les fruits exclusifs ou principaux sont les bois d'bnisterie,
d'industrie, ou de service, les bois de chauffage et charbon ou des produits accessoires tels que: les corces et
fruits tanin, les corces textiles et tinctoriales, le kapok, le caoutchouc, la glu, les rsines, les gommes, les
bambous, les palmiers spontans et tous autres vgtaux ne constituant pas un produit agricole. 1. Dcret du 5
fvrier 1938 portant organisation du rgime forestier du territoire du Togo LA PRESIDENT DE LA REPUBLIQUE
FRANCAISE, LEX-FAOC018437. TOGO: Dcret du 5 fvrier 1938 portant organisation du rgime forestier du
territoire du Togo.Article 2. Date of text: 05 February 1938
157. (Turkey 1956) According to the Turkey's Forest Law in force, the community of trees, and shrubs grown naturally
or artificially, together with the area they occupy, are considered as forest. According to Paragraph 20 of the
Regulations still in force: a) The trees are the plants of at least 8 m., or more height, have crowns and the wooden
stems, at any age or diameter. b) Shrubs are the wood plants showing generally horizontal growth and when mature
reaches less than 8 m. in height. c) Community is a group of trees and shrubs occupying an area with a density of 0.1
or more. In the areas which can give the benefits expected from a forest which receives care continuously or
periodically, density limit is not applicable. Also the areas exposed to the risk of erosion, and the areas important for
the climate and water regime can be considered as forest even if the density is under 10 %. d) Areas are defined as
places covered by the trees and shrubs or deforested as a result of human activity or natural events. For the private
forests there is a size limit. Areas smaller than 3 ha. are left outside the forest regime. According to Paragraph 2,
Section 1 of the Turkeys Forest Law in force the following areas are not forests: a) marshy places, b) areas covered
with step plants, c) thorn bushes, d) parks, e) places covered with trees and shrubs in the ancient graveyards in towns
and villages, and city parks, f) places covered with trees and shrubs in groups within agricultural lands or private
property which are in or near forests, g) places covered with trees and shrubs, not larger than 3 ha. Far from the
96
forests and privately owned, h) areas containing fruit trees already mature or those to be grown in future including
Pinus pinaster and Quercus aegilops trees within owned lands, i) privately owned areas covered with olive trees wild
or domesticated by grafting; wild olive groves separated from state forests by special laws, and fulfilled the conditions
to private ownership, and groves of Pistachio, Carob and Mastic trees, wild or improved by grafting as specified by the
Law No. 6777 (9 July 1956). j) Areas of maquies or heather not subject to soil erosion are not considered as forest.
Source: Turkey's Forest Law No.6831 - "Ersin Ylmaz" yilmazersin@hotmail.com
158. (Ukraine 2006) In Ukraine's forest are forest areas, including those protective plantings linear type, area of not
less than 0.1 ha. In Ukraine the forest area does not include: green spaces within settlements (parks, gardens,
squares, boulevards, etc.) that are not included in the prescribed manner to the forest; individual trees and groups of
trees, shrubs on agricultural land, homestead, cottage and garden areas. Supreme Council of Ukraine, 2006.
159. (United Kingdom 2010) The definition of woodland in United Kingdom forestry statistics and in National Inventory
is land under stands of trees with a canopy cover of at least 20% (or having the potential to achieve this), including
integral open space, and including felled areas that are awaiting restocking. There is no minimum size for a woodland.
http://uk-air.defra.gov.uk/reports/cat07/1010151419_ukghgi-90-08_main_chapters_Issue3_r.pdf
160. (United Kingdom 1997) Woodlands minimum mappable area of 1 ha. In general the width for a woodland is 50 m.
Areas of scattered trees with distinct crowns constitute woodland if the canopy covers more than 20 percent of the
ground. Areas of young trees which have to potential to achieve a canopy cover more than 20% are also interpreted
as woodland. Woodland also includes areas that may be temporarily without tree cover following forest operations
such as felling. Orchards are excluded. (European Communities 1997b - p. 1127-1128).
161. (United Kingdom 2009) The UK has chosen the following definition of forest and single minimum values (also in
table NIR.1). A definition of forest as agreed with the Forestry Commission comprising: a minimum area of 0.1
hectares; a minimum width of 20 metres; tree crown cover of at least 20 per cent, or the potential to achieve it;
a minimum height of 2 metres, or the potential to achieve it. This definition includes felled areas awaiting restocking
and integral open space (open areas up to 1 hectare) (Forestry Statistics 2009, section 11.1). http://uk-
air.defra.gov.uk/reports/cat07/1010151419_ukghgi-90-08_main_chapters_Issue3_r.pdf
162. (USA-FED-5-Agency1982) Land at least ten percent stocked by trees of any size or formerly having had such tree
cover and not currently built-up or developed for agricultural use. Forest land may include Grassland, Shrubland,
Treeland, Wetland and/or Barren land. Examples of forest land use arc grazing, recreation and timber production.
(Note we are not recommending that ten percent stocked be used to determine dominance in the classification
categories.) (Land Use and Land Cover Common Terminology Work Group 1985). http://home.comcast.net/~gyde/5-
agency_paper-2.doc
163. (USA-FED-Census Bureau 2006). A Land cover/use category that is at least 10 percent stocked by single-
stemmed woody species of any size that will be at least 4 meters (13 feet) tall at maturity. Also included is land
bearing evidence of natural regeneration of tree cover (cut over forest or abandoned farmland) and not currently
developed for nonforest use. Ten percent stocked, when viewed from a vertical direction, equates to an areal canopy
cover of leaves and branches of 25 percent or greater. The minimum area for classification as forestland is 1 acre,
and the area must be at least 100 feet wide. http://www.allcountries.org/uscensus/383_land_cover_use_by_state.html
164. (USA-FED-Congressional Research Service and House of Representatives 1992) A classification of land use in
the Natural Resources Inventory (NRI). It includes areas where trees cover at least 10% of the land and must be at
least an acre in size. Forestland was found on 395 million acres, almost 30% of all private lands, in the 1992 NRI.
http://www.cnie.org/nle/AgGlossary/letter-f.html Congressional Research Service Report for Congress Agriculture: A
Glossary of Terms, Programs, and Laws and http://agriculture.house.gov/glossary/forestland.htm
165. (USA-FED-DA 2003) Land with a specified minimum tree crown cover and generally more than the specified
minimum area, including land that formerly had such tree cover and that will be naturally or artificially regenerated.
The trees should generally be able to reach a minimum specified tree height at maturity in situ. It may consist either of
closed forest formations in which trees of various stories and undergrowth cover a high proportion of the ground, or of
open forest formations with a continuous vegetation cover in which tree crown cover exceeds the minimum percent.
Young natural stands and all plantations established for forestry purposes, which have yet to reach the minimum
crown density or tree height, are included under forest, as are areas normally forming part of the forest area that is
temporarily unstocked as a result of human intervention or natural causes, but which are expected to revert to forest.
Limiting measures for qualification as forest land vary by country. Current minimum area, cover, and tree height
needed to be classified as forest by country: . http://www.cbd.int/doc/world/us/us-nr-vfe-en.pdf
166. (USA-FED-DA-ERS 2003) Forest land, as defined by the U.S. Forest Service, includes land at least 10 percent of
which is stocked by trees of any size, or land formerly having had such tree cover that will be naturally or artificially
regenerated. Forest land includes transition zones, such as areas between heavily forested and nonforested lands
that are at least 10 percent stocked with forest trees and forest areas adjacent to urban and built-up lands. The total
includes pinyon-juniper and chaparral areas in the West and afforested areas.
http://www.ers.usda.gov/data/majorlanduses/glossary.htm#grassland
167. (USA-FED-DA-ERS 2003) Forest-use land (total forest land exclusive of forested areas in parks and other special
uses), 642 million acres (ERS 2003)
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168. (USA-FED-DA-FS 1972) Land at least 10 percent stocked by forest trees of any size or formerly having had such
tree cover, and not currently developed for nonforest use. (Note: Stocking is measured by comparison of basal area
and/or number of trees, by age or size and spacing with specified standards. The minimum area for classification
forest land is 1 acre. Roadside, streamside. and shelterbelt strips of timber must have a crown width of at least 120
feet wide to qualify as forest land. Unimproved roads and trails, streams, or other bodies of water or clearings in forest
areas shall be classed as forest if less than 120 feet in width.) (FS 1972) http://home.comcast.net/~gyde/5-
agency_paper-2.doc
169. (USA-FED-DA-FS 1993) Land at least 10 percent stocked by forest trees of any size, including land that formerly
had such tree cover and that will be naturally or artificially regenerated. Forest land includes transition zones, such as
areas between heavily forested and nonforested lands that are at least 10 percent stocked with forest trees and
forested areas adjacent to urban or built-up lands. Also included are pinyon juniper and chaparral areas in the West
and afforested areas. The minimum area for classification of forest is 1 acre. Roadside, streamside, and shelterbelt
strips of timber must have a crown width of at least 120 feet to qualify as forest land. Unimproved roads and trails,
streams, and clearings in forest areas are classified as forest if less than 120 feet wide. (Powell et al. 1993)
http://www.fs.fed.us/land/sustain_dev/sd/criter2.htm ,
http://www.ers.usda.gov/data/majorlanduses/glossary.htm#forest, and
http://www.srsfia.usfs.msstate.edu/wo/review.htm
170. (USA-FED-DA-FS 1997) Land at least 10 percent stocked with live trees, or land that had this minimum tree
stocking in the past and is not currently developed for nonforest use. The minimum area recognized is 1 acre.
(Waddell and Bassett 1997).
171. (USA-FED-DA-FS 2001) Land that is at least 10 percent stocked by forest trees of any size, or land formerly
having such tree cover, and is not currently developed for a nonforest use. The minimum area for classification as
forest land is one acre. Roadside, stream-side, and shelterbelt strips of timber must have a crown width at least 120
feet wide to qualify as forest land. Unimproved roads and trails, streams and other bodies of water, or natural
clearings in forested areas shall be classified as forest, if less than 120 feet in width or an acre in size. Grazed
woodlands, reverting fields, and pastures that are not actively maintained are included if the above qualifications are
satisfied. (Also see definitions of nonforest land, idle farmland and improved/maintained pasture.) Forest land is
divided into timberland, reserved timberland and woodland. SRS FIA Southern Research Station Field Guide; Version
1.5; January 8, 2001, Updated March 23, 2001; Based upon FIA National Core Field Guide, Version 1.5, January,
2001 and FIA National Manual v1.4
172. (USA-FED-DA-FS 2004) Forest land -"(a) the condition is at least 10-percent stocked by trees . . . of any size or
has been at least 10-percent stocked in the past. Additionally, the condition is not subject to nonforest use(s) that
prevent normal tree regeneration and succession such as regular mowing, intensive pruning, or recreation activities;
or "(b) in several western woodland species . . . where stocking cannot be determined, and the condition has at least
5 percent crown cover by trees of any size, or has had at least 5 percent cover in the past. Additionally, the condition
is not subject to nonforest use that prevents normal regeneration and succession such as regular mowing, chaining,
or recreation activities." Further, the condition generally must be at least 36.6 m (120 ft.) wide and 0.40 ha (1.0 ac.) in
area to qualify as forest land (Perry et al 2005 and USDA Forest Service, 2004).
173. (USA-FED-DA-FS 2006). Land that is at least 10 percent stocked by forest trees of any size, or land formerly
having such tree cover, and not currently developed for a nonforest use. The minimum area for classification as forest
land is one acre. Roadside, stream-side, and shelterbelt strips of timber must be at least 120 feet wide to qualify as
forest land. Unimproved roads and trails, streams and other bodies of water, or natural clearings in forested areas are
classified as forest, if less than 120 feet in width or one acre in size. Grazed woodlands, reverting fields, and pastures
that are not actively maintained are included if the above qualifications are satisfied. Forest land includes three sub-
categories: timberland, reserved forest land, and other forest land. http://socrates.lv-
hrc.nevada.edu/fia/ab/issues/pending/glossary/Glossary_5_30_06.pdf
174. (USA-FED-DA-FS 2007) forest landLand at least 120 feet wide and 1 acre in size with at least 10 percent cover
(or equivalent stocking) by live trees of any size, including land that formerly had such tree cover and that will be
naturally or artificially regenerated. Forest land includes transition zones, such as areas between forest and nonforest
lands that have at least 10 percent cover (or equivalent stocking) with live trees and forest areas adjacent to urban
and built-up lands. Roadside, streamside, and shelterbelt strips of trees must have a crown width of at least 120 feet
and continuous length of at least 363 feet to qualify as forest land. Unimproved roads and trails, streams, and
clearings in forest areas are classified as forest if they are less than 120 feet wide or an acre in size. Tree-covered
areas in agricultural production settings, such as fruit orchards, or tree-covered areas in urban settings, such as city
parks, are not considered forest land. NOTE: This definition does not apply to the data for western Texas, western
Oklahoma, and interior Alaska, which, to date, have not had field verification of reported
http://www.fs.fed.us/nrs/pubs/gtr/gtr_wo78.pdf (Smith et al. 2009).
175. (USA-FED-DA-FS) Land currently growing forest trees of any size with a total stocking value of at least 16.7 (10
base 100 in the West), or lands formerly forested, currently capable of becoming forest land, and not currently
developed for nonforest uses. These lands must be a minimum of 1 acre in area. Roadside, streamside, and
shelterbelt strips of timber must have a crown width of at least 120 feet to qualify as forest land. Unimproved roads,
98
trails, streams, and clearings within forest areas are classified as forest land if they are less than 120 feet wide.
Recently clearcut areas that are currently nonstocked are classed as forest land unless they are being used for a
nonforest use such as agriculture. Forest land is divided into two categories (timberland and other forest land), and
both of these categories may be further classified as reserved if harvesting of trees is prohibited by statutory or
administrative restrictions. http://www.srsfia.usfs.msstate.edu/scripts/ew.htm.
176. (USA-FED-DA-FSA 2003). A land cover/land use category that is at least 10 percent stocked by singlestemmed
woody species of any size that will be at least 13 feet tall at maturity. Also included, for the NRI, is land bearing
evidence of natural regeneration of tree cover and not currently developed for nonforest use.
http://www.fsa.usda.gov/dafp/cepd/epb/pdf/ECP_Final_PEIS_0303/15_Glossary.pdf
177. (USA-FED-DA-NRCS 1992) A Land Cover/Use that is at least 10 percent stocked by single stemmed forest trees
of any size which will be at least 4 meters (13 feet) tall at maturity. When viewed vertically, canopy cover is 25 percent
or greater. Also included are areas bearing evidence of natural regeneration of tree cover (cutover forest or
abandoned farmland) and not currently developed for nonforest use. For classification as forest land, an area must be
at least one acre and 100 feet wide. [NRI-92] Forest land, grazed. Forest land that is being grazed by livestock and
managed using range management principles and practices adapted to the forest ecosystem. [NCPM].
http://www.ftc.nrcs.usda.gov/doc/nri/72.html
178. (USA-FED-DA-NRCS 2000) A site type of forestland is assigned and described where a 25% overstory canopy
of trees, as determined by crown perimeter-vertical projection, dominated this historic vegetation.
http://soils.usda.gov/technical/handbook/contents/part622.html
179. (USA-FED-DA-NRCS 2002 & 2004) A land cover/use category that is at least 10 percent stocked by single-
stemmed woody species of any size that will be at least 4 meters (13 feet) tall at maturity. Also included is land
bearing evidence of natural regeneration of tree cover (cutover forest or abandoned farmland) and not currently
developed for non-forest use. Ten percent stocked, when viewed from a vertical direction is a canopy cover of leaves
and branches of 25 percent or greater. The minirnum area is 0.40 ha (1.0 ac) and.width is 30.5 m (100 ft.) '(Perry et al
2005 and Natural Resources Conservation Service, 2002, ftp://ftp-
fc.sc.egov.usda.gov/NCGC/products/nri/2004range/appendixd.pdf ).
180. (USA-FED-DA-NRCS) A Land cover/use category that is at least 10 percent stocked by single stemmed woody
species of any size that will be at least 4 meters (13 feet) tall at maturity. Also included is land bearing evidence of
natural regeneration of tree cover (cut over forest or abandoned farmland) and not currently developed for nonforest
use. Ten percent stocked, when viewed from a vertical direction, equates to an areal canopy cover of leaves and
branches of 25 percent or greater. The minimum area for classification as forest land is 1 acre, and the area must be
at least 100 feet wide. http://www.nh.nrcs.usda.gov/NRI/Publications/NRIglossary.pdf
181. (USA-FED-DA-NRCS) Land use designation for land on which the primary vegetation is forest (climax, natural, or
introduced plant community) and use is primarily for production of wood products
http://www.ftc.nrcs.usda.gov/doc/npph/glossary/56.html National Planning Procedures Handbook (NPPH) Glossary
182. (USA-FED-DA-SCS 1980) Land at least 10 percent stocked by forest trees of any size, or formerly having had
such tree cover, and not currently developed for nonforest use. The minimum area is 1 acre and must be at least 100
feet wide. (Ten percent tree canopy cover is used to separate forest land from rangeland in the transition vegetation
types.) (SCS 1980) http://home.comcast.net/~gyde/5-agency_paper-2.doc
183. (USA-FED-DA-SCS 1982) Land at least 10 percent stocked by forest trees of any size, or formerly having had
such tree cover and not currently developed for non-forest use. The minimum area for classification of forestland is
one acre and must be at least 100 feet wide. Forestland is distinguished from rangeland in transition vegetation types
if the tree canopy cover exceeds 10 percent. Forestlands include cut over areas temporarily unstocked as well as
young stands and plantations established for forestry purposes which do not yet have 10 percent crown cover.
[source: USDA-SCS 1982 NRI] http://farm.fic.niu.edu/foe2/report/foeglos.html and
http://208.55.71.155/cae/foe2/report/foeglos.html
184. (USA-FED-DD-AF 1994) Land on which forest trees of various sizes constitute at least 10 percent of the area.
This category includes open land that is capable of supporting trees and is planned for forest regeneration and
management http://www.afrpa.hq.af.mil/handbook/basis/guidance/afi/af327064.htm#Att1
185. (USA-FED-DI-BIA) Land for which a primary use is the growing and harvesting of forest tree species. Source:
THE CONFEDERATED TRIBES OF THE GRAND RONDE COMMUNITY OF OREGON FOREST PRACTICES
ORDINANCE TRIBAL CODE § 6.20 http://thorpe.ou.edu/codes/grandronde/ch620.html
186. (USA-FED-DI-BLM 1971) (Productive forest land) Any forested land capable of being both at least 16.7% stocked
and capable of producing 20 cubic feet per acre per year of merchantable wood. (Lund 1974).
187. (USA-FED-DI-BLM 1973) Land which is, or has been, at least 16.7 percent stocked by forest trees (10 percent of
normal yield values), and not currently developed for nonforest use. This included land currently developed for
nonforest use, such as urban or thickly settled residential or resort areas, city parks, orchards, improved roads, or
pastureland improved by such measures as seeding or irrigation. (BLM 1973). http://home.comcast.net/~gyde/5-
agency_paper-2.doc
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188. (USA-FED-DI-BLM 1998) Lands capable of growing trees for harvest, land at least ten percent stocked with trees
of any species and size, or lands that were stocked, have been harvested, and will be replanted. Source: Stewardship
Assets - http://www.blm.gov/narsc/blmannual/annual98/stewardship.html
189. (USA-FED-DI-BLM 2003) Land that is now, or is capable of becoming, at least 10 percent stocked with forest
trees, and that has been developed for nontimber use. Pinedale Resource Management Plan,
http://www.pinedalermp.com/documents/PinedaleGlossaryJanuaryMSA.pdf
190. (USA-FED-DI-BLM 2003) Those lands with 10 percent or greater stocking (or the potential to in tree species
which are typically used in commercially processed wood products (lumber, plywood, paper, etc.), such as ponderosa
pine, lodgepole pine, Douglas-fir, white spruce, white fir, grandfir, hemlock, and aspen. Stocking can be measure by
either crown density, stem density, or basal area. Include land that formerly had such tree cover and that will be
managed to be naturally or artificially regenerated with tree cover. http://www.blm.gov/nhp/efoia/wo/fy03/im2003-
035attach1.pdf
191. (USA-FED-DI-BLM) Land that is now, or is capable of becoming, at least l0 percent stocked with forest trees and
that has not been developed for nontimber use. Source: Coos Bay Record of Decision -
http://www.or.blm.gov/coosbay/rmp/glossary.html, .(Streamnet online)
http://www.streamnet.org/ff/Glossary/glossaryforest.html,
http://web.ead.anl.gov/rmpweb/application/rmp_browse.cfm?rmpid=28&idref=27602 and Medford Record of Decision
and Resource Management Plan http://www.or.blm.gov/Medford/medford/glossary.html
192. (USA-FED-DI-GS 1952) (Woods, Woodland). Areas 1 acre or greater containing tree cover or brush that is
potential tree cover. The growth must be at least 6 feet tall and dense enough to impede foot travel or give cover for
troops. Logged or burnt areas are classed as "woods" unless new growth is not going to be established. (USGS 1952)
193. (USA-FED-DI-GS 1976) Land which has a tree-crown areal- density (crown closure percentage) of 10 percent or
more, is stocked with trees capable of producing timber or other wood products, and exerts an influence on the
climate or water regime. Land from which trees have been removed to less than 10 percent crown closure but which
has not been developed for other uses also is included. (Anderson, et. al., 1976) http://home.comcast.net/~gyde/5-
agency_paper-2.doc http://mapping.usgs.gov/pub/ti/LULC/lulcpp964/lulcpp964.txt
194. (USA-FED-DI-GS) Land currently supporting forest or land with potential to support forest that formerly had such
tree cover and that will be naturally or artificially regenerated Note 1) forest land includes (a) transition zones, such
as areas between forested and non-forested lands that are at least 10 percent stocked with forest trees, and forest
areas adjacent to urban and built-up lands; note 2) the minimum area for classification of forest land is 1 acre (0.4 ha);
roadside, streamside, and shelterbelt strips of trees must have a crown width of at least 120 ft. (36.6 m); unimproved
roads and trails, streams, and clearings in forest areas are classified as forest if less than 120 ft wide. (cf.) Forest
(1.1.2.) http://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/brd/DefLandTerms.htm
195. (USA-FED-DI-OSM) Land used or managed for the long-term production of wood, wood fiber, or wood-derived
products. http://www.osmre.gov/stateregs/wyregschap1.txt
196. (USA-FED-DI-OSM) Land with at least 25 percent tree canopy or that has been stocked with at least 10 percent
forest trees of any size, including land that formerly had such tree cover and that will be naturally or artificially
reforested. http://www.osmre.gov/mountaintop.htm#74 and
http://www.wvgazette.com/static/series/mining/reports/EIS/VIII.Glossary.pdf
197. (USA-FED-DOE) Any land that is capable of producing or has produced forest growth or, if lacking forest growth,
has evidence of a former forest and is not now in other use. http://www.eren.doe.gov/biopower/glossary.html#F
198. (USA-FED-DOE) Land at least 16.7 percent stocked by forest trees of any size, or formerly having such tree
cover, and not currently developed for nonforest use. Glossary of Terms used in Timber Harvesting and Forest
Engineering. Biomass Resource Information Clearinghouse, Renewable Resource Data Center, US Dept. of Energy
199. (USA-FED-DOE-EIA 2007) Land at least 10 percent stocked by forest trees of any size, or formerly having such
tree cover, and not currently developed for non-forest uses. The minimum area considered for classification is one (1)
acre. U.S. Department of Energy, Energy Information Administration. Form EIA-1605 (2007)
http://www.eia.doe.gov/oiaf/1605/pdf/EIA1605_Instructions_10-23-07.pdf
200. (USA-FED-EPA) - Land that is at least 10 percent stocked by forest trees of any size, including land that formerly
had tree cover and that will be naturally or artificially regenerated. The minimum area for classification of forest land is
one acre. http://www.epa.gov/indicate/roe/html/roeAppDf.htm#f
201. (USA-FED-GPO 2010)-Forest means any operation engaged in the outdoor production of any agricultural plant to
produce wood fiber or timber products. USA WORKER PROTECTION STANDARD
http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-idx?
c=ecfr;sid=d5c57af0e98338afc8fe525fef980c92;rgn=div5;view=text;node=40%3A23.0.1.1.20;idno=40;cc=ecfr#40:23.
0.1.1.20.1.19.2
202. (USA-FED-NASA) Those ecosystems that have a tree crown density (crown closure percentage) of 10% or more
and are stocked with trees capable of producing timber or other wood products. This includes land from which trees
have been removed to less than 10%, but which have not been developed for other uses.
http://www.hq.nasa.gov/iwgsdi/Forest_Land.html, http://www.hq.nasa.gov/iwgsdi/Land_Ecosystems.html, and
http://www.hq.nasa.gov/iwgsdi/FW_SDI_Env_Endow.html
100
203. (Vanatu 2011 Proposed Definition) Land spanning more than 0.5 hectares with trees higher than 5 meters and a
canopy cover of more than 10 percent, or trees able to reach these thresholds in situ. It does not include land that is
predominantly under agriculture or urban use. Forest is determined both by the presence of trees and the absence of
other predominant land uses. Areas under reforestation that have not yet reached but are expected to reach a canopy
cover of 10 percent and a tree height of 5 meter are included, as are temporarily unstocked areas, resulting from
human intervention or natural causes, which are expected to regenerate.
204. (Venezuela 1969) Terrenos forestales: a) los que deban permanecer cubiertos por vegetacin forestal; b) el que
carece de vegetacin alguna, pero que por su declive y estructura necesita una cobertura vegetal permanente que
asegure su conservacin; el que por sus condiciones climticas, topogrficas y agrolgicas sea impropio para las
actividades agropecuarias productivas y permanentes. LEX-FAOC003046. VENEZUELA: Decreto Nº 1.333 por
el cual se edita el Reglamento de la Ley Forestal, de Suelos y de Aguas. Date of text: 11 February 1969.
205. (Vietnam 1991) - Natural and man-made forests established on forest land with all their resources such as
vegetation, wildlife and other natural assets found therein. Forest land comprises: 1) Forested land and 2) Non
forested land for which plans have been made for forest plantation , below referred to as forest plantation land .
Source: Article 1. The National assembly of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, legislature VIII session IX , held from
July 27th to August 12th 1991.
206. (Vietnam 1991) Forestry land includes: 1. Land of forest cover, 2. Land of no forest cover is planned for
afforestation, hereinafter called afforestation land. http://coombs.anu.edu.au/~vern/luat/english/Law-forest-protect.txt
ORDER NO. 58-LCT/HDNN8 DATED 19-8-1991
207. (Vietnam 1993) Forestry Land = DDa^'t la^m nghie^.p - Land designated primarily for use in silviculture
production, including land with natural forest, land under afforestation, and land used for forestry purposes such as
afforestation, forest nursery, protection for natural rehabilitation, forest enrichment and experimental research on
silviculture. http://coombs.anu.edu.au/~vern/luat/english/Law-land-law.txt LAND LAW OF VIETNAM Article 43 1993
208. (Yugoslavia) Forestland - a section of land on which forest is cultivated. "Srdjan BOJOVIC" <bojos@ptt.yu
1. (Azerbaijan Republic) - Forest - from the biological point of view the unity of interconnected and mutually influencing
at development, lands, waters, trees, bushes and grasses, animals, microorganisms and other components of
environment; The Forest Code of Azerbaijan Republic http://www.enpi-fleg.org/fileadmin/ufs/04.%20Program
%20Information/4.02%20Program
%20Components/4.02.01%20General/4.02.01.Azerbaijan/4.02.01.Forest_Code_ENG.pdf
2. (Azerbaijan) Forest - from the biological point of view the unity of interconnected and mutually influencing at
development, lands, waters, trees, bushes and grasses, animals, microorganisms and other components of
environment; Forest Code of Azerbaijan; http://www.enpi-fleg.az/index/leg/Forest%20Code%20in%20English.pdf
3. (Cambodia 2000) "Forest" means natural ecosystems, land, water, plants, and micro-organisms etc. which are
dominated by woody plants or bamboo of more than ten (10%) percent and has a size of 0.5 hectare or more,
including dryland and wetland forest formations and any non-treed wetlands covering most part of land or open land
within a forest that form ten (10%) of that ecosystem. All stages of natural forest succession and planted trees for
forestry purposes with a leaf density smaller than ten (10%) percent or former forest land that were degraded by
human action or natural acts but is expected to be repaired/improved shall be deemed forest.
www.mlmupc.gov.kh/mlm/docout.php?ID=396
4. (Cambodia) - A forest is anywhere there have ever been trees. http://www.wisc.edu/ltc/news82a1.html
5. (Cameroon) A forest is an ecosystem or a combination of ecosystems. http://befac.net/pdf/t127.pdf
6. (Chile 1931) lands preferentially suitable for forestry. These are defined as all those grounds that due to climate and
soil conditions should not be plowed permanently, independently of whether they are covered by vegetation or not,
excluding those grounds that might be used for intensive agriculture, fruit growing, or cattle ranching without suffering
degradation. http://derechoambiental.udp.cl/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/chile-case-cdm-ar-projects-as-published-by-
iucn.pdf
7. (Czech Republic 1995) The new Forest Act No. 289/1995 Coll., in force since 1 January 1996, defines forests as
national heritage which constitutes an irreplaceable part of the environment
http://www.natura2000.gov.si/uploads/tx_library/Diaci_Virgin_forests_and_forest_reserves__Cost_E4_.pdf
8. (Estonia) Forest - National definition in use, related to productivity, do not have data for swamps
http://www.metla.fi/eu/cost/e43/minutes/wg1-min-florence.pdf
9. (Finland 2009) The second definition is the national definition of forest that in Finland is the same as in the two other
Nordic countries, Sweden and Norway: forest is defined as a land capable of producing an annual increment of
volume growing stock of at least 1 m3/ha per year over the rotation under the most favorable tree species
composition, and not used for any other purpose than forestry or forestry related purposes. METLA (Finnish Forest
101
Research Institute), 2009.
10. (Greece 1979) Greek Constitution, article 24, As forest or forest ecosystem is meant the organic whole of wild plants
with ligneous trunk on the requisite land surface, which, together with the co-existing flora and fauna, form throughout
their mutual interdependence and interactions, a certain biological community (forest biological community) and a
certain natural environment (forest environment). Wooded tract exists when in the aforementioned whole the wild
ligneous vegetation, high or bushy, is sparse. http://www.oikotechnics.org/greek_legislation.html
11. (Greece 2005) According to the existing Greek Constitution, article 24, As forest or forest ecosystem is meant the
organic whole of wild plants with ligneous trunk on the requisite land surface, which, together with the co-existing flora
and fauna, form throughout their mutual interdependence and interactions, a certain biological community (forest
biological community) and a certain natural environment (forest environment). Wooded tract exists when in the
aforementioned whole the wild ligneous vegetation, high or bushy, is sparse. Greek Forest Protection and Forest
Development Legislation 2005. . http://www.oikotechnics.org/greek_legislation.html
12. (Grenada) Forest is understood to include all forest ecosystems (from coastal scrub and mangroves through to cloud
forests) and non-agricultural trees, as well as the goods and services that they provide. (Grenada means Grenada,
Carriacou and Petit Martinique) http://www.unccd.int/cop/reports/lac/national/2000/grenada-eng.pdf
13. (Indonesia 2000) "Forest means a unit of ecosystem.comprising biological resources, dominated by trees in their
natural forms and environment.". Indonesia. http://www.fire.uni-freiburg.de/iffn/country/id/id_25.htm
14. (Ireland 1998) "forest" includes-- a natural forest, a woodland and a plantation; the forest produce in it; and the
ecosystems which it makes up; http://www.nwpg.gov.za/esds/links/Act84%20-%20National%20Forests%20.htm
15. (Kazakhatan) "forest" means a natural complex formed on a certain territory based on the aggregate of trees and
shrubs vegetations and other wildlife components interacting with environment and having environmental, economic
and social importance; http://faolex.fao.org/docs/texts/kaz41426E.doc
16. (Kazakhstan 2002) "forest" means a natural complex formed on a certain territory based on the aggregate of trees
and shrubs vegetations and other wildlife components interacting with environment and having environmental,
economic and social importance; Forest Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan:
faolex.fao.org/docs/texts/kaz41426E.doc
17. (Kyrgyz Republic 1999) Forest is one of the main types of vegetation on the Earth, comprising trees, shrubs,
grassland and other plants, including animals and microorganisms, which are biologically interrelated in their evolution
and exert influence on one another and the environment. Forest Code of The Kyrgyz Republic. http://www.libertas-
institut.com/de/Mittel-Osteuropa/Forest%20Code.pdf
18. (Latvia) The term forest is defined as an ecosystem in all its development stages, dominated by trees, the height of
which in the particular forest site may reach at least seven metres, and the present or potential tree crown cover
accounts for at least 20% of the stand area. ). http://www.iufro.org/download/file/5574/4510/61300-jundola01_pdf/
19. (Liberia ) forest, as being a tract of land consisting of flora and fauna (s.1.3).
http://www.sdiliberia.org/sites/default/files/documents/So%20Who%20Owns%20the%20Forest_full%20report.pdf
20. (Nigeria 2002) Forests: Forests are vegetation types or plant formations in which trees are the dominant species
http://www.onlinenigeria.com/links/adv.asp?blurb=70
21. (Paraguay) Suelos de prioridad forestal: Cuando los estudios tcnicos determinen que su aptitud productiva es
preferentemente forestal. Bosque: Todo agrupamiento vegetal en el que predominan rboles, incluyendo adems los
suelos, las aguas y la vida silvestre asociada a ellos. Suelos de aptitud productiva preferentemente forestal: Aquellos
en el que el sitio pueda sostener en forma indefinida el cultivo de rboles adecuados para la industrializacin y
destinados principalmente para fines maderables.Ley N° 536 - DE FOMENTO A LA FORESTACION Y
REFORESTACION. Decreto N°: 9.425 Artculo 2do. cdcdpnvs@venus.pla.net.py (Nombre Apellido)
22. (Philippines 1972) - Any untitled lands having slope greater than 18% are "forestland" (regardless of whether there
have been any trees on them in generations!). Source: Presidential Decree 705 issued in 1972(?) (Todd R. Johnson -
tjohnson@swift-elap.com.ph) The following lands, even if they are below eighteen percent (18%) in slope, are needed
for forest purposes, and may not, therefore, be classified as alienable and disposable land, to wit: 1.Areas less than
250 hectares which are far from, or are not contiguous with any certified alienable and disposable land; 2.Isolated
patches of forest of at least five (5) hectares with rocky terrain, or which protect a spring for communal use; 3.Areas
which have already been reforested; 4.Areas within forest concessions which are timbered or have good residual
stocking to support an existing, or approved to be established, wood processing plant; 5.Ridge tops and plateaus
regardless of size found within, or surrounded wholly or partly by, forest lands where headwaters emanate;
6.Appropriately located road-rights-of-way; 7.Twenty-meter strips of land along the edge of the normal high waterline
of rivers and streams with channels of at least five (5) meters wide; 8.Strips of mangrove or swamplands at least
twenty (20) meters wide, along shorelines facing oceans, lakes, and other bodies of water, and strips of land at least
twenty (20) meters wide facing lakes; 9.Areas needed for other purposes, such as national parks, national historical
sites, game refuges and wildlife sanctuaries, forest station sites, and others of public interest; and 10.Areas previously
proclaimed by the President as forest reserves, national parks, game refuge, bird sanctuaries, national shrines,
national historic sites: Forestry Code, Revised (PD No. 705, 1975, as amended)
102
23. (Philippines 2004) Forests are ecosystems, which include all living organisms (flora and fauna), as well as nonliving
components (litter, soils, water, etc.) http://books.google.com/books?id=h6nVjxfMKQIC&pg=PA123&lpg=PA123&dq=
%22Forests+are+ecosystems,+which+include+all+living+organisms+(flora+and+fauna)
%22,&source=bl&ots=M5CZriR-J-&sig=MjGu90sbVH5BhOYbeU1c-
W0IYJg&hl=en&sa=X&ei=rNk4T8akJOnf0QGPzMWfAg&sqi=2&ved=0CCEQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=%22Forests
%20are%20ecosystems%2C%20which%20include%20all%20living%20organisms%20(flora%20and%20fauna)
%22%2C&f=false
24. (Romania) Forestland is land that is undeveloped. http://bucharest.usembassy.gov/InfoA/new05.htm
25. (Russia Khabarovsk Krai 1999) Forest is defined as the totality of forest vegetation, land, wildlife, and other
components of the environment having important ecological, economic and social significance.
http://wenku.baidu.com/view/d74f09d349649b6648d747c8.html
26. (Russian Federation 1997 Ecological) - Forest is the aggregate of forest vegetation, land, fauna and other
components of the natural environment that are of great ecological, economic and social importance. Ref. Forest
Code of the Russian Federation, adopted by the State Duma of the Russian Federation 22 January 1997, page 3,
Moscow, 1997
27. (Russian Federation 2006) 5. - , , ,
. Article
5. Definition of forest Utilization, protection, conservation and reforestation are carried out based on understanding
forests as an ecological system or a natural resource. From Yelena Gordeeva, 3 June 2015.
yelena.gordeeva@uhasselt.be See also http://www.fire.uni-freiburg.de/GlobalNetworks/BalticRegion/ForestCode-
3rdReading-061108-eng.pdf
28. (South Africa ) Under the Forest Act, not only does the definition of forest include all biological organisms, it also
includes the desire to do anything in a state forest for which a licence is required (which could apply to hunting) (sec.
29). http://www.fao.org/legal/prs-ol/lpo%2084.pdf
29. (South Africa 1998) forest" includes-- a natural forest, a woodland and a plantation; the forest produce in it; and the
ecosystems which it makes up; National Forests Act No. 84 of 1998 http://www.nwpg.gov.za/esds/links/Act84%20-
%20National%20Forests%20.htm
30. (South Africa 1998) forest includes (a) a natural forest, a woodland and a plantation; (b) the forest produce in it;
and (c) the ecosystems which it make it up; (http://www.info.gov.za/view/DownloadFileAction?id=70636
31. (Suriname 2008) Forests are part of (the form and nature) of the landscape of Suriname.
http://www.tropenbos.org/file.php/243/proceedings_cli-preparatory-workshop_final.pdf
32. (Thailand) Forest means land that is not legally occupied or tilled by any person.
http://www.terraper.org/English_part/hot_issues/comfor_bill-people_s.htm
33. (Tonga 2008) National Forest Policy defines forestry as the economic, social and environmental interaction of forests,
and trees outside of forests, with people. http://www.tonga-energy.to/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/Draft-Tonga-Natl-
Forest-Policy-5Aug2008.pdf
34. (Trinidad and Tobago 2011) Forests: are ecosystems occurring on areas of land with existing or potential tree canopy
of at least 50% that cover a minimum land area of 0.4 ha. National Forest Policy.
http://idbdocs.iadb.org/wsdocs/getdocument.aspx?docnum=36486064
35. (Turkey 1987) - Tree and woodland communities, which are grown by human efforts, are regarded as Forest, together
with their lands; Privately owned lands containing trees and woodland species, which do not grow naturally in the
neighbouring forest or any kind of trees or woodlands on privately owned land and smaller than three hectares are not
considered as forest; FOREST LAW No. 6831, ARTICLE 1 (AS AMENDED BY LAW NO. 3373, 1987):
http://faolex.fao.org/docs/texts/tur20346.doc
36. (Turkey 2004) A unity of life consisting of small systems made of various plants, animals, bacteria and
microorganisms. Karabeyli, Levent et al. 2004. Protection of forests. Turkish Court of Accounts. Performance Audit
Report. 78 p. http://www.sayistay.gov.tr/english_tca/Performance/ProtectionOfForests.pdf
37. (Turkey 2004) forest is a unity of life consisting of small systems made of various plants, animals, bacteria and
microorganisms. http://www.sayistay.gov.tr/english_tca/Performance/ProtectionOfForests.pdf
38. (Turkey 2009) GDF. A forest ecosystem is a natural unit consisting of all plants of which the main element is forest
trees, animals and micro-organisms (biotic factors) in an area functioning together with all of the non-living physical
(abiotic factors) factors of the environment. The forest area in terms of crown density is classified into two main
groups. Forest area with the crown density of 11-100 percent is defined as productive forest area constituting about
50 percent of the countrys forest area while the area with the crown density of 1-10 percent, the remaining about 50
percent named as degraded forest area.
http://web.ogm.gov.tr/languages/English/dokumanlar/Publications/stateofforests.pdf
39. (Ukraine 2010) A forest is a type of natural complex combining mostly tree and bush vegetation with corresponding
soils, herbaceous vegetation, fauna, micro-organisms and other natural components, which are interrelated in their
development and affect each other and the environment.
http://www.envsec.org/publications/fact_finding_study_illegal_logging_eng_feb_11.pdf
103
40. (United Kingdom) Historically in Britain a Forest, with a capital 'F', was a tract of land subject to special laws for
hunting (as in "Royal Forests" and "Chases"). Some of these Forests contained little woodland. The modern usage of
the word is far more general, relating to any extensive tract of tree-covered land. Large areas of more or less natural
tree cover are always termed forest. In Britain, the word has recently been applied specifically to large conifer
plantations, such as those in the uplands. http://www.woodlander.co.uk/cgi-bin/viewrecordsalpha.asp?letter=F
41. (USA-FED-DA-NASS 2003) We rely on respondent self definition for the 5 year Census of Agriculture via mail
out/mail back. Our June area survey, we rely on data collected from trained enumerators who usually represent the
local definition. Linda Hutton. lhutton@nass.usda.gov.. 12 August 2003.
42. (USA-FED-DA-NRCS) Forestland ecological sites are separated from rangeland ecological sites based on the historic
climax plant community that occupied the site before the arrival of European settlers. An Ecological Site Type of
"Forestland" is assigned and described where this historic vegetation was dominated by a 25% overstory canopy of
trees, as determined by crown perimeter-vertical projection. A tree is defined as a woody-stemmed plant that can grow
to 4 meters in height at maturity. http://www.statlab.iastate.edu/soils/nssh/622.htm
43. (USA-FED-DA-NRCS) Land on which the historic climax plant community is dominated by trees. www.plant-
materials.nrcs.usda.gov/pubs/idpmctn280101.pdf
44. (USA-FED-DI-BIA) (2) "forest" means an ecosystem of at least one acre in size, including timberland and woodland,
which - (A) is characterized by a more or less dense and extensive tree cover, (B) contains, or once contained, at
least ten percent tree crown cover, and (C) is not developed or planned for exclusive nonforest use;
http://codes.lp.findlaw.com/uscode/25/33/3103
45. (USA-FED-DI-BLM 1999) Land on which the potential natural community is dominated by trees.
http://www.blm.gov/nstc/library/pdf/1734-7.pdf
46. (USA-FED-DI-BLM 1999) Land on which the vegetation is dominated by trees. Lands are classified forestland if the
trees now (not?) present will provide 25 percent or greater canopy cover at maturity. Lands not presently forestland
that were originally or could become forested through natural succession may be classified as potential natural
forestland. http://www.blm.gov/nstc/library/pdf/samplveg.pdf and http://www.blm.gov/nstc/library/pdf/utilstudies.pdf
47. (USA-FED-EPA 2002) Terrestrial ecosystem (biome) with enough annual precipitation (at least 76 centimeters or 30
inches) to support growth of various species of trees and smaller forms of vegetation.
http://www.epa.gov/globalwarming/publications/outreach/general/glossary.pdf,
http://www.gcrio.org/OnLnDoc/pdf/2002-inventory.pdf, and
http://yosemite.epa.gov/oar/globalwarming.nsf/webprintview/Glossary.html#F
48. (USA-FED-OOP) -Terrestrial ecosystem (biome) with enough average annual precipitation (at least 76 centimeters or
30 inches) to support growth of various species of trees and smaller forms of vegetation. Office of Policy : Inventory of
U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks. Annex T: Glossary Term Detail. http://www.epa.gov/trs
49. (Vietnam) forest. According to Vietnams Forest Protection and Development Law 2004, forest is defined as an
ecosystem with trees, animals and biota, soil and other environmental factors, in which timber species, bamboo or
other species provide a canopy cover of more than 10%. Plantation forest and natural forest are grouped into
production forest, protection forest and special-use forest. http://www.asb.cgiar.org/PDFwebdocs/REALU-Final
%20Report%20-%20Vietnam.pdf
50. (Yugoslavia) Forest - the terrain on which forest trees grow. "Srdjan BOJOVIC" <bojos@ptt.yu
2.3.4 State, province and local definitions.
1. (Canada-BC 2010) "Provincial forest" means forest land designated under section 5; FOREST ACT [RSBC 1996]
CHAPTER 157 (Current to 19 Jan 2010). http://www.bclaws.ca/Recon/document/freeside/--%20f%20--/forest%20act
%20%20rsbc%201996%20%20c.%20157/00_act/96157_01.xml
2. (Canada-BC) = Treed - A polygon is considered Treed if at least 10% of the polygon area, by crown cover, consists of
tree species of any size. http://www.for.gov.bc.ca/RIC/Pubs/teVeg/VRI-PhotoInterp/photo-03.htm#P213_14404
3. (Canada-BC) Forest: as defined by the Forest Practices Code of British Columbia Act includes all of the following -
forest land, whether Crown land or private land; Crown range; Crown land or private land that is predominantly
maintained in one or more successive stands of trees, successive crops of forage, or wilderness.
http://www.babineefmpp.com/glossary/F.html
4. (Canada-BC) In British Columbia, provincial forests and other unalienated Crown lands for which the Ministry of
Forests is responsible, including both forested lands and non-forested lands such as tundra, wetlands, rangelands,
deserts, rock, and ice. http://www.for.gov.bc.ca/pab/publctns/westland/gloss.htm
5. (Canada-BC) Land classified under Section 4 of the Forest Act that the chief forester considers will provide the
greatest contribution to the social and economic welfare of the Province if predominantly maintained in successive
crops of trees or forage, or both, or maintained as wilderness. http://www.for.gov.bc.ca/hfp/Planning/RPGLOSS/F.htm
104
6. (India Maharashtra and Anr.2010) Forest land which is part of forest or lies within it or was part of forest or was lying
within forest. http://www.nlsenlaw.org/land/case-laws/supreme-court-1/maharashtra-land-development-corporation-
and-ors-v-state-of-maharashtra-and-anr/
7. (India Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry 2008?) Tree - Includes any tree seedling, sapling, transplant or coppice shoot of
any age and any root, branch or other part.
http://www.saiindia.gov.in/english/home/public_folder/Professional_Practices_Group/State_Local_Manual/PUDUCHE
RRY_MANUAL/Wad%20Manual/Forest.pdf
8. (India-Himachal-Pradesh 1999) -Forest means a reserved forest or protected forest, duly notified as such under the
Act; AUTHORITATIVE ENGLISH TEXT OF THIS DEPARTMENT NOTIFICATION No. FFE-A(C) 7-1/96-II DATED
17.11.1999 AS REQUIRED UNDER CLAUSE (3) OF ARTICLE 348 OF THE CONSTITUTION OF INDIA.
GOVERNMENT OF HIMACHAL PRADESH FOREST DEPARTMENT NOTIFICATION No. FFE-A(C) 7-1/96-II Dated
Shimla-2, the 17-11-1999 http://www.docstoc.com/docs/20991283/GOVERNMENT-OF-HIMACHAL-PRADESH-
FOREST-DEPARTMENT andhttp://www.hpforest.nic.in/FireRulesEng.pdf
9. (INDIA-Kerala 1978)-Forest means any reserved forest within the meaning of the Kerala Forest Act. 1961 (4 of
1962) and includes any forest vested in the Government under section 3 of the Kerala Private Forests (Vesting and
assignment) Act. 1971 (26 of 1971). www.ielrc.org/content/e7805.pdf
10. (INDIA-Mizoram 2010) Reserved Forest means any area which is constituted as reserved forest under the Assam
Forest Regulation, 1891 as adopted. http://www.forest.mizoram.gov.in/index.php?
option=com_content&task=view&id=127
11. (Indonesia-Papua 2002) Forest area means a certain area which is designated and or stipulated by government to be
retained as permanent forest. http://74.125.93.132/search?
q=cache:bwzUkrDvEFsJ:www.papuaweb.org/dlib/lap/sullivan/perdasi-perdasus/forestry.rtf+%22forest+means
%22&cd=215&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us&client=safari
12. (Philippine Palawan 1992) Forest land includes the public forest, the permanent forest or forest reserves, and forest
reservations. Public forest is the mass of lands of the public domain which has not been subject to the present system
of classification for the determination of which lands are needed for forest purposes and which are not. Permanent
forest or forest reserves refers to those lands of the public domain which have been the subject of the present system
of classification and declared as not needed for forest purposes. http://thelawofnature.ph/downloadables/legal-
arsenal/CHAPTER_2-_LAND.pdf
13. (UK-Northern Ireland-1977) the Forest means the lands under the control of the Department of Agriculture of
Northern Ireland. http://www.forestserviceni.gov.uk/forest-service-bye-laws.pdf
14. (USA-STATE-Alaska) In the Preliminary Classification for Alaskan Vegetation, vegetation with at least a 10% crown
cover by trees; i.e., single stemmed woody plants at least 5 m in height at maturity.
http://www.Colorado.Edu/INSTAAR/TEAML/atlas/chapters/definitions.html#Forest
15. (USA-STATE-Hawaii 2009) The term Forest means the Hawaii Experimental Tropical Forest.
http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/16/usc_sec_16_00004503---b000-.html
16. (USA-STATE-Illinois 1990)"Forest" means an area whose principal crop is trees. Illinois.
http://dnr.state.il.us/LEGAL/ADOPTED/1537.pdf 1990.
17. (USA-STATE-Kansas) An area of land proclaimed to be forest under a Forest Act or Ordinance. "Terminology of
Forest Science, Technology, Practice & Products" SAF, 1971. Robert L. Atchison ratchiso@oznet.ksu.edu
18. (USA-STATE-Mississippi 2008) From a management standpoint, a forest is a collection of stands administered as a
unit. http://msucares.com/pubs/publications/p1250.pdf
19. (USA-STATE-Oregon 1997) - A parcel of land of more than 10 acres that has been zoned in the comprehensive plan
for exclusive farm use, forest use or farm and forest use and that is, as of the assessment date for which value for the
forest homesite is being determined: (A) Land that has as its highest and best use the growing and harvesting of trees
of a marketable species; (B) Land that has been designated as forestland under ORS 321.257 to 321.381 or 321.805
to 321.825; or (C) Land that has been classified under ORS 321.705 to 321.765.
http://landru.leg.state.or.us/ors/308.html 1997 Oregon Revised Statutes
20. (USA-STATE-Oregon) - Lands acquired under ORS 530.010 to530.040.
http://www.odf.state.or.us/Landbase/MgtRule.htm
21. (USA-STATE-Wisconsin 1912) State forests lands include all lands granted to the state by an act of congress entitled,
"An act granting lands to the state of Wisconsin for forestry purposes," approved June 27, 1906; all lands donated to
the state by the Nebagamon Lumber Company for forestry purposes; all lands acquired pursuant to chapter 450, laws
of 1903, chapter 264, laws of 1905, chapter 638, laws of 1911, and chapter 639, laws of 1911, or under ss. 1494-41 to
1494-62, 1915 stats., and all lands subsequently acquired for forestry purposes. Unless an island is designated as
state forest land by the department, state forest lands do not include lands granted to the state by an act of congress
entitled, "An act granting unsurveyed and unattached islands to the state of Wisconsin for forestry purposes,"
approved August 22, 1912. The department may designate as state forest lands any lands within state forest
105
boundaries which were purchased with other conservation funds and where forestry would not conflict with a more
intensive use. 28.02(1) http://folio.legis.state.wi.us/cgi-bin/om_isapi.dll?
clientID=171211&advquery=forest&headingswithhits=on&infobase=stats.nfo&record={D}&recordswithhits=on&zz=
1. (Australia-NSW) - A plant community dominated by long-boled trees in close proximity. cf. woodland. Flora of New
South Wales http://155.187.10.12/glossary/fl-nsw.html
2. (AustraliaNSW) - Closed Forest vegetation where trees cover more than 80% of the area under application. Open
Forest vegetation where the trees cover more than 50% of the area under application.
http://www.dlwc.nsw.gov.au/care/veg/pdfs/clearing_vegtypes_mar02.pdf
3. (Australia-Queensland) There are many definitions of what constitutes a forest or woody vegetation. A common
definition used by foresters is 20 per cent crown cover which equates to approximately 12 per cent foliage projective
cover (FPC) (NFI, 1998) http://www.nrm.qld.gov.au/slats/final9799.html
4. (Australia-South Australia) - Forest is mapped where trees form the tallest stratum and their projective foliage covers
more than 30% of the ground.
http://www.atlas.sa.gov.au/atlas1986/2ENVIRONMENT_RESOURCES/5VEGETATION.cfm
5. (Australia-Tasmania 1985) "forest" means an area containing trees; Forest Practices Act 1985 - Sect 3.
http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/tas/consol_act/fpa1985183/s3.html
6. (Australia-Tasmania) - An area, incorporating all living and non-living components, that is dominated by trees having
usually a single stem and a mature or potentially mature stand height exceeding 5 metres, and with existing or
potential projective cover of overstorey strata about equal to or greater than 30 per cent.
http://www.delm.tas.gov.au/pluc/glossy.html
7. (Australia-Tasmania) - Vegetation with trees more than 5 m high and more than 50% solid canopy cover.
http://www.dpiw.tas.gov.au/inter.nsf/Attachments/LJEM-6K32GF/$FILE/Glossary,%20Appendices,%20Index.pdf
8. (Australia-Tasmania) "Forest" or "forest" means an area of land carrying a Forest Community, or a plantation of one or
more tree species established for timber production; http://www.workplacetransformations.com/Forestry%20Scam
%20Erica%206-426.htm
9. (Australia-Tasmania) forest in the context of this regional forest agreement, is an area, incorporating all living and non-
living components, that is dominated by trees having usually a single stem and a mature or potential mature stand
height exceeding 8 metres, and with existing or potential projective cover of overstorey strata about equal to or
greater than 5 per cent. http://www.rfa.gov.au/rfa/tas/raa/envher/volumes1-4/gloss.html
10. (Belgium-Wallonie) A continuous tract over a large area where the dominant organisms are trees. Trees are of height
>5m, tree crown cover of >10%, area >0.5ha and width >20m. http://mrw.wallonie.be/cgi/dgrne/sibw/eunis.glo.pl?
WORD=forest
11. (Belgium-Walloon Region 1997) - Wooded areas 100 ha. (European Communities 1997a - p 94).
12. (Belgium-Walloon Region 2000) Voici notre dfinition de la fort. On se rattache en fait la Dfinition de la FAO
utilise pour les statistiques internationales sauf pour l'tendue minimale qui est de 10 ares (surface pouvant contenir
notre grande placette) et la largeur minimale du peuplement qui est de 9m. Terrains avec un couvert forestier de plus
de 10%, que ce soit des formations forestires denses ou claires, avec des arbres dont la hauteur abattable minimale
est de 5m; -terrains avec jeunes peuplements naturels ou plants pouvant devenir terme des peuplements
forestiers mais dont le couvert n'atteint pas encore 10% et la hauteur minimale 5m; -terrains temporairement dboiss
mais appels redevenir des peuplements par volution naturelle ou par plantation (mises blanc et troues). Il n'est
donc pas question de 100 ha si ce n'est dans la terminologie qui est base sur l'tendue des peuplements: massifs
forestiers si plus de 100 ha, bois entre 10 et 100 ha, bosquets ou boqueteaux si entre 10 ares et 10 ha. Source:
Hugues Lecomte, member of the Walloon Forest Service, leader of the permanent Walloon forest inventory
(H.Lecomte@mrw.wallonie.be) via Jacques HEBERT (hebert.j@fsagx.ac.be). 6 jul 2000.
13. (Canada- BC) Crown land or private land that is predominantly maintained in one or more successive stands of trees,
successive crops fo forage or wilderness. http://books.google.com/books?
id=zeTU8QauENcC&pg=PA192&lpg=PA192&dq=Germany+Forest+definition+define+%22forest+is
14. (Canada-Alberta) Forest land means public land intermittently covered with forest growth.
http://www3.gov.ab.ca/srd/forests/fmd/directives/fa.html
15. (Canada-BC 2008) A complex community of plants and animals in which trees are the most conspicuous members
and where the tree crown densitythe amount of compactness of foliage in the tree topsis greater than 10 percent
(64):Section F quote BC 2008 http://www.for.gov.bc.ca/hfd/library/documents/glossary/Glossary.pdf
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16. (Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador) "Forest land" means land upon which are growing or standing trees or shrubs
and includes dry marsh, bogland and land commonly known as "barrens"; http://www.gov.nl.ca/hoa/statutes/f23.htm#2
17. (Canada-Nova Scotia) Forest" means a plant association consisting predominately of trees.
http://www.gov.ns.ca/just/regulations/regs/for8297.htm and http://www.gov.ns.ca/just/regulations/regs/fofire.htm
18. (Canada-Ontario 1998) Forest (including woodland) - A treed community with at least 34% tree cover. (Ecological
Land Classification for southern Ontario, O.M.N.R., 1998).
http://www.ontarionature.org/pdf/Significant_Woodlands_Guidelines(Draft%20Aug%202004).pdf
19. (Canada-Ontario 2003) (Ecology) A plant community predominantly of trees and other woody vegetation, growing
more or less closely together.
http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/stdprodconsume/groups/lr/@mnr/@forests/documents/document/mnr_e000254.pdf.
20. (Canada-Ontario 2003) (Forest Diversity) An aggregate of stands.
http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/stdprodconsume/groups/lr/@mnr/@forests/documents/document/mnr_e000254.pdf.
21. (Canada-Ontarioa 2008) (woodland) Synonymous with forest, any land covered with trees and shrubs.
http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/stdprodconsume/groups@mnr/@forests/documents/document/stdprod_0899387.pdf
22. (Canada-Ontario-Halton Region) Forest means woodlands as defined by The Woodlands Improvement Act, covering
a ground area of 10ha or more. http://www.region.halton.on.ca/ppw/OfficialPlan/definitions/cont1.htm
23. (Canada-Saskatchewan) Forest land means any uncultivated land in Saskatchewan on which trees or shrubs are
growing or standing or any barren, dry marsh or bog, and includes any highway over any such lands;
http://www.qp.gov.sk.ca/documents/English/Statutes/Statutes/P22-1.pdf .
24. (India- Harda District, Madhya Pradesh 2005). All lands with a tree canopy density of more than 10 per cent, though
they may not be statutorily notified as forest. .http://www.geog.cam.ac.uk/research/projects/harda/reports/B4-
ELDFReport.pdf
25. (India -Madhya Pradesh) Forest (in context of private forest) as area of 10 hectare or more having at least 200 trees
per hectare. Source: Narendra Kumar nkumar@bom6.vsnl.net.in.
26. (India -United Khasi and Jaintia Hills Autonomous District 1960) The Management & Control of Forests), Act 1958,
amended in 1960,Forest is and shall be deemed to be a forest if in the area there are reasonable number of trees,
say not less than 25 trees per acre, reserved or any other forest produce growing on such area, which have been or
are capable of being exploited for purposes of business or trade. http://www.thestatesman.net/index.php?
option=com_content&view=article&id=382252&catid=52
27. (Russia Federation Tundra Boundary) In the Russian studies, the northern forest boundary was drawn based on
medium resolution (Resurs MSU-SK) winter images, using data from sites with known characteristics as reference.
The criteria set for boundary delineation of forest from tundra: Minimum tree canopy cover of forest: 20 percent
Minimum width of forest: 20 kilometres. More narrow strips of forest (e.g., along river valleys), as well as directly
adjacent treeless areas (alpine areas and bogs), were excluded from the mapped intact forest landscape
http://www.resgeom.slu.se/swe/Publikationer/VisaPub.cfm?1080
28. (UK-Great Britain) Forest - 20 % crown cover http://www.metla.fi/eu/cost/e43/minutes/wg1-min-florence.pdf
29. (UK-Halton Borough) Community Forest- A large area of wooded landscape in and around towns containing a mixture
of woodlands and other land uses including farmland, villages, leisure enterprises, nature areas and public open
space. http://www.cartoplus.co.uk/halton/text/app_5_glossary.htm
30. (UK-Scotland) - An area of woodland, often used to describe large areas with coniferous or deciduous trees or a
mixture of both http://www.forestry.gov.uk/forestry/HCOU-4X2K5J
31. (USA-FED-DA-FS-R8 1997) An area of trees with overlapping crowns (generally forming a 60 to 100 percent cover)
USDA
32. (USA-FED-DA-FS-SRS) An assemblage of woody vegetation typically attaining positions in a plant community at the
tallest level; attains height and diameter growth of canopy-layer trees within established averages for the species.
http://www.srs.fs.fed.us/sustain/report/appendix/glossary.htm
33. (USA-FED-EPA-Yosemite 2007) Forest is a tract of land thick with trees and underbrush.
http://yosemite.epa.gov/r10/water.nsf/NPDES+Permits/Sewage+S825/$FILE/503-032007.pdf
34. (USA-STATE-Arkansas) Forest - a large area of land primarily covered with trees as well as the other organisms, soil,
water and air associated with them. Source: Principles of Silviculture, Frederick F. Baker Jim Grant
jim.grant@mail.state.ar.us no official definitions in Arkansas law.
35. (USA-STATE-California 2002) A forest is a complex interrelationship of soil, air, water, climate, trees, plants, fish,
wildlife, grazing animals, and people, together with their machines and structures.
http://www.fire.ca.gov/CDFBOFDB/pdfs/Role%20of%20RPF_2002%20ygeditfinal_.pdf
36. (USA-STATE-Connecticut 2004) - The term "forest land" means any tract or tracts of land aggregating twenty-five
acres or more in area bearing tree growth in such quantity and so spaced as to constitute in the opinion of the State
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Forester a forest area and maintained in the opinion of the State Forester in a state of proper forest condition and
such land consists of (1) one tract of land of twenty-five or more contiguous acres, which acres may be in contiguous
municipalities, (2) two or more tracts of land aggregating twenty-five acres or more in which no single component tract
shall consist of less than ten acres or (3) any tract of land which is contiguous to a tract owned by the same owner
which has been designated as forest land by the State Forester, provided land designated by the State Forester as
forest land in accordance with section 12-107d prior to July 1, 1976, shall not be subject to the provisions of
subdivisions (1) to (3), inclusive, of this subsection; Source: http://farm.fic.niu.edu/fic/laws/state/ct12107.html and
http://www.caao.com/M39FORESTLAND.pdf
37. (USA-STATE-Connecticut 2011) "Forest land" means that portion of a parcel of land which constitutes a total of at
least one contiguous acre on which there is no structure, maintained landscape area, accessway or other
improvement and which is (A) occupied in random distribution by trees having a minimum diameter of three inches as
measured from a point on the trunk which is four and one-half feet above the ground such trees comprising at least
seven and one-half square feet of basal area and the crowns of such trees occupying no less than fifteen per cent of
the total area; or (B) which is planted with at least five hundred trees per acre and is not maintained for Christmas tree
or nursery stock production; http://www.cga.ct.gov/2011/pub/chap451a.htm and
http://search.cga.state.ct.us/dtsearch_lpa.asp?cmd=getdoc&DocId=20782&Index=I%3A%5Czindex
%5C1991&HitCount=8&hits=2ab+382+38b+47c+4e2+878+987+e6e+&hc=79519&req=his&Item=2138
38. (USA-STATE-Delaware) "Forest" means a biological community dominated by trees covering a contiguous area of
land and includes any definition thereof developed by the Department of Agriculture Forest Service. A "forest" may be
identified by the diversity of the tree species composing it or by its type. A "forest type" is a forest composed of
associations of tree species that have similar ecological requirements.
39. (USA-STATE-Delaware-Wilmington) Forested area(s): A forest is defined as any area on a site with greater than or
equal to one hundred (100) trees per acre. http://www.wilmingtonnc.gov/Portals/0/documents/Development
%20Services/Plans%20and%20Documents/LDC/Art%2015%20-%20Definitions.pdf
40. (USA-STATE-Florida 1999). Upland Forest -This category of land cover is reserved for those upland areas which
support a tree canopy closure of ten (10) percent or more.
http://www.dot.state.fl.us/surveyingandmapping/Manuals/fluccmanual.pdf
41. (USA-STATE-Florida 2009) A biological community of plants and animals that is dominated by trees and other woody
plants. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fr063 Florida 2009
42. (USA-STATE-Hawaii 1993) Forest means forest land occupied by forest trees and associated wildlife species, and
timber thereon. http://www.state.hi.us/dlnr/dofaw/rules/Chap106.pdf
43. (USA-STATE-Hawaii) Closed forest--Generally, a unit of vegetation with overstory trees whose crowns are mostly
touching. Plant communities with trees having a crown cover of 60 percent or more are considered closed forests.
44. (USA-STATE-Hawaii-Kauai County) "Forest" means forestland occupied by forest trees and associated wildlife
species, and timber thereon. http://www.kauaigov.org/finance/RPA/tfde.htm
45. (USA-STATE-Idaho) Forest land means any land which has enough forest growth, standing or down, to constitute, in
the judgement of the Department, an insect or disease infestation breeding ground of a nature to constitute a menace,
injurious and dangerous to the forest resources in the district or zone of infestation.
www.fs.fed.us/im/directives/field/r1/fsm/3400/3400_zero_code.rtf
46. (USA-STATE-Illinois) - Includes areas that are predominantly covered with trees and woody vegetation.
http://www.agr.state.il.us/gis/stats/landcover/mainpages/glossary.htm
47. (USA-STATE-Illinois) Forest means a dense growth of trees and underbrush covering a large tract of land, or a
significant portion of a large tract of land. http://www.gurnee.il.us/municipal_code/pdf_chapters/chapter45.pdf
48. (USA-STATE-Illinois) Generally, land with trees on it. Foresters define as forestland any land stocked with trees of any
size that cover 16.7% of the land area. http://dnr.state.il.us/orep/inrin/ctap/sumrepo/glossary.htm The Changing Illinois
Environment: Critical Trends.
49. (USA-STATE-Iowa 1999) "Forest" means stands of native or introduced trees containing at least two hundred trees
per acre and located on privately owned land. However, a stand of fruit trees is not a forest.
http://www.legis.state.ia.us/IACODE/1999SUPPLEMENT/161A/42.html
50. (USA-STATE-Iowa 2003) Forest land means land with stands of native or introduced trees containing at least 200
trees per acre. Stands of fruit trees shall not be considered as forest land.
http://www.legis.state.ia.us/Rules/2003/iac/027iac/2710/2710.pdf
51. (USA-STATE-Iowa) "Forestland" means stands of native or introduced forest plantation of at least three acres,
including trees located on privately owned land. However, a stand of fruit trees or Christmas trees is not forestland.
http://www.legis.state.ia.us/GA/77GA/Legislation/HF/02300/HF02351/Current.html
52. (USA-STATE-Kansas 1971) Forest - Generally an ecosystem characterized by a more or less dense and extensive
tree cover. More particularly, a plant community predominantly of trees and other woody vegetation, growing more or
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less closely together. "Terminology of Forest Science, Technology, Practice & Products" SAF, 1971. Robert L. Atchison
ratchiso@oznet.ksu.edu
53. (USA-STATE-Kentucky) "Forest land" means lands dominated by canopy forming trees, or from a postmining land use
standpoint, areas planted throughout with trees.
http://www.surfacemining.ky.gov/Publications/NonCoalRegs/405KAR5_001_Definitions_091203.pdf
54. (USA-STATE-Kentucky) "Forest" means a concentration of trees and related vegetation in nonurban areas
characterized by natural terrain and drainage patterns. http://www.lrc.state.ky.us/kar/302/028/010.htm
55. (USA-STATE-Kentucky) Forest - an ecosystem characterized by a more or less dense and extensive tree cover, often
consisting of composition, structure, age class, and associated processes, and commonly including meadows,
streams, fish, and wildlife. The State of Kentucky does not have the terms Forest, Forestland, or Tree officially defined
in State Statute or Regulation. The Division of Forestry utilizes the Society of American Forester's definitions for these
terms as listed in John A. Helms' The Dictionary of Forestry. Steve.Kull@mail.state.ky.us
56. (USA-STATE-Louisiana) Forest - A large area of land primarily covered with trees as well as the other organisms, soil,
water and air associated with them.
http://text.lsuagcenter.com/en/environment/forestry/commercial_forestry/Glossary+of+Forestry+Terms.htm#F.
57. (USA-STATE-Louisiana) Forestland - Tract of land with trees and woody plants generally covering the landscape.
http://text.lsuagcenter.com/en/environment/forestry/commercial_forestry/Glossary+of+Forestry+Terms.htm#F.
58. (USA-STATE-Maine) - Land 5 acres or greater dominated by the growth of forest trees and other woody vegetation.
http://www.memun.org/resources/public/html/TAXDATA/PropertyTaxBull/bulletin4.htm
59. (USA-STATE-Maine) A biological community dominated by trees and other woody plants.
(http://www.maine.gov/doc/mfs/woodswise/glossary.html#F
60. (USA-STATE-Maryland) Forest means:(i) a biological community dominated by trees or other woody plants covering
a land area of 1 acre or more, or (ii) an area that has been cut but not cleared of trees or other woody plants.
http://www.dnr.state.md.us/download/reforest.pdf and
http://www.sha.state.md.us/businesswithsha/bizStdsSpecs/oed/reforestationLawSum/reforestlaw.asp
61. (USA-STATE-Maryland) A biological community dominated by trees and other woody plants covering a land area of at
least 10,000 square feet as long as there are at least 100 live trees per acre with at least 50 percent of those trees
having a 2-inch or greater diameter at 4.5 feet above the ground. Areas that have been cut but not cleared of stumps
or the root mat may also be included. "Forest" does not include orchards.
http://pilot.wash.lib.md.us/washco/forestcn.html and http://www.dnr.state.md.us/forests/landplanning/fca.html
62. (USA-STATE-Maryland) A biological community dominated by trees and other woody plants.
http://www.dnr.state.md.us/Forests/Education/gloss.html, http://www.pfmt.org/glossary/f.htm or
http://www.dnr.state.md.us/forests/gloss.html#f
63. (USA-STATE-Maryland-Rockville) A dense growth of trees, together with other plants, covering a large area.
According to the Forest and Tree Preservation Ordinance of the City of Rockville, a forest must cover a land area of
10,000 square feet or greater. http://www.rockvillemd.gov/zoning/glossary.htm
64. (USA-STATE-Michigan) Forest means a tract of land that is thick with trees and underbrush.
www.deq.state.mi.us/documents/deq-swq-biosolids-Part%2024.doc
65. (USA-STATE-Michigan) Upland Forest - Natural areas dominated by tree cover that is generally over 6 meters, or 20
feet, in height. The forest cover must occur in an upland setting with an understory of natural plant material or ground
cover. If the understory has been altered to accommodate an agricultural or urban land use activity, such as a pasture
or park, the area would be assigned to the appropriate land use type. Forest cover occurring in wetland environments
would be assigned to the forested wetland group. http://www.rsgis.msu.edu/pdf/lclu/MIRIS_2_definitions.pdf
66. (USA-STATE-Michigan-Alpena County) Forestland use areas are generally at least ten percent stocked by trees of
any size. http://www.alpenalib.org/Alpena%20Library/Chapter6_Land-Use.PDF
67. (USA-STATE-Minnesota 2009) "Forest" means a plant association predominantly of trees and other woody vegetation
occupying an extensive area of land. http://www.revisor.leg.state.mn.us/stats/88/01.html
68. (USA-STATE-Minnesota) Forest Includes areas with at least two-thirds or more of the total canopy cover composed of
predominantly woody deciduous or coniferous species. http://deli.dnr.state.mn.us/metadata/tables/lusatra3_tab.html
69. (USA-STATE-Minnesota) Forested: Areas where two-thirds or more of the total canopy cover is composed of
predominantly woody deciduous and coniferous species and areas of regenerated or young forest where commercial
timber has been completely or partially removed by logging, other management activities or natural events; includes
woodlots, shelterbelts and plantation. http://www.lmic.state.mn.us/projects/aboutlanduse.html
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70. (USA-STATE-MississippI 2008) Forest -- A plant community dominated by trees and woody plants.
http://msucares.com/pubs/publications/p1250.pdf
71. (USA-STATE-Missouri 1998) Although we do not have "official" definitions, we commonly use the accepted SAF
definitions for these terms. See Dictionary of Forestry; John A. Helms, editor; published 1998 by the Sociecy of
American Foresters. "Mike Hoffmann" hoffmm@mail.conservation.state.mo.us
72. (USA-STATE-Missouri 2003) An area dominated by trees forming a closed canopy and interspersed with multilayer
shade tolerant sub-canopy trees, shrubs, vines, ferns and herbs. Trees attain a height of 60 to over 100 feet. The
ground-flora is rich in spring ephemerals. http://mdc4.mdc.mo.gov/Documents/13183.doc
73. (USA-STATE-MissourI 2003) An ecosystem characterized by a more or less dense and extensive tree cover, often
consisting of stands varying in characteristics such as species or composition, structure, age class, and associated
processes, and commonly including meadows, streams, fish, and wildlife note: forests include special kinds such as
industrial forests, non-industrial private forests, plantations, public forests, protection forests, and urban forests, as
well as parks and wilderness. http://mdc4.mdc.mo.gov/Documents/13183.doc.
74. (USA-STATE-Montana) "Forest" means a tract of land with trees and underbrush.
http://www.deq.state.mt.us/dir/Legal/Chapters/CH50-08.pdf
75. (USA-STATE-Montana) "Forest" means forest land and the timber on the land.
http://data.opi.state.mt.us/bills/mca/15/44/15-44-102.htm
76. (USA-STATE-New Jersey 2002)This Level I category contains any lands covered by woody vegetation other than
wetlands. These areas are capable of producing timber and other wood products, and of supporting many kinds of
outdoor recreation. Forestland is an important category environmentally, because it affects air quality, water quality,
wildlife habitat, climate, and many other aspects of the ecology of an area. The Level II categories under Forestland
are Deciduous; Coniferous; Mixed Deciduous-Coniferous; and Brushland.
http://www.state.nj.us/dep/gis/digidownload/metadata/lulc02/anderson2002.html
77. (USA-STATE-New Jersey) Forest means and includes any forest, bushland, grassland, salt marsh, and any
combination thereof. http://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/fire/docs/conservation_and_development.pdf
78. (USA-STATE-New Jersey) Forested - that tree species with an average height greater than 20 feet are the
predominant vegetation present. http://www.state.nj.us/dep/landuse/mglossary.html#f
79. (USA-STATE-New Mexico 2007) Forest means an area of at least one acre with at least 10 percent tree crown
cover. New Mexico. http://www.emnrd.state.nm.us/FD/documents/19204_Amended_6-14-07.pdf and
http://www.conwaygreene.com/lpbin21/lpext.dll/Test/NMACRaw/1/51fd0/571dd/572c0/572d3?fn=document-
frame.htm&f=templates
80. (USA-STATE-North Carolina 1971) Forest - A plant community predominantly of trees and other woody vegetation,
growing more or less closely together. Source: Terminology of Forest Science, Technology Practice and Products.
Edited by F.C. Ford-Robertson. Society of American Foresters, Washington, D.C., 1971. David R. Brown
David.R.Brown@ncmail.net
81. (USA-STATE-North Carolina 1994) Forest lands are covered with deciduous or coniferous woody vegetation about 3
meters or more in height. Forest lands exhibit a tree-crown area density of at least 10 percent. Lands from which trees
have been removed to less than 10 percent crown density should be included in Category 3 (Herbaceous Cover and
Shrubland) or another land cover category if appropriate. This category includes upland forests and forest land on
seasonally or permanently wet or inundated areas often called "forested wetlands" in other classification schemes.
For lands on which there is forest rotation involving clear-cutting and block planting, the clear-cut or plantation areas
are not included in this subcategory until planted trees reach a growth stage to meet the criteria for 10 percent crown
density coverage. Otherwise, these areas are classified under Category 3. This category includes managed areas of
tree growth such as orchards or Christmas tree farms that meet the basic criteria for forest areas. Where applicable,
subcategory definitions include a reference to physiographic classes accepted by the Forest Resources Division of
the North Carolina Department of Environment, Health and Natural Resources on which the forest stands most
commonly occur. http://cgia.cgia.state.nc.us/gicc/standards/nclulc.html#P3 and
http://www.ncgicc.com/Portals/3/documents/nclulc.html#P2
82. (USA-STATE-North Dakota) "Forest" means an area of land normally supporting a growth of planted tree cover,
woodlands, or windbreaks. http://www.state.nd.us/lr//cencode/T57C57.pdf
83. (USA-STATE-Ohio) Forest Lands have a tree-crown areal density (crown closure percentage) of 10 percent or more,
are stocked with trees capable of producing timber or other wood products, and exert an influence on the climate or
water regime. http://www.dnr.state.oh.us/odnr/relm/remsen/landuse/class4.html#no4
110
84. (USA-STATE-Oregon) "Forestland" means any woodland, brushland, timberland, grazing land or clearing that, during
any time of the year, contains enough forest growth, slashing or vegetation to constitute, in the judgment of the
forester, a fire hazard, regardless of how the land is zoned or taxed. As used in this subsection, "clearing" means any
grassland, improved area, lake, meadow, mechanically or manually cleared area, road, rocky area, stream or other
similar forestland opening that is surrounded by or contiguous to forestland and that has been included in areas
classified as forestland under ORS 526.305 to 526.370 http://www.leg.state.or.us/ors/477.html and
http://www.paperadvantage.org/ORS/526.html#forestland.
85. (USA-STATE-Oregon-Portland) Trees with their crowns overlapping (generally forming 60-100% of cover. Natural
Resource Inventory vegetation mapping project City of Portland Bureau of Planning. 18 p.
http://www.portlandonline.com/shared/cfm/image.cfm?id=106047
86. (USA-STATE-Pennsylvania 1974) "Forest reserve." Land, ten acres or more, stocked by forest trees of any size and
capable of producing timber or other wood products. Source: "PA FARMLAND & FOREST LAND ASSESSMENT
ACT" (CLEAN AND GREEN) Act of 1974, P.L. 973, No. 319 http://farm.fic.niu.edu/fic/laws/state/pa72.html
87. (USA-STATE-Pennsylvania-Centre County) Forests are a biological community dominated by trees and other woody
plants covering a land area of one acre or more. This also includes forests that have been cut but not cleared. In other
areas, Forests are a biological community dominated by trees and other woody plants covering a land area of 10,000
square feet or greater. http://county.centreconnect.org/planning/compplan/draft/forest.pdf
88. (USA-STATE-Rhode Island) - Any tract or contiguous tracts of land, ten (10) acres or larger, exclusive of house site,
bearing a dense growth of trees, including underbrush and young regenerating forest and ancillary habitat areas
having either the quality of self perpetuation, or being dependent upon its development by the planting and replanting
of trees in stands of closely growing timber, actively managed under a stewardship plan approved by the director.
http://www.dem.ri.gov/pubs/regs/regs/agric/ffosimp.pdf
89. (USA-STATE-South Carolina) From a fire management perspective - Lands shall be construed as "forest land" which
have enough forest growth, standing or down, or have sufficient inflammable debris or, outside of corporate limits, to
constitute, in the judgement of the State Commission of Forestry, a fire menace to itself or adjoining lands.
http://www.state.sc.us/forest/lawpro.htm#20
90. (USA-STATE-South Dakota) Forest: An ecosystem characterized by a more or less dense and extensive tree cover,
often consisting of stands varying in characteristics such as species composition, structure, age class, and associated
processes, and commonly including meadows, streams, fish, and wildlife. Forests include special kinds such as
industrial forests, nonindustrial private forests, plantations, public forests, protection forests, and urban forests, as well
as parks and wilderness. Source - The Dictionary of Forestry, 1998, published by the Society of American Foresters,
John A. Helms, editor. Greg.Josten@state.sd.us
91. (USA-STATE-Texas 1977) "Forest" means the standing trees on forest land. Source: CHAPTER 152. FOREST PEST
CONTROL SUBCHAPTER A. GENERAL PROVISIONS http://capitol.tlc.state.tx.us/cgi-bin/cqcgi?
CQ_SESSION_KEY=XMYTLGTJBKOU&CQ_QUERY_HANDLE=123988&CQ_CUR_DOCUMENT=14&CQ_TLO_DO
C_TEXT=YES, http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/statutes/nr/nr0015200.html and
http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/NR/htm/NR.152.htm
92. (USA-STATE-Texas 1999) Forested trees with crowns overlapping (generally 60-100% cover)
http://www.dir.state.tx.us/tgic/pubs/lulc-report.pdf 1999
93. (USA-STATE-Texas) "Forest" means a tract of land thick with trees and underbrush.
http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/tlo/74R/billtext/SB00977H.HTM and .
http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/NR/htm/NR.152.htm
94. (USA-STATE-Texas) (3) "Forest land" means land on which the trees are potentially valuable for timber products,
protection of watersheds, wildlife habitat, recreational uses, or for other purposes, but does not include land within the
incorporated limits of a village, town, or city. http://capitol.tlc.state.tx.us/cgi-bin/cqcgi?
CQ_SESSION_KEY=XMYTLGTJBKOU&CQ_QUERY_HANDLE=123988&CQ_CUR_DOCUMENT=14&CQ_TLO_DO
C_TEXT=YES and http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/NR/htm/NR.152.htm
95. (USA-STATE-Texas) Deciduous or evergreen trees dominant; mostly greater than 30 feet tall with closed crowns or
nearly so (71 to 100 percent canopy cover); midstory generally apparent except in managed monoculture.
http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/conserve/whap/appendices.htm
96. (USA-STATE-Texas) Trees with crowns overlapping (generally 60-100% cover) (woody veg > 4 m in height)
www.tgic.state.tx.us/tgic/documents/plans/lulc-report.pdf
97. (USA-STATE-Utah-Tremonton) Areas, groves, or stands of mature or largely mature (i.e., greater than six inches
caliper) trees covering an area greater than one-quarter acre; or groves of mature trees (greater than 12 inches
caliper) consisting of more than 10 individual trees.
http://www.ulct.org/resources/ordinance_codes/tremonton/tremzong.html
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98. (USA-STATE-Virgin Islands) Closed tree canopy (Trees >5 m, canopy cover > 50%)
http://rps.uvi.edu/CES/vivegzon.htm
99. (USA-STATE-Virginia 2002?) - Forest vegetation dominated by trees (= 6m [20 ft] tall) producing a more or less
closed canopy, typically with 60-100% cover; some forests may temporarily have < 60% canopy cover following
disturbances such as windthrow, disease, etc. http://www.state.va.us/dcr/dnh/ncglossary.htm
100. (USA-STATE-Virginia) - "Forest land" means land on which forest trees are found. Under Authority of Department
of Forestry. 10.1-1178. Definitions. "Starr, James" starrj@dof.state.va.us.
101. (USA-STATE-Virginia) For Gypsy Moth Spraying - Any spray block proposed for treatment under this program
must contain an area that meets the following definition of susceptible forest. A susceptible forest is a wooded area
where the trees are 25 feet or more in height and 50% or more of the surface area, when viewed from above, is
covered by the tree crowns of moderately or highly susceptible hardwood tree species. Any block that does not
contain a forested area as defined will not be accepted for treatment under this program. Residential or other qualified
properties with only scattered ornamental trees and shrubs or only a few large shade trees are not acceptable.
However, residential or other qualified properties, even if they do not contain trees directly around them, are
acceptable if they are less than 200 feet from a susceptible forest.
http://gypsymoth.ento.vt.edu/vagm/VDACS_CostShare02.pdf
102. (USA-STATE-Washington 1998) Forest (land use category) - Includes public or private forest lands and tree
farms, and may be designated for recreational uses. Forested Wetland - Any area of vegetated wetland where
woody vegetation over 20 feet tall and dominated by trees (e.g., alder, cedar, hemlock, cottonwood, some willow
species) comprises at least 30 percent areal cover. http://www.efsec.wa.gov/oplarchive/DEIS/TOC/glossary.pdf
103. (USA-STATE-West Virginia) (a) "Timberland" means any surface real property except farm woodlots of not less
than ten contiguous acres which is primarily in forest and which, in consideration of their size, has sufficient numbers
of commercially valuable species of trees to constitute at least forty percent normal stocking of forest trees which are
well distributed over the growing site. http://www.legis.state.wv.us/scripts/as_web.exe?
Command=search&file=total2&request=forest+definition&MaxHits=10&NumLines=1
104. (USA-STATE-Wyoming) Forest -We informally use the FS definition of >10% crown cover to define forest vs
nonforest. To the best of my knowledge there is no definition either in statute or in any written documents. "Howard
Pickerd" HPICKE@state.wy.us
1. (Australia-Tasmania) An area incorporating all living and non-living components, dominated by trees having usually a
single stem and a mature (or potentially mature) stand height exceeding 5m, with existing or potential projective
foliage cover of overstorey strata, about equal to or greater than 30%. This definition includes native forests and
plantations regardless of age, and areas of trees sometimes described as woodlands.
http://www.forestrytas.com.au/forestrytas/pdf_files/sustainable_forest_management/sfm_2003/glossary.pdf
2. (Australia-Victoria) An area, incorporating all living and non-living components, that is dominated by trees with an
existing or potential stand height exceeding 5 metres, and with existing or potential projective foliage cover of
overstorey strata at least 30 per cent. This definition includes Australia's diverse native forests and plantations,
regardless of age. It is also sufficiently broad to encompass areas of trees that are sometimes described as
woodlands. http://www.dse.vic.gov.au/dse/nrenfor.nsf/FID/-9A9762E4B40E608F4A256AB1000306D0?
OpenDocument
3. (Australia-Victoria) Woody vegetation with a potential top height greater than five metres and with a crown cover
projection greater than 10 percent. http://www.dse.vic.gov.au/dse/nrenfor.nsf/FID/-
9A9762E4B40E608F4A256AB1000306D0?OpenDocument
4. (Belgium-Flemmish Region 1997) - Wooded areas = 50 acres, width = 25 m, cover = 20 % (excepted for clear cutting
or forest damages). (European Communities 1997a - p 112).
5. (Canada-BC) - Land having as its highest and best use the growing and harvesting of trees. BC Assessment Authority
http://www.swp.bc.ca/myw/html/21_Glossary.htm
6. (Canada-BC) "Forest land" means land classified as forest land under section 4; = Forest land. The chief forester
must classify land as forest land if he or she considers that it will provide the greatest contribution to the social and
economic welfare of British Columbia if predominantly maintained in successive crops of trees or forage, or both, or
maintained as wilderness. http://www.for.gov.bc.ca/tasb/legsregs/forest/foract/part2.htm#4
7. (Canada-BC) "Forest land" means land, other than a farm, that (a) is forest reserve land, other than forest reserve
land that is not used for the production and harvesting of timber, or (b) although not forest reserve land, has as its
highest and best use the production and harvesting of timber;
http://www.assessmentappeal.bc.ca/informationsheets/AACT1098board.asp#defn
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8. (Canada-BC) Crown land or private land that is predominantly maintained in one or more successive stands of trees,
successive crops of forage, or wilderness. [Source: Glossary of Forestry Terms, Province of British Columbia, Ministry
of Forests, http://www.for.gov.bc.ca/pab/publctns/glossary/glossary.htm via Igor A. Yakovlev]
9. (Canada-Manitoba) "Forest land" means any uncultivated land in the province on which trees or shrubs are growing or
standing; any barren, dry marsh, or bog, whether the land is owned by the Crown or by private persons, or held under
lease from the Crown; ( fort ) http://web2.gov.mb.ca/laws/statutes/ccsm/f150e.php
10. (Canada-New Brunswick) Forest land means any land outside the boundaries of a city or town and not cultivated for
agricultural purposes on which trees, shrubs, plants or grass are growing. http://www.gnb.ca/public/fire-feu/prevent-
e.asp
11. (Canada-Nova Scotia 2009) "Forest land" means land bearing forest growth or land from which the forest has been
removed but which shows surface evidence of past forest occupancy and is not now in other use;
http://www.gov.ns.ca/just/regulations/regs/for8297.htm and. http://www.gov.ns.ca/just/regulations/regs/fofire.htm
12. (Canada-Ontario 2003). (Silvicultural Management) An area managed for the production of timber and other forest
products, or maintained under woody vegetation for such indirect benefits as protection of site or for recreation.
http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/stdprodconsume/groups/lr/@mnr/@forests/documents/document/mnr_e000254.pdf
13. (Canada-Prince Edward Island) Forest land means (i) any land, excluding the cleared land immediately adjacent to
an occupied building, on which living or dead trees are the tallest type of vegetation, (ii) any land on which tree
seedlings exist or have been planted and are retained for the purposes of producing forest products, or (iii) any land
which is being manipulated by tree harvesting, site preparation, tree planting, and or other techniques that promote
the establishment of tree seedlings; http://www.gov.pe.ca/law/statutes/pdf/f-14.pdf
14. (INDIA-Kerala 2003) forest means any land principally covered with naturally grown trees and under growth and
includes any forest statutorily recognized and declared as reserved forest, protected forest or otherwise, but does not
include any land which is used principally for the cultivation of crops of long duration such as tea, coffee, rubber,
pepper, cardamom, coconut, arecanut or cashew or any other sites of residential buildings and surroundings essential
for the convenient use of such buildings; http://www.kerenvis.nic.in/legislation/Microsoft%20Word%20-
%20Act2003.pdf
15. (USA-FED-DA-FS-INT) Land that is at least 10 percent stocked by forest trees of any size (or 5 percent crown cover
where stocking cannot be determined), or land formerly having such tree cover, and is not currently developed for a
nonforest use. The minimum area for classification as forest land is one acre. Roadside, stream-side, and shelterbelt
strips of timber must be at least 120 feet wide to qualify as forest land. Unimproved roads and trails or natural
clearings in forested areas shall be classified as forest, if less than 120 feet in width or an acre in size. Streams and
other bodies of water within forest will be considered forest land if they are less than 1 acre and 30-feet wide. Grazed
woodlands, reverting fields, and pastures that are not actively maintained are included if the above qualifications are
satisfied. (Also see definitions of nonforest land, idle farmland and improved/maintained pasture.) Note: In some
instances, area previously stocked with woodland species that have had some type of treatment (e.g., chaining or
other mechanical treatment) are classified as nonforest land. Interior West FIA annual manual 5/2000 Terms not in
National Manual
16. (USA-FED-DA-FS-NC) Land not currently developed for nonforest use and having a stocking value of at least 10.0 of
all live forest trees of any size or formerly having a stocking value of at least 10.0. Unimproved roads and trails,
streams or other bodies of water or clearings in forest areas will be classed as forest if less than 120 feet wide. The
minimum area for classification of forest land is one acre and 120 feet in width. Roadside, streamside, and shelterbelt
strips of timber must be at least 120 feet wide to qualify as forest land. Also see definitions for land area, commercial
forest land, noncommercial forest land, productive-reserved forest land, stocking, unproductive forest land, and water.
North Central FIA manual 9/99 terms not in National Manual
17. (USA-FED-DA-FS-R8) Land at least 10.0 percent stocked by forest trees of any size, or land formerly having such
tree cover, and is not currently developed for non-forest use. The minimum area for classification of forestland is 1
acre. Roadside, streamside, and shelterbelt strips of timber must have a width of at least 120 feet wide to qualify as
forestland. Unimproved roads, and trails, streams and other bodies of water, or natural clearings in forested areas
shall be classified as forest, if less than 120 feet in width or an acre in size. Grazed woodlands, reverting fields, and
pastures that are not actively maintained are included if the above qualifications are satisfied. (Also see definitions of
non-forest land, idle farmland and improved/maintained pasture.) Southern Region FIA manual 5/2000 Terms not in
National Manual
18. (USA-FED-DA-FS 2004) Land with a specified minimum tree crown cover and generally more than the specified
minimum area, including land that formerly had such tree cover and that will be naturally or artificially regenerated.
The trees should generally be able to reach a minimum specified tree height at maturity in situ. It may consist either of
closed forest formations in which trees of various stories and undergrowth cover a high proportion of the ground, or of
open forest formations with a continuous vegetation cover in which tree crown cover exceeds the minimum percent.
Young natural stands and all plantations established for forestry purposes, which have yet to reach the minimum
crown density or tree height, are included under forest, as are areas normally forming part of the forest area that is
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temporarily unstocked as a result of human intervention or natural causes, but which are expected to revert to forest.
http://www.cbd.int/doc/world/us/us-nr-vfe-en.pdf
19. (USA-FED-DAR8) An area managed for the production of timber and other forest products, or maintained under
woody vegetation for indirect benefits as protection of a watershed, recreation, or wildlife habitat.
http://www.r8web.com/gwj/lrmp/plandocs/glossary.html#definitions
20. (USA-FED-EPA-R3) - Land bearing a stand of trees of any stature, including seedlings, and of species attaining a
minimum of 6 feet average height at maturity or land from which such a stand has been removed but on which no
other use has been substituted. The term is commonly limited to land not in farms; forests on farms are commonly
called woodland or farm forest. http://www.epa.gov/region3/mtntop/pdf/VIII.Glossary.pdf
21. (USA-FED-EPA-R3) - Land with at least 25 percent tree canopy or that has been stocked with at least 10 percent
forest trees of any size, including land that formerly had such tree cover and that will be naturally or artificially
reforested. http://www.epa.gov/region3/mtntop/pdf/VIII.Glossary.pdf
22. (USA-STATE-Alabama) forest (meaning real property used for the growing and sale of timber and forest products)
Source: http://farm.fic.niu.edu/fic/laws/state/al40.html#stat
23. (USA-STATE-Alaska) "Forest land" means land stocked or having been stocked with forest trees of any size and not
currently developed for nonforest use, regardless of whether presently available or accessible for commercial
purposes, and includes any such land under state, municipal, or private ownership;
http://touchngo.com/lglcntr/akstats/Statutes/Title41/Chapter17/Section950.htm
24. (USA-STATE-Arkansas 1995) Forestland - an area at least 1 acre in size that is at least 10 percent stocked with trees,
or formerly having such tree cover and not currently developed for nonforest uses. Forest Inventory and Analysis
definition - Forest Statistics for Arkansas Counties - 1995 Jim Grant jim.grant@mail.state.ar.us - no official definitions
in Arkansas law
25. (USA-STATE-Arkansas) - Land bearing forest growth, or land from which the forest has been removed, and is in any
stage of forest growth, or production, or maintains the potential for forest growth.
http://www.forestry.state.ar.us/bmp/glossary.html
26. (USA-STATE-California) "Forestland" means the land: (1) can support 10 percent or more tree cover with trees native
to California, including native oaks, (generally but not always this is Site V (Dunning) and better timberland); and (2) is
zoned to allow forest resource management. http://ceres.ca.gov/foreststeward/pdf/CFIPguide.pdf
27. (USA-STATE-California) Forest means lands that support, or can support, at least 10 percent tree canopy cover
and that allow for management of one or more forest resources including timber, fish and wildlife, biodiversity, water
quality, recreation, aesthetics and other public benefits.
http://www.energy.ca.gov/global_climate_change/documents/SB_812_20020909_chapter.pdf and
http://www.arb.ca.gov/bluebook/bb03/HS/42801.htm
28. (USA-STATE-California-Mendocino County) Forest Land means lands, which are suited for and are appropriately
retained for the growing, harvesting and production of timber and forest and timber-related products. The classification
includes lands eligible to be zoned Timberland Production (TPZ), including lands which have the present or future
potential for timber production, intermixed smaller parcels and other contiguous lands, the inclusion of which is
necessary for the protection and efficient management of forest resource lands.
http://mendolafco.org/lafcopp/lafcopandp2002.html
29. (USA-STATE-Colorado) "Forest land" means land of which at least ten percent is stocked by forest trees of any size
and includes land that formerly had such tree cover and that will be naturally or artificially regenerated. "Forest land"
includes roadside, streamside, and shelterbelt strips of timber which have a crown width of at least one hundred
twenty feet. "Forest land" includes unimproved roads and trails, streams, and clearings which are less than one
hundred twenty feet wide. http://www.palmerfoundation.org/Legal_CO.htm
30. (USA-STATE-Florida 1999) Forests (Upland) - This category of land cover is reserved for those upland areas which
support a tree canopy closure of ten (10) percent or more. The Upland Forests include both the xeric (drysite) and
mesic (moderately moist site) forest communities. Wetland, or hydric, forest communities fall under the broad wetland
category. Also included in the Upland Forest category are areas in which timber harvesting has occurred but which
exhibit no evidence of being developed for other intended uses (clear-cuts in an area in which rotation forest
management is practiced is a prime example of such a case).
http://www.dot.state.fl.us/surveyingandmapping/Manuals/fluccmanual.pdf
31. (USA-STATE-Florida) ``Forest" means land stocked by trees of any size used in the production of forest products, or
forest land that has been harvested and is not currently developed for nonforest use.
http://www.myflorida.com/dor/tips/tip98a115.html and http://election.dos.state.fl.us/laws/98laws/ch_98-294.pdf
32. (USA-STATE-Florida-Hernando Co.) Timberland - Must be a minimum of 20 acres in size and in planted pines or a
predominantly natural stand of pines. A forestry management plan must be implemented and followed and a copy of
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the plan kept on file with the Property Appraiser's Office. Larger tracts will be reviewed and approved based on the
merchantability of the timber and whether or not management has been sufficient. This guideline covers both hard
wood and mixed tracts. Christmas tree production will be considered as nursery land.
http://www.co.hernando.fl.us/pa/greenbelt.htm
33. (USA-STATE-Hawaii-Kauai Co. 1988) Land at least 10 percent stocked with trees and not now developed for
nonforest use; also includes land 50 percent or more covered by shrubs. The minimum area recognized as forest land
is 1 acre. This land includes both timberland and other forest land (Buck et al. 1988).
http://www.fs.fed.us/pnw/pubs/rb156.pdf
34. (USA-STATE-Idaho) Forestland means privately owned land being held and used primarily for the continuous purpose
of growing and harvesting trees of a marketable species.
http://www2.state.id.us/tax/propertytax/PTpdfs/revisedforestlanddesign.pdf
35. (USA-STATE-Idaho-2005) "Forest" means forest land and the timber thereon. "Forest land" means privately owned
land being held and used primarily for the continuous purpose of growing and harvesting trees of a marketable
species. Having met the above criteria, forest land may be further identified by the consideration of any of the
following criteria: (a) Forest land is land evidenced by present use and silvicultural treatment. (b) Forest land is land
which has a dedicated use that is further evidenced by a forest land management plan that includes eventual harvest
of the forest crop. (c) Forest land is land bearing forest growth or land which has not been converted to another use.
(d) Forest land is land which has had the trees removed by man through harvest, including clear-cuts or by natural
disaster, such as but not limited to fire, and which within five (5) years after harvest or initial assessment will be
reforested as specified in the forest practices act (chapter 13, title 38, Idaho Code).
http://www3.state.id.us/oasis/2005/H0126.html and http://www3.state.id.us/cgi-bin/newidst?sctid=630170001.K
36. (USA-STATE-Illinois 1996) State forests shall include only such lands as are decided by the Department of Natural
Resources to be more valuable for the growing of forests than for other purposes, and shall have for their purpose the
production of forest products, the protection of watersheds that are subject to serious erosion, the maintenance of
purity of springs and streams and to afford recreation places for the people of the State. (Source: P.A. 89-445, eff. 2-7-
96.) Source: http://www.legis.state.il.us/ilcs/ch525/ch525act40.htm#Top
37. (USA-STATE-Illinois) "Forest" means an area whose principal crop is trees.
http://www.legis.state.il.us/commission/jcar/admincode/017/017015370000010R.html and
http://dnr.state.il.us/legal/1537.pdf
38. (USA-STATE-Illinois) "Forestry" means land used or managed for the long-term production of wood, wood fiber, or
wood-derived products. Allowable support facilities include water impoundments, access and fire control lanes,
erosion control structures such as grassed waterways, downdrains, terraces and sediment ponds, and other incidental
facilities related to sound multiple use management of the forest resource. http://dnr.state.il.us/legal/62-1701.htm
39. (USA-STATE-Illinois) Land used or managed for the long-term production of wood, wood fiber or wood derived
products. Land used for facilities in support of forest harvest and management operations that is adjacent to or an
integral part of these operations is also included. http://dnr.state.il.us/mines/lrd/guides/citrec7.htm
40. (USA-STATE-Iowa 1999) "Forest" means stands of native or introduced trees containing at least two hundred trees
per acre and located on privately owned land. However, a stand of fruit trees is not a forest. 1999.
http://www.legis.state.ia.us/IACODE/1999SUPPLEMENT/161A/42.html
41. (USA-STATE-Kansas 1971) An area managed for the production of timber and other forest produce, or maintained
under woody vegetation for such indirect benefits as protection of catchment areas or recreation. "Terminology of
Forest Science, Technology, Practice & Products" SAF, 1971. Robert L. Atchison ratchiso@oznet.ksu.edu
42. (USA-STATE-Kansas) Forest land - Land at least 10% stocked by forest trees of any size, or formerly having such
tree cover, and not currently developed for non-forest use. Stocking is measured by comparing specified standards
with basal area and /or number of trees, age or size and spacing. The minimum area classification for forest land is 1
acre. Roadside, streamside, and shelterbelt strips of timber must have a crown width of at least 120 feet to qualify as
forest land. "An Analysis of the Forest Resources of Kansas", Leatherberry, Schmidt, Strickler & Aslin, USDA/FS
NCRS NC-334. Robert L. Atchison ratchiso@oznet.ksu.edu
43. (USA-STATE-Kentucky) Forest land" means land used or managed for the long-term production of wood, wood fiber,
or wood derived products. Land used for facilities in support of forest harvest and management operations which is
adjacent to or an integral part of these operations is also included. http://www.lrc.state.ky.us/kar/405/030/010.htm
44. (USA-STATE-Kentucky) Forestland - land at least 10 percent stocked by forest trees of any size, including land that
formerly had such cover and that will be naturally or artificially regenerated. The State of Kentucky does not have the
terms Forest, Forestland, or Tree officially defined in State Statute or Regulation. The Division of Forestry utilizes the
Society of American Forester's definitions for these terms as listed in John A. Helms' The Dictionary of Forestry.
Steve.Kull@mail.state.ky.us
115
45. (USA-STATE-Maine) "Forest land" means land used for the production of forest products.
http://janus.state.me.us/legis/statutes/17/title17sec3853-D.html
46. (USA-STATE-Maine) Forest land. "Forest land" means land used primarily for growth of trees to be harvested for
commercial use, but does not include ledge, marsh, open swamp, bog, water and similar areas, which are unsuitable
for growing a forest product or for harvesting for commercial use even though these areas may exist within forest
lands. Source: http://janus.state.me.us/legis/statutes/36/title36sec573.html
47. (USA-STATE-Maine) Forestland--means land used primarily for growth of trees to be harvested for commercial use;
may be either seedling, pole timber, or saw log stands. Forestland does not include ledge, marsh, open swamp, bog,
water and similar areas that are unsuitable for growing a forest product or for harvesting for commercial use even
though these areas may exist within forestlands. http://www.state.me.us/revenue/propertytax/Bulletins/Tax%20Bulletin
%2019.htm
48. (USA-STATE-Maine) Land used primarily for growth of trees to be harvested for commercial use; may be either
seedling, poletimber, or sawlog stands. Land which would otherwise be included in this definition shall not be
excluded because of: (1) Multiple use for public recreation; (2) Statutory or governmental restrictions which prevent
commercial harvesting of trees or require a primary use of the land other than commercial harvesting; (3) Deed
restrictions, restrictive covenants or organizational charters that prevent commercial harvesting of trees or require a
primary use of land other than commercial harvesting and that were effective prior to January 1, 1982; or (4) Past or
present multiple use for mineral exploration. http://www.google.com/search?
q=cache:www.memun.org/municipal_resources/Public_files/TAXDATA/HTML/PropertyTaxBull/html/bulletin19.htm
49. (USA-STATE-Maine-Acton 2003) Forest Land means land used primarily to grow trees to be harvested for commercial
use, but does not include marsh, open swamp, bog, water and similar areas, which are unsuitable for growing a forest
product or for harvesting for commercial use even though these areas may exist within forest lands.
http://www.actonmaine.com/warrant/2003/warrant.pdf
50. (USA-STATE-Maryland 1974)- These lands are at least 10% stocked with trees capable of producing timber or other
wood products, and lands dedicated to forest production but temporarily cleared (i.e. logged). This lands include
abandoned fields with woody brush that prevents classification as Agricultural land.
http://ia700309.us.archive.org/35/items/landuseclassific209mary/landuseclassific209mary.pdf
51. (USASTATE-Maryland 2007) (i) "Forest" means a biological community dominated by trees or other woody plants
covering a land area of 1 acre or more.(ii) "Forest" includes an area that has been cut but not cleared of trees or other
woody plants. Maryland 2007. http://www.dnr.state.md.us/download/reforest.pdf
52. (USA-STATE-Maryland) - Land bearing forest growth or land from which the forest has been removed but which
shows evidence of past forest occupancy and which is not now in other use.
http://www.mde.state.md.us/assets/document/sedimentStormwater/MDEFHOESManualDraft063005_glossary.pdf
53. (USA-STATE-Maryland-1974) - Forest land are lands that are at least 10 percent stocked with trees capable of
producing timber or other wood products that exert an influence on climate or water regime. Lands from which trees
have been removed to less than 10 percent stocking but which have not been developed for other use are also
included. http://ia700309.us.archive.org/35/items/landuseclassific209mary/landuseclassific209mary.pdf
54. (USA-STATE-Maryland-Easton) "Forest" means a biological community dominated by trees and other woody plants
covering a land area of 10,000 square feet or greater. B. "Forest" includes: (1) Areas that have at least 100 live trees
per acre with at least 50 percent of those trees having a 2-inch or greater diameter at 4.5 feet above the ground and
larger; and (2) Areas that have been cut but not cleared. C. "Forest" does not include orchards. http://www.town-
eastonmd.com/Planning/fco/fco_a002.pdf
55. (USA-STATE-Maryland-Rockville 2009) forest" means (1) a contiguous biological community dominated by trees and
other woody plants covering a land area of five thousand (5,000) square feet or greater. (2) "Forest" includes:a. Areas
that have at least one hundred (100) live trees per acre with at least fifty (50) percent of those trees having a two-inch
or greater diameter at four and one-half (4.5) feet above the ground and larger; and b. Areas that have been cut but
not cleared. (3) "Forest" does not include orchards. Rockville, Maryland. 2009. http://www.rockvillemd.gov/e-gov/rec-
parks/ForestConservationManual.pdf
56. (USA-STATE-Maryland-Rockville) A biological community dominated by trees and other woody plants covering a land
area of 10,000 square feet or greater. Forest includes: (1) Areas that have at least 100 trees per acre with at least 50
percent of those trees having a 2-inch or greater dbh. (2) Forest areas that have been cut, but not cleared. Forest
does not include orchards. http://www.ci.rockville.md.us/cityprojects/envguide/eggloss.htm
57. (USA-STATE-Massachusetts) Forest Land means land with at least 15% of the area occupied by the crowns of forest
trees of any size that contains at least 7.5 square feet of basal area per acre; or that is a plantation containing at least
500 trees per acre; or land recently harvested that is in the process of regeneration.
http://www.state.ma.us/dem/regs/304011c.htm
58. (USA-STATE-Massachusetts) Forest Lands: (1) To be eligible for classification, land must meet the following criteria:
(a) be a parcel of land containing ten or more adjacent or contiguous acres; (b) be at least 16 and 7/8% stocked with
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forest products and contain at least 7 and 5/10 square feet of basal area per acre by forest trees of any size; or
formerly had such tree cover and is not currently developed for nonforest use, or is a plantation containing at least
500 trees per acre; and (c) has no subdivision plan on file. (2) The following areas may be included in the calculation
of acreage: (a) certain permanent or temporary wetlands, water courses and submerged areas and other minor
unproductive areas deemed by the State Forester to be comparable with forest production; (b) cleared rightsofway not
exceeding 20 feet in width, including road bed, brushed out road edges, and other reasonable improvements to
reduce erosion of the rightofway and to protect forest land, wetlands and stream crossings, or when the primary
purpose of the improvement is for forest protection and access for forest management. The maximum width may be
exceeded for turnouts, turn arounds or for temporary storage areas for forest products. Source: 304 CMR 8.00:
CHAPTER 61, FOREST CLASSIFICATION http://www.daviesand.com/Laws/Chapter_61/Ch61_Regs/
59. (USA-STATE-Massachusetts) Land that is at least sixteen and seven-tenths per cent stocked, that contains at least
seven and five-tenths square feet of basal area per acre by forest trees of any size; or that formerly had such tree
cover and is not currently developed for non-forest use; or that is a plantation containing at least five hundred trees
per acre. [Source Chapter 61 Massachusetts Taxation Law - http://www.forestmeister.com/laws/ch61.html]
60. (USA-STATE-Michigan) "Forest land" means a tract of land or the timber rights in that land owned or occupied by a
member, which land is at least 10% occupied by forest tree species with a growth potential of 50 cubic feet per acre
per year and consists of 40 acres or more. Forest land includes land from which forest tree species have been
removed and have not been restocked, but does not include land converted to uses other than the growing of forest
tree species or land currently zoned for uses incompatible with forest practices.
http://www.dnr.state.mi.us/www/law/law_book/statutes/code/part501.html
61. (USA-STATE-Michigan) "Forest land" means timbered land, potential timber-producing land, cutover or burned timber
land or grass lands not including lands devoted to agriculture. http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,1607,7-153-
10367_11851-24039--,00.html
62. (USA-STATE-Michigan) (d) " Forest land" means a tract of land that may include nonproductive land that is intermixed
with productive land that is an integral part of a managed forest and that meets all the following: (i) Does not have
material natural resources other than those resources suitable for forest growth or the potential for forest growth. (ii) Is
not used for agricultural, mineral extraction except as provided in section 51113, grazing, industrial, developed
recreational, residential, resort, commercial, or developmental purposes. (iii) The owner agrees to develop, maintain,
and actively manage the land as a commercial forest through planting, natural reproduction, or other silvicultural
practices. Source: http://www.michiganlegislature.org/law/getObject.asp?objName=324-
51101&objType=section&highlight=forest
63. (USA-STATE-Minnesota 2009) -"Forest land" means land which is at least ten percent stocked by trees of any size
and capable of producing timber, or of exerting an influence on the climate or on the water regime; land from which
the trees described above have been removed to less than ten percent stocking and which has not been developed
for other use; and afforested areas. - https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/?id=88.01
64. (USA-STATE-Minnesota) Forest land or forest. Forest land or forest, means land on which occurs a stand or potential
stand of trees valuable for timber products, watershed or wildlife protection, recreational uses or other purposes, and
shall include lands owned or controlled by the state of Minnesota. http://www.revisor.leg.state.mn.us/stats/89/51.html
65. (USA-STATE-Montana 1996) "Forest" means forest land and the timber on the land. (5) "Forest land" means
contiguous land of 15 acres or more in one ownership that is capable of producing timber that can be harvested in
commercial quantity and is producing timber unless the trees have been removed by man through harvest, including
clearcuts, or by natural disaster, including but not limited to fire. Forest land includes land: (a) that has not been
converted to another use. http://data.opi.mt.gov/bills/1997/Bills/Senate/SB0100_ENR.htm
66. (USA-STATE-Montana) "Forest land" means contiguous land of 15 acres or more in one ownership that is capable of
producing timber that can be harvested in commercial quantity and is producing timber unless the trees have been
removed by man through harvest, including clearcuts, or by natural disaster, including but not limited to fire. Forest
land includes land: a) that has not been converted to another use; and b) on which the annual net wood production
equals or exceeds 25 cubic feet an acre at the culmination of mean annual increment.
http://data.opi.state.mt.us/bills/mca/15/44/15-44-102.htm
67. (USA-STATE-Nevada) Forest or forest land means land on which occurs a stand or potential stand of trees
valuable for timber products, watershed or wildlife protection, recreational uses or for other purposes.
http://www.leg.state.nv.us/NRS/NRS-527.html
68. (USA-STATE-Nevada) Land which is at least 10 percent occupied by forest trees of any size or formerly having had
such tree cover and not currently developed for non-forest use. Lands developed for non-forest use include areas for
crops, improved pasture, residential, or administrative areas, improved roads of any width, and adjoining road clearing
and power line clearing of any width. http://www.state.nv.us/cnr/ndwp/dict-1/WORD_F.htm Water Words Dictionary,
http://www.nalms.org/glossary/lkword_f.htm Lake and Water Words Glossary, http://www.dcnr.nv.gov/nrp/y-tr1nrp.pdf
and (36 CFR 219.3) http://www.safc.org/resources/glossary.htm#definitions
117
69. (USA-STATE-New York) Forest land means land primarily devoted to and suitable for forest crop production under
accepted evenaged or unevenaged forest management systems through natural regeneration or through forestation
and sufficiently stocked with forest trees to produce a merchantable forest crop within 30 years of time of original
certification. Forest land shall consist of a stand or stands of commercial species of forest trees which contain at least
either 500 stems per acre or 60 square feet of basal area per acre which shall be evenly distributed over the area of
the stand. The department may approve a smaller number of planted trees per acre if the resulting spacing between
trees is appropriate for satisfactory growth for the species being planted. For natural seedlings to be part of a stand,
they must be at least one foot in height, and planted trees must be at least in their third growing season on the site.
http://www.dec.state.ny.us/website/regs/199.htm
70. (USA-STATE-North Carolina 1990) Forestland - Land at least 16.7 percent stocked by forest trees of any size, or
formerly having had such tree cover, and not currently developed for nonforest use. Source: Forest Statistics for North
Carolina, 1990. Resource Bulletin SE-120, by Tony G. Johnson. USDA-Forest Service, Southeastern Forest
71. (USA-STATE-North Carolina) Individually owned forestland consisting of one or more tracts, one of which consists of
at least 20 acres that are in actual production and are not included in a farm unit.
http://www.cals.ncsu.edu/wq/LandPreservationNotebook/statutes/nc/presentusevalue.htm
72. (USA-STATE-North Carolina) Land that is a part of a forest unit that is actively engaged in the commercial growing of
trees under a sound management program. Forestland includes wasteland that is a part of the forest unit, but the
wasteland included in the unit shall be appraised under the use-value schedules as wasteland. A forest unit may
consist of more than one tract of forestland, but at least one of the tracts must meet the requirements in G.S. 105-
277.3(a)(3), and each tract must be under a sound management program.
http://www.cals.ncsu.edu/wq/LandPreservationNotebook/statutes/nc/presentusevalue.htm and
http://www.co.forsyth.nc.us/tax/defermnt.htm
73. (USA-STATE-North Carolina-Counties) Forestland means land that is a part of a forest unit that is actively engaged in
the commercial growing of trees under a sound management program. Forestland includes wasteland that is a part of
the forest unit, but the wasteland included in the unit shall be appraised under the use value schedules as wasteland.
The requirements for a forestland deferment are as follows: May consist of more than one tract of forestland, but at
least one of the tracts must meet the qualification requirements and each tract must be under a sound management
program. One tract must consist of at least 20 acres that are in actual production and are not included in a farm unit. If
individually owned, the property must be the owner's residence or have been owned by the current owner or a relative
of the current owner for four years preceding January 1 of the year in which the benefit is claimed.
http://www.lincolncounty.org/County/Departments/Tax/LandUseValueQualifications.htm and
http://www.co.anson.nc.us/assessor/defermnt.htm, http://www.co.chatham.nc.us/dept/tax/web/Listing.htm
74. (USA-STATE-Ohio 2001) "Forest land" means land for which the primary purpose is the growing, managing and
harvesting of a merchantable forest product of commercial species under accepted silvicultural systems through
natural or artificial reforestation methods and for which there is an approved forest management plan. The forest land
shall consist of a stand or stands of commercial species of forest trees which contain at least fifty square feet of basal
area or at least three hundred stems per acre which shall be evenly distributed throughout the stand.
http://www.ohiodnr.com/forestry/rules/pdf/3-10-01.pdf and
http://auditor.cuyahoga.oh.us/auditor/appraisal/forestland.htm
75. (USA-STATE-Oklahoma 2003) Forest means a tract of land that is at least ten percent (10%) stocked by trees of any
size, whether of commercial or noncommercial species, or formerly having tree cover and not currently developed for
nonforest use, including woodlands, woodlots, windbreaks, and shelterbelts; www.lsb.state.ok.us/2003-
04SB/sb606_cs.rtf
76. (USA-STATE-Oklahoma) "Forests" means forest land that is at least ten percent (10%) stocked by forest trees of any
size, whether of commercial or noncommercial species, or formerly having such tree cover and not currently
developed for nonforest use, including woodlands, woodlots, windbreaks and shelterbelts; Source: §2-1301-102.
http://oklegal.onenet.net/oklegal-cgi/isearch
77. (USA-STATE-Oregon) "Forestland" means land zoned in a county comprehensive plan for forest or farm use that is
capable of producing commercial hardwood or softwood timber, regardless of the vegetation currently on the land.
http://arcweb.sos.state.or.us/rules/OARS_600/OAR_629/629_022.html
78. (USA-STATE-Oregon) Forestland" means forestland that is a parcel of land of more than 10 acres that has been
zoned in the comprehensive plan for exclusive farm use, forest use or farm and forest use and that is, as of the
assessment date for which value for the forest homesite is being determined: (a) Land that has as its highest and best
use the growing and harvesting of trees of a marketable species; (b) Land that has been designated as forestland
under ORS 321.257 to 321.390 or 321.805 to 321.825; or (c) Land that has been classified under ORS 321.705 to
321.765. http://www.savinggraves-us.org/or/laws/308a.htm
79. (USA-STATE-Oregon) Any land producing forest products. http://www.leg.state.or.us/ors/321.html and
http://www.leg.state.or.us/99reg/measures/sb1100.dir/sb1151.en.html
118
80. (USA-STATE-Oregon) Any land that is capable of producing or has produced forest growth or, if lacking forest growth,
has evidence of a former forest and is not now in other use.
http://rredc.nrel.gov/biomass/states/bio_glossary/glossary.html
81. (USA-STATE-Oregon) Forestland means land used for the growing and harvesting of forest tree species, regardless
of how the land is zoned, taxed or how any state statutes or local ordinances, rules or regulations are applied.
http://159.121.125.11/forasst/Library/Pub/UrbanFP.pdf, http://www.cof.orst.edu/cof/teach/for442/odfdefin.htm and
http://arcweb.sos.state.or.us/rules/OARS_600/OAR_629/629_600.html
82. (USA-STATE-Oregon) Land at least 10% stocked by forest trees of any size, including land that formerly had such
tree cover and that will be regenerated. Strips of forest must have a crown width of 36.58 meters to qualify as
forestland. http://159.121.125.11/rp/Far/crt5ind26.asp#SelectRef
83. (USA-STATE-Oregon) Land that is used for the growing and harvesting of forest tree species.
http://www.law.utexas.edu/dawson/nuisance/or_nuis.htm
84. (USA-STATE-Oregon-Klamath County) Forest lands are (1) lands composed of existing and potential forest lands
suitable for commercial forest uses; (2) other forested lands needed for watershed protection, wildlife and fish habitat,
and recreation; (3) lands where extreme conditions of climate, soil and topography require the maintenance of
vegetative cover irrespective of use; and (4) other forested lands in urban and agricultural areas that provide urban
buffers, wind breaks, wildlife and fish habitat, livestock, scenic corridors and recreation use.
http://www.co.klamath.or.us/ComDevelopment/Planning/GOAL4.pdf
85. (USA-STATE-Oregon-Multnomah Co.) - Those lands used or suitable for the production of forest products.
http://www2.co.multnomah.or.us/Community_Services/LUT-
Planning/urban/CRGNSAPlan/PartII/NSAMP_PII_C2Forest.htm
86. (USA-STATE-Pennsylvania) Land used for the long-term production of wood, wood fiber or wood-derived products;
watershed protection or site stabilization and for the production, protection and management of species of fish and
wildlife. Land used for facilities in support of forestry and watershed management operations which is adjacent to or
an integral part of these operations is also included. http://www.pacode.com/secure/data/025/0088.html
87. (USA-STATE-Rhode Island) -Forestland means any tract or contiguous tracts of land, five (5) acres or more bearing
a dense growth of trees, young regenerating forest, and having either the quality of selfperpetuation, or being
dependent upon its development by the planting and replanting.
http://www.state.ri.us/dem/pubs/regs/regs/forest/altgrant.pdf
88. (USA-STATE-Rhode Island) I.2.c. Forestland - In this report, forestland is defined in the same way as "commercial
forestland," and is based on the standard definition developed by the USDA Forest Service. According to the Forest
Service, "Commercial forestland is land that is capable of producing more than 20 cubic feet of biomass per acre per
year." http://rredc.nrel.gov/biomass/doe/rbep/ri_wd_waste/one.html
89. (USA-STATE-Rhode Island) The term "forest land" means any tract or contiguous tracts of land, ten (10) acres or
larger bearing a dense growth of trees, including any underbrush thereon, and having either the quality of self
perpetuation, or being dependent upon its development by the planting and replanting of trees in stands of closely
growing timber, actively managed under a forest management plan approved by the director of environmental
management. http://farm.fic.niu.edu/fic/laws/state/ri44271.html and
http://www.state.ri.us/dem/pubs/regs/regs/agric/ffosimp.pdf
90. (USA-STATE-South Carolina 2009) Forest land" or "forest" means land supporting a stand or potential stand of trees
valuable for timber products, watershed or wildlife protection, recreational uses, or for other purposes. South Carolina
South Carolina Code of Laws (Unannotated) Current through the end of the 2009 Session
http://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t48c029.htm and http://www.lpitr.state.sc.us/code/t48c029.htm
91. (USA-STATE-South Dakota 1998) Forest land: Land at least 10 percent stocked by forest trees of any size, including
land that formerly had such tree cover and that will be naturally or artificially regenerated. Forest land includes (a)
transition zones, such as areas between forested and nonforested lands that are at least 10 percent stocked with
forest trees, and forest areas adjacent to urban and built-up lands, (b) pinion-juniper and chaparral areas. The
minimum area for classification of forest land is 1 acre (0.4 ha); roadside, streamside, and shelterbelt strips of trees
must have a crown width of at least 120 ft (36.6 m); unimproved roads and trails, streams, and clearings in forest
areas are classified as forest if less than 120 ft (36.6 m) wide. Source - The Dictionary of Forestry, 1998, published by
the Society of American Foresters, John A. Helms, editor. Greg.Josten@state.sd.us
92. (USA-STATE-Tennessee) "Forest land" means land constituting a forest unit engaged in the growing of trees under a
sound program of sustained yield management or any tract of fifteen (15) or more acres having tree growth in such
quantity and quality and so managed as to constitute a forest; Source:
http://farm.fic.niu.edu/fic/laws/state/tn675100.html and http://www.padctn.com/greenbelt_law.htm
93. (USA-STATE-Texas) "Forest land" means land on which the trees are potentially valuable for timber products,
protection of watersheds, wildlife habitat, recreational uses, or for other purposes, but does not include land within the
incorporated limits of a village, town, or city. http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/statutes/nr/nr0015200.html
119
94. (USA-STATE-Texas) Forest land means land on which the trees are potentially valuable for timber products.
http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/texaswater/rivers/riddellcriminaltrespass.phtml
95. (USA-STATE-Vermont) (9) "Managed forest land" means any land, exclusive of any housesite, which is at least 25
acres in size and which is under active forest management for the purpose of growing and harvesting repeated forest
crops in accordance with accepted forest management practices. There shall be a presumption that land is under
active forest management if at least 50 percent of the land: (A) is certified to be a "tree farm" under the American Tree
Farm System; (B) has qualified for a federal cost-sharing forest improvement program, and that program has actually
been carried out within the past five years; (C) is certified by the county forester as conforming with accepted forest
management practices; or (D) conforms with such criteria for managed forest land as are accepted by the board;
Source: Vt. Stat. Ann. tit. 32, §§ 3751 to 3775 http://farm.fic.niu.edu/fic/laws/state/vt323751.html
96. (USA-STATE-Vermont) Forest land means any land, exclusive of any housesite, which is under active forest
management for the purpose of growing and harvesting repeated forest crops.
www.leg.state.vt.us/statutes/fullchapter.cfm?Title=24&Chapter=075.
97. (USA-STATE-Virginia 1997) Forest Land - Land at least 10 percent stocked by trees of any size or formerly having
had such tree cover and not currently built-up or developed for agricultural use. Forestland may include Grassland,
Shrubland, Treeland, Wetland, and/or Barren land. Examples of forest land use are grazing, recreation, and timber
production. See Forest Land Class for further breakdowns. Virginia Fire Law defines forestland as 80 woody stems
per acre http://www.dof.virginia.gov/edu/glossary.htm#F
98. (USA-STATE-Virginia 2000) Forestland is defined as lands with at least a stocking of 10% cover of live forest trees of
any size, or formerly having such tree cover, and not currently developed for non-forest use. The minimum area for
classification of forestland is usually 1 acre with a minimum width of 120 feet stem-to-stem. Forested strips must be at
least 120 feet wide for a continuous length of at least 363 feet in order to meet the acre threshold. Unimproved roads
and trails, and clearings in forest areas are classified as forest if less than 120 feet wide or smaller than 1 acre.
http://www.dof.virginia.gov/gis/dwnld-vaforest2000-faq.shtml
99. (USA-STATE-Virginia-Ablemarle County 2010) - Land used for forestal use must be a minimum of twenty acres and
must include standing timber and trees devoted to tree growth in such quantity and so spaced and maintained as to
constitute a forest area. Requires a minimum of 20 or more contiguous unimproved acres exclusively devoted to
forestal use with no livestock access. Forestal acreage with livestock access must be qualified under the agricultural
use category. Forestal participants are required to have a forest management plan prepared by a forestry professional
or a letter of intent stating that the land will be forested. http://www.albemarle.org/department.asp?
department=finance&relpage=3309
100. (USA-STATE-Virginia-Loudoun Coounty) To qualify for this category, the property must be a minimum of twenty
acres and must meet the standards for productive forestland or nonproductive forestland.
http://www.co.loudoun.va.us/finserv/landuse2.htm
101. (USA-STATE-Washington 1996) Land primarily devoted to growing trees for long-term commercial timber
production on land that can be economically and practically managed for such production, including Christmas trees
subject to the excise tax imposed under RCW 84.33.100 through 84.33.140, and that has long-term commercial
significance. In determining whether forest land is primarily devoted to growing trees for long-term commercial timber
production on land that can be economically and practically managed for such production, the following factors shall
be considered: (a) The proximity of the land to urban, suburban, and rural settlements; (b) surrounding parcel size and
the compatibility and intensity of adjacent and nearby land uses; (c) long-term local economic conditions that affect
the ability to manage for timber production; and (d) the availability of public facilities and services conductive to
conversion of forest land to other uses. 1994 State Legislature
http://www.gmaboards.wa.gov/eastern/ew_decisions/ew1996/96-1-
0017,ellensburg,orderoncomplianceandinvalidity.htm
102. (USA-STATE-Washington 1996) Land primarily useful for growing trees, including Christmas trees subject to the
excise tax imposed under RCW 84.33.100 through 84.33.140, for commercial purposes, and that has long-term
commercial significance for growing trees commercially. The Growth Management Act RCW 36.70A.30(8).
http://www.gmaboards.wa.gov/eastern/ew_decisions/ew1996/96-1-
0017,ellensburg,orderoncomplianceandinvalidity.htm
103. (USA-STATE-Washington 2001) Forest land" means all land which is capable of supporting a merchantable
stand of timber and is not being actively used for a use which is incompatible with timber growing. Forest land does
not include agricultural land that is or was enrolled in the conservation reserve enhancement program by contract if
such agricultural land was historically used for agricultural purposes and the landowner intends to continue to use the
land for agricultural purposes in the future. http://www.leg.wa.gov/sl/2001-02/5497-s_sl.pdf
104. (USA-STATE-Washington) (3) "Timber land" means any parcel of land that is five or more acres or multiple
parcels of land that are contiguous and total five or more acres which is or are devoted primarily to the growth and
harvest of forest crops for commercial purposes. Wash. Rev. Code secs. 84.34.010 to - .922
http://farm.fic.niu.edu/fic/laws/state/wa8434.html
120
105. (USA-STATE-Washington) State Tax Assessment- Any parcel of land twenty or more acres in size or multiple
parcels of land that are contiguous and total twenty acres or more in size that is primarily used for the growth and
harvesting of timber. http://www.sanjuancounty.org/assessor/dfl.html
106. (USA-STATE-Washington-Bainbridge Island 2004) Land used for growing trees, not including Christmas trees, for
commercial purposes (as shown by record of income) that has long-term commercial significance; or unharvested
forest land preserved in open space for the environmental benefits and maintenance of rural character.
http://www.ci.bainbridge-isl.wa.us/documents/CompPlan2004_Glossary.pdf
107. (USA-STATE-Washington-San Juan County) - Timber Land means any parcel of land that is five or more acres or
multiple parcels of land that are contiguous and total five or more acres which is or are devoted primarily to the growth
and harvest of forest crops for commercial purposes. http://www.co.san-juan.wa.us/assessor/current.aspx
108. (USA-STATE-Washington-San Juan County) Land designated as forest land means any parcel of land twenty or
more acres in size or multiple parcels of land that are contiguous and total twenty acres or more in size that is
primarily used for the growth and harvesting of timber. Forest land refers only to the land. http://www.co.san-
juan.wa.us/assessor/default.asp?page=dfl
109. (USA-STATE-Washington-Stevens County) Forestland means all land in contiguous ownership of 20 or more
acres; which is primarily devoted to and used for growing and harvesting timber.
http://www.co.stevens.wa.us/assessor/Current%20Land%20Use/PDF%20docs/continuance.PDF
110. (USA-STATE-Wisconsin 2003) "Forest Land" means any area on which trees exist, standing or fallen, alive or
dead, that are primarily grown because they are valuable for forest products, watershed or wildlife protection or non-
residential recreational uses in contrast to areas where shade or ornamental trees are grown primarily because they
are valuable for landscape, aesthetic, agricultural or similar purposes.
http://www.wra.org/pdf/government/landuse/Proposal_Shoreland_Changes2003.pdf
111. (USA-STATE-Wyoming 2002) Forestry means land used or managed for the long-term production of wood, wood
fiber, or wood-derived products. http://www.osmre.gov/stateregs/wyregschap1.txt (2002)
1. (INDONESIA-Papua-2002) Forest means a unit of ecosystem in the form of lands comprising biological resources,
dominated by trees in their natural forms and environment, which can not be separated each other.
http://74.125.93.132/search?q=cache:bwzUkrDvEFsJ:www.papuaweb.org/dlib/lap/sullivan/perdasi-
perdasus/forestry.rtf+%22forest+means%22&cd=215&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us&client=safari
2. (Russia Khabarovsk Krai 1999) Forest is defined as the totality of forest vegetation, land, wildlife, and other
components of the environment having important ecological, economic and social significance.
http://wenku.baidu.com/view/d74f09d349649b6648d747c8.html
3. (USA-STATE-California 2002) Forest means lands that support, or can support, at least 10 percent tree canopy
cover and that allow for management of one or more forest resources including timber, fish and wildlife, biodiversity,
water quality, recreation, aesthetics and other public benefits.
http://www.climatechange.ca.gov/publications/legislation/SB_812.PDF
4. (USA-STATE-California) "Forest land" means timberland defined pursuant to subdivision (g), and other lands that
have been withdrawn from timber production, such as units of the state park system, national parks, and wilderness
areas. http://caselaw.lp.findlaw.com/cacodes/prc/4789-4789.7.html
5. (USA-STATE-Georgia 2003) - 'Forest' means lands that support, or can support, at least 10 percent tree canopy cover
and that allow for management of one or more forest resources including but not limited to timber, fish and wildlife,
biodiversity, water quality, air quality, soil conservation, recreation, aesthetics, or other benefits.
http://www.legis.state.ga.us/legis/2003_04/fulltext/sb356.htm
6. (USA-STATE-Indiana 1999) Sec. 1. For the purpose of property taxation, forest land may be classified and assessed
under this chapter if the land satisfies the conditions prescribed in this chapter for classification as native forest land or
a forest plantation. (Formerly: Acts 1975, P.L.47, SEC.1.) IC 6-1.1-6-2 Sec. 2. Land may be classified as a forest
plantation if it is cleared land which has growing on it a good stand of timber producing trees as that concept is
understood by competent foresters. (Formerly: Acts 1975, P.L.47, SEC.1.) IC 6-1.1-6-3 Sec. 3. Land may be classified
as native forest land if it has never been plowed or cultivated and contains at least forty (40) square feet of basal area
per acre or at least one thousand (1,000) timber producing trees, of any size, per acre. (Formerly: Acts 1975, P.L.47,
SEC.1.) IC 6-1.1-6-4 Sec. 4. For purposes of this chapter, the following types of trees are not considered timber
producing trees: dogwoods (Cornus); water-beech (Carpinus); ironwood (Ostrya); red bud (Cercis); sassafras;
persimmon; pawpaw; black haw; willows (Salix); pomaceous trees; and Christmas trees which are grown for
commercial purposes. (Formerly: Acts 1975, P.L.47, SEC.1.). Source: Chapter 6. Assessment of Certain Forest Lands
IC 6-1.1-6-1http://www.state.in.us/legislative/ic/1999/title6/ar1.1/ch6.html
121
7. (USA-STATE-Minnesota) "Forest land" means land which is at least ten percent stocked by trees of any size and
capable of producing timber, or of exerting an influence on the climate or on the water regime; land from which the
trees described above have been removed to less than ten percent stocking and which has not been developed for
other use; and afforested areas. Source: Section: 88.01 continued...
http://www.revisor.leg.state.mn.us:81/SEARCH/BASIS/mnstat/public/www/DDW?W%3DTEXT+PH+IS+
%27forest+means%27+ORDER+BY+SORT_KEY/Ascend%26M%3D1%26K%3D88.01%26R%3DY%26U
%3D20%26PCU%3D1
8. (USA-STATE-Mississippi 2008) Forestland -- Land which is currently producing (or, in some cases, capable of
producing) a forest. http://msucares.com/pubs/publications/p1250.pdf
9. (USA-STATE-Montana) "Forest land" means land that has enough timber, standing or down, slash, or brush to
constitute in the judgment of the department a fire menace to life or property. Grassland and agricultural areas are
included when those areas are intermingled with or contiguous to and no further than one-half mile from areas of
forest land. http://www.dnrc.state.mt.us/forestry/classifi.htm and http://www.discoveringmontana.com/racicot/eo/21-22-
23Background.htm
10. (USA-STATE-Nebraska) Nebraska accepts the definitions of forestland, forest, etc. as defined in the U.S. Forest
Service's Forest Inventory and Analysis program. ghergenr@unlnotes.unl.edu.
11. (USA-STATE-New Hampshire) "Forestland'' means all lands in this state, except those owned and managed by the
United States of America, which by reason of their location and character of soil have the capacity to grow trees and
the continuance of which under forest cover is of substantial importance to the public interest.
http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/rsa/html/XIX-A/227-G/227-G-2.htm
12. (USA-STATE-New Jersey) A "forest" means and includes any forest, brush land, grass land, salt marsh, wooded area
and any combination thereof, including but not limited to, an open space area, public lands, wetlands, park lands,
natural habitats, a State conservation area, a wildlife refuge area or any other designated undeveloped open space
whether or not it is subject to specific protection under law.
http://www.judiciary.state.nj.us/criminal/charges/arson2.htm
13. (USA-STATE-New York) "Forest land" includes not only lands which may be covered with tree growth but also lands
which are best adapted to forests. http://assembly.state.ny.us/cgi-bin/claws?law=37&art=12
14. (USA-STATE-North Dakota) "Forest" means an area of land normally supporting a growth of planted tree cover,
woodlands, or windbreaks. http://www.legis.nd.gov/cencode/t57c57.pdf
15. (USA-STATE-Oregon) "Forestland" means any woodland, brushland, timberland, grazing land or clearing, which,
during any time of the year, contains enough forest growth, slashing or vegetation to constitute, in the opinion of the
forester, a fire hazard, regardless of how the land is zoned or taxed. Source: 526.005 Definitions
http://www.leg.state.or.us/ors/526.html
16. (USA-STATE-Oregon-Yamhill County) Forest land is land which either is being held or used predominantly to grow
and harvest trees of a; marketable species and has been designated as forest land or is land the highest and best use
of which is to grow and harvest such trees. A. Land may qualify if the designated area is at least two contiguous acres
of bare land or two contiguous acres plus one homesite of improved land in one ownership. B. The land must meet
one of the following stocking requirements: 1.Trees of a marketable species must be growing on the land, and there
must be at least a minimum number of these trees per acre according to the rules established by the state forester.
Call the state forester, extension service or your county assessor for more information. 2.If the land does not meet the
requirements in (1) above, the owner must give the assessor a written management plan for establishing trees to
meet the minimum stocking requirements. At least one-fifth (20 percent), but not less than two acres, of the area in the
plan shall be planted by December 31 of the first assessment year that the land is designated as forest land. Each
additional year thereafter, a minimum of 1/5 (20 percent) of the area shall be planted, in addition to the previous year's
requirements. At the end of the fifth year after designation is approved by the assessor, 100 percent of the area in the
plan must be planted. Extensions to planting requirements may be granted by the assessor if a loss of planted stock
occurs due to conditions beyond the control of the land owner. http://www.co.yamhill.or.us/assessor/bin/forest.htm
17. (USA-STATE-Pennsylvania) Forests are defined as ecosystems dominated by trees, but with other components such
as shrubs, herbs, mammals, birds, insects, microscopic creatures, soil, air, water, and the interactive processes that
bind them together. http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/forestry/sfrmp/overview.htm#sustainability
2.3.5 Questions:
1. What is a "Forest?"
2. What are the thresholds for determining?
3. What is the source of information on forests?
4. You will note that the definitions for some countries like Norway and Finland indicate that "forest" land are lands
capable of producing a minimum volume per ha. Certainly much of the agriculture land in those countries could
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produce that volume if it were in forest. There must be some other criteria that are considered in the definition of forest
land for these two countries that is unwritten. The question is what are the additional criteria?
The answers have a bearing on how "deforestation, reforestation, and afforestation" may be defined and interpreted.
2.4 TREE Etymology: Middle English, from Old English treow. dreu-. To be firm, solid, steadfast; hence specialized
senses wood, tree, and derivatives referring to objects made of wood. http://www.bartleby.com/61/52/T0335200.html
and http://www.bartleby.com/61/roots/IE87.html\
As indicated above, many definitions of "forest" included the term "tree." Therefore, we also need to understand what is
considered a "tree." Many of the above forest definitions included definitions of "tree." Several have built-in height
thresholds varying from 2-15 m. (For reference, shrubs may be considered - a vegetation type where the dominant woody
elements are shrubs which grow to a height of more than 50 cm and less than 5 metres on maturity. The height limits for
trees and shrubs should be interpreted with flexibility http://europa.eu.int/comm/dg08/forests/en/en4_6.htm)
As of 13 December 2017, there are 246 definitons of trees listed below.
2.4.1 Definitions
1. (Antigua and Barbuda 1941) - Timber - Any kind of growing tree except brushwood or trees growing on cultivated
lands or on cleared lands or pasture lands on any estate. Forestry Act. 1941. Craig and Diann laynec@candw.ag .
2. (Argentina) Woody plant with a defined stem and canopy clearly formed with secondary growth and lignificated
tissues. "Mirta Rosa Larrieu"milarr@sagyp.mecon.ar
3. (Argentina 2009) Tree, mature native. - An autochthonous weedy species, with a central stem, whcih ramifies from
above ground level. Includes palm trees. Presidential Regulation Order (Presidencia de la Nacin Argentina 2009)
4. (Australia Tasmania 1985) A tree is any living or dead woody plant and includes seedlings and regrowth.
http://www.fpa.tas.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0019/58114/A_guide_to_planning_approvals_for_forestry_in_Tasman
ia_Nov_2011.pdf
5. (Australia) A woody plant at least 5 metres high, with a main axis the lower part of which is usually unbranched -
http://155.187.10.12/glossary/fl-aust.html
6. (AustraliaNSW Penrith City) A perennial plant with a self-supporting stem which: (a) has a girth of 30cm or more,
measured at a distance of 40cm above ground; and (b) has a height in excess of 3m.
www.penrithcity.nsw.gov.au/PCC/tree.htm
7. (Australia-NSW 1938) - A perennial plant having a self-supporting woody stem or trunk which usually develops woody
branches (under the Soil Conservation Act, 1938 a tree includes sapling, shrub or scrub).
http://www.forest.nsw.gov.au/education/glossary/default.asp#Ltr_W
8. (Australia-NSW) - A woody plant usually with a single distinct trunk and generally more than 5 m high.
http://155.187.10.12/glossary/fl-nsw.html
9. (Australia-Victoria) Includes trees, shrubs, bushes, seedlings, saplings and reshoots whether alive or dead of any
genus, species or variety usually growing in a forest and includes every part of such tree.
http://www.dse.vic.gov.au/dse/nrenfor.nsf/FID/-9A9762E4B40E608F4A256AB1000306D0?OpenDocument
10. (Bahamas 2010) Trees includes any perennial plant with a self supporting stem, shrubs, bushes, palms, stumps,
seedlings, saplings and coppice shoots the species of which may reach a height of ten feet or more. Bahamas
Forestry Act of 2010. http://www.bahamasforestry.com/docs/ForestryAct2010.pdf
11. (Bangladesh 1927) Tree includes palms, bamboos, stumps, brush-wood and canes. LEX-FAOC006895.
BANGLADESH: Forest Act, 1927. Date of text: 1927.
12. (Barbados 1981) Applies to any tree the circumference of which is one metre or more at a point half a metre or more
from the ground but does not apply to a tree the killing of which if for the prevention of imminent danger or is in
compliance with an obligation under any other enactment. LEX-FAOC002736. BARBADOS: Trees (Preservation) Act,
1981 (Act No. 49). Date of text: 07 December 1981.
13. (Belgium-Wallonie) A woody plant with a single main stem (the trunk), that is unbranched near the ground; some trees
(e.g. oak, ([Quercus]) and ash ([Fraxinus])) have multi-trunked forms. At the end of each growing season there is no
die-back of aerial parts, apart from the loss of foliage. Trees which are able to reach a height of 5m at maturity.
http://mrw.wallonie.be/cgi/dgrne/sibw/eunis.glo.pl?WORD=tree
14. (Belize) Includes shrubs, bushes, palms, bamboos, creepers, canes, stumps, seedlings, saplings and coppice shoots.
[LEX-FAOC002737] BELIZE: Forests Ordinance (Chapter 176).
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15. (Bolivia) RBOL: Planta perenne de tronco leoso y elevado que se ramifica a cierta altura del suelo; constituye un
elemento de bosque, pero en forma individual tiene una existencia limitada. Source: Luis Castello
faopaf@caoba.entelnet.bo Adjunto srvase encontrar la versin no oficial y premilinar del Glosario Forestal elaborado
por el Proyecto de Apoyo a la Coordinacin e Implementacin del Plan de Accin Forestal para Bolivia
16. (Botswana 1968) Includes palms, shrubs, bushes, climbers, seedlings, saplings and regrowth of all ages and of all
kinds, and any part thereof. [LEX-FAOC002748] BOTSWANA: Forest Act. Date of consolidation/reprint: 1976. Date of
original text: 10 March 1968. http://www.mewt.gov.bw/uploads/files/forest_act.pdf
17. (Bulgaria 1988) Tree - species with long-living stems, from 3-5 m up to 150 m high (Delkov, N., 1988, Dendrology).
Forest Research Institute <forestin@bulnet.bg>
18. (Canada) [arbre] A woody, perennial plant generally with a single, well-defined stem and a more or less definitely
formed crown. Source: "Forest Inventory Terms in Canada." From: "Haddon, Brian" <BHaddon@nrcan.gc.ca and
http://www.pfc.cfs.nrcan.gc.ca/landscape/inventory/terms/haddon/glossary.html#T
19. (Canada-Alberta) - Woody, single-stemmed perennial plants which reach a mature height of at least 3 m.
http://www.agric.gov.ab.ca/agdex/100/3400600.html
20. (Canada-British Columbia) - Any living, erect, woody plant which is: 5 metres (16.3 feet) or more in height; or 10
centimetres (3.9 inches) or more in diameter measured 1.5 metres above the ground.
www.civicinfo.bc.ca/Local_Content/legal-information/622.doc
21. (Canada-Calgary) Any perennial woody plant that normally has one or few upright stems and is maintained as a tree
and includes plants designated as trees by the General Manager, Parks;
http://www.calgary.ca/docgallery/BU/cityclerks/23M2002.pdf
22. (Canada-Ontario-Guelph) Tree means and includes any Deciduous or Coniferous growing tree that has a minimum
height of 4.5 metres (15 feet) and a minimum diameter or 75 millimetres (3 inches) at a point one metre above ground
level. http://www.city.guelph.on.ca/uploaddocuments/d2169+Tree.pdf
23. (Canada-Ontario-Halton and York) Any species of woody plant which has reached or can reach an average height of
at least 5 metres (15 feet) at physiological maturity. http://www.region.halton.on.ca/PPW/archives/by-79-83.pdf and
http://www.region.york.on.ca/Services/Forestry/Tree+By-Law/default+tree+by+law.htm
24. (Canada-Ontario-Simcoe) Any species of woody plant which has reached or can reach an average height of at least 5
metres (15 feet) at physiological maturity; http://www.county.simcoe.on.ca/services/forestry/bylaw.shtml
25. (Canada-Ontario-Stratford 2003) Any shade or ornamental tree, all or part of which is located on, above or below a
public highway. http://www.city.stratford.on.ca/documents/bylaws/by_law_5_2003.pdf
26. (Cape Verde 1998) rvore - As rvores, os arbustos e as formaes herbceas, com excepo das cultivadas ou
destinadas a fins agrcolas; LEX-FAOC013213. CAPE VERDE: Forestry Act (No. 48/V/98).
27. (Chile 2008) rbol: planta de fuste generalmente leoso, que en su estado adulto y en condiciones normales de
hbitat puede alcanzar, a lo menos, cinco metros de altura, o una menor en condiciones ambientales que limiten su
desarrollo. Tree: usually woody stem plant, which in its adult stage and normal habitat can reach, at least, five meters
high, or minor in environmental conditions that limit their development.
http://www.conaf.cl/cms/editorweb/transparencia/potestades/Ley-20283_bn.pdf
28. (Costa Rica) - Planta perenne de tronco leoso y elevado que se ramifica a mayor o menor altura del suelo, que es
fuente de materia prima que origina industrias como aserraderos, fabricas de tableros, de chapa, de fsforos, de
celulosa, de aceites esenciales, de resinas y taninos"(Reglamento a la Ley Forestal 7575).
29. (Cuba) Arbol: Planta de fuste generalmente leoso, con la presencia de un solo tallo dominante en la base, que en su
estado adulto y en condiciones normales de hbitat puede alcanzar, no menos de 5 metros de altura, o una menor en
condiciones ambientales negativas que limiten su desarrollo. "Nelida Puentes Alvarez" npuentes@eco.upr.edu.cu
30. (Cyprus)- A woody perennial plant, typically large and with a well-defined stem carrying a more or less definite crown
and with a minimum height of 5 m. A.K. Christou "Forestry Department - Research and Publicity Sector"
publicity@cytanet.com.cy
31. (Estonia) [puud] - Long-lived higher plants with lignified stem. Estonian Encyclopedia From: "Sulev Svilponis"
Sulev@ekm.envir.ee. Definitions are unofficial translations.
32. (Ethiopia 1994) Trees. are defined as ..any woody plant regardless of its, species, age, size including bamboo, reeds
and palms as well as other plants to be designated as .trees by the Ministry. (Art.2.4). The definition given to .forest.
and .trees. in the SNNPRS Forestry Proclamation is similar to that given in the Federal Proclamation (Arts.2.3 and 2.8
of Proclamation No.77/2004).
33. (Ethiopia 2007) "tree" means any woody plant regardless of its species, age or size and includes bamboo, reeds and
palms as well as other plants to be designated as such by the Ministry; http://www.pfmp-farmsos.org/Docs/forest
%20proclamation_english.pdf
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34. (Ethopia) A ligneous perennial species with a single (and occasionally double) stem. The distinction b/n woody shrub
and small tree also need the knowledge of the species, as well as the ecology.
http://www.dse.de/zel/landinfo/pas/tk247_lup_eth/forest_inventory.pdf.
35. (European Environment Agency)- Any large woody perennial plant with a distinct trunk giving rise to branches or
leaves at some distance from the ground.(Source: CED) European Environment Agency (EEA), European Topic
Centre on Catalogue of Data Sources (ETC/CDS) : General Multilingual Environmental Thesaurus Term Detail.
http://www.epa.gov/trs
36. (Fiji 2000) Includes trees, shrubs and bushes of all kinds, seedlings, saplings and re-shoots of all ages, climbers and
creepers and any part of the tree. Malakai Sevudredre, Conservator of Forests, F.9641/2. 01/06/2000.
37. (Fiji) Tree - "trees" include trees, shrubs and bushes of all kinds, seedlings, saplings and re-shoots of all ages,
climbers and creepers and any part of the tree. http://www.paclii.org/fj/legis/consol_act_OK/fa98/
38. (Finland) trees (5 m tall, clear trunk): Guide book for woody plants in Finland. Seppo Ruotsalainen
<Seppo.Ruotsalainen@metla.fi
39. (France) tree = arbre : plante ligneuse dote d'une corce, d'une assise subrophellodermique et d'une tige capable
d'atteindre 8 mtres de hauteur (les Palmiers ne sont donc pas des arbres) "Michel Godron"
<michel.godron@libertysurf.fr
40. (Gambia) - A woody perennial plant typically large that has the potential of growing to more than three meters and with
a single well defined stem carrying a more or less defined crown, and includes palm. Source: Danso A. A. Forestry
Department <forestry.dept@gamtel.gm
41. (Ghana 1999) A tall plant that can usually last for long period of time. A tree also has a thick central wooden stem or
the trunk from which branches grow, which normally bears the leaves. (Osei Kofi, Forestry Dept.- Letter 7 May 99)
42. (Grenada 1949) Includes palms, bamboos, stumps, brushwood and canes. LEX-FAOC005062. GRENADA: Forest,
Soil and Water Conservation Ordinance. An ordinance to make provision for the conservation of forest, soil, water and
other natural resources of the Colony. Date of original text: 01 August 1949.
43. (Guatemala) - Planta leosa con fuste y copa definida. (Decreto 106-96, capitulo II: definiciones; art. 4)
44. (India 1927) "tree" includes palms, bamboos, skumps, brush-wood and canes.
http://envfor.nic.in/legis/forest/forest4.html
45. (India Kerala) Any woody plant whether fruit bearing or not and includes bamboos.
http://www.kerala.gov.in/law_reforms/12_treegroth.pdf
46. (India Madhya Pradesh 1927) The act goes on to define the trees that include palms, bamboos, stumps, brushwood
and canes. http://banajata.org/pdf/state-level/chattisgarh.pdf
47. (India Mizoram 2010) Tree includes palms, bamboos, stumps, brushwood and canes; Mizoram (Forest) Act,19553.
http://www.forest.mizoram.gov.in/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=127
48. (India Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry 2008?) Tree - Includes any tree seedling, sapling, transplant or coppice shoot of
any age and any root, branch or other part.
49. (India) - In this report, denotes all perennial woody vegetation (including bamboos, palms, coconut, neem, peepal, fruit
trees, etc.). It excludes non-perennial non-woody species (e.g., banana) and tall shrubs or climbers (e.g., lantana or
canes). For the purpose of assessing tree cover, only those trees having diameter of 10 cm or more at breast height
(1.37 m) have been considered. In case of trees having multiple branches below breast height, the individual stems
with diameter over 10 cm at breast height have been considered as individual trees http://moef.gov.in/nfc/s-git.pdf
50. (India) - The term used in this report refers to the notional area covered by crown of trees that is too small to be
delineated by digital interpretation of remote sensing data used for forest cover delineation. http://moef.gov.in/nfc/s-
git.pdf
51. (Isle of Man) The term "tree" is generally not defined. In certain Acts the term is given a special meaning, e.g. - In the
Forestry Act "trees" is defined as including shrubs. "IOM Gov DAFF" <daff@gov.im
52. (Israel) Tree: A plant with woody stem (s), with height at maturity of 4 meters or higher. From: GilS@kkl.org.il
53. (Japan) A woody perennial plant whose cambium makes secondary growth (often includes tree ferns and bamboo).
High tree : a tree with enough height ( usually more than 5m ) and with a stem readily distinguishable from branches.
Low tree : a tree with a certain height limit and the general absence of a well-defined main stem. Yukichi Konohira
<Konohira@cc.tuat.ac.jp
54. (Kyrgyzstan) - A perennial plant with clearly defined stem, carrying side branches and with a top shoot. The whole
system of branches together with the corresponding part of the stem forms the crown. Tree is a widely spread life form
of plants, playing the major role in the forest and landscape formation. Source: Irina Yunusova irina@lesic.elcat.kg
55. (Lesotho 1998) Tree - Include any seedlings, saplings, transplant or coopice shoot of any age. Forestry Act 1998. Via
David May ISTF CVP Lesotho.
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56. (Lithuania) - A woody perennial plant, typically large and with a well defined stem or stem carrying a more or less
definite crown, attaining a minimum diameter 14 cm and a minimum height 11 m at maturity. Source: A. Kuliesis,
57. (Luxembourg) Elments ligneux prennes comportant un tronc principal unique ou , s'agissant de taillis, comprennant
plusieurs tiges, un houppier plus ou moins caractris. Source: Definitions De La Foret Utilisees Dans Le Cadre De
L'inventaire Forestier National Au Luxembourg (Marc Wagner)
58. (Malaysia 1984) -A wood perennial with a well-defined stem or trunk which supports a crown of branches and leaves
(except in coppice management systems) and of a species which is usually capable of reaching a height of 5 meter at
maturity in most of its distribution area. However, the legal definition under the Malaysian National Forestry Act 1984,
it is defined as to include roots, stumps, branches, stems, leaves, brush-wood, palms, bamboos, canes, and creepers.
From: hcthang@forestry.gov.my (Thang Hooi Chiew), Forestry Department Peninsular Malaysia
59. (Mauritius 1983) - "Tree" includes live or dead timber, shrubs, underwood, brushwood, bamboo, palm, branches and
twigs. (The Forests and Reserves Act 1983 - http://www.intnet.mu/iels/Forest_act_1983.htm)
60. (Mexico) (Arbol).- Planta leosa, usualmente de ms de tres metros de alto, cuyo tallo forma en su base un tronco
manifiesto y que ms arriba se ramifica formando una copa. Source: Glosario de Trminos de la Memoria del
Inventario Nacional Forestal Peridico y del Reglamento de la Ley Forestal from Unidad del Inventario
<varelah@servidor.unam.mx
61. (Morocco) Tree ( Arabic : Shajarah, French : Arbre, Spanish : Arbol) - Woody perennial plant with one main stem, and
a total height greater than 7 m. Mohammed Ellatifi, m.ellatifi@ellatifi.8m.com
62. (Myanmar 1992) Includes root, stump, stem, branch, bush, creeper, bamboo, cane, orchid and seedling. Source:
FOREST LAW State Law and Order Restoration Council Law No. 8/92 (3 November 1992)
http://sunsite.nus.edu.sg/apcel/dbase/myanmar/primary/myafor.html#ch1 and
63. (Nalms) A woody plant which at maturity is usually 6 meters (20 feet) or more in height and generally has a single
trunk, unbranched for 1 m or more above the ground, and a more or less definite crown; e.g., red maple (Acer
rubrum), northern white cedar (Thuja occidentalis) http://www.nalms.org/glossary/lkword_t.htm
64. (New Zealand 2011) Forest species - A tree species capable of reaching at least five metres in height at maturity in
the place that it is located, but does not include tree species grown or managed primarily for the production of fruit and
nut crops. For the purposes of the Forestry ETS, any woody vegetation (and including tree ferns) capable of reaching
5 metres in the place it is growing is considered to be a tree.
http://www.maf.govt.nz/portals/0/documents/forestry/forestry-ets/2011-ETS-look-up-tables-guide.pdf
65. (New Zealand 1949) - Includes not only timber trees, but also all other kinds of trees, shrubs, and bushes, seedlings,
saplings, cuttings, suckers, and shoots of every description. (from Forests Act 1949)
66. (Northern Mariana Islands) A physical, living plant structure that utilizes solar energy in combination with water
moisture and minerals in the ground to produce and contribute life sustaining oxygen for all other living organisms on
the planet. Source: Estanislao Villagomez stanvill@gtepacifica.net Division of Agriculture.
67. (Pakistan 1927) Tree includes palms, bamboos, stumps, brush-wood and canes. Pakistan Forest Act of 1927. Source:
Mumtaz Ahmad, Section Forest Officer, Pakistan Min. of Environment, Local Government, and Rural Development.
68. (Papua New Guinea) Any woody perennial plant that has a single stem (except coppices) and with a diameter greater
than 10 cm dbh and height of more than 5 metres and having a somewhat distinct crown shape. Vitus Ambia, Papua
New Guinea Forest Authority.
69. (Romania) - Wooden perennate plant, with a minimum 7 m height, able to accumulate vegetal biomass and to
reproduce itself. Source: Sorin Sfirlogea <sorinsf@rosilva.ro National Forests Administration.
70. (SADC 1997) Self-supporting, single stemmed for with a few definitive trunks branching about ground level. Woody
plants typically +/- 5 m in height. (Trevett 1997)
71. (SAF 1958) A woody plant having one well defined stem and a more or less definitely formed crown, usually attaining
a height of at least 8 feet. (SAF 1958)
72. (SAF 1971) A woody perennial plant, typically large and with a single well defined stem carrying a more or less
definite crown. (FORD-ROBERTSON 1971)
73. (Science: botany) A woody plant at least 5 metres high, with a main stem the lower part of which is usually
unbranched. http://www.biology-online.org/dictionary/Tree
74. (Seychelles) Bush vegetation: Mixture of cinnamon, prune de France and various tree species, generally lower than
10m. http://www.fstcu.org/national/seychell/vegtypes.htm . By default, a tree would be 10 m or greater.
75. (Sierra Leone 1988) Any woody vegetation. LEX-FAOC005732. SIERRA LEONE: Forestry Act, 1988. Being an Act to
make new provisions in the Law relating to Forestry in Sierra Leone and for connected purpose.
76. (SAF 1998) A woody perennial plant, typically large and with a well-defined stem or stems carrying a more or less
definite crown --note sometimes defined as attaining a minimum diameter of 5 in (12.7 cm) and a minimum height of
15 ft (4.6 m) at maturity, with no branches within 3 ft (1 m) of the ground". SAF (1998)
77. (Solomon Islands 1999) Includes any root, stump, stem, branch, brushwood, ung(?) tree or sapling. . [LEX-
FAOC018884] SOLOMON ISLANDS: Forests Act (No. 3 of 1999). Date of text: 24 September 1999.
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78. (South Africa) A woody single stemmed plant more than 3m in height or a woody multi-stemmed plant more than 5m
in height. From: Graeme Wild <GraemeW@za.sappi.com
79. (St. Lucia) A large woody plant with a clearly defined bale or stem and a well developed crown. Includes palms,
bamboos, stumps, brushwood and canes. (Source: Michael Andrew, chiefforest@maffe.org)
80. (Standard) - Trees within a coppiced woodland which are allowed to grow to maturity and traditionaly then felled or
large timber http://www.wildlifetrust.org.uk/herts/reserves/glossary.html#Acid
81. (Swazi Nation 1910) "brushwood" means any bushes, underwood or similar growths on Government land or on Swazi
nation land which are not included in the terms "indigenous timber" or "government timber";
www.sntc.org.sz/documents/ForestPreservationAct.do
82. (Swaziland 1951) Tree means the whole or any part of any tree as ordinarily understood or of shrub, bush, seedling,
transplant, sapling, reshoot, underbrush or regrowth. LEX-FAOC012388. SWAZILAND: Private forests Act 1951 (No.
3 of 1951). An Act to provide for the better regulation and protection of private forests in Swaziland.
83. (Swaziland) "tree" means a perennial plant having a self-supporting woody main stem or trunk and growing to a height
of not less than five feet, but does not include bushes or shrubs http://www.sntc.org.sz/legislat/sntcact1.html
84. (Sweden 2000) - Tree - able to reach 5 meters when soil fertility and surrounding environment optimal. For FRA 2000
- Source: UN/ECE 2000 p 87
85. (Taiwan, ROC) A woody plant having one well-defined stem and a more or less definitely formed crown, usually
attaining a DBH of at least 10cm, and all bamboo stands. Source: "ªL°§½service"
service@dns.forest.gov.tw
86. (Tanzania) - Includes palms, bamboos, canes, shrubs, bushes ,plants, poles, climbers, seedlings, saplings and
regrowth thereof, all ages and all kinds and part. From: Tanzania Forest policy, Roger Malimbwi, Faculty of Forestry
<forestry@sua.ac.tz
87. (Thailand) - Plant with gbh15 cm divided into 3 classes: gbh 16-45 cm, gbh 46-100 cm; gbh 100 cm. Songkram
Thammincha <fforskt@ku.ac.th
88. (Tonga 1961) Includes palms, shrubs, bushes, climbers, seedlings, saplings, and re-shoots of all ages and of all kinds,
and any part thereof. Forests Act 1961 (Chapter 126 of the 1988 Revised Edition of the Laws of Tonga). Via James
Barton jpbarton@xtra.co.nz
89. (Trinidad and Tobago) Tree - all species of trees listed in the second schedule and bamboo, palms and brushwood
found growing on state lands Forests Act: Chapter 66:01. Narine Lackhan, Director of Forestry.
90. (Turkey) The trees are the plants of at least 8 m., or more height, have crowns and the wooden stems, at any age or
diameter. Source: Turkey's Forest Law No.6831 - "Ersin Ylmaz" yilmazersin@hotmail.com
91. (Uganda 1947) - Includes trees palms, bamboo, canes shrubs bushes, climbers, seedlings, and re-growth of all ages
and of all kinds, and any part thereof. THE FORESTS ACT, 1947. An Act To Consolidate the Law Relating to Forests
and Forest Reserves.
92. (United Kingdom) A tree is only a tree if its trunk had a diameter of at least seven inches. Lord Demning.
http://www.bailii.org/ew/cases/EWHC/Admin/2009/220.html
93. (United Kingdom) Native Tree - Those trees that colonised the British Isles after the last ice age and before they were
cut off from the rest of Europe by the rising sea levels. Includes the island of Ireland as well as Britain. http://www.u-
net.com/trees/p4.htm.
94. (United Kingdom) Not easy to define, a tree is a woody plant that often grows to 6m (20ft) or more on a single stem.
Compare with shrub. http://www.woodlander.co.uk/cgi-bin/viewrecordsalpha.asp?page=2&letter=t
95. (United Kingdom) A tree is defined by its species, a list of tree species is given in Chapter 4 of
(http://www.forestry.cov.uk/website/foreststats./sources.html. From Stefania Pizzirani, Research Gate. 4 Feb. 2014.
96. (UN EP/EAP.AP) - Trees are woody plants land cover with a single well defined stem and more than 3 meters in
height. http://www.eapap.unep.org/lc/cd/html/training/module1.html
97. (UN FAO 1998) - A woody perennial plant with a single well defined stem or, in the case of coppice, with several
stems, carrying a more or less defined crown. Includes: a) bamboos, palms meeting the above criteria, b) trees as
described above being at least 3 m tall, c) woody plants without a tree-like appearance but being more than 5 m tall
(Choudhury and Jansen 1998).
98. (UN FAO 1998) - A woody perennial plant with a single, well defined stem carrying a more-or-less-defined crown and
being at least 3 m tall. Note: where a clear separation between trees and shrubs is too difficult to establish, a sub-
condition of Height is applied: a woody plant higher than 5 m is classified as a Tree; a woody plant lower than 5 m is
classified as a shrub. This general rule is subject to the following exception: a woody plant with the clear
physiognomic aspect of tree can be classified as a Tree even if the height is less than 5 m, but more than 3 m (Di
Gregorio and Jansen 1998).
99. (UN FAO 2000 and 2005) A woody perennial with a single main stem or, in the case of coppice with several stems,
having a more or less definite crown. Includes: Bamboos, palms another woody plants meeting the above criterion
127
(UN-ECE/FAO 1997 and FAO 1998). and
http://unfccc.int/files/methods_and_science/lulucf/application/pdf/060830_killmann.pdf
100. (USA-Congress-OTA 1984) A woody perennial plant having a single, usually elongate, main stem generally with
few or no branches on its lower part. http://govinfo.library.unt.edu/ota/Ota_4/DATA/1984/8426.PDF
101. (USA-FED-5WAY 1985) Tree. (III) A woody plant usually having one erect perennial stem at least 7.5 cm in
diameter at breast height at maturity: a more or less definitely formed crown of foliage, and a height of at least 5 m at
maturity (Land Use and Land Cover Common Terminology Work Group 1985).
102. (USA-FED-Census 1870) Trees grow to 30 feet or higher. http://memory.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/r?
ammem/gmd:@field(NUMBER+@band(g3701gm+gct00008))
103. (USA-FED-DA-FS 1979) A woody plant having one erect perennial stem or trunk at least 3 inches (7.5
centimeters) in diameter at breast height (4 1/2 feet or 1.3 meters), a more or less definitely formed crown of foliage,
and a height of at least 13 feet (4meters) (LITTLE 1979)
104. (USA-FED-DA-FS 1989) A woody plant usually having one or more perennial stem at least 3 inches d.b.h. at
maturity, a more or less definitely formed crown of foliage, and a height of at least 16 feet at maturity (USDA Forest
Service 1989).
105. (USA-FED-DA-FS 1999) A woody plant usually having one or more perennial stems, a more or less definitely
formed crown of foliage, and a height of al least 12 feet at maturity. http://www.srsfia.usfs.msstate.edu/scripts/ew.htm
and http://www.gcrio.org/OnLnDoc/senate_epw990603.html
106. (USA-FED-DA-FS 2006) A woody perennial plant, typically large, with a single well-defined stem carrying a more
or less definite crown; sometimes defined as attaining a minimum diameter of 3 inches (7.6 cm) and a minimum
height of 15 ft (4.6 m) at maturity. For FIA, any plant on the tree list in the current field manual is measured as a tree.
http://fia.fs.fed.us/tools-data/docs/default.asp
107. (USA-FED-DA-NRCS 1992) (Cover) An Earth Cover (Level 1) category with vegetative cover recognized as
woody plants which usually have one perennial stem, a definitely formed crown of foliage, and a mature height of at
least 4 meters. This category contains all trees, even those planted for the purposes of producing food and
ornamentals, including Christmas trees. The second level categories of tree cover include fruit and nut trees, conifers,
hardwoods, inter-mixed, and tropical species. [NRI-92] http://www.ftc.nrcs.usda.gov/doc/nri/72.html
108. (USA-FED-DA-NRCS) For the purpose of developing ecological site descriptions, a woody-stemmed perennial
plant, usually single stemmed, that can grow to 4 meters in height at maturity.
http://nsscnt.nssc.nrcs.usda.gov/nfm/apxframe.htm and National Soil Survey Handbook
http://www.statlab.iastate.edu/soils/nssh/622.htm
109. (USA-FED-DA-SCS & FS 1997) (Forest tree) A woody perennial plant having a single well
developed main stem and usually more than 12 feet in height at maturity. (FS 1977)
110. (USA-FED-DI-BLM 1999, 2001) A woody perennial, usually single-stemmed plant that has a
definite crown shape and characteristically reaches a mature height of at least 5 meters (16 feet). Some plants, such
as oaks (Quercus spp.), may grow as either trees or shrubs http://www.blm.gov/nstc/library/pdf/samplveg.pdf,
http://www.blm.gov/nstc/library/pdf/utilstudies.pdf, and http://www.blm.gov/nstc/library/pdf/1734-7.pdf.
111. (USA-FED-DI-FWS) A woody plant which at maturity is usually 6 m (20 feet) or more in height and generally has a
single trunk, unbranched for 1 m or more above the ground, and a more or less definite crown; e.g., red maple (Acer
rubrum), northern white cedar (Thuja occidentalis). http://www.nwi.fws.gov/contents.html#concept
112. (USA-FED-EPA 2003) A tall woody plant having comparatively great height and a single trunk from which an
annual fruit or vegetable crop is produced for commercial purposes, such as maple tree for syrup, papaya tree, or
orchard tree. Plantain and banana plants are also included. Trees used for pulp or timber are not considered trees
under this part. http://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/EPA-IMPACT/2003/August/Day-11/i20345.htm
113. (USA-FED-FGDC 1997) Woody plants that generally have a single main stem and have more or less definite
crowns. In instances where life form cannot be determined, woody plants equal to or greater than 5 m in height will be
considered trees. [Source: http://biology.usgs.gov/fgdc.veg/standards/appendix3.htm]
114. (USA-FED-FGDC 2007 Draft) A woody plant that generally has a single main stem and a more or less definite
crown. In instances where growth form cannot be determined, woody plants equal to or greater than 5 m in height at
maturity shall be considered trees (adapted from FGDC 1997). Includes dwarf trees (Tart et al. 2005b) or treelets
(Box 1981). http://www.fgdc.gov/standards/projects/FGDC-standards-projects/vegetation/index_html
115. (USA-FED-NOAA 2003) Single-stemmed, woody vegetation unbranched 2 to 3 feet above the ground having a
height greater than 6 meters (20 feet). http://www.csc.noaa.gov/crs/lca/tech_cls.html
116. (USA-STATE-Airports) "Tree" means a tree or other object of natural growth. http://www.townofbourne.com/Town
%20Offices/Bylaws/Chapter5.htm
117. (USA-STATE-Arizona-Tempe) A woody plant which, at maturity, has one well-defined trunk at least two (2) inches
in diameter, a height of at least ten (10) feet, and a formed crown of foliage.
http://www.tempe.gov/tdsi/Planning/CPTED/cpted3.htm
128
118. (USA-STATE-Arkansas) Tree - a woody plant at least 8 feet tall with one well-defined stem and a more or less
definitely formed crown. Other definitions say a woody plant from 12 - 15 feet tall with one well-defined stem and a
more or less definitely formed crown. Several sources. The SAF definition is one stem and 15 feet. Other definitions
ranged from 8 - 15 feet. Jim Grant jim.grant@mail.state.ar.us no official definitions in Arkansas law.
119. (USA-STATE-California) A self-supporting woody plant which will reach a height of at least 4.5 m (15 ft) at
maturity; http://mississauga.ca/CORPSVCS/clerk/bylaws/tree_residentinfo.PDF
120. (USA-STATE-Florida) Any self-supporting, woody plant that normally grows to a minimum height of 15 feet or
greater with a mature crown spread of 15 feet or greater and having trunks that can be maintained with over five feet
of clear wood. Mangroves shall be considered trees. 24.73.97.98/BDLG%5CTreePermApp.doc
121. (USA-STATE-Hawaii) Tree--A woody plant that usually has an erect perennial stem or trunk at least 7.5 cm d.b.h.
and a total height of at least 5 m. http://www.fs.fed.us/psw/publications/documents/psw_gtr076/psw_gtr076.pdf
122. (USA-STATE-Illinois) "Tree" or "trees" means any tree, standing or felled, living or dead, and includes both those
trees included within the definition of "timber" in Section 2 of the "Timber Buyers Licensing Act" and Christmas trees.
The term does not apply to trees or parts of trees that have been cut into firewood
http://www.legis.state.il.us/ilcs/ch225/ch225act740.htm
123. (USA-STATE-Indiana-Bloomington) A woody, perennial plant with one main stem or trunk which develops many
branches. http://www.city.bloomington.in.us/code/TITLE12/Chapter_12_24_TREES/12_24_010_Definitions_.html
124. (USA-STATE-Iowa) Forest trees. The ash, black cherry, black walnut, butternut, catalpa, coffee tree, the elms,
hackberry, the hickories, honey locust, Norway and Carolina poplars, mulberry, the oaks, sugar maple, cottonwood,
soft maple, osage orange, basswood, black locust, European larch and other coniferous trees, and all other forest
trees introduced into the state for experimental purposes, shall be considered forest trees within the meaning of this
chapter. In forest reservations which are artificial groves, the willows, box elder, and other poplars shall be included
among forest trees for the purposes of this chapter when they are used as protecting borders not exceeding two rows
in width around a forest reservation, or when they are used as nurse trees for forest trees in such forest reservation,
the number of such nurse trees not to exceed one hundred on each acre; provided that only box elder shall be used
as nurse trees. Source: 427C.5 http://www2.legis.state.ia.us/wais/bin/waisgate?
WAISdocID=4782917490+0+0+0&WAISaction=retrieve
125. (USA-STATE-Kansas) A woody plant usually having one or more erect perennial stems, a stem diameter at breast
height of at least 3 inches, a more or less definitely formed crown of foliage, and a height of at least 13 feet at
maturity. Robert L. Atchison ratchiso@oznet.ksu.edu
126. (USA-STATE-Kentucky) A woody perennial plant, typically large and with a well-defined stem or stems carrying a
more or less definite crown (usually more that 12 feet in height at maturity). The State of Kentucky does not have the
terms Forest, Forestland, or Tree officially defined in State Statute or Regulation. The Division of Forestry utilizes the
Society of American Forester's definitions for these terms as listed in John A. Helms' The Dictionary of Forestry.
Steve.Kull@mail.state.ky.us
127. (USA-STATE-Maryland 2000) Tree trees are greater than 5.0 inches diameter at breast height (DBH) and
greater than 20 feet tall dnrweb.dnr.state.md.us/download/education/wetlands.doc
128. (USA-STATE-Maryland) A large, branched woody plant having one or several self-supporting stems or trunks that
reach a height of at least 20 feet at maturity. http://pilot.wash.lib.md.us/washco/forestcn.html
129. (USA-STATE-Maryland-Easton) "Tree" means a large, branched woody plant having one or several self-
supporting stems or trunks that reach a height of at least 20 feet at maturity. http://www.town-
eastonmd.com/Planning/fco/fco_a002.pdf
130. (USA-STATE-Maryland-Laytonsville) A perennial plant that has a woody stem or trunk, and which customarily
grows to a height of not less than ten feet when fully grown. http://www.laytonsville.md.us/tree_ordinance.htm
131. (USA-STATE-Maryland-Rockville) A large, woody plant having one or several self-supporting stems or trunks and
numerous branches that reach a height of at least 20 feet at maturity.
http://www.ci.rockville.md.us/cityprojects/envguide/eggloss.htm
132. (USA-STATE-Michigan) TREE: It might seem silly, at first, to define a tree. Everyone knows what a tree is . . .
don't they? The difference between and tree and shrub can be defined without difficulty. A tree is "a woody perennial
plant, typically large and with a well-defined stem or stems carrying a more or less definite crown --- note sometimes
defined as attaining a minimum diameter of 5 inches and a minimum height of 15 feet at maturity, with no branches
within 3 feet of the ground" [Society of American Foresters, 1998]. The problem is that some species can grow as
129
trees or shrubs depending on climate and site conditions. A good example is black cherry. Throughout most of its
range, it grows as a tree. But put on a poor site or along the northern edge of its range and it grows as a shrub.
Species that are obviously trees further south will sometimes occur only as shrubs in the far north.
http://mff.dsisd.net/PDF/0-IntroStuff/4-Glossary.pdf
133. (USA-STATE-Missouri) Although we do not have "official" definitions, we commonly use the accepted SAF
definitions for these terms. See Dictionary of Forestry; John A. Helms, editor; published 1998 by the Society of
American Foresters. "Mike Hoffmann" <hoffmm@mail.conservation.state.mo.us>
134. (USA-STATE-Nevada) A woody plant which at maturity is usually 6 meters (20 feet) or more in height and
generally has a single trunk, unbranched for 1 m or more above the ground, and a more or less definite crown; e.g.,
red maple (Acer rubrum), northern white cedar (Thuja occidentalis). Water Words Dictionary
http://www.state.nv.us/cnr/ndwp/dict-1/WORD_T.htm and http://www.nalms.org/glossary/lkword_f.htm Lake and Water
Words Glossary
135. (USA-STATE-New Mexico-2007) Tree means a woody perennial plant usually having a single main stem
generally with few or no branches on its lower part; however, species such Gambel oak (quercus gambelii) and one
seed juniper (juniperus monosperma) may be multi-stemmed and species such as fir (abies), spruce (picea) and
juniper (juniperus) may have many branches on the stems lower part.
http://www.conwaygreene.com/lpbin21/lpext.dll/Test/NMACRaw/1/51fd0/571dd/572c0/572d3?fn=document-
frame.htm&f=templates&2.0
136. (USA-STATE-North Carolina) Tree - A woody perennial plant, typically large and with a single well defined stem
carrying a more or less definite crown. Source: Terminology of Forest Science, Technology Practice and Products.
Edited by F.C. Ford-Robertson. Society of American Foresters, Washington, D.C., 1971. David R. Brown
<David.R.Brown@ncmail.net>
137. (USA-STATE-Oregon-Canby) A woody perennial plant having a single elongated main stem generally with few or
no branches on its lower part.
http://www.ci.canby.or.us/municipalcode/Title12%20StreetsSidewalks&PublicPlaced/12.32TreeRegulations.htm
138. (USA-STATE-South Dakota 1996) Tree: A woody plant usually having one or more erect perennial stems, a stem
diameter at breast height of at least 3 inches, a more or less definitely formed crown of foliage, and a height of at least
13 feet at maturity. Source - Leatherberry, Earl C., Ronald J. Piva, and Gregory J. Josten. 2000. South Dakota's
Forest Resources Outside the Black Hills National Forest, 1996. USDA Forest Service North Central Research
Station, Res. Pap. NC-338. Greg.Josten@state.sd.us
139. (USA-STATE-Virginia) - "Forest trees" means only those trees which are a part of and constitute a stand of
potential, immature, or mature commercial timber trees. The term "forest trees" includes shade trees of any species
around houses, along highways and within cities and towns if the trees constitute an insect or disease menace to
nearby timber trees or timber stands. Under Authority of Department of Forestry. 10.1-1178. Definitions. "Starr,
James" starrj@dof.state.va.us
140. (USA-STATE-Virginia) Real Estate - TREE. A tree is single woody stem of a species presently or prospectively
suitable for commercial industrial wood products. Standards for Classification of Real Estate As Devoted To Forest
Use Under The Virginia Land Use Assessment Law Under the authority of 58.1-3229, et. seq. of the Code of Virginia
"Starr, James" starrj@dof.state.va.us
141. (USA-STATE-Virginia 1997) A woody plant having a well-defined stem, more or less definitely formed crown and
usually attaining a height of at least 10 feet. http://www.dof.virginia.gov/edu/glossary.htm#F.
142. (USA-STATE-Wisconsin) A woody plant which at maturity is 20 feet or more in height, with a single trunk,
unbranched for at least several feet above the ground and having a more or less definite crown.
http://www.legis.state.wi.us/rsb/code/nr/nr037.pdf
143. (Venezuela 1977) ARBOL: planta perenne de tronco leoso y elevado que se ramifica a cierta altura del suelo,
con una altura superior a los 5 metros: constituye un elemento del bosque. Reglamento de la Ley Forestal de Suelos
y Aguas (1977). Areas Naturales Protegidas de Venezuela. Series Aspectos Conceptuales y Metodolgicos,
144. (WCMC) Mainly phanerophytes (single-trunked individuals, as most trees) and not chamaephytes (multi-stemmed
individuals, as most shrubs). http://www.wcmc.org.uk/forest/data/cdrom2/text2.htm
130
145. (Yemen) - Woody perennial plant with one main stem, and a total height greater than 5 m. Mohammed Ellatifi,
m.ellatifi@ellatifi.8m.com
146. (Zambia 1973) Includes bushes, climbers, coppice, palms, reshoots, saplings, seedlings and shrubs of all ages
and of all kinds and nay part thereof. LEX-FAOC003914. ZAMBIA: Forests Act 1973 (Act No. 39). An Act to repeal and
replace the Forest Act and to provide for the establishment and management of national forests and local forests, the
conservation and protection of forests and trees, the licensing and sale of forest produce and other matters.
147. A large perennial woody plant. Though there is no set definition of size, it is generally at least 6 m (20 ft) high at
maturity, and with branches supported on a single main stem. Compared with most other forms of plants, trees are
long-lived. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tree
148. A large perennial woody plant. Though there is no set definition of size, it is generally at least 6 m (20 ft) high at
maturity, and with branches supported on a single main stem. Compared with most other forms of plants, trees are
long-lived. A few species of trees grow to over 100 m (300 ft) tall and some live for several millennia. Trees are
important components of the natural landscape and significant elements in landscaping. http://explanation-
guide.info/meaning/Tree.html and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tree
149. A large woody perennial plant, usually single stemmed, that has a definite crown shape and characteristically
reaches a mature height of more than 10 feet. RANGELAND TERMINOLOGY
http://ag.arizona.edu/arec/pubs/rmg/2._Rangeland_Management_/4Terms.pdf and
http://www.agroselviter.unito.it/range/docs/4Terms.pdf and
150. A large woody plant that has a trunk which supports branches and leaves.
http://www.geog.ouc.bc.ca/conted/onlinecourses/enviroglos/t.html#anchor122359 and
http://www.physicalgeography.net/physgeoglos/anchor122359
151. A large woody plant, usually with a main stem or trunk
http://www.naturedetectives.org.uk/NR/rdonlyres/D5E0AFFC-D1FD-447E-9E1B-
2EE0F61EB1C8/0/2927Woodlandmaths.pdf
152. A perennial plant having a self-supporting woody main stem or trunk which usually develops woody branches. A
tree, under the Soil Conservation Act, 1938, includes sapling, shrub and scrub in this definition.
http://www.privateforestry.org.au/glos_o-z.htm
153. A perennial plant that grows from the ground with a single, normally tall, woody, self-supporting trunk or stem and
an elevated crown of branches and foliage (or only foliage as in the palms). http://www.botany.com/16.tr.html
154. A perennial woody plant consisting of roots, a trunk, and branches, usu. growing to a substantial height.
http://www.wordsmyth.net/cgi-bin/simplesearch.cgi?matchent=trees&matchtype=exact&matchid=-
1&retall=1&template=wordsmyth&senses=1
155. A perennial woody plant having a main trunk and usually a distinct crown. http://www.dictionary.com/cgi-
bin/dict.pl?term=tree
156. A perennial woody plant with a single stem which from natural tendencies generally divides into two or more
branches at some distance from the ground. (Moon and Brown 1914).
157. A plant is called a tree if it has a woody stem 8 feet or more in height. The stem often has no branches for several
feet above the ground. At the top it has a crown of branches and leaves. Botanists do not separate shrubs and trees.
Shrubs are smaller. They branch close to the ground and have many stems. http://www.fix.net/~ggoven/trees.html and
http://www.optonline.com/comptons/ceo/04851_A.html
158. A plant or shrub resembling a tree in form or size. http://www.dictionary.com/cgi-bin/dict.pl?term=tree
159. A plant that is usually more than 12 feet tall and has a single main woody stem with a distinct crown of leaves.
http://www.landhelp.info/FramifyGlossary.php
160. A plant that produces wood (made by xylem cells). These tall plants grow taller each year.
http://www.enchantedlearning.com/subjects/plants/glossary/indext.shtml
161. A plant with a trunk, leaves, and roots. http://www.LittleExplorers.com/Tisfor.shtml
162. A shrub or herb of arborescent form <rose trees <a banana tree http://www.m-w.com/cgi-bin/dictionary?
book=Dictionary&va=tree
163. A single stemmed, woody plant with a mature height of a minimum of fifteen (15) feet; a small tree less than
twenty-five feet (25), a medium tree twenty-five to forty feet (25-40), and a large tree over forty feet (40).
http://www.orgler.ws/huxley/Huxley%20Tree%20Ordinance%202001.htm
164. A tall perennial woody plant having a main trunk and branches forming a distinct elevated crown; includes both
gymnosperms and angiosperms) http://www.notredame.ac.jp/cgi-bin/wn?tree#Overview of noun tree
165. A tall plant which has a wooden trunk and branches that grow from its upper part. Other tall plants which do not
have wooden trunks are also often referred to as trees - palm trees.
http://www.cup.cam.ac.uk/elt/dictionary/default.asp?String=tree*1%2B0&ACT=SELECT
131
166. A tall plant with a hard trunk, branches, and leaves. http://www.linguistics.ruhr-uni-bochum.de:8099/cgi-
bin/search.sh?tmpl=tmpls&itmpl=tmpls&form=tree
167. A tall, woody plant. (Scrabble words)
168. A thing that will stand in one place fifty years and then suddenly jump in front of a woman driver. Banana River
Peelings, (The Left Handed Dictionary) http://www.workinghumor.com/dictionary/index.php?s=tree&B1=Search%21
169. A very large bush, shrub. Babylon.com
170. A very large plant that is at least 20 feet tall, it has only one main trunk (stem) that grows in circumference
(around) every year. The stem is persistent (it does not die back), and the stem lives for many, many years. The stem
also has a vascular system it has cells that look and act like straws. http://woodmagic.forprod.vt.edu/Kids/glossary/
171. A very tall plant that has a wooden trunk, branches, and leaves.
http://www.foreignword.com/Tools/dictsrch_aff.asp?
menu=Y&query=forest&src=BP&srcbox=18&go=Translate&trg=AG
172. A woody perennial at least 10 ft. tall, usually with one main stem.
http://ehe.nmsu.edu/directory/esource/Powerpoint/HORT%20302-02a%20Definitions%20&%20Tools.ppt
173. A woody perennial plant having a single usually elongate main stem generally with few or no branches on its
lower part [Source: WWWebster] http://www.m-w.com/cgi-bin/dictionary?book=Dictionary&va=tree
174. A woody perennial plant that has a trunk circumference of twenty (20) inches measured at twenty-four (24) inches
above the ground surface; or A woody perennial plant at least fifteen (15) feet in height that usually, but not
necessarily, has a single trunk. In applying subsection (1) above, for trees with more than one trunk, the
circumference measurement shall be ascertained from a single measurement around the outside perimeter of all
trunks and shall not be calculated as the sum total of the circumferences of the individual trunks. References to "tree"
shall include the plural. http://www.tiburon.org/Government/images/Departments/planning%20dept/plng
%20forms/TreeOrd.htm#Section%2015A-2.%20Definitions.
175. A woody perennial plant with a single, well defined stem carrying a more-or-less-defined crown (Ford-Robertson,
1971).
176. A woody perennial plant, having a self-supporting main stem or trunk
http://www.anzlic.org.au/icsm/topo/tddsect3.htm
177. A woody perennial, usually seed-bearing plant 20 feet tall or more at maturity (in temperate area of moderate
rainfall), in which the main stem (q.v.) dominates the lateral branches in growth, either through life (as in most
conifers) to produce a conical or pyramidal outline, or only during early growth after a few years forking one to several
times to produce several ascending, almost equally important branches that collectively form a flat or rounded crown.
Encyclopedia Britannia 1970.
178. A woody perennial, usually singlestemmed plant that has a definite crown shape and reaches a mature height of
at least 4 meters. The distinction between woody plants known as trees and those called shrubs is gradual. Some
plants, such as oaks (Quercus spp.), may grow as either trees or shrubs (SRM 1999).
http://www.blm.gov/nstc/library/pdf/1734-6.pdf
179. A woody plant 5 inches or greater in diameter at breast height and 20 feet or taller. http://www.habitat-
restoration.com/paeglos.htm
180. A woody plant at least 3 metres high, usually with an evident trunk.
http://www.tropicalforages.info/key/Forages/Media/Html/Glossary.htm
181. A woody plant at least 5 meters (metres) high, with a main stem the lower part of which is usually unbranched.
http://biotech.icmb.utexas.edu/search/dict-search.phtml?title=tree and http://www.graylab.ac.uk/cgi-bin/omd?tree
182. A woody plant having a well-defined stem, more or less definitely formed crown and usually attaining a height of at
least 10 feet. http://fwie.fw.vt.edu/rhgiles/appendices/glosst.htm and http://ext.msstate.edu/pubs/pub1250.htm
183. A woody plant having one well-defined stem and a more or less definitely formed crown, usually attaining a height
of at least 8 ft. http://64.77.121.89/T-U-V-W-X.html
184. A woody plant having one well-defined stem and a more or less definitely formed crown and roots, usually
attaining a height of at least 2 metres. http://www.worldagroforestrycentre.org/sea/AgroModels/DBases/af/
185. A woody plant having one well-defined stem and a more or less definitely formed crown and roots, usually
attaining a height of at least 2.5 metres.
http://www.bugwood.caes.uga.edu/glossary/http://www.bugwood.caes.uga.edu/glossary/ and
http://www.worldagroforestrycentre.org/InformationResources/T-V.asp
186. A woody plant that has many secondary branches supported clear of the ground on a single main stem
or trunk with clear apical dominance. http://www.reference.com/browse/wiki/Tree
187. A woody plant that produces one main trunk or bole and a more or less distinct and elevated head.
http://www.bugwood.caes.uga.edu/glossary/ and http://www.worldagroforestrycentre.org/InformationResources/T-
V.asp
132
188. A woody plant that usually grows to at least 20' in height at maturity, typically having a single trunk with no
branches within 3' of the ground. Mitigin the Ojibwe. Boundary Waters Compendium Glossary -
http://www.rook.org/earl/bwca/lists/glossary/
189. A woody plant which at maturity is usually 6 meters (20 feet) or more in height and generally has a single trunk,
unbranched for 1 m or more above the ground, and a more or less definite crown; e.g., red maple (Acer rubrum),
northern white cedar (Thuja occidentalis). http://www.aces.edu/waterquality/glossary/glossary_results.php3?
rowid=5326
190. A woody plant with a distinct central trunk. Compare shrub. (SHRUB -- A woody plant with a framework of
branches and little or no central stem.) http://www.boldweb.com/greenweb/glossary.htm#T
191. A woody plant with a single main stem in natural growth http://www.tnw.org.uk/Note17.html
192. A woody plant with a tall final height; commonly with one stem [trunk] from the base.
http://endeavor.des.ucdavis.edu/cnps/intro.html#use
193. A woody plant, usually four or more metres tall, with a single main stem (trunk) and a more or less distinct crown
of leaves. http://www.hww.ca/glossary.asp#letterT
194. A woody, perennial plant which attains the height of 20 feet or higher and a DBH of 4 inches or larger and tends to
have a single, central bole. http://www.inwoodlands.org / and http://www.fnr.purdue.edu/inwood/glossary.html
195. A woody, self-supporting perennial plant usually with a single main stem and generally growing more than 20 feet
tall http://www.gardenweb.com/glossary/tree
196. A woody, usually tall, perennial higher plants (angiosperms, gymnosperms, and some pterophyta) having usually
a main stem and numerous branches. http://www.graylab.ac.uk/cgi-bin/omd?trees
197. All perennial woody vegetation (including bamboos, palms, coconut, neem, peepal, fruit trees, etc.). It excludes
non-perennial non-woody species (e.g., banana) and tall shrubs or climbers (e.g., lantana or canes). For the purpose
of assessing tree cover, only those trees having diameter of 10 cm or more at breast height (1.37 m) have been
considered. In case of trees having multiple branches below breast height, the individual stems with diameter over 10
cm at breast height have been considered as individual trees. http://envfor.nic.in/nfc/s-git.pdf
198. All plants which grow with a permanent single woody stem or trunk of some height, branching out at some
distance from the ground. Encyclopedia Britannia 1910.
199. An herb or shrub growing naturally in or trained into the form or a tree. http://www.botany.com/16.tr.html
200. An imprecise term for a perennial woody plant that is larger than a bush or shrub, generally understood to
describe a large growth having one main trunk with few or no branches projecting from its base, a well-developed
crown of foliage, and a height at maturity of at least 12 feet.
201. Any object of natural growth, except farm crops which are cut at least once a year, and except shrubs, bushes or
plants which do not grow to a height of more than five feet.
https://secure.finishlinestudios.com/users/www_cityofbaraboo_com/files/code/chapters/43/Chapter26.doc
202. Any of a variety of shrubs, bushes, or plants similar to a tree in shape or size http://www.wordsmyth.net/cgi-
bin/simplesearch.cgi?matchent=trees&matchtype=exact&matchid=-1&retall=1&template=wordsmyth&senses=1
203. Any perennial woody plant of considerable size (usually over twenty feet high) and growing with a single trunk.
http://machaut.uchicago.edu/cgi-bin/WEBSTER.sh?WORD=tree
204. Any self-supporting woody plant of a species which normally grows to an overall height of fifteen (15) feet or
more. (Ord., 2-28-92; Ord., 8-14-92) http://www.eastgr.org/citycode/IIIPARKS/35.html
205. Any tall plant, including many conifers and flowering plants, as well as extinct lycophytes and sphenophytes.
http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/glossary/gloss8botany.html
206. Any woody plant that normally grows to a mature height greater than 20 feet and has a diameter of four inches or
more at a point four feet above the ground. http://www.railtrails.org/whatwedo/railtrailinfo/resources/glossary.html#F
207. Any woody plant whose branches spring from and are supported upon a trunk or body and whose trunk or body is
not less than five centimetre in diameter at a height of thirty centimetres from the ground level and is not less than one
metre in height from the ground level; http://www.goaforest.com/regulation/body_preservoftrees2.htm
208. Anything that ordinarily one would call a tree. Source: Jon Robins "Hedge of darkness" in the Law - T2 section of
The Times Newspaper, London, 05 August 2003, page 21. Via John Palmer j.palmer@nrint.co.uk
209. Differ from herbs in having woody structure and perennial life and from shrubs in developing single stems that
elevate the crowns above other forms of vegetation. (Fergusen 1916)
210. Erect plant with a single woody stem capable of reaching a height of at least 6-8 m (20-25 ft.) at maturity.
Academic American Encyclopedia
211. Forest tree, a tree of the forest, especially a timber tree, as distinguished from a fruit tree. Webster's Revised
Unabridged Dictionary, 1996, 1998 MICRA, Inc
212. Large plant with trunk http://crossword911.com/tree.html.
133
213. Large, generally single-stemmed, woody plants. (http://www.globalff.org/Feature_Articles/Previous_Articles/pre-
defo.htm and http://www.geocities.com/atlas/word/gff_deforest.html)
214. Live tree - a tree that has 10 percent or greater live crown http://www.cof.orst.edu/cof/teach/for442/odfdefin.htm
215. Mature tree. Has a single well-defined stem and is taller than 7 meters, different from a mature shrub that is
usually less than 7 meters. http://fiesta.bren.ucsb.edu/~idgec/publications/reports/forest.pdf
216. Perennial plant with woody stem - usually a single stem or trunk made up of wood and protected by an outer layer
of bark. It absorbs water through a root system. There is no clear dividing line between shrubs and trees, but
sometimes minimum height of 6 m (20 ft.) is used to define a tree. Lindley and Moore 1998.
217. Perennial woody plant that typically has a single up-right stem or trunk. Colliers Encyclopedia.
218. Perennial woody plant with a single main stem (the trunk or bole) from which branches and twigs extend to form a
characteristic crown http://www.encyclopedia.com/articles/13034.html
219. Perennial, woody species life form with a single stem (trunk), normally greater than 4 to 5 meters or 13 to 16 feet
in height; under certain environmental conditions, some tree species may develop a multi-stemmed or short growth
form (less than 4 meters or 13 feet in height). (Anderson et al. 1998)
220. Plant with branches. http://crossword911.com/tree.html.
221. Plants having a well-developed, woody stem and usually more than 12 feet in height at maturity. www.socrates.lv-
hrc.nevada.edu/fia/dab/core1-7/appendix7_12_00.doc
222. Plants having true xylem and phloem; with true leaves present and usually having more than one vein
(megaphylls); enations absent; stems branching in various ways or unbranched; reproducing by means of seeds
developed from ovules. (lizell@thurston.com from Stern (1991)).
223. Plants that are perennial (live for several to many years), woody (have tough cell walls of wood), shedding (use
and shed woody and non-woody parts) and compartmented (made up of many compartments). Trees usually have a
single stem over three yards tall. Shrubs usually have many stems less than three yards tall.
http://www.chesco.com/~treeman/words/words-t.html
224. Self-supporting, woody plants with a single main stem and which commonly reach a height of over 5 meters
(Hamilton 1991).
225. Single-stemmed woody plants (From: Barry Wyatt BKW@WPO.NERC.AC.UK - Dansereau, P. (1957).
226. Tall plant with a central trunk. The term does not imply anything about relationships, but is a growth pattern that
has evolved several times in plants. http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/glossary/gloss5ecol.html
227. Tall woody perennial plant that typically has one main stem or trunk and which, unlike a shrub, usually only begins
to branch at some distance from the ground; http://www.allwords.com/query.asp
228. The general name of the largest of the vegetable kind, consisting of a firm woody stem springing from woody
roots, and spreading above into branches which terminate in leaves. A tree differs from a shrub principally in size,
many species of trees growing to the highth of fifty or sixty feet, and some species to seventy or eighty, and a few,
particularly the pine, to a much greater highth http://www.christiantech.com/cgi-bin/webster.exe?search_for_cgi-
bin_texts_web1828=tree
229. Tree (rbol) - Vegetal leoso al menos de 5 m. de altura con el tallo simple, denominado tronco, hasta la llamada
cruz, en donde se ramifica y forma la copa. Tiene considerable crecimiento en grosor. Se diferencia del arbusto en
que suele ser ms alto y no se ramifica hasta cierta altura. http://www.guiaverde.com/arboles/glosario.htm
230. Tree (cover) - The amount or density of tall woody plants occupying the surface of a specified area
http://www.anzlic.org.au/icsm/topo/tddsect4.htm
231. Tree (layer) - The highest vegetation zone, lying above the shrub layer, from about eight metres upwards. The
tree tops themselves form the canopy. Birdwatcher's Dictionary http://birdcare.com/bin/showdict?tree+layer
232. Tree means any tree, sapling or shrub, now or hereafter growing on property of the City, unless a contrary
intention appears. http://code.municipalworld.com/kitchener/690.pdf
233. Tree means any tree. http://www.newrichmond.org/treeord.pdf
234. Trees outside forests - Trees outside forests include all trees found outside forests and outside other wooded
lands: - stands smaller than 0.5 ha; - tree cover in agricultural land, e.g. agroforestry systems, home gardens,
orchards; - trees in urban environments; - along roads and scattered in the landscape. (IPCC 2006 GL FRA 2005)
235. Usually trees are defined as having a large, single trunk rising above the ground. The trunk is composed of wood
and is divided usually into a series of branches. http://www.alienexplorer.com/ecology/e17.html
236. Woody perennial having an elongated stem, usually standing over 15 feet tall at maturity.
http://www.eresourcesystems.com/Help/Glossary/glossary.html
237. Woody perennial plant characterized by having a main stem or trunk or a multi-stemmed trunk system with more
or less definitely formed crown, usually over ten feet high at maturity. This definition shall not include trees planted,
grown and held for sale by licensed nurseries or the first removal or transplanting of such trees pursuant to and as
134
part of the operation of a licensed nursery business. http://bpc.iserver.net/cgi-
bin/hilite.pl/codes/scottsva/_DATA/TITLE17/Chapter_17_44__GENERAL_AND_SPECIAL/17_44_080_Tree_protectio
n_regu.html
238. Woody perennial plants, usually single stemmed with definite crown shape and reaching a height of five meters in
height when mature. http://www.gap.uidaho.edu/handbook/LandCoverMapping/UNESCO/default.htm
239. Woody plant http://corssword911.com/tree.html.
240. Woody plant that renews its growth every year (called a perennial). Most plants classified as trees have a single
self-supporting trunk containing woody tissue and in most species the trunk produces secondary limbs, called
branches. Encyclopedia Britannia 1995.
241. Woody plant that usually grows to at least 20 feet in height at maturity, typically having a single trunk with no
branches within 3 feet of the ground http://www.pfmt.org/glossary/t.htm
242. Woody plant with a distinct main stem, or trunk. At maturity, trees are usually the tallest of plants, and their height
and single main stem differentiate them from shrubs, which are shorter and have many stems. Trees are perennials,
plants that live for at least three years. Some species of tree only grow to 4 m (13 ft) in height, but the tallest species
may reach heights of more than 112 m (more than 367 ft). http://www.google.com/search?
q=cache:www.iversonsoftware.com/business/plant/Tree.htm
243. Woody plants greater than 7 meters tall, and usually with one main trunk
http://www.aswm.org/lwp/nys/glossary.htm#T
244. Woody plants having a well-developed stem and which are usually more than 3.7 meters in height at maturity.
(Lund 1984)
245. Woody plants having one erect perennial stem or trunk at least 3 inches d.b.h., a more or less definitely formed
crown of foliage, and a height of at least 13 feet (at maturity) (Little 1979).
246. Working trees - those intentionally established in rural and urban landscapes to achieve specific functions (Perry
et al. 2005).
2.4.1.a Trees outside forest
1. (FAO-2002) Trees growing outside the forest and not belonging to the category of forests, forest lands, or other
wooded land. According to this definition, Trees outside forests are located on "other land", such as agricultural land,
built-up areas such as settlements and infrastructure, and bare land (dunes, former mining areas, etc.). (Bellefontaine,
Ronald et al. 2002. Trees outside forests - Towards a better awareness. FAO Conservation Giude 35.
http://www.fao.org/DOCREP/005/Y2328E/y2328e00.htm#toc)
2. (FAO-2003) Trees on land not defined as forest and other wooded land. Includes: trees on land that fulfils the
requirements of forest and other wooded land except that the area is less than 0.5 ha; trees able to reach a height of
at least 5 m at maturity in situ where the stocking level is below 5 percent; trees not able to reach a height of 5 m at
maturity in situ where the stocking level is below 20 percent; scattered trees in permanent meadows and pastures;
permanent tree crops such as fruit-trees and coconuts; trees in parks and gardens, around buildings and in lines
along streets, roads, railways, rivers, streams and canals; trees in shelterbelts of less than 20 m width and 0.5 ha area
(Rawat, J.K. et al. 2003. Training Manual on Inventory of Trees Outside Forests (TOF). FAO
http://www.fao.org/docrep/006/ac840e/AC840E00.htm#TOC. FAO. 2001. Global forest resources assessment 2000.
Main report. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Rome.
http://www.fao.org/docrep/004/y1997e/y1997e00.htm )
3. Tree lands: (India Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry 2008?) i.e., those areas which though outside the scope of the
ordinary forest management are essential for the amelioration of physical conditions of the country.
4. Trees on land not defined as forest and other wooded land. This may include agricultural land, including meadows
and pasture, built-on land and barren land. (da Costa Coura, Samuel Martins et al. 2006+ Evaluation of High
Resolution Imagery to Identify Trees Outside Forest (TOF) In Brazilian Atlantic Rain Forest
http://www.lars.cl/biblioteca/Coura_Samuel.pdf.)
2.4.2 Summary table
Search for definitions: forest, tree, forest summary, woodland, afforestation, deforestation, reforestation, other terms.
The following table (table 3) focuses on national definitions of forest. Some countries reported having no national or official
definitions of forest or tree. This information is also useful. Countries reporting no official definitions include:
135
Antigua and Barbuda. - None - Forestry Act. 1941, Craig and Diann - laynec@candw.ag
Barbados - None - Eckelmann, Claus (FAOSLAC) 2000.
Lebanon - None - Fady ASMAR, Rural Development and Natural Resources Directorate, Ministry of Agriculture,
Beirut-Lebanon. "Fady Asmar" Fady@xnet.com.lb
Seychelles (uses the international convention for these definitions - but conventions not specified) Source: M.K
Vielle Assistant Director Forestry. : "doe" <doe@seychelles.net
The definitions of countries with UNFCCC after their name show thresholds that the nation recently adapted.
Table 3 National criteria used for defining forestland.. Blanks mean no threshold values were
stipulated or found
Minimum Threshold Values
Countries Crown Tree Strip Notes
Definition Area
Cover Height Width
Type (ha)
(%) (m) (m)
Afghanistan Cover 20
Albania Cover 0.1 20/30 5
Albania
0.1 30 3
UNFCCC
Algeria Unknown
American
Cover
Samoa
Angola Unknown
Antigua &
None
Barbuda
Source: http://www.cbd.int/doc/world/us/us-nr-
Argentina Use 0.5 10 5
vfe-en.pdf and USFS 2004.
Argentina
1 22.5 3
UNFCCC
Armenia Cover
Aruba Cover
Another source gives min. area of 0.5 ha,
Crown Cover of 20 % and tree height of 2 m.
Australia Cover 30 5
http://www.cbd.int/doc/world/us/us-nr-vfe-
en.pdf (2003) and USFS 2004.
Australia
0.2 20 5
UNFCCC
Traub et al. 1998 give the minimum area as
Austria Use 0.1 30 10
0.05 ha
Austria http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-
Cover 0.05 30 2 10
UNFCCC content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:32013D0529
Azerbaijan Unknown
Azerbaijan
0.5 20 2.5
UNFCCC
Bahamas Cover 3 Uses FAO for GFRA
"Tree" includes palms- bamboos- stumps-
Bangladesh Declared
brush-wood and canes
Barbados None
Belarus Cover
Belarus UNFCC Use 0.1 30 National Forest Legislation defines forested
C lands as forested lands of the forest fund
occupied by young forest of timber species
with stand density of 0.4 and higher, and
stands of other age groups with stand density
of 0.3 and higher, as well as areas occupied
136
stipulated or found
Definition Area
Cover Height Width
Type (ha)
(%) (m) (m)
by bushes, at which stands of timber species
cannot be developed without special forest
improvement.. 0.1 hectare is adopted as a
minimal accounting unit of area. (2006)
Belgium
Use 0.05 20 25
Flemmish
Belgium
Use 0.01 10 5 9
Walloon
Belgium http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-
Cover 0.5 20 5
"Tree" includes shrubs- bushes- palms-
Belize Unknown bamboos- creepers- canes- stumps-
seedlings- saplings and coppice shoots
Belize UNFCCC 0.3 30 5
Benin Cover
Bhutan Declared
Bolivia Use
Bolivia
0.5 30 4
UNFCCC
Bosnia and
Cover 0.1
Herzegovina
"Tree" includes palms- shrubs- bushes-
Botswana Declared climbers- seedlings- saplings and regrowth of
all ages and of all kinds- and any part thereof.
Brazil None Reportedly has no national or legal definition
Brazil UNFCCC 1 30 5
British Virgin
Unknown
Islands
Brunei
Unknown
Darussalam
Bulgaria Admin 0.1 3 10
Bulgaria http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-
Cover 0.1 10 5
Burkina Faso Use
Burundi Use
Cambodia Cover 30 5
Cambodia
0.5 10 5
UNFCCC
Cameroon Cover
Canada Use 0.5 20 5
Canada
1 25 5
UNFCCC
Cape Verde Use
Cayman
Unknown
Islands
Central African
Declared 10 5
Republic
Chad Unknown
Chile Cover 5 10 Excludes degraded areas- and areas used for
137
stipulated or found
Definition Area
Cover Height Width
Type (ha)
(%) (m) (m)
agriculture- fruit trees and intense grazing. .
en.pdf lists min.area as 0.5 ha, Crown cover
as 25% and min height as 2 m and USFS
2004.
Includes bamboo and trees. Updated by
Zhang Xiaoquan (23 Jan 02). Trees > 2 cm
dia.
http://www.fao.org/forestry/fo/country/index.jsp
China Cover 0.067 20 5 10?lang_id=1&geo_id=102.
en.pdf list minimum area as 0.5 ha, crown
cover as 20% and tree height as 2 m. (2003)
and USFS 2004
China UNFCCC 0.67 20 2
Colombia None Reportedly has no national or legal definition
Colombia
1.0 30 5
UNFCCC
Comoros Use
Congo (Zaire) Cover 10
Congo-
Cover
Republic of
Includes lands with more than 70 trees per ha
Costa Rica Cover 2 70
and with dbh 15 cm.
Costa Rica
30 5 1.0
UNFCCC
Cte d'Ivoire Cover
Cte d'Ivoire
0.1 30 5 Excludes palms and bamboos
UNFCCC
Croatia Cover
Croatia
Declared 0.1 10 2
UNFCCC
Cuba Use 5
Cyprus Use
Czech Republic Use 0.01 20 20 Min area also 400 sq m
Czech Republic http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-
Cover 0.05 30 2 20
Democratic
Republic Congo 0.5 30 3
UNFCCC
Denmark Use 0.5 30-50 6 20-30
Denmark Use 0.5 10 5 20Forest area includes temporarily unstocked
UNFCCC areas, smaller open areas in the forest needed
for management purposes and fire breaks.
Forests in national parks, reserves, or areas
under special protection are included.
Windbreaks and groves covering more than
0.5 ha and with a minimum width of 20 m are
also considered as forests. Farmlands,
orchards, gardens (houses and summer
houses) are NOT included in the forest area.
138
stipulated or found
Definition Area
Cover Height Width
Type (ha)
(%) (m) (m)
http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-
Djibouti Unknown
Dominica Declared
Dominican
Cover 40 5
Republic
Dominican
Republic 0.0629 20 5
UNFCCC
Ecuador Unknown
Ecuador
1.0 30 5
UNFCCC
Egypt Unknown
El Salvador Unknown
El Salvador
0.5 30 5
UNFCCC
Equatorial
Unknown
Guinea
Eritrea Cover 10
Able to produce 1 m3 of bole timber per ha
Estonia Use 0.5 30 1.3
per year
Estonia
0.5 30 1.3 20
UNFCCC
Ethiopia Cover 68 7
Ethiopia
0.05 20 2
UNFCCC
Includes shrubs and bushes of all kinds-
Fiji Cover 4 15 seedlings- saplings and re-shoots of all ages-
climbers and creepers and any part of the tree.
Excludes land capable of producing less than
Finland Potential 0.25
1m3 and ha stemwood
Finland http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-
Use 0.5 10 5 20
Updated by Nabila Mamza nhamza@inf.fr
(23 Jan 02). Traub et al. 1998 give the strip
France Cover 0.05 10 5-7 25
width of 15 m. There should be at least 500
trees/ha with dbh <24.5 cm.
France http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-
Cover 0.5 10 5 20
French Guyana Unknown
French
Cover
Polynesia
Gabon Declared
Gambia Cover 10 3
Georgia Cover
Germany Use 0.1 50 10
Germany http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-
Cover 0.1 10 5
Ghana Cover
139
stipulated or found
Definition Area
Cover Height Width
Type (ha)
(%) (m) (m)
Ghana
Potential 0.1 15 2
UNFCCC
Great Britain Cover 20
Greece Use 0.5 10 30
Greece http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-
Civer 0.3 25 2
Greenland
Unknown
(Denmark)
Grenada Use
brushwood and canes.
Guadeloupe Unknown
Guam Unknown
Guatemala Cover 2
Guatemala
0.5 30 2
UNFCCC
Guinea Unknown
Guinea Bissau Cover 10
Guyana Declared
Haiti Declared
Honduras Cover
Honduras
1.0 30 5
UNFCCC
Hungary Use 0.15 15/30
Hungary http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-
Cover 0.5 30 5 10
Iceland Use 0.25
Iceland
0.5 10 2
UNFCCC
India Cover 10
India UNFCCC 0.05 15 2
Indonesia Use
Iran Cover 1
Iraq Unknown
Ireland Use 0.5 20 40Excludes areas producing less than 4 m3/ha/yr
Young natural stands and all plantations that
have yet to reach a crown density of 20
percent or a tree height of 5 metres are
included under forest. Areas normally forming
part of the forest area that are temporarily un-
Ireland
Use 0.1 20 5 stocked as a result of human intervention,
UNFCCC
such as harvesting or natural causes such as
wind-throw, but which are expected to revert to
forest are also included. http://eur-
lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?
uri=CELEX:32013D0529
"Forest" usually interpreted as woodland.
Isle of Man None
"Tree" includes shrubs.
Israel Cover 10 4
Italy Use 0.2 20 20
140
stipulated or found
Definition Area
Cover Height Width
Type (ha)
(%) (m) (m)
Italy UNFCCC Cover 0.5 10 5
Jamaica Cover 4 75 5 Excludes tree crops
Japan Cover 0.3 30 5
Japan UNFCCC Use 0.3 30 5 20
Jordan Unknown
Kazakhstan Unknown
Kenya Cover 40 2
Kenya
0.1 30 2
UNFCCC
Korea-
Dem.People's Unknown
Rep.
Korea- Republic
Use Excludes orchards
of
Korea- Republic
0.5 10 5
of UNFCCC
Kuwait Unknown
Kyrgyzstan Use 20 2 25
Kyrgyzstan
0.5 20 3
UNFCCC
Lao Cover 20
Lao UNFCCC 0.5 20 5
Latvia Use 0.1 20 7
Latvia UNFCCC Cover 0.1 20 5
Lebanon None
Tree includes any seedlings- sapling-
Lesotho Use
transplant or coppice shoot of any age.
Liberia Unknown
Libya Arab
Unknown
Jamahiriy
Liechtenstein Cover 20 25-50
The following forest areas are not subject to
the criterion of minimum stand height: shrub
forest consisting of dwarf pine (Pinus mugo
prostrata) and alpine alder (Alnus viridis). The
following forest areas are not subject of the
criteria of minimum stand height and minimum
crown cover, but must have the potential to
achieve both criteria: a) afforested area on
Liechtenstein 0.0625
Use 20-60 3 25-50land not under forest cover for 50 years
UNFCCC - 0.25
(afforestations); b) regenerated forest, as well
as burned, cut or damaged areas situated on
land classified as forest. Although orchards,
parks, camping grounds, open tree formations
in settlements, gardens, cemeteries, sports
and parking fields may fulfil the (quantitative)
forest definition, they are not considered as
forests.
141
stipulated or found
Definition Area
Cover Height Width
Type (ha)
(%) (m) (m)
Includes trees with a minimum dbh 14 cm or
Lithuania Cover 0.1 20 10
greater.
Lithuania Temporarily unstocked areas (forest
Use 0.1 10 5 10
UNFCCC regeneration areas) are included.
Luxembourg Use 0.5 10 5
Luxembourg http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-
Cover 0.5 10 5
Macedonia Cover
Madagascar Use
Madagascar
1.0 30 5
UNFCCC
Malawi Cover 100 80
Malaysia Cover 10 5
Malaysia
0.5 30 5
UNFCCC
Maldives
Mali Use 20
Mali UNFCCC 1.0 30 2
Malta Unknown
Martinique Unknown
Mauritania Cover
Mauritius Use
Mexico Use 0.15 10 3
Mexico
1.0 30 4
UNFCCC
Moldova-
Unknown
Republic of
Moldova-
Republic of 0.25 30 5
UNFCCC
Monaco None
Monaco
0.5 10 5
UNFCCC
Mongolia Unknown
Mongolia
1 10 1
UNFCCC
Montserrat Declared
Morocco Cover 3 30 7
Morocco
1.0 25 2
UNFCCC
Mozambique Cover 25 7
"Tree" includes root- stump- stem- branch-
Myanmar Declared bush- creeper- bamboo- cane- orchid and
seedling.
Myanmar
1 20 2
UNFCCC
Namibia Cover 20 5
Wallace (1988) also indicates a 50%
Nepal Use 10
threshold for crown cover.
142
stipulated or found
Definition Area
Cover Height Width
Type (ha)
(%) (m) (m)
Netherlands Use 0.5 20 6 30
May consist either of closed forest formations
where trees of various storeys and
undergrowth cover a high proportion of the
ground; or of open forest formations with a
continuous vegetation cover in which tree
crown cover exceeds 20 per cent. Young
natural stands and all plantations established
for forestry purposes which have yet to reach a
crown density of 20 per cent or tree height of 5
m are included under forest, as areas normally
forming part of the forestarea which are
temporally unstocked as a result of human
intervention or natural causes butwhich are
expected to revert to forest. Forest Land also
Netherlands includes: forest nurseries and seed orchards
Use 0.5 20 5 30
UNFCCC that constitute an integral part of the forest;
forest road, cleared tracts, firebreaks and other
small open areas, all smaller than 6 m. within
the forest; forest in national parks, nature
reserves and other protected areas such as
those of special environmental, scientific,
historical, cultural or spiritual interest, with an
area of more than 0,5 ha and a width of more
than 30m; windbreaks and shelterbelts of
trees with an area of more than 0,5 ha and a
width of more than 30m. This excludes tree
stands in agricultural production systems for
example in fruit plantations and agro forestry
systems. http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-
New Caledonia Unknown
"Tree" includes not only timber trees- but also
all other kinds of trees- shrubs- and bushes-
seedlings- saplings- cuttings- suckers- and
shoots of every description.
en.pdf lists the minimum area of 0.5 ha. (2003)
and USFS 2004. Forests planted in exotic
tree species predominately grown for wood or
New Zealand Use 5 20 6
wood fibre greater than 1 ha in extent. All
forest in this class will exceed 30 percent
canopy cover and 5 metres in height before 10
years of age. Indigenous forest is defined
as forest dominated by tall indigenous forest
canopy species greater than 1 hectare in size.
All forests mapped into this class exceed 30
percent canopy cover and 5 metres in height,
New Zealand
1 30 5
UNFCCC
Nicaragua Cover 25
Nicaragua
1.0 20 4
UNFCCC
143
stipulated or found
Definition Area
Cover Height Width
Type (ha)
(%) (m) (m)
Niger Use
Niger UNFCCC 1.0 30 4
Nigeria Unknown
Northern
Cover 0.01
Mariana Islands
Includes land with an average potential
Norway Potential 0.1 production equal to or higher than 1 m3
(including bark) per ha and year
Norway
0.5 10 5
UNFCCC
Oman Unknown
Pakistan Use
brush-wood and canes.
Pakistan
0.05 30 3 http://cdm.unfccc.int/DNA/index.html
UNFCCC
Palestine Unknown
Panama Cover 45
Panama
1.0 30 5
UNFCCC
Papua New
Cover 100 10 5
Guinea
Paraguay Potential
Paraguay
0.5 25 5
UNFCCC
Peru Cover
Peru UNFCCC 0.5 30 5
Topograph
Philippines 1 10 60Generally excludes areas with slopes < 18%
y and cover
Philippines
0.5 10 5
UNFCCC
Poland Use 0.1
Poland http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-
Use 0.1 10 2 10
Portugal Use 0.2 10-15 1.5 15
Portugal http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-
Cover 1 10 5 20
Puerto Rico Declared
Reunion Unknown
Romania Use 0.25 7
Includes also: forest nurseries, trees genetic
trials within the forest land, forest pathways
and roads, meadows, glades and other forest
gaps, forest ecosystems within the national
and natural parks, natural protected areas and
Romania
Use 0.25 10 5 other protected forest areas, protection forest
UNFCCC
belts with an area larger than 0.5 ha and a
minimum width of 20 m, as well as Pinus
mugo shrubs in alpine areas. http://eur-
lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?
144
stipulated or found
Definition Area
Cover Height Width
Type (ha)
(%) (m) (m)
Russian en.pdf lists minimum area as 0.5 ha and
Cover 30
Federation minimum tree height varies. (2003) and USFS
2004
Russian
Federation Cover 0.5 30 5
UNFCCC
Thresholds vary area 0.25-0.5 ha, cover 10-
Rwanda Cover 0.5 10 7
20, tree ht 5-7m
Rwanda
0.05 10 3
UNFCCC
Saint Lucia Use
Saudi Arabia Unknown
Senegal Unknown
Senegal
0.5 30 2
UNFCCC
Serbia and
Use 0.5
Montenegro
Reportedly has no national or legal definition
Internation but uses international conventions. Which
Seychelles 10
al conventions were not specified. Shrubs > 10
m.
Sierra Leone Declared "Tree" includes any woody vegetation.
Singapore Unknown
Slovakia Use 0.01
Temporarily unstocked areas are included
Slovakia (forest regeneration areas). http://eur-
Use 0.3 20 5 20
UNFCCC lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?
Excludes individual trees- riverine and
windbelt trees- plantations- etc. Slovenian
Forest act (1994) -Forest means land
overgrown with forest trees in the form of
Slovenia Cover 0.05 stands or other forest plants which provides
any of the functions of a forest. Forest
according to this Act also includes overgrown
plots of land defined as forest in the spatial
element of the forest management plan.
Slovenia
0.05 30 2
UNFCCC
Excludes agricultural lands. Tree includes any
Solomon
Unknown root- stump- stem- branch- brushwood- ung
Islands
(?) tree or sapling.
Somalia Cover 20 5
South Africa Cover 75 3
South Africa
0.05 30 2
UNFCCC
Excludes lands capable of producing less that
Spain Use 0.2 5-10 20
1 m3/ha/yr
Spain UNFCCC Cover 1 10 5
145
stipulated or found
Definition Area
Cover Height Width
Type (ha)
(%) (m) (m)
Sri Lanka Cover 45
Sri Lanka
0.05 30 3
UNFCCC
St. Helena Unknown
St. Kitts & Nevis Unknown
St.Vincent &
Unknown
Grenadine
Sudan Cover 40 10
Suriname Unknown
"Tree" means the whole or any part of any tree
as ordinarily understood or of shrub- bush-
Swaziland Unknown
seedling- transplant- sapling- reshoot-
underbrush or regrowth.
Excludes land capable of producing less than
Sweden Potential 0.25 20 5
1m3 /ha/yr
Sweden http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-
Cover 0.5 10 5 10
Switzerland Cover 20-100 3 25-50
The following forest areas are not subject to
the criterion of minimum stand height: shrub
forest consisting of dwarf pine (Pinus mugo
prostrata) and alpine alder (Alnus viridis). The
following forest areas are not subject of the
criteria of minimum stand height and minimum
Switzerland 0.0625 crown cover, but must have the potential to
Use 20-60 3 25-50
UNFCCC -0.25 achieve it: afforested, regenerated, as well as
burned, cut or damaged areas. Although
orchards, parks, camping grounds, open tree
formations in settlements, gardens,
cemeteries, sports and parking fields may fulfil
the (quantitative) forest definition, they are not
considered as forests.
Syrian Arab
Unknown
Rep.
Trees include bamboo. Min. d.b.h. for tree is
Taiwan (R.O.C.) Use 0.5 10 50
10 cm
Tajikistan Cover
"Tree" includes palms- bamboos- canes-
shrubs- bushes -plants- poles- climbers-
Tanzania Cover 60 8
seedlings- saplings and regrowth thereof- all
ages and all kinds and part.
Thailand Use
Thailand
0.16 30 3
UNFCCC
Togo Use
Togo UNFCCC 0.5 10 5 Includes palms and bamboo
Tree includes palms- shrubs- bushes-
Tonga Declared climbers- seedlings- saplings- and re-shoots of
Trinidad & "Tree" includes bamboo- palms and
Cover
Tobago brushwood found growing on state lands
146
stipulated or found
Definition Area
Cover Height Width
Type (ha)
(%) (m) (m)
Trinidad &
Tobago 0.4 10 3
UNFCCC
Tunisia Cover
Turkey Use 3 10 8
Turkmenistan Unknown
"Tree" includes palms- bamboo- canes shrubs
Uganda Declared 4 bushes- climbers- seedlings- and re-growth of
Uganda
1.0 30 5
UNFCCC
Ukraine Cover 60
Ukraine
0.1 30 5 20
UNFCCC,
United Arab
Unknown
Emirates
United
Use 0.25-1 20 20-50 Traub et al. 1998 list minimum area as 2 ha.
Kingdom
United Kingdom http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-
Cover 0.1 20 2 20
en.pdf gives a minimum area of 0.5 ha (1
United States Use 0.4 10 4 36
acre), cover of 20 percent and minimum tree
height of 5 m (16.4 ft.) (2003) and USFS 2004
Uruguay Cover 0.25
Uruguay
0.25 30 3
UNFCCC
Uzbekistan Unknown
Vanuatu Cover 10 Crowns touching or overlapping
Venezuela Use 5
Viet Nam Use 30 Includes bamboo
Viet Nam
0.5 30 3
UNFCCC
Virgin Islands Cover 50 5
Western Sahara Unknown
Western Samoa Unknown
Yemen Cover 3 10 5
Yemen
0.5 30 3
UNFCCC
Yugoslavia Use
Zambia Declared
"Tree" includes bushes- climbers- coppice-
palms- reshoots- saplings- seedlings and
Zimbabwe Cover 80 15
shrubs of all ages and of all kinds and nay part
thereof.
EU Cover 10 5 Includes bamboos
EU UNFCCC
IIASA Cover 40 6
SADC Cover 70 5 Excludes planted forests
147
stipulated or found
Definition Area
Cover Height Width
Type (ha)
(%) (m) (m)
UN CCD Cover
UN ESCO Cover 40 5 Later definition specifies a 10 m height.
Excludes woodland or forest used only for
recreation purposes. Stands of permanent
UN Land Use Use crops such as rubber- fruit trees- nut trees- are
classed as permanent crops under agricultural
lands
UN LCCS Cover 3
UN FRA 2000 Use 0.5 10 5 20
UN FCCC Use 0.05-1 10-30 2-5
As you will note from above, tree may include Any woody vegetation, bamboos, branches, brushwood, bushes, canes,
climbers, coppice shoots, creepers, cuttings, orchids, palms, plants, poles, regrowth of all ages, re-shoots of all ages,
roots, saplings, seedlings, shoots, shrubs, stems, stumps, suckers, transplants, underbrush, and ung.
2.4.3 Questions
1. You will note that some of the definitions contain a minimum height for a plant to be classed as a tree. If taken literally,
newly planted or established seedlings would not be considered "trees" under these definitions. If they are not
considered trees, what are they?
2. Is there some other text that needs to be added in these situations?
2.5 WOODS, WOODLAND, OTHER WOODED LANDS (OWL).
Woods, woodlands, woodlot are often used interchangably with forest and vice versa. As of 13 December 2017 there were
241 definitions listed for woodlands.
1. (Australia - NSW) - Plant communities dominated by trees whose crowns shade less than 30 per cent of the
ground; wooded country with tree canopy covering an average of 10 to 30 per cent of the area; vegetation type that
covers the driest and poorest soil areas of New South Wales.
2. (Australia NSW) - Woodland vegetation where trees cover 20-50% of the area under application (Crown
separation ratio is 0.25-1). The trees are native but the shrubs or grasses may be native or exotic. Open
Woodland where individual trees cover 0.2 - 20% of the area under application (Crown separation ratio is 1-20).
The trees are native but the shrubs or grasses may be native or exotic.
http://www.dlwc.nsw.gov.au/care/veg/pdfs/clearing_vegtypes_mar02.pdf
3. (Australia South Australia) - Woodland is mapped where the trees are the tallest stratum but the foliage covers
less than 30% of the ground.
http://www.atlas.sa.gov.au/atlas1986/2ENVIRONMENT_RESOURCES/5VEGETATION.cfm
4. (Australia - Tasmania) -Vegetation with trees more than 5 m high, and solid canopy cover of between 5% and 50%.
http://www.dpiw.tas.gov.au/inter.nsf/Attachments/LJEM-6K32GF/$FILE/Glossary,%20Appendices,%20Index.pdf
5. (Australia 2008) A sparse forest in which the tree crown cover, viewed from above, ranges between 20% and 50%
of the land area. http://data.daff.gov.au/forestsaustralia/_pubs/sofr2008reduced.pdf
6. (Australia) - A vegetation type dominated by woody vegetation having a mature or potential mature stand height
exceeding 5 metres, with an overstorey canopy cover less than 20%.
http://www.rfa.gov.au/documents/janis/janis011.html#E9E11
7. (Australia) Crown cover range used by the Australian National Forest Inventory for woodland is 20-50%. (Isaac
Mapaure. Researchgate. 23 Jan 2014).
8. (Australia) Wooded Land - Land with vegetation with a projected foliage cover of less than 10% (this is equivalent
to a crown cover of 0.25 to 20%) and included Tall, Medium and Low Trees (>30, 10-30 and <10 m respectively)
148
and Tall Shrubs (>2 m). The Tall Shrubs category excludes eucalypts as these are included under 'forest' as
Mallees." Karol.Andrzejewski@affa.gov.au NFI (1999) definition of Other Wooded land.
9. (Austria) (and non-forest land) - Areas which are not under forest management and which have a crown cover of
less than 30%; areas stocked by shrubs (except coppice stands and areas which have been identified as
protective forests); rows of trees (except wind belts); short rotation plantations, for instance for fuelwood production
(with a rotation period of less than 30 years); Christmas tree cultures, forest nurseries, plantations for seeds of
forest trees or fruits. (Austrian Forestry Act (Federal Legal Gazette no. 440/1975, as amended Federal Legal
Gazette 231/1977, 142/1978 and 576/1987) From: Weiss Peter weissp@ubavie.gv.at)
10. (Canada) - Non-workable land such as woodlots, sugarbushes, tree windbreaks, and bush that is not used for
grazing. http://www.statcan.ca/english/agcensus2006/glossary.htm#gt36
11. (Canada) Productive woodland - Wooded land with trees having over 25% canopy cover and being over 20 feet in
height approximately. Much cutover and burned over land is included.
http://www.fao.org/ag/agl/agll/landuse/clsys/Canada2.htm.
12. (CANADA-Ontario) Woodland (including forest) - A treed community with at least 34% tree cover. (Ecological
Land Classification for southern Ontario, O.M.N.R., 1998).
http://www.ontarionature.org/pdf/Significant_Woodlands_Guidelines(Draft%20Aug%202004).pdf
13. (CANADA-Ontario-Peel Region) Woodlands are complex ecosystems comprised of communities of trees, shrubs,
ground vegetation and immediate environmental conditions on which they depend. Woodlands are further defined
as any area greater than 0.5 ha that has:a) a tree crown cover of over 60% of the ground, determinable from aerial
photography, or b) a tree crown cover of over 25% of the ground, determinable from aerial photography, together
with on-ground stem estimates of at least: 1,000 trees of any size per hectare, or 750 trees measuring over five
centimetres in diameter, per hectare, or 250 trees measuring over 20 centimetres in diameter, per hectare
(densities based on the Forestry Act of Ontario 1998), Treed portions with less than the required stocking level will
be considered part of the woodland as long as the combination of all treed units in the overall connected treed area
meets the required stocking level. Woodlands experiencing changes such as harvesting, blowdown or other tree
mortality are still considered woodlands. Such changes are considered temporary whereby the forest still retains its
long-term ecological value. And, which have a minimum average width of 40 metres or more measured to crown
edges. Woodlands include cultural woodlands, cultural savannahs and plantations except if the plantation is: a)
managed for production of fruits, nuts, Christmas trees or nursery stock; b) managed for tree products with an
average rotation of less than 20 years (e.g. hybrid willow or poplar); or c) established and continuously managed
for the sole purpose of complete removal at rotation, as demonstrated with documentation acceptable to the
Region or area municipality, without a woodland restoration objective.
http://www.peelregion.ca/planning/officialplan/pdfs/P-09-02%20ROPA%2021%20Appendix%20I%20January
%2027%202009%20-%202.pdf.
14. (Czech Republic) Land covered by trees and/or shrubs which is not destined to fulfil forest functions e.g., the belts
on river banks. (European Communities 1997b - p. 1225).
15. (Estonia) - Other wooded lands - includes shrubs, bushes and non-agricultural land covered with trees. For FRA
2000 - Source: UN/ECE 2000 p. 77.
16. (EU) - Open stand of trees up to approximately 18 metres in height in which tree crowns cover at least 30 per cent
of the land area but are, for the most part, not overlapping http://europa.eu.int/comm/dg08/forests/en/en4_6.htm
and http://europa.eu.int/comm/development/body/publications/forests/en/en4_6.htm
17. (EU) - Other wooded land are areas which have some characteristics of forests but which are not forests as
defined above. They include open woodland and scrub, shrub and brushland.
http://ec.europa.eu/agriculture/envir/report/en/lex_en/report_en.htm
18. (EU) 2000. Other wooded land is land which has some forestry characteristics but is not forest as defined above. It
includes open woodland and scrub, shrub and brushland, whether or not used for pasture or range. It excludes
land occupied by "trees outside the forest. http://europa.eu.int/estatref/info/sdds/en/for/for_res.htm#toc
19. (EU) 2000. Wooded area - includes forest area and other types of wooded land.
http://ec.europa.eu/agriculture/envir/report/en/lex_en/report_en.htm and
http://europa.eu.int/estatref/info/sdds/en/for/for_res.htm#toc
20. (Finland) Scrubland - Potential capacity to produce a mean annual increment of at least 0.1 m3/ha but less than
1.0 m3/ha given an optimum tree species mix. (European Communities 1997a - p. 186)
21. (France 1997) A subcategory of forest land - where the main function is not production. They consist of unmanaged
forests: in accessible forest or forest land located on too steep slopes, protective forests (where cuttings are
forbidden) and recreation forests, green spaces, no-admittance areas (military grounds for example). (European
Communities 1997a - p. 255)
22. (France 2011) Woods: Area of woodland exceeding 4 hectares with trees able to reach a height greater than 5
meters at maturity in situ, a tree canopy cover of more than 10% and a width of at least 20 meters. Woods are part
of the forest area (NFI new inventory method) (2011) http://www6.nancy.inra.fr/lef_eng/LEF-Data-
Group/Tools/Glossary
149
23. (ICSU) Woodlands have 50-100% tree canopy cover by trees, and a sometimes sparse, but always significant
gramineous layer; http://www.icsu-scope.org/downloadpubs/scope56/Chapter04.html
24. (Ireland) Coillte estate - Scrub and/or Amenity forests. (European Communities 1997a - p. 401).
25. (Millennium Eciosystem Assessment) - woodland refers to the type of land cover characterized by trees and
shrubs. www.maweb.org/documents/document.290.aspx.pdf. From Stefania Pizziran Resarch Gate 4 Feb 2014.
26. (Miombo) Any woodland which is dominated by species of three related genera in the family Leguminosae:
Brachystegia, Julbernardia and Isoberlinia. Miombo is regarded as woodland, in spite of its closed canopy (with
crowns touching), because of its light foliage which allows sufficient light to reach the ground to support a
continuous ground cover of grasses and other herbs. Source: http://www.africa-
insites.com/zambia/travel/General/vegetati.htm
27. (NASDA) Woodland - Wood lots or timber tracts, natural or planted. Exclude cropland (bearing orchards, etc.) and
pasture, but include woodland occasionally grazed. http://www.nasda-
hq.org/NASDA_NASS/docs/EDUCATIO/REFERENC/TERMS___/TERMSDEF.PDF
28. (Norway) Other wooded land then corresponds to: "Non-productive forest land" and "wooded mire". Non-
productive forest land should have an average potential production of between 0.1 and 1.0 m 3 per ha and year,
regardless of the current stocking and it should have mineral soil. Wooded mire has the same production potential
as non-productive forest land, with a peat soil. From: marit-viktoria.pettersen@sftospost.md.dep.telemax.no
(European Communities 1997b - p. 832).
29. (Oak) Those Devon woods which are dominated by English oak, sessile oak or the hybrids between the two.
Devon Biodiversity Action http://www.devon-cc.gov.uk/biodiversity/oakwood.html
30. (Remote Sensing) Area with tree crown cover of 5-20% of the surface. Trees should be able to grow to a height of
more than 7 m (Koehl and Paivinen 1996) Woodlands, almost exclusively of Aleppo Pine, with at least 20% ground
cover by trees; http://content.alterra.wur.nl/Internet/webdocs/ilri-publicaties/publicaties/Pub36/Proceeding%20of
%20the%20workshop%20leeg-h3.pdf
31. (Russian Federation) - OWL = includes areas of shrubs and bushes. For FRA 2000 - Source: UN/ECE 2000 p 85.
32. (SAF) (1958) (Farm woodland) The wooded portion of a farm or ranch, or the wooded land operated in connection
with a farm or ranch. In the Southwest. the piion-juniper and chaparral forest types. In California, the open stand
of oaks and occasionally digger pine in valleys and foothills, (SAF 1958)
33. (SAF) (1971) Generally, a wooded area. More particularly, as in the tropics and western USA. plant communities in
which trees, often small and characteristically short-holed relative to their depth of crown, are present but form only
an open canopy, the intervening areas being occupied by lower vegetation, commonly grass, in contrast to a
typical wood. (FORD-ROBERTSON 1971)
34. (South Africa) Woodland - Tree canopy cover between 40-70%. A closed-to-open canopy community, typically
consisting of a single tree canopy layer and a herb (grass) layer. Thompson 1996? www.sac.co.za/geoinfo/
field_guide.htm.
35. (South Africa) Woodlands - 40-99% canopy cover, usually a tree layer, shrub layer and grass layer, typically 6m or
more tall; regular fires. http://www.polity.org.za/govdocs/green_papers/forest1.html#t1.1
36. (SRM) (1974) A land area occupied by trees, a forest, woods. (SRM 1974)
37. (SRM) (1980) An area on which trees often small and characteristically short-boled relative to their depth of crown,
usually form an open canopy, and the intervening areas are occupied by herbaceous and shrubby vegetation.
(SRM 1980)
38. (Sweden) - OWL - a quarter of the land with a tree crown ranging from 1-20 percent and areas larger than 0.25 ha.
For FRA 2000 - Source: UN/ECE 2000 p 87.
39. (Tanzania) Woodlands are defined to have 10 - 40 % crown cover (Iversen 1991) and dominant height less than 10
meters. Source: Kari Hyytiaeinen, Land Use Classification and Mapping for the East Usambara Mountains,
Usambara Catchment Forest Project, Technical Paper No. 12, Department of International Development Co-
optation, Finland, Metsaehallitus - Forest and Park Service, 1995
http://www.fao.org/ag/agl/agll/landuse/clsys/Usambara.htm
40. (Thailand 2001) Other wooded area; woodland. Area that has some forest characteristics but does not meet the
definition of forest given above. Includes areas occupied by windbreaks groups of trees, fallow land, and
shrubland. http://www.landcoalition.org/sites/default/files/legacy/legacypdf/08_gtz_land_tenure_systems.pdf
41. (Turkey 2012) Woodlands are defined as; long-lived copse with the expanding top as a result of growth and overly
developed side branches, showing the width growing manner in general, not reaching 8 m in length, at any age or
diameter. According to the Regulation of the Forest Cadaster and 2/B Application dated 20.11.2012, (see the article
14, subparagraph B in the regulation).
42. (Uganda National Biomass Study) Woodlands: These are wooded areas where trees and shrubs are
predominant. There are wet and dry types. The wet type occurs as a zone along riverine forest and the dry type is
found on grasscovered upland areas. To qualify as woodland the average height of the trees must exceed 4 m.
http://cdm.unfccc.int/UserManagement/FileStorage/SDRN4ZBQ7XGTGK2W2TH9Y83L11ANG7 (UK)
43. (UK) The definition of woodland in United Kingdom forestry statistics is land under stands of trees with a canopy
cover of at least 20% (or having the potential to achieve this), including integral open space, and including felled
150
areas that are awaiting restocking. http://www.forestry.gov.uk/website/foreststats.nsf/byunique/sources.html. From
Stefania Pizziran Research Gate 4 Feb 2014.
44. (UK 2010) Ancient woodland in England is defined as an area that has been wooded continuously since at least
1600 AD. Ancient woodland is divided into ancient semi-natural woodland and plantations on ancient woodland
sites. Both types of stand are classed as ancient woods. http://www.highweald.org/downloads/publications/1068-
rother-district-ancient-woodland-inventory/file.html
45. (UK 2010) Recent woodland (less than 400 years old), is where a wood has either been planted on an area of
land, or where trees have been allowed to grow naturally through regeneration, usually as the result of a cessation
in land use management. http://www.highweald.org/downloads/publications/1068-rother-district-ancient-woodland-
inventory/file.html
46. (UK-Halton Borough) An area that is largely occupied by growing trees.
http://www2.halton.gov.uk/pdfs/environment/planning/haltonudpappendices
47. (UN-CCD) - Woodland: Light canopy with single storey of small to medium sized trees with crowns more or less
touching and a sparse grass stratum sometimes with herbaceous or shrub vegetation;
http://www.unccd.int/actionprogrammes/asia/national/2000/yemen-eng.pdf United Nations Convention to Combat
Desertification
48. (UN-EP) Wooded land, which is not classified as forest, spanning more than 0.5 hectares, with trees higher than 5
metres and a canopy cover of 5-10 per cent, or trees able to reach these thresholds in situ, or with a combined
cover of shrubs, bushes and trees above 10 per cent. It does not include areas used predominantly for agricultural
or urban purposes. http://www.unep.org/geo/geo4/report/Glossary.pdf
49. (UN-ESCO-1993) Scrub woodland. Stunted woodland less than 8 m tall or vegetation intermediate between
woodland and bushland. http://home.comcast.net/~gyde/1993annex3iufro.pdf
50. (UN-ESCO-1993) Transition woodland. Intermediate between forest and woodland.
http://home.comcast.net/~gyde/1993annex3iufro.pdf
51. (UN-ESCO-1993) Woodland. An open stand of trees at least 8 m tall with a canopy cover of 40% or more. The field
layer is usually dominated by grasses. http://home.comcast.net/~gyde/1993annex3iufro.pdf
52. (UN-FAO-2000, 2001) Wodland refers to the type of land cover characterized by trees and shrubs: other
wooded land. Other wooded land, or OWL, is defined by FRA-2000 as land with a tree crown cover (or equivalent
stocking level) of 510% of trees able to reach a height of 5 meters at maturity, a crown cover of more than 10% of
trees not able to reach a height of 5 meters at maturity (such as dwarf or stunted trees), or shrub and bush cover of
more than 10%. OWL excludes areas with the tree, shrub, or bush cover just specified but of less than 0.5
hectares and width of 20 meters, as well as land predominantly used for agricultural practices (FAO 2000, 2001c).
http://www.maweb.org/documents/document.290.aspx.pdf
53. (UN-FAO-2004) Trees outside forests - all trees found outside forests and outside other wooded lands: stands
smaller than 0.5 ha; tree cover in agricultural land, e.g. agroforestry systems, homegardens, orchards; trees in
urban environments; along roads and scattered in the landscape.
http://www.fao.org/forestry/foris/webview/forestry2/index.jsp?siteId=4261&sitetreeId=13629&langId=1&geoId=0
54. (UN-FAO-2004, 2013) Other wooded land - Land not classified as Forest, spanning more than 0.5 hectares; with
trees higher than 5 meters and a canopy cover of 5-10 percent, or trees able to reach these thresholds in situ; or
with a combined cover of shrubs, bushes and trees above 10 percent. It does not include land that is
predominantly under agricultural or urban land use. http://www.fao.org/forestry/foris/webview/forestry2/index.jsp?
siteId=4261&sitetreeId=13629&langId=1&geoId=0 and http://www.fao.org/docrep/017/ap862e/ap862e00.pdf.
55. (UN-FAO-2005) Other wooded land is land with: (i) crown cover of 510% for trees able to reach a height of 5
metres or more at maturity; or (ii) crown cover of more than 10% for trees not able to reach a height of 5 metres at
maturity; or (iii) shrub or bush cover of more than 10%.
http://www.fao.org/es/ess/census/PROGwca2010/chapter11_r7.pdf
56. (UN-FAO-2005) Woodland or forest - This includes woodlot or timber tracts, natural or planted, constituting part of
the holding which have or will have value as wood, timber, other forest products or for protection. Forest tree
nurseries should be included in this category. Rows, belts and small clumps of trees, bamboo and other woody
vegetation should be included in woodland and forest. http://www.fao.org/es/ess/census/12ch5.asp
57. (UN-FAO-2010) Other wooded land - Land not classified as Forest, spanning more than 0.5 hectares; with trees
higher than 5 meters and a canopy cover of 5-10 percent, or trees able to reach these thresholds in situ; or with a
combined cover of shrubs, bushes and trees above 10 percent. It does not include land that is predominantly under
agricultural or urban land use. FRA 2010 http://www.fao.org/forestry/foris/pdf/fra/2010/north-and-central-
america/united-states-virgin-islands-2010-224.doc.
58. (UN-FRA-2010 Proposed) - Land with tree canopy cover of more than 5 percent and area of more than 0.5
hectares. Trees, defined by Ecoregion, should be able to reach a minimum height of 2m at maturity in situ.
Generally, woodland trees will not excede 5m in height at maturity. Source: Brad Smith, USDA Forest Service, May
2002.
59. (UN-HCR 2005) - Open stand of trees up to approximately 18 metres in height in which tree crowns cover at least
30 per cent of the land area but are, generally, not overlapping.
151
http://postconflict.unep.ch/liberia/displacement/documents/UNHCR_IUCN_Forest_Management_Refugee_Returne
e_Situations.pdf. UNHCR 2005
60. (United Kingdom) - An area of trees, often used to describe small areas of deciduous trees. It can, however, also
be used for larger areas and areas planted with conifers. http://www.forestry.gov.uk/forestry/HCOU-4X2K5J
61. (United Kingdom) - An area of trees, where a tree is a woody species capable of achieving >5m in height and 25%
canopy cover under favourable growing conditions.
http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/planningandbuilding/pdf/144275.pdf
62. (United Kingdom) - Land under stands of trees with a canopy cover of at least 20% (25% in Northern Ireland), or
having the potential to achieve this, including integral open space, and including felled areas that are awaiting
restocking http://www.forestry.gov.uk/website/ForestStats2006.nsf/byunique/glossary.html
63. (United Kingdom) - OWL - wood pastures For FRA 2000 - Source: UN/ECE 2000 p 90
64. (USA-FED-CENSUS) (1992) Woodland, total. This category includes natural or planted woodlots or timber tracts,
cutover and deforested land with young growth which has or will have value for wood products, land planted for
Christmas tree production, and woodland pastured. Land covered by sagebrush or mesquite was to be reported as
other pastureland and rangeland or other land. http://www.census.gov/prod/2/agr/92area/aca11.pdf
65. (USA-FED-CENSUS) (1997) Woodland, total. This category includes natural or planted woodlots or timber tracts,
cutover and deforested land with young growth which has or will have value for wood products, and woodland
pastured. Land covered by sagebrush or mesquite was to be reported as other pastureland and rangeland or other
land. Land planted for Christmas tree production was to be reported in cropland harvested, and land in tapped
maple trees reported as woodland not pastured. http://www.census.gov/prod/ac97/ac97a-11.pdf
66. (USA-FED-DA-FS) (1979) An area on which the dominant vegetation is broadleaf or deciduous trees. (FS 1979B)
67. (USA-FED-DA-FS) (1980) A plant community composed of trees at least 4 meters tail with crown not usually
touching but with a foliar cover of over 25 percent but less than 61 percent at maturity. A herbaceous and/or scrub
understory is usually present. (FS 1980)
68. (USA-FED-DA-FS-R8) An open stand of trees with crowns not usually touching (generally forming a 25 to 60
percent cover). USDA Forest Service 1997.
69. (USA-FED-DA-SCS) (1970) Land used primarily for the production of adapted wood crops and to provide tree
cover for watershed protection, beautification, etc. Does not include farmstead and field windbreak plantings. (SCS
1970)
70. (USA-FED-DC-NOAA) Woody Land class includes any species with an aerial stem that persists for more than one
season. The Woody class is divided into three subclasses: 1.41 - Deciduous, 1.42 - Evergreen, and 1.43 - Mixed.
http://www.csc.noaa.gov/crs/lca/proto2.html. 1995
71. (USA-FED-DI-BIA) Woodland - Forestland with less than 5% crown cover by commercial timber species.
http://conbio.rice.edu/nae/docs/assessment.html
72. (USA-FED-DI-BLM) Those lands with 5 percent or greater crown cover in tree species not typically used in
commercially processed wood products, including such species as pinyon pine, juniper, white oak, live oak, and
black spruce. Stocking can be measure by either crown density, stem density, or basal area. Include land that
formerly had such tree cover and that will be managed to be naturally or artificially regenerated to tree cover.
http://www.blm.gov/nhp/efoia/wo/fy03/im2003-035attach1.pdf
73. (USA-FED-DI-GS) -Woodland, which is defined as "forest land," includes deciduous, evergreen, and mixed forest
land, and orchards. The woodland data layer identifies deforestation or reforestation resulting from urbanization or
conservation. The woodland is compiled using criteria based on tint and spectral reflectance. The minimum
mapping unit for woodland is 10 acres. The classification scheme adopted for woodland is a modification of the
Anderson Level II classification system. All woodland areas are collected as polygons, compiled into one separate
coverage, and assigned category 44. http://mcmcweb.er.usgs.gov/phil/gis.html
74. (USA-FED-DI-OSM) "Woodlands" is defined in CSR 38-2-2.134 to mean commercial woodlands where the
postmining land use would result in the development of a commercial product for which flat or gently rolling land is
essential to facilitate the operation of mechanical harvesting equipment. http://www.osmre.gov/mountaintop.htm
75. (USA-FED-FGDC) - Woodland: Mature (late successional) height of trees > 5 metes and canopy cover +/> 10 %
and =/< 25 %. http://www.forestguild.org/climate_change/Pinon-Juniper.pdf and http://www.fgdc.gov/fgdc.html.
76. (USA-STATE-Hawaii) A unit of vegetation dominated by trees whose crowns generally are not touching. Plant
communities with trees having a crown cover of 25 to 60 percent are considered woodlands.
77. (USA-STATE-Illinois) Woodlands a tract or parcel of land covered wholly or in substantial part with trees and
related environs. http://www.gurnee.il.us/municipal_code/pdf_chapters/chapter45.pdf
78. (USA-STATE-Indiana-Board of Tax Review)- Land that has at least 50% canopy cover qualifies as woodland for
purposes of assessment. The amount of canopy cover usually is measured from aerial photographs.
http://www.in.gov/ibtr/files/07-004-02-1-5-00184.pdf
79. (USA-STATE-Kansas) Woodland is an area having woody plant species that produce canopy cover of at least 25%
of the basal area. (2004) http://www.kdwp.state.ks.us/PDF/EnvSrvs/docs/ESSsbjEvalTrrstrlHbts04.pdf
152
80. (USA-STATE-Nevada) (1997) Woodland All forest land consisting of non-timber species not traditionally used for
industrial products. Such species include juniper, pinon pine, cottonwood, willow, aspen, as well as others.
http://www.dcnr.nv.gov/nrp/y-tr1nrp.pdf (Nevada Forest Stewardship Program, Five Year Plan, 1997 -2002,
December 1997, NDF Forest Stewardship Coordinating Committee)
81. (USA-STATE-Oklahoma-Norman City) Woodland forest is a transition zone between prairie and bottomland. It is
dominated by shrubs, vigorous grasses,and native tree species.
http://www.ci.norman.ok.us/planning/greenbelt/pdf_files/GreenDreams.pdf
82. (USA-STATE-Oregon-Portland) Woodland: Open stands of trees with crowns not usually touching (generally
forming 25-60% of cover). Canopy tree cover may be less than 25% in cases where it exceeds shrub, dwarf-shrub,
herb, and nonvascular cover, respectively. Natural Resource Inventory vegetation mapping project City of Portland
Bureau of Planning. 18 p. http://www.portlandonline.com/shared/cfm/image.cfm?id=106047
83. (USA-STATE-TEXAS) Woods - Woody plants mostly nine to 30 feet tall with closed crowns or nearly so (71 to 100
percent canopy cover); midstory usually lacking. http://www.texasep.org/html/wld/wld_4hab.html
84. (USA-STATE-Virgin Island) Open tree canopy, crowns not touching each other. Generally forming 25-50% tree
cover. http://rps.uvi.edu/CES/vivegzon.htm
85. (USA-STATE-Virginia) - Woodland - Forest land incapable of producing 20 cubic feet per acre per year of industrial
wood under natural conditions, because of adverse site conditions. http://state.vipnet.org/dof/glo.htm and
http://www.srs.fs.fed.us/sustain/report/appendix/glossary.htm
86. (Vanuatu) Trees with separated crowns, generally <10 m tall. A clearly visible layer of herbs and/or grasses.
Source: Bellamy, J.A. Vanuatu Resource Information System. VANRIS Handbook. Via Adam Gerrand.
87. (WCMC) Woodland includes thicket and bushland but not shrubland
http://www.panda.org/downloads/forests/wcmcflrmapping.pdf
88. (Zimbabwe 2002) Woodland Tree height 5-15m, canopy cover 20-80%
http://ageconsearch.umn.edu/bitstream/18021/1/dp020002.pdf
89. .(Romania) - OWL - forests owned by different state owners outside the "forest fund" - which are not characterized
by statistical parameters. For FRA 2000 - Source: UN/ECE 2000 p 85
90. Farmed woodland 50 trees/ha (>15cm dbh).
http://www.montpellier.inra.fr/safe/publications/communications/Orlando/Policy%20support%20for%20Agroforestry
%20in%20the%20European%20Union.pdf
91. 20% to 49% trees. Source: Amreican Forests via Fleishman, Sandra. 2003. Why were the trees cut down? The
Washington Post. Section F1,8-9. 28 June. Note: area with less than 20% trees are termed Developed Acreage.
92. A biological community dominated by trees and other woody plants.
http://www.woodlandowner.org.uk/glossary.htm#W
93. A cultural period of the Eastern North American Aborigine Indians dating from 3,000 - 1,300 B.P. Usually, the
presence of pottery differentiates the Woodland culture from the Archaic culture which preceded it.
http://members.aol.com/artgumbus/glossary.html
94. A forest where tree crowns cover less than 20 percent of the ground; also called open canopy.
http://www.mhhe.com/biosci/pae/glossary/glossaryw.mhtml
95. A forest with low tree densities, often defined as less than 20% to 30% crown cover when trees are mature.
http://www.sfrc.ufl.edu/Extension/ssfor11.htm
96. A landscape where the dominant vegetation is composed of tree species that are generally not capable of
producing commercial tree growth. http://www.for.nau.edu/courses/for250/Definitions/Definitions.html
97. A native plant community dominated by trees with relatively open spacing (up to 30% of the land surface covered
by the crowns), often with a dense understorey. http://www.forestry.sa.gov.au/pdf/glossary.pdf
98. A natural community of widely spaced and often stunted trees that occurs on knolls and hill tops where soils are
excessively well-drained and bedrock outcrops are abundant. http://www.midcoast.com/~wpl/mvlt/nri/glossary.html
99. A piece of land on which trees are cultivated http://www.ifdn.com/teacher/glossary.htm
100.A plant community dominated by short-boled trees (usually species of eucalypts) that are separated from each
other and with grasses and other herbs forming a more or less continuous ground cover between them.
http://155.187.10.12/glossary/fl-nsw.html
101.A plant community dominated by trees with over 35% canopy cover.
http://www.thamesriver.on.ca/ONHS/final_report/Glossary.pdf
102.A small forest. http://www.fnr.purdue.edu/inwood/glossary.html
103.A tract of forest.
http://www.michigandnr.com/publications/pdfs/huntingwildlifehabitat/Landowners_Guide/Introduction/Glossary.htm
104.A vegetation community that includes widely spaced large trees. The tree crowns are typically more spreading in
form than those of forest trees and do not form a closed canopy. Grass, heath, or scrub may develop between the
trees. http://mojavedesert.net/glossary/forest.html
105. A woodland is a stand of trees up to 18m high with a canopy cover of 20-80%. Ground layer is dominated by
grasses (Timberlake, Nobanda & Mapaure, 1993; Pratt, Greenway & Gwynne, 1966). (Isaac Mapaure.
Researchgate. 23 Jan 2014).g
153
106.An area or biotic community dominated by widely-spaced trees of short stature growing on warm, dry sites. In the
Southwest, common woodland species are oak, pinyon, and juniper; these woodlands usually occur below 8,000
feet elevation. http://www.rmrs.nau.edu/publications/rm_gtr_295/glossary.html
107.An area planted to trees for fuel, or timber.
http://www.echonet.org/Technotes/AgroforestryPrinciples.html#definitions
108.An area primarily covered with trees. http://glossary.gardenweb.com/glossary/woodland.html
109.An environment characterized by patchy stands of relatively short trees separated by grassy areas.
http://www.becominghuman.org/resources/glossary.php?mode=definition&termID=268
110.An open stand of trees > 8 metres high and with a canopy cover of 40% or more, usually among grasses.
Woodland is often described by its dominant species, for example, 'Acacia woodland', 'Acacia-Themeda
woodland', 'Combretum woodland'. http://www.worldagroforestrycentre.org/InformationResources/T-V.asp
111. Any wooded areas having a canopy closure of 50% and greater.
http://gisdasc.kgs.ukans.edu/metadata/landcover.html
112.Area occupied by trees. http://info.sjc.ox.ac.uk/forests/glossary.htm
113.Area of land on which many trees grow http://www.newberry.org/k12maps/glossary/index.html
114.Area that has some forest characteristics but does not meet the definition of forest given above. Includes areas
occupied by windbreaks groups of trees, fallow land, and shrubland.
http://www.wrm.org.uy/actors/WB/1991policy3.html and. https://www.uni-hohenheim.de/i490a/teaching/M4901-
430/ws_03_04/reading_materials/New_Neef_Schwarzmeier_Studie.pdf.
115. Area with tree crown cover of 5-20% of the surface. Trees should be able to grow to a height of more than 7 m.
Included are 1) the area with young trees or coppice able to form open forest in the future, 2) area of potentially
open forest which is temporarily unstocked due to regeneration or damage. Forest roads, firebreaks etc., as well as
nurseries and storages less than 0.5 ha are included in open forest area (Khl and Pivinen 1996).
116.Areas dominated by trees with a total canopy cover of 26-60 %, most tree crowns not touching each other. An
herbaceous or shrub understory, or both, are usually present. An open stand of trees, sometimes called "open
forest." http://www.gap.uidaho.edu/handbook/LandCoverMapping/UNESCO/
117.Areas of trees whose tops collectively shade less that 30 percent of the ground
http://www.nafi.com.au/k12/ourforests/glossary.html
118.Areas with an annual yield capacity between 0.1 and 1 m3 wood including bark per hectare under favourable stand
conditions. As for productive forest land, consideration should be given to yield capacity and not a temporary
absence of trees. [From: Stein Tomter stein.tomter@tor.nijos.no Date: Mon, 15 Jun 1998 14:50:20 +0200]
119.Comprised of open stands of trees more than 5 meters tall with crowns not touching. Greater than 40% of the
ground is covered by the tree canopy. Definitions for Mainly Evergreen Woodland, Mainly Deciduous Woodland,
and Extremely Xeromorphic Woodland are similar to forest definitions with sparser stocking of individual trees.
http://mirror.globe-germany.de/sda-bin/wt/ghp/tg+L(en)+P(landcover/MUCglossary-full and
http://www.geery.com/Norfork_MUC.htm
120.Forest land and includes deciduous, evergreen, and mixed forest land and orchards.
http://mcmcweb.er.usgs.gov/phil/rbradford-paper.pdf
121.Forest land producing trees not typically used as saw timber products and not included in calculation of the
commercial forest land ASQ. Medford Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan
http://www.or.blm.gov/Medford/medford/glossary.html and http://www.streamnet.org/pub-
ed/ff/Glossary/glossaryforest.html
122.Forest land producing trees not typically used as saw timber products and not included in calculation of the
commercial forest land allowable sale quantity. http://www.streamnet.org/pub-ed/ff/Glossary/glossaryforest.html
123.In a woodland, trees are spaced further apart. In a forest, the treetops touch each other to form a canopy.
124.In a woodland, trees grow far apart, so that the canopy is open. In a forest the crowns of individual trees touch to
form a single canopy. http://www.botany.uwc.ac.za/envfacts/facts/deforestation.htm
125.In ecological terms, a forest may be differentiated from a woodland: a forest is considered to have a more or less
closed canopy, where the branches and foliage of trees meet or interlock; a woodland is considered to have an
open canopy, where some sunlight penetrates between the trees (see also: savanna). http://explanation-
guide.info/meaning/Forest.html
126.In the Preliminary Classification for Vegetation of Alaska, forest vegetation with 10 to 25% crown cover of the tree
crowns. http://www.arcticatlas.org/glossary/index
127.Includes natural or planted woodlots or timber tract, cutover and deforested land with young growth that have or
will have value for wood products, land planted for Christmas tree production, and pastured woodland.
http://agglossary.uaex.edu/viewWGlossary1.asp
128.Land covered with wood i.e. trees; a wooded region or piece of ground. Shorter Oxford English Dictionary
http://www.taxbar.com/tr/jaggers.htm
129.Land devoted to the growing of trees http://www.co.hunterdon.nj.us/depts/taxboard/farmland.htm
154
130. Land either with a tree crown cover (or equivalent stocking level) of 5-10 percent of trees able to reach a height of
5 m at maturity in situ; or a crown cover (or equivalent stocking level) of more than 10 percent of trees not able to
reach a height of 5 m a maturity in situ (e.g. dwarf or stunted trees) and shrub or bush cover. Excludes: Areas
having the tree, shrub or bush cover specified above but of less than 0.5 ha and width of 20 m, which are classed
under "other land"; Land predominately used for agricultural practices (UN-ECE 1997).
131.Land having a cover of trees, shrubs, or both. http://www.anzlic.org.au/icsm/topo/tddsect3.htm
132.Land supporting a stand of trees up to 20 m in height, with an open or continuous but not thickly interlaced canopy,
and a canopy cover of not less than 20%. Shrubs, if present, constitute less than one-tenth of the canopy cover.
Grasses and other herbs dominate the ground cover. Epiphytic ferns are rare. Often subject to periodic burning.
Tree thicket (Wt) or coppice woodland (Wc) can be recognised. Sub-types by genera e.g. Brachystegia .
Julbernardia woodland; Acacia seyal woodland. http://www.usangu.org/reports/landres.pdf
133.Land that is mostly covered with dense growths of trees and shrubs. A generalised term
http://www.tnw.org.uk/Note17.html
134.Land under open stands of trees. Paraphrased from http://src.doc.ic.ac.uk/packages/Project-
Gutenberg/etext99/world97.txt
135.Leaf /branch cover above 8m off ground, 60%-20%. http://www.esd.ornl.gov/projects/qen/adams3.html
136.Open stands of tree species, 25-60% canopy cover..
http://www.extension.iastate.edu/naturemapping/naturemapping_process/habitat_codes.html#forest
137.Open stands of trees Formed by trees at least 5 m tall, with most of their crowns not touching each other but
covering at least 30% of the sky. http://www.birdlist.org/cam/themes/Volume_I_s.pdf
138.Open stands of trees with crowns not usually touching (25- 59% cover).
www.tgic.state.tx.us/tgic/documents/plans/lulc-report.pdf
139.Open stands of trees with crowns not usually touching (generally forming 25-60% cover). Canopy tree cover may
be less than 25% in cases where it exceeds shrub, dwarf-shrub, herb, and nonvascular cover, respectively.
http://www.cws-scf.ec.gc.ca/fff/GLOSS_E.HTM#Forest and http://www.wec.ufl.edu/coop/gap/moreinfo.htm
140.Other wooded areas are the wooded formations of any kind less than 0,5 ha in size, as well as open woodlands
having a crown density less than 20%, areas of brushwood, shrubland, stunted trees etc..
141.Predominantly tree covered land whether in large tracts (generally called forests) or smaller units (known by a
variety of terms such as woodlands, woods, copses and shelterbelts).
http://www.ukwas.org.uk/standard/certification_standard/glossary.html
142.Predominately tree covered land. Paraphrased from http://www.fsc-uk.demon.co.uk/Appendices.html.

143. Small forest, a forest composed of young trees, or a forest from which fuelwood is cut. Colliers Encyclopedia.
144. The tract of wooded land which is maintained primarily to furnish fuel, posts, lumber and other wood products for
use on the farm. (Fergusen 1916).
145.This category includes natural or planted woodlots or timber tracts, cutover and deforested land with young growth
which has or will have value for wood products, and woodland pastured. Land covered by sagebrush or mesquite
was to be reported as other pastureland and rangeland or other land. Land planted for Christmas tree production
was to be reported in cropland harvested, and land in tapped maple trees reported as woodland not pastured.
http://agcensus.mannlib.cornell.edu/glossary.php#woodland
146. Trees outside forests (ToF). Trees and tree environments on lands not defined as forest or other wooded lands.
Include: (a) groups of trees covering an area of less 0.5 ha, including lines and shelterbelts along infrastructure
features and agricultural fields; (b) scattered trees in agricultural landscapes; (c) tree plantations mainly for other
purposes than wood, such a fruit orchards and palm plantations; and trees in parks and gardens and around
buildings. ToF are not assigned an area in the overall land use classification, but occurs inside Other wooded land
and Other land. Although the definition of ToF is based on the trees, the concept includes also the site and other
vegetation at the location. (FAO 2000b)
147.Upland and bottomland forests or idle areas over grown with trees having canopy greater than 10 percent and at
least 100 feet wide. Fence rows and woody draws are not classified as woodland but are included as features in
the cropland, pature/hayland or old field habitat types. http://www.conservation.state.mo.us/landown/wild/guide/
148.Vegetation dominated by woody plants, and included "forest" (if closed), "bushwood" (if shrubs were more
abundant than trees), and "shrubwood" (if entirely of shrubs).
http://www.fs.fed.us/research/publications/forest_production_for_tropical_america/appendix_d.pdf
149.Vegetation in which trees, often small and characteristically short-boled in relation to their crown depth, are present
but form only on open or sparse canopy, the intervening areas being occupied by shrubs or herbs.
150.Wood lot means any piece of land of which trees in each hectare being not less than twenty-five;
http://www.goaforest.com/regulation/body_preservoftrees2.htm
151.Wooded area - A land area which is at least six (6) percent covered with trees that are two (2) metres or more in
height. http://home.gdbc.gov.bc.ca/TRIM/IDM_Project_Riparian_Zone_specs.pdf
155
152.Wooded area - Corresponds to the FAO definition of forest and woodland. It refers to land under natural or planted
stands of trees, whether productive or not, and includes land from which forests have been cleared but that will be
reforested in the foreseeable future. http://www.tpesp.es/informe/HTMNF/COMPENDI/CHAP8.HTM
153.Wooded area consists of forest area and other wooded areas.
154.Woodland - woody vegetation formations with scattered trees generally with less than 40% crown cover, also
known as open forests http://www.asiaforestnetwork.org/glossary.html#gft
155.Woodland refers to the type of land cover characterized by trees and shrubs:
156.Woodland, open- An open woodland - canopy cover of 20-60% and a well developed grass layer. (Isaac
Mapaure. Researchgate. 23 Jan 2014).g
157.woodland, open OW = grasses plus other annual herbs, trees > 5 m representing < 25%)
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/229505636_The_impact_of_shrub_encroachment_on_savanna_bird_div
ersity_from_local_to_regional_scale
158.woodland, shrubby (SW = mix of grasses, shrubs and trees > 5 m, with woody cover representing between 25
and 50%)
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/229505636_The_impact_of_shrub_encroachment_on_savanna_bird_div
ersity_from_local_to_regional_scale
159.Woodlands - 50-100% tree canopy cover, and a graminaceous layer http://www.savannas.org.uk/savdef.htm
160.Woodlands - tree-dominated plant association. Trees spaced more widely apart. Ground cover not inhibited by lack
of sunlight. Environment drier than forests. http://web.uccs.edu/geogenvs/ges100-online/Chapt11.doc
161.Woodlands have 50-100% tree canopy cover by trees, and a sometimes sparse, but always significant
gramineous layer; Savannas have 10-50% cover by woody plants, and in the unexploited state, a well-developed
grass layer; http://www.scopenvironment.org/downloadpubs/scope56/Chapter04.html
162.Woodlands, open with less than 20% tree cover, often as small forest remnants scattered over the hill ranges; the
domination is important: it indicates that these terrains, regardless of their administrative status, are used as
grazing lands, and that their production potential for animal husbandry is more important than for timber production
http://content.alterra.wur.nl/Internet/webdocs/ilri-publicaties/publicaties/Pub36/Proceeding%20of%20the
%20workshop%20leeg-h3.pdf
163.Woodlot - A restricted area of woodland, usually privately maintained as a source of fuel, posts, and lumber.
http://www.nap.edu/openbook.php?record_id=1985&page=674
164.Woodlot A small forest. http://www.fnr.purdue.edu/inwood/glossary.html
165.Woodlots: term used for forest plantings on farms for wood production; also see farm forestry.
http://www.forestry.sa.gov.au/pdf/glossary.pdf
166.Woods, Copses, Shelterbelts - predominately tree covered land in smaller units. Paraphrased from http://www.fsc-
uk.demon.co.uk/Appendices.html.
167.Woody land - "The Woody land class includes any species with an aerial stem that persists for more than one
season. The class is divided into three subclasses: 1.41-Deciduous, 1`.42-Evergreen, and 1.43-Mixed." (Dobson,
et al. 1995). Each of these classes in turn are divided into Forest and Scrub/Shrub components based on a 20 foot
height criterion.
http://www.dos.state.ny.us/cstl/Final_Draft_HTML/Tech_Report_HTM/Land_Cover/Appendices1_LC.htm
168.Woody Land includes non-agricultural trees and shrubs. The category alleviates the problem of separating various
sizes of trees and shrubs using satellite remote sensor data but allows a height-based separation if high-resolution
aerial photography are available. The class may be partitioned into three subclasses: Deciduous, Evergreen, and
Mixed. These three subclasses generally can be discriminated with satellite remote sensing systems.
http://www.hgac.cog.tx.us/resources/wq/crp/lcmethod_rev3.pdf.
169.Woody vegetation formations with scattered trees, generally with less than 40% crown cover. Also known as open
forests. http://www.asiaforestnetwork.org/pub/pub29.pdf
2.6 Non-Forest
1. (Fiji) Non-forest: .is defined as areas covered by settlements, urban areas, and grass and shrub vegetation visible as
such in the satellite images. http://www.cbd.int/doc/world/fj/fj-nr-04-en.pdf
2. (Russia 1995) Non-forest lands include lands that are part of the forestry system (land occupied by cutlines between
forest compartments or blocks, roads, arable lands, and other lands), as well as other lands located within the borders
of the Forest Fund (lands occupied by bogs, rocky places, or other lands unsuitable for use. http://www.fire.uni-
freiburg.de/iffn/iffn_24/iffn24.pdf
3. Lands that are incapable of having 10 percent or more of the area occupied by forest trees, or lands developed for
other uses. http://www.r5.fs.fed.us/sixrivers/publications/feis/appedix/g.pdf
156
4. Non-forest - Land not primarily intended for growing or supporting forest. Includes alpine, rock, slide, non-productive
burn, non-productive brush, swamp or muskeg, cultivated, cleared, urban, open range, wild hay meadow, clay bank,
gravel bar, and other categories. http://srmwww.gov.bc.ca/tib/reports/glossary/glossary.htm#n.htm
5. Non-forest ecosystem - Grasslands, shrublands, chaparral, wetlands, deserts, etc., where trees are not the
dominant life form, although they may be present as scattered individuals or in patches. See forest ecosystem.
http://legacy.ca.gov/pub_docs/CCRISP_ResourceAssessmentMethodologyCaseStudies.pdf and http://www.eman-
rese.ca/eman/ecotools/protocols/terrestrial/vegetation/glossary.html
6. Non-forest land - Land not primarily intended for growing or supporting a forest.
http://www.babineefmpp.com/glossary/N.html and http://www.swp.bc.ca/myw/html/21_Glossary.htm
7. Unforested [adj.] Not covered with forest; "unforested lands."
2.7 NATIVE FOREST (See http://home.comcast.net/~gyde/pristine.htm)
2.8 NATURAL FOREST (See http://home.comcast.net/~gyde/pristine.htm)
2.9 SEMI-NATURAL FOREST (Seehttp://home.comcast.net/~gyde/pristine.htm)
2.10 PLANTATION (Forest Cultures) (See http:// http://home.comcast.net/~gyde/pristine.htm)
2.11 STOCKING (Stand Density, Crown Cover)
1. (Canada) A qualitative expression of the adequacy of tree cover on an area in terms of crown closure, number of
trees, basal area or volume in relation to a pre-established norm. [Source: Criteria and Indicators of sustainable forest
management in Canada: Glossary http://www.nrcan.gc.ca/cfs/proj/ppiab/ci/gloss_e.html From: "Maksym Polyakov"
<mpoliak@pcomp.usau.kiev.ua Date: Wed, 17 Jun 1998 11:20:37 +0300 (MSD)]
2. (Canada-BC) A measure of the area occupied by trees, usually measured in terms of well- spaced trees per hectare,
or basal area per hectare, relative to an optimum or desired level. [Source: Glossary of Forestry Terms, Province of
British Columbia, Ministry of Forests, http://www.for.gov.bc.ca/pab/publctns/glossary/glossary.htm From: "Maksym
Polyakov" <mpoliak@pcomp.usau.kiev.ua Date: Wed, 17 Jun 1998 11:20:37 +0300 (MSD)]
3. (Of growing stock trees) The degree of occupancy of land by growing stock trees, measured by basal area and/or
the number of trees in a stand by size or age and spacing, compared to the basal area and/or number of trees
required to fully utilize the growth potential of the land; that is, the stocking standard. A stocking percentage of 100
indicates full utilization of the site and is equivalent to 80 square feet of basal area per acre in trees 5.0 inches d.b.h.
and larger. In a stand of trees less than 5 inches d.b.h., a stocking percentage of 100 would indicate that the present
number of trees is sufficient to produce 80 square feet of basal area per acre when the trees reach 5 inches d.b.h.
http://ifdc.nres.uiuc.edu/publications/pdf/forestresources02/pg81-86.pdf
4. (Russian Federation)- Degree of a denseness of growing of trees in a tree stand describing a share of use by them of
taken space. Usually under definition of stocking (polnota) understands a relative polnota of a tree stand - ratio of the
sum of areas of cross-cuts of all trees of a tree stand at height of 1.3 meters (breast-height) on 1 ha to the sum of
areas of cross-cuts of a normal tree stand (with a polnota 1,0), i.e. tree stand with optimum for the given species and
types of forest growing conditions the sum of areas of cross-cuts, which undertakes from the tables of growth. . [From:
" Russian Forest Encyclopedia" "Igor Yakovlev" yakovlev@mari-el.ru Date: Sat, 6 Jun 1998 21:16:59 +0400]
5. A relative number of trees or volume per acre. A forest stand is most often described as being well-stocked, poorly
stocked or overstocked. [Source: Glossary of Forestry Terms Commonly Used in Forest Management Plans
http://ww.ehnr.state.nc.us/EHNR/DFR/fm-22.htm From: "Maksym Polyakov" <mpoliak@pcomp.usau.kiev.ua Date:
Wed, 17 Jun 1998 11:20:37 +0300 (MSD)]
6. Crown cover -- The degree to which the crowns of trees are nearing general contact with one another.
http://www.deq.state.or.us/wq/TMDLs/Umatilla/UmatillaTMDLAppxA-1.pdf
7. Crown Cover or Crown Closure - The percentage of a given area covered by tree crowns.
http://www.privateforestry.org.au/glos_a-g.htm
8. Stand Density - A measure of the amount of timber growing on a site expressed in number of trees, basal area, or
volume. http://216.239.39.100/search?
q=cache:3wFtRKEEkxEC:www.gfc.state.ga.us/Publications/Educational/glossary.pdf+%22stand+density%22+
+definition+glossary&hl=en&ie=UTF-8#10
9. Stand density - A quantitative measure of tree stocking usually expressed in terms of the absolute number of trees,
basal area, volume, or other criteria on a per unit area basis (Wenger 1984).
10. Stand Density - The quantity of trees per unit area, usually evaluated in terms of basal area, crown cover and
stocking http://www.privateforestry.org.au/glos_o-z.htm
157
11. Stand Density - The quantity of trees per unit area. Density usually is evaluated in terms of basal area or percent-
crown cover. See basal area, crown cover, stocking. http://www.dof.state.va.us/mgt/glossary.shtml#S
12. stand density [densit de peuplement (n.f.)] - A quantitative measurement of tree stocking, expressed in terms of
number of trees, total basal area, or volume, per unit of area. More precisely, a measure of the degree of crowding of
trees within a stand, commonly expressed by various growing-space ratios of crown length to tree height; crown
diameter to dbh or crown diameter to tree height; or of stem spacing to tree height. (3)
http://nfdp.ccfm.org/silviterm/silvi_e/silvitermqtote.htm#S
13. Stocking - An indication of the number of trees in a stand as compared to the desirable number for best growth and
management, such as well-stocked, overstocked, partially stocked. http://www.dof.state.va.us/mgt/glossary.shtml#S
14. Stocking The number and density of trees in a forest stand. Stands are often classified as understocked, well-
stocked or overstocked. http://www.privateforestry.org.au/glos_o-z.htm
15. Stocking - The number of trees in a forest stand. Often, stocking level is compared to the desirable number of trees
for best growth and management, such as partially stocked, well stocked or over-stocked.
http://216.239.39.100/search?q=cache:3wFtRKEEkxEC:www.gfc.state.ga.us/Publications/Educational/glossary.pdf+
%22stand+density%22++definition+glossary&hl=en&ie=UTF-8#10
16. Stocking The relative degree of occupancy land by trees, measured as basal area or the number of trees in a stand
by size or age and spacing, compared to the basal area or number of trees required to fully utilize the growth potential
of the land; that is, the stocking standard. http://216.239.39.100/search?q=cache:iFF2UlzBb4kC:socrates.lv-
hrc.nevada.edu/fia/dab/core1-6/appendix7_12_00.doc+%22stand+density%22++definition+glossary&hl=en&ie=UTF-
8
17. Stocking [densit relative (n.f.)] - A qualitative expression of the adequacy of tree cover on an area, in terms of crown
closure, number of trees, basal area, or volume, in relation to a preestablished norm. In this context, "tree cover"
includes seedlings and saplings; hence, the concept carries no connotation of a particular age. Stocking may be
described in regionally or locally developed classes, or as a percentage of regional or local normal standards, which
vary according to site-specific conditions. (5) http://nfdp.ccfm.org/silviterm/silvi_e/silvitermqtote.htm#S
18. S toc ki ng: De g ree o f u t iliza t ion of lan d by t ree s. Mea su red in te rms o f ba sa l a rea a nd /o r t he
n u mb e r o f t ree s in a sta n d co mpa re d to th e b a sa l a rea an d/ o r n u mb e r of t ree s req u ire d to fu lly
u t ilize th e g ro wth p ot en t ia l of th e la n d. A st o cking pe rce nt o f 1 00 in d ica te s fu ll ut iliza t ion o f t he
sit e an d is e qu iva len t to 80 sq ua re f ee t o f ba sa l a rea p e r a cre in t ree s 5 in ch e s in db h a nd
la rg e r. A sto ckin g pe rcen t of 10 0 in a st an d of t re e s le ss t ha n 5 in ch e s in d bh wo u ld in d ica te th a t
t he p re se nt n u mb e r of t ree s is suff icie n t t o p ro du ce 8 0 sq ua re fe et o f b asa l a rea pe r a cre wh en
t he t ree s rea ch S in che s db h. A st o cking pe rce nt o f o ve r 1 00 is fu lly ut ilizin g th e sit e . St o ckin g
cla sse s - Fu lly st o cked sta nd s - St an d s in wh ich t he sto ckin g of t re e s is f ro m 1 00 to 1 33
p e rce n t. Me d iu m st o cked sta nd s - St an d s in wh ich t he sto ckin g of t re e s is f ro m 6 0 t o 1 00
p e rce n t. No n st o cked a re a s -Co mme rcia l f o re st la nd on wh ich t he sto ckin g o f t re e s is le ss t ha n
1 6. 7 pe rcen t . O ve rst o cke d st a nd s -S ta nd s in wh ich t he sto ckin g o f t re e s is 1 33 pe rce nt o r
mo re . Po o rly sto cked st an d s - St an d s in wh ich th e st o cking of t ree s is f ro m 16 .7 to 6 0 pe rce nt
h tt p :/ / www. ca mp b e llg rou p . co m/ t imb e r_ in ve st /g lo ssa ry. h t m
19. The amount of live trees on a given area in relation to what is considered the optimum. [Source: USDA Forest Service
General Technical Report WO-44. Forest Stand Density and Stocking: concepts, terms, and use of the stocking
guides. 8 p.]
20. The sum of areas of cross-cuts of all trees of a tree stand at height of 1.3 meters (breast-height) on 1 ha' is basal
area. [From: "Maksym Polyakov" <mpoliak@pcomp.usau.kiev.ua Date: Wed, 17 Jun 1998 11:20:37 +0300 (MSD)]
21. Tree Stocking: An expression of the number and size of trees per acre. http://www.crcd.org/voloak.html
2.12 FORESTRY
1. (Morocco) Forestry (Arabic : Ilm Al Ghabat, French : Foresterie/Sciences forestire, Spanish : Ciencias de bosques) -
Field of all the different discilines related to forestry aspects, such as reproduction, cultivation, caring, protection,
development, etc. Mohammed Ellatifi, m.ellatifi@ellatifi.8m.com
2. (Yemen) Forestry (Arabic : Ilm Al Ghabat, French : Foresterie/Sciences forestire, Spanish : Ciencias de bosques) -
Field of all the different discilines related to forestry aspects, such as reproduction, cultivation, caring, protection,
development, etc. Mohammed Ellatifi, m.ellatifi@ellatifi.8m.com
3. Forest Management - The practical application of scientific, economic and social principles to the administration and
working of a forest for specified objectives. Particularly, that branch of forestry concerned with the overall
administrative, economic, legal and social aspects and with the essentially scientific and technical aspects, especially
silviculture, protection and forest regulation. (2) http://www.ncfcnfr.net/glossary.html
158
4. The art, science, and practice of managing forest landscapes to provide a sustained production of a variety of goods
and services for society. http://www.forestinfo.org/Discover/glossary.htm
5. The science of developing, caring for, or cultivating forest. The management of growing timber (WWWebster)
6. The science of planting, managing and protecting forest http://ifdn.com/teacher/glossary.htm#d
7. The scientific field of forest management: . http://nhd.heinle.com/nhd-bin/searchNHD.pl
2.13 GROVE, THICKET
1. (NASDA) An orchard; a small stand of trees. http://www.nasda-

hq.org/NASDA_NASS/docs/EDUCATIO/REFERENC/TERMS___/TERMSDEF.PDF
2. A forestry plantation http://www.tnw.org.uk/Note17.html.
3. A group of similar trees growing in a confined area http://www.newberry.org/k12maps/glossary/index.html
4. A group of trees planted close together http://dictionary.cambridge.org/define.asp?key=grove*1+0
5. A pinetum is a grove or plantation where pine trees are cultivated, particularly for scientific, educational &/or esthetic
purposes. It is a specialized type of arboretum --- a place where many kinds of trees are grown for the same
purposes. http://www.lovett-pinetum.org/2whatis.htm
6. A small cultivated wood without undergrowth - http://www.notredame.ac.jp/cgi-bin/wn?grove
7. A small growth of trees without underbrush - http://www.notredame.ac.jp/cgi-bin/wn?grove
8. A small stand of fruit or nut trees; orchard. http://www.wordsmyth.net/cgi-bin/simplesearch.cgi?
matchent=grove&matchtype=exact&matchid=-1&retall=1
9. A small wooded area, esp. one with little ground cover. http://www.wordsmyth.net/cgi-bin/simplesearch.cgi?
matchent=grove&matchtype=exact&matchid=-1&retall=1
10. A smaller group of trees than a forest, and without underwood, planted, or growing naturally as if arranged by art; a
wood of small extent. - http://www.graylab.ac.uk/cgi-bin/omd?grove
11. Areas dominated by fruit or nut trees planted on a regular and generally consistent row and plant spacing. Stands are
planted for the purpose of producing a fruit or nut crop. Examples include areas used for the production of apples,
peaches, oranges, pecans, walnuts, cherries, and bananas.
http://www.fgdc.gov/standards/documents/standards/vegetation/vegclass.pdf
12. Sacred grove - a place apart, consecrated to a spirit or divinity, or to the memory of a hero; with trees, rocks and
water, surrounding a shrine or an altar, in a temple or within a grotto or cave. This religious or spiritual quality
separates, though not sharply, the 'sacred grove' from the gardens of Flora. http://www.copper-
beech.com/glossary.html
13. Thicket - A dense growth of small trees or bushes. http://nfdp.ccfm.org/silviterm/silvi_e/silvitermqtote.htm#T
2.14 STAND
1. (AustraliaNSW) A group (or cluster) of upright trees.

2. (USA-State-Oregon) A term used in this plan to designate a contiguous area of land in the same vegetative series and
having the same management history.
http://www.odf.state.or.us/DIVISIONS/management/state_forests/sfplan/eorfmp95-final/A_gloss.pdf
3. A community of trees, including aboveground and belowground biomass and soils, sufficiently uniform in species
composition, age, arrangement, and condition to be managed as a unit.
http://www.bib.fsagx.ac.be/coste21/glossary.html#d
4. A contiguous group of trees sufficiently uniform in species composition, arrangement of age classes, and condition to
be a homogeneous and distinguishable unit. http://www.epa.gov/OWOW/NPS/MMGI/Chapter3/ch3-3.html,
http://www.fs.fed.us/r4/wcnf/projects/decisions/bear_hodges2/glossary,.pdf and
http://www.for.gov.bc.ca/hfp/pubs/stand_density_mgt/sdm-73.htm#s
5. A defined area of standing trees or forest, usually of one species, age and tending regime.
http://www.maf.govt.nz/statistics/primaryindustries/forestry/forest-resources/national-exotic-forest-
2000/nappendix1.htm
6. A geographically contiguous parcel of land containing one or more stand types and is usually constructed for
administrative reasons. http://www.fnr.purdue.edu/inwood/glossary.html
7. A group of forest trees of sufficiently uniform species composition, age, and condition to be considered a
homogeneous unit for management purposes. http://www.privateforestry.org.au/glos_o-z.htm
159
8. A group of trees in a given area that consist of one species, size, or grade; used as the basic unit in forest mapping.
9. A group of trees reasonably similar in age structure and species composition, usually occupying at least 5 acres
(Hunter 1990). http://depts.clemson.edu/extfor/publications/fortp19/definitions.htm
10. A group or area of trees http://www.tnw.org.uk/Note17.html
11. A grouping of trees in a forest of similar conditions that separate it from trees in other adjacent areas.
http://ashland.or.us/Files/Fire%20city%20Plan%202002.htm
12. A plant and animal community. http://fwie.fw.vt.edu/rhgiles/appendices/glosss.htm
13. A standing growth of trees or plants http://www.ifdn.com/teacher/glossary.htm
14. A unit of forest classification generally based on the type and age of the dominant tree vegetation (e.g., 80-year aspen
stand). Most stands are initiated through disturbance events such as fire. http://www.borealcentre.ca/glossary.html
15. An aggregation of trees or other growth occupying a specific area and sufficiently uniform in composition to be
distinguishable from the adjoining forest or other growth.
http://www.eresourcesystems.com/Help/Glossary/glossary.html
16. An aggregation of trees or other growth occupying a specific area and sufficiently uniform in composition (species),
age arrangement, and condition as to be distinguishable from the forest or other growth on adjoining areas (a
minimum of 1 acre of forest land that is at least 10 percent stocked by forest trees of any size). A forest stand is said
to be " pure" if 80 percent or more of the trees present are of the same species. If less than 80 percent of all trees
present are of the same species. the stand is said to be " mixed." http://fwie.fw.vt.edu/rhgiles/appendices/glosss.htm
17. An area composed of trees that are similar in type, or age, or size.
http://www.dnr.state.mi.us/wildlife/Landowners_Guide/Introduction/Glossary.htm
18. An area of trees with similar characteristics. http://www.forestenterprises.co.nz/cfi/investmentstructure.htm
19. An easily defined area of the forest that is relatively uniform in species composition or age and can be managed as a
single unit. http://www.timbervest.net/faqs_and_glossary/glossary.htm
20. An ecologically homogeneous area within an ecosystem or landscape, a minimum of 5 acres (2 ha) in size
http://fscus.org/html/standards_policies/us_regional_standards/archives/ozark_ouachita4.html
21. Community of trees with similar characteristics and managed as one unit
http://www.woodlands.co.uk/book/appendices.pdf
22. Group of trees which exhibit similar features, occupy an unbroken minimum area and all require similar silvicultural
treatment. http://media.payson.tulane.edu:8083/html/env/enven/vol205.htm#Annex: Glossary of selected terms
23. Stand: (of trees) A tree community that possesses sufficient uniformity in composition, constitution, age, spatial
arrangement, or condition to be distinguishable from adjacent communities.
http://bioenergy.ornl.gov/faqs/glossary.html#T
24. Standing growth of plants; a particular example of a plant community, e.g. forest or grassland in which monitoring
plot(s) are established. http://www.eman-rese.ca/eman/ecotools/protocols/terrestrial/vegetation/glossary.html
25. The basic unit of spatial arrangement of the forest identifiable in the terrain and shown on a forestry map. [Source: Act
on Forests and Amendments to Some Acts (the Forest Act) dated 3 November 1995. Ministry of Agriculture of the
Czech Republic. Prague, 1996. 58 pp. From: "Maksym Polyakov" mpoliak@pcomp.usau.kiev.ua Date: Mon, 15 Jun
1998 11:32:47 +0300 (MSD)]
26. The crop of trees in a forest. http://www.forestry.sa.gov.au/pdf/glossary.pdf
27. Trees of one type or species [e.g. coppice, alder] grouped together within a woodland.
http://www.angelfire.com/on3/wildberks/Glossary.htm and http://www.woodlandowner.org.uk/glossary.htm#W
28. Unit of vegetation that is essentially homogeneous in all layers and differs from adjacent types qualitatively and
quantitatively. http://www.unb.ca/web/forestry/centers/cwru/soe/gloss.htm
3. ACTION TERMS
Afforestation, Deforestation, and Reforestation are actions or acts. There are probably fewer disagreements over these
terms than on what to call the lands (deforested, afforested, and reforested) once the action is completed and how long
the lands remain in those historical categories. A/R - Afforestation and reforestation. Term given to the class of projects
devoted to the planting of trees on unforested land for carbon emissions reduction and other environmental benefits.
http://www.carbonpositive.net/viewarticle.aspx?articleID=44
Table 4 - Number of Forest Action Definitions Listed as of 26 Oct 2007

Action Change in Total
160
Legal Land Cover &
Land Cover Land Use
Status Use
Afforestation 2 79 0 18 99
Reforestation 0 90 0 13 103
Deforestation 2 129 20 55 206
Total 4 298 20 86 408
"Forestation," "degradation," and "regeneration" are action terms which are not included in the Kyoto Protocol but which
we appear to need to include in the discussions of changes in carbon emissions and sinks. All of these are
descriptors of actions ending in changes in either land cover, land use or both.
3.1 AFFORESTATION - Afforestation may be a legal term or a process of stocking land. In the case of the latter, we group
the definitions into those that imply a change in land cover only and those that imply a change in land cover and use. Four
definitions specify "crops" implying that the trees will be later removed for commercial purposes. The time period for lands
"never having been forested" vary from never to 30 to 100 years.
3.1.1 Legal Term
1. AFFOREST: To make into a forest by application of forest law. http://orb.rhodes.edu/Medieval_Terms.html

2. Place an area under forest law and administration; the creation of a forest by stipulated procedures (M, 26 (v) 30
(r)); (2) http://info.sjc.ox.ac.uk/forests/glossary.htm
3. To bring land within Forest Law (historically) or in current parlance to bring within the control of the Verderers and their
Bye-Laws. It is a legal act. http://www.hants.org.uk/newforest/bibliog.html
3.1.2 Land Cover
1. (Australia and New Zealand) The establishment of a species of forest on an area where it does not occur naturally
(British Commonwealth Terminology) (Ford-Robertson 1971).
2. (Bolivia) AFORESTACION: Siembra de rboles en tierras que nunca antes tuvieron bosques, por ejemplo, en
sabanas, praderas y llanos naturales. Source: Luis Castello faopaf@caoba.entelnet.bo Adjunto srvase encontrar la
versin no oficial y premilinar del Glosario Forestal elaborado por el Proyecto de Apoyo a la Coordinacin e
Implementacin del Plan de Accin Forestal para Bolivia
3. (Bulgaria) Afforestation - The creation of new forests includes the activities connected with the collection of seeds,
production of seedlings and saplings, afforestation, selective cuttings, inventory of the young forests and preventing of
the erosion. Areas for afforestation in the forest lands are: bare lands, non-regenerated cutting areas and burnt out
lands. The afforestation in the forest lands aims: 1. Regeneration and helping the regeneration in mature high-
stemmed or coppice forests; 2. Replenishment of interrupted plantations and stands; 3. Improving of the composition
and the state of the stands; 4. Creation of forests on the place of bare areas, burnt out lands and withered plantations
and stands; 5. Preserving from erosion, fires, snow accumulation, floods, snow-slips and land-slips; 6. Creation of
intensive plantations with fast growing species for wood and bio-mass production; 7. Creation of industrial plantations
for production of Christmas trees, timber assortments and other rough materials; 8. Creation of forest fruit plantations;
9. Creation of seed yielding and experimental plantations; 10. Creation of recreation forests and ornamental planting;
11. Re-cultivation of devastated terrain. Forest Research Institute forestin@bulnet.bg
4. (Cape Verde) Afforestation - converting a bare or agricultural space by planting trees and plants; reforestation
involves replanting trees on areas that have been cut or destroyed by fire.
http://www.indexmundi.com/cape_verde/environment_current_issues.html
5. (Canada - BC) The establishment of trees on an area that has lacked forest cover for a very long time or has
never been forested. [Source: Glossary of Forestry Terms, Province of British Columbia, Ministry of Forests,
http://www.for.gov.bc.ca/pab/publctns/glossary/glossary.htm via Igor A. Yakovlev] and http://www.cinar.gr/delfi The
DELFI Vocabulary of Forest Fire Terms
6. (Canada - BC) The process of converting open land into forest.
http://www.for.gov.bc.ca/pab/publctns/westland/gloss.htm
7. (Canada) Afforestation - The conversion of land that has not been forested for at least 50 years to forested land
through human activities such as planting and seeding. http://carbon.cfs.nrcan.gc.ca/definitions_e.html
161
8. (Colombia) Areas de Aptitud Forestal: "se definen como aquellas que originalmente tuvieron bosques o deberan
tenerlo de acuerdo a criterios eco-biolgicos y socio-econmicos" ( Ministerio del medio Ambiente. Doc. Compes
2834. Politica de Bosques"). "Gerardo Lozano" <glozano@impsat.net.co.
9. (Cote dIvoire) Sont considrs comme reboisement, les terrains plants de main d'homme en espces ne
donnant pas de produits agricoles, ainsi que les forts naturelles enrichies artificiellement en essence de bois
d'oeuvre par des travaux de plantation ou be silviculture. TITRE I DEFINITIONS, Article 1. - LOI NO 65/425 DU 20
DEC 1965. portant Code Forestier
10. (Cuba) Forestacin: la accin de poblar con especies arbreas terrenos donde nunca hubo bosques, naturales o
artificiales, o donde hace mucho desaparecieron. Christoph Kleinn <ckleinn@catie.ac.cr
11. (Cyprus) Afforestation: the establishment of a forest or stand in an area where the preceding vegetation or land
use was not forest. A.K. Christou "Forestry Department - Research and Publicity Sector" publicity@cytanet.com.cy
12. (EC) Measures to encourage new woodland development, including financial incentives for farmers who convert
agricultural land to woodland and forest. http://ec.europa.eu/agriculture/publi/enlarge/gloss_en.pdf
13. (EU) The establishment of a more or less contiguous tree cover, normally by planting, in areas which have
previously been without trees http://europa.eu.int/comm/dg08/forests/en/en4_6.htm.
14. (Fiji) Newly planted trees where no trees existed before. Malakai Sevudredre, Conservator of Forests, F.9641/2.
01/06/2000.
15. (France) afforestation = reboisement ou repeuplement : plantation de jeunes arbres ou semis de graines d'arbres
"Michel Godron" <michel.godron@libertysurf.fr
16. (Ghana) An act to plant areas of land with trees to attain forest status. Example is woodlot establishment. (Osei
Kofi, Forestry Dept.- Letter 7 May 99)
17. (GM/UNCCD 2008) -The process of establishing and growing forests on bare or cultivated land, which has not
been forested in recent history. http://www.global-mechanism.org/dynamic/documents/document_file/final2-viet-nam-
climate-change-report---1july08.pdf
18. (Hungary) The activity aimed at reproducing the felled or dead growing stock of the forest. The afforestation may
be performed: a) by natural means aa) from the seed of the wood being felled dropping onto the soil (natural
afforestation from seed origin), and ab) from the shoots sprouting from the root or stump of the felled wood (natural
afforestation from shoot origin), ac) by select-cutting ensuring the creation and continuous maintenance of a mixed-
age growing stock; b) artificially, in the course of which at the location of the felled or dead and removed wood a new
growing stock is generated by seed sowing, sapling or shoot planting (Act No LIV of 1996 on Forests and the
Protection of Forests. Section V § 41
19. (India) Bringing any land under forest cover, which was not previously under forest cover. [Source: Glossary of
Technical Terms, Forest Research Institute, India. From: "Vivek K. Varma" <v.varma@landfood.unimelb.edu.au Date:
Fri, 17 Jul 1998 02:28:29 -0400 (EDT)]
20. (Indonesia - 2002) The establishment by human action of forest cover on land that was not previously forested or
was not forested within living memory.
http://www.globalforestwatch.org/common/indonesia/sof.indonesia.english.low.pdf
21. (IPCC - 2003) Planting of new forests on lands that historically have not contained forests. For a discussion of the
term forest and related terms such as afforestation, reforestation, and deforestation: see the IPCC Report on
Land Use, Land-Use Change and Forestry (IPCC, 2000). See also the Report on Definitions and Methodological
Options to Inventory Emissions from Direct Human-induced Degradation of Forests and Devegetation of Other
Vegetation Types (IPCC, 2003) (Source: Second Order Draft Glossary IPCC WGI Fourth Assessment Report
http://www.junkscience.com/draft_AR4/GLOSSARY_SOD_TSU_FINAL.pdf )
22. (IPCC -1997) Forest stands established artificially on lands that previously have not supported forests for more
than 50 years http://www.grida.no/climate/ipcc/regional/327.htm
23. (Isle of Man) "Afforestation" is also not generally defined, but is normally taken as meaning new planting of
previously bare land. "IOM Gov DAFF" <daff@gov.im
24. (Kyrgyzstan) - The creation and growing of artificial forest plantations on the territories formerly not covered with
the forest. Source: Irina Yunusova irina@lesic.elcat.kg
25. (Latvia) A complex of measures to afforest such land (area) not covered by forest where forest has not grown
before. Source: "Maksym Polyakov" mpoliak@pcomp.nauu.kiev.ua
26. (Lithuania) Establishment of trees on a non-forest land. Source: A. Kuliesis, Director of Lithuanain Forest
Inventory and Management Institute Email: Sekrtetore sek@mp.is.lt
27. (Malaysia) The artificial establishment of forests by direct seeding or planting seedlings or cuttings on lands which
previously (within the living memory or within 50 years) and did not carry any forests. From: hcthang@forestry.gov.my
(Thang Hooi Chiew), Forestry Department Peninsular Malaysia
162
28. (Morocco) Afforestation / Forestation (Arabic : Tashjeer, French : Boisement/Reboisement) - Artificial creation (by
man) of a forest on an land which has never been forested before, as far as mans memory can remember, using
seedlings, vegetative materials or seeds(sowing) Mohammed Ellatifi, m.ellatifi@ellatifi.8m.com
29. (Northern Mariana Islands) Afforestation - The science and art of diversifying existing forestland with other
suitable species for any generalized purpose beneficial to mankind, wildlife and ecosystem. Source: Estanislao
Villagomez stanvill@gtepacifica.net Division of Agriculture.
30. (Pakistan 1) To establish a forest on an area from which forest vegetation has always or long been absent.
Definition adopted from the British Commonwealth Forest Terminology Part-I, 1953. Source: Mumtaz Ahmad, Section
Forest Officer, Pakistan Min. of Environment, Local Government, and Rural Development.
31. (Pakistan 2) To establish a species or frees on an area in which it did not occur naturally. Definition adopted from
the British Commonwealth Forest Terminology Part-I, 1953. Source: Mumtaz Ahmad, Section Forest Officer, Pakistan
Min. of Environment, Local Government, and Rural Development.
32. (Papua New Guinea) The replanting of trees in areas that did not support trees previously in living memory. Such
areas include grasslands and savanna that are common in the Highlands and in the western side of the main island of
New Guinea. Vitus Ambia, Papua New Guinea Forest Authority.
33. (Paraguay) Forestacin: La accin de establecer bosques, con especies nativas o exticas en terrenos que
carezcan de ellas o donde son insuficientes. Ley N° 536 - DE FOMENTO A LA FORESTACION Y
REFORESTACION. Captulo I. Artculo 2do. cdcdpnvs@venus.pla.net.py (Nombre Apellido)
34. (Romania) - The act of installation, through artificial methods, of the forest vegetation on lands where forest was
never present or it was removed for a long time. Sorin Sfirlogea <sorinsf@rosilva.ro National Forests Administration.
35. (Taiwan, ROC) To forest in Nonforested land (grass lands or bare soil). Source:
"ªL°§½service" <service@dns.forest.gov.tw
36. (United Kingdom) The new planting of bare lands with trees, usually of a substantial area. (Forestry Commission
1998)
37. (Ukraine) Creation of forest plantation on the lands which previously were not covered by forest. Note that ``forest
plantations'' defined as ``forest stands created by planting of seedlings, saplings of trees or shrubs or by sowing of
their seeds'', i.e. it here this means only origination of stands, not intensity of management. . [Source: State Standard
of Ukraine, DSTU 2980-95 ``Forest plantations. Terms and definitions'', being in force since 01.01.96. From: "Maksym
Polyakov" mpoliak@pcomp.usau.kiev.ua Date: Sat, 28 Mar 1998 21:09:08 +0200 (UKR)] (Czech Republic)
38. (UNDP 1999) - Generally refers to planting of trees on ground where trees have never existed or were last
present hundreds of years ago. Afforestation carbon offset projects bear an additional burden of showing ecological
compatibility. http://www.un.org.vn/undp/projects/profor/pdffiles/trexler.pdf.
39. (UN-DP 1999) Generally refers to planting of trees on ground where trees have never existed or were last present
hundreds of years ago. Afforestation carbon offset projects bear an additional burden of showing ecological
compatibility. http://www.profor.info/pdf/InnovatForesFinanc.pdf
40. (UN-EP 2003) - Planting of new forests on lands that historically have not contained forests.
http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1030&context=usdafsfacpub
41. (UNFCCC 2001) Afforestation is the direct human-induced conversion of land that has not been forested for a
period of at least 50 years to forested land through planting, seeding and/or the human-induced promotion of natural
seed sources; http://www.unfccc.int/resource/docs/cop6secpart/l11r01.pdf
42. (UN-FRA 2000) Artificial establishment of forest on lands which previously did not carry forest within living
memory. (UN-ECE/FAO 1997 and FAO 1998)
43. (USA STATE -Maryland) The establishment of a forest, according to the definitions and procedures contained
herein, on an area which is not presently in forest cover. http://pilot.wash.lib.md.us/washco/forestcn.html
44. (USA-FED-CIA) converting a bare or agricultural space by planting trees and plants; reforestation involves
replanting trees on areas that have been cut or destroyed by fire. https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-
factbook/docs/notesanddefs.html#2032
45. (Venezuela) AFORESTACION: plantacin de rboles en tierras que antes no tuvieron bosques, por ejemplo, en
sabanas, praderas y llanos naturales. Reglamento de la Ley Forestal de Suelos y Aguas (1977). Areas Naturales
Protegidas de Venezuela. Series Aspectos Conceptuales y Metodolgicos, DGSPOA/ACM/01, feb 1992. Via
Profauna@marnr.gov.ve
46. (WAF 2004) The establishment of forest on land that has been without forest for a period of time and was
previously under a different land-use. http://www.worldagroforestry.org/sea/Publications/files/book/BK0073-04.PDF
47. (World Bank 2000) (Also reafforestation) Establishment of a tree crop in an area from which it has always or
long been absent. . http://www.holz.uni-goettingen.de/ek/woodsat/pdf/worldbankforestry.pdf.
48. (Yemen) - ( Local Arabic term : Tashjeer or Tahreej) Artificial creation (by man) of a forest on an land. Mohammed
Ellatifi, m.ellatifi@ellatifi.8m.com
163
49. Afforestation is the planting of trees for commercial purposes, usually on land supporting non-forest veld types,
e.g. grassland or fynbos. http://www.deltaenviro.org.za/resources/envirofacts/afforestation.html
50. An establishment system that consists in seeding or planting (stocking) forest trees in order to create a new forest
ecosystem. Lorenzo Ciccarese ciccarese@anpa.it
51. Artificial establishment of forest stands on lands that previously have not supported forests for more than 50
years. http://www.grida.no/climate/ipcc/tectran/362.htm
52. Conversion of bare land into forest land by planting of forest trees. http://www.bugwood.caes.uga.edu/glossary/
53. Conversion of bare or cultivated land into forest http://www.lehigh.edu/~kaf3/books/reporting/glossary.html
54. Conversion of non-forest to forest on lands that have, historically, not contained forests and did not in 1990.
http://www.gcrio.org/OnLnDoc/senate_epw990603.html
55. Creation of forest plantation on the lands which previously were not covered by forest. The establishment of forest
stand. [Source: Act on Forests and Amendments to Some Acts (the Forest Act) dated 3 November 1995. Ministry of
Agriculture of the Czech Republic. Prague, 1996. 58 pp. From: "Maksym Polyakov" <mpoliak@pcomp.usau.kiev.ua
Date: Mon, 15 Jun 1998 11:32:47 +0300 (MSD)]
56. Creation of new forest by planting" (Hibberd 1991a). Lorenzo Ciccarese ciccarese@anpa.it
57. Direct human-induced conversion of non-forested land to forested land. In the context of the Kyoto Protocol to the
UNFCCC, afforestation can take place on land not covered by forest for a period of at least 50 years. http://www.plant-
a-tree-today.org/webcontrol/ShowPicture.asp?Status=ShowLibraryPDF&LiId=40
58. Establish a tree crop on an area which has not carried wood for some time (L, 236)
http://info.sjc.ox.ac.uk/forests/glossary.htm
59. Establishing new forests on lands which have not contained forests before. [From: "Igor Yakovlev"
yakovlev@mari-el.ru Date: Wed, 10 Jun 1998 02:51:19 -0400 (EDT)]
60. Establishing new forests on lands which, historically, have not contained forests (Schlamadinger 1998).
61. Establishment of forest on unforested lands or areas that have been deforested for at least 30 years (WWF/IUCN
1996).
62. Forestation -- the establishment of a forest, either natural or human-made, on an area that previously have had
none. http://epdweb.engr.wisc.edu/dmc/courses/hazards/BB02-apx1.html
63. Generally refers to the planting of trees on ground where trees have never existed or were last present hundreds
of years ago. Afforestation carbon offset projects bear an additional burden of showing ecological compatibility.
http://www.usask.ca/agriculture/caedac/dbases/glossary.htm and
http://www.undp.org/seed/forest/pdf/InnovatForesFinanc.pdf.
64. Growing or planting of new woods or forests http://www.forestry.gov.uk/forestry/hcou-4ubj75
65. Human-induced conversion of land to forest, where the land has not been forested for a period of at least fifty
years. http://greenplanet.eolss.net/EolssLogn/mss/C09/E4-27/E4-27-08/E4-27-08-04/E4-27-08-04-
TXT.aspx#Glossary_
66. Planting of new forests on lands that have not been recently forested.
http://www.eia.doe.gov/oiaf/1605/vr95rpt/gloss.html and
http://www.epa.gov/globalwarming/publications/outreach/general/glossary.pdf and
http://www.theadvisorygroup.com/PDF2/publications/Carbon%20Sequestration%20Paper.pdf
67. Planting of new forests on lands which, historically, have not contained forests. These newly created forests are
included in the category Changes in Forest and Other Woody Biomass Stocks in the Land Use Change and Forestry
module of the emissions inventory calculations (IPCC 1996).
68. Planting or seeding trees in an area previously devoid of trees, for example, pastures and agricultural fields.
http://www.sfrc.ufl.edu/Extension/ssfor11.htm
69. Planting trees where there were none before. http://www.rona.unep.org/action/ap1.htm
70. Process of establishing forests on previously non-forested lands.
http://fiesta.bren.ucsb.edu/~idgec/publications/reports/forest.pdf
71. The act of converting into forest or woodland. http://www.graylab.ac.uk/cgi-bin/omd?afforestation
72. The act of turning ground into forest or wood land. http://www.christiantech.com/cgi-bin/webster.exe?
search_for_cgi-bin/texts/web1828=afforestation
73. The act or process of establishing a forest especially on land not previously forested. [Source: WWWebster
Dictionary and EPO. http://harp.gsfc.nasa.gov/v0ims/glossary.of.terms.html and
http://www.windows.umich.edu/glossary/glossary_afforestation.html
74. The conversion of non-forested areas to forest by tree planting. http://www.doc.mmu.ac.uk/aric/diction.html
75. The creation on a tract that is not presently in forest cover, of a biological community dominated by trees and
other woody plants, at a density of at least 100 trees per acre with at least 50 percent of the trees having the
164
capability of growing to a diameter, at 4.5 feet above the ground (diameter at breast height), of 2 inches or more within
seven years. http://www.ci.rockville.md.us/cityprojects/envguide/eggloss.htm
76. The establishment of a more or less contiguous tree cover, normally by planting, in areas which have previously
been without trees http://europa.eu.int/comm/development/forests/en/en4_6.htm
77. The establishment of a tree crop on an area from which it has always or very long been absent.
http://www.dnr.state.md.us/criticalarea/glossary.html
78. The establishment of forest by natural succession or by the planting of trees on land where they did not grow
formerly. http://biology.usgs.gov/s+t/SNT/noframe/zy198.htm
79. The establishment of forest cover on land not previously forested. Afforestation may be necessary to increase the
net capacity of Earth's forests to absorb CO2 and other greenhouse gases (Source: Mintzer, 1992)
http://www.globalchange.org/glossall/glossa-c.htm
80. The establishment of forest on a previously non-forested site (Prller 1998).
81. The planting of a crop or plantation of trees on land not currently covered with forest.
http://www.forestry.sa.gov.au/pdf/glossary.pdf
82. The planting of a forest crop on land that has not previously, or not recently, carried a forest crop.
http://www.bugwood.caes.uga.edu/glossary/
83. The planting of open areas which are not presently in forest cover
http://www.dnr.state.md.us/criticalarea/glossary.html
84. The planting of trees for commercial purposes, usually on land supporting non-forest veld types, e.g. grassland or
fynbos. Source: http://www.deltaenviro.org.za/resources/envirofacts/afforestation.html
85. The planting of trees in unforested areas. http://www.wrm.org.uy/actors/WB/1991policy3.html
86. The planting of trees on ground where trees have never existed or were last present hundreds of years ago.
Afforestation carbon offset projects bear an additional burden of showing ecological compatibility.
http://www.climateservices.com/glossary.htm
87. The process of converting bare or cultivated land into forest, by planting seeds or transplanting seedlings or
mature trees. http://www.harcourt.com/dictionary/def/2/6/7/5/267500.html
88. To convert (open land) into a forest by planting trees http://www.geocities.com/RainForest/Andes/7292/Terms.html
89. To convert (open land) into a forest by planting trees or their seeds. http://www.allwords.com/query.asp#AHD
90. Upland afforestation - A sudden and fundamental change of vegetation from moorland and bog to woodland".
(Hibberd 1991b).
91. When revegetation is established outside the forest areas (Setiadi 1996). Lorenzo Ciccarese ciccarese@anpa.it
3.1.3 Land Cover and Use
1. (Austria) (Neubewaldung) - A land use change from different uses to forests. Both natural regeneration and artificial
planting count as afforestation. (Austrian Forestry Act (Federal Legal Gazette no. 440/1975, as amended Federal
Legal Gazette 231/1977, 142/1978 and 576/1987) From: Weiss Peter weissp@ubavie.gv.at)
2. (Canada) The establishment of a tree crop on an area from which it has always or very long been absent. Where such
establishment fails and is repeated, the latter may properly be termed "reafforestation".
(http://nrcan.gc.ca/cfs/proj/ppiab/sof/sof.html)
3. (Denmark) Planting of agriculture-land with a forest obligation written in the cadastre. (From: PMP@sns.dk Date: Tue,
29 Sep 1998 09:31:59 +0100)
4. (EU 2013) afforestation means the direct human-induced conversion of land that has not been forest for a period of
at least 50 years to forest through planting, seeding and/or the human-induced promotion of natural seed sources,
where the conversion has taken place after 31 December 1989; http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?
5. (Italy) (rimboschimento) - Outplanting forest stock on areas previously managed for other uses (agricultural lands,
barren lands, etc.) (ISTAT). 'Imboschimento'(afforestation) is used very seldom. From: Vittorio Tosi ISAFA Biometria
<isafa.biofor@tqs.it and Lorenzo Ciccarese ciccarese@anpa.it ISTAT (1950-1997). Statistiche Forestali. Annuari 1-47.
Istituto Nazionale di Statistica. Rome.
6. (St. Lucia) The planting of forest tree species in an area which was not occupied by forest before. (Source: Michael
Andrew, chiefforest@maffe.org)
7. (UN-FAO) The establishment of a tree crop on an area from which it has always or very long been absent. Where
such establishment fails and is repeated, the latter may properly be termed reafforestation (FAO 1997).
8. (UN-FAO 2001) Afforestation is the conversion from other land uses into forest, or the increase of the canopy cover to
above the 10% threshold. Explanatory note (extract): Afforestation is the reverse of deforestation and includes areas
that are actively converted from other land uses into forest through silvicultural measures. Afforestation also includes
165
natural transitions into forest, for example on abandoned agricultural land or in burnt-over areas that have not been
classified as forest during the barren period. As for deforestation, the conversion should be long-term, that is areas
where the transition into forest is expected to last less than ten years, for example due to recurring fires, should not be
classified as afforestation areas. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO 2000b)
9. (USA-FED-DA-FS) Establishment of forest crops by artificial methods, such as planting or sowing on land where trees
have never grown. [Source: Timber Harvesting and Engineering Glossary, USFS]
10. Artificial establishment by planting or seeding of forest on a non-forest area (e.g. agricultural or other land). [Source:
UN/ECE 1990, via Brita Pajari]
11. Establishment of a tree crop in an area where trees have always or long been absent.
http://epdweb.engr.wisc.edu/dmc/courses/hazards/BB02-apx1.html and http://dnr.state.il.us/legal/1537.htm
12. Forest crops established by purposeful planting on land previously not used for tree crops.
http://solstice.crest.org/social/SJ-glossary/A.html#
13. The artificial establishment of forest crops by planting or sowing on land that has not previously, or recently, grown
trees. http://www.state.nv.us/cnr/ndwp/dict-1/WORD_A.htm
14. The establishment of a forest or stand in an area where the preceding vegetation or land use was not forest (Helms
1998).
15. The establishment of a forest or stand of trees by sowing, planting, or natural regeneration on an area not previously
forested, or in areas where forests were cleared long ago and other land-use patterns have dominated the landscape
for many generations (e.g., the moorlands of Great Britain) (Dunster and Dunster 1996).
16. The process or act of changing land into forest by planting trees, seeding, etc. on land formerly used for something
other than forestry. This can obviously be contrasted with deforestation. [American Forestry; v100; 23-25; 1994.] [New
Scientist; v143; 30-35; 1994.] http://www.shsu.edu/~chemistry/Glossary/a.html#A
17. To produce a forest product "crop" on lands that previously have not supported forests for more than 50 years. IPPC
Guidelines.
3.1.4 Summary table
Table 5 Listing of national "Afforestation" definitions

by type. Where there is more than one entry per row-
there was more than one definition found for that
country.
Afforestation defined as:
Country
Establishing a Establishing a new
new land cover land cover and use
Australia Yes
Austria Yes
Bolivia Yes
Bulgaria Yes
Canada Yes
Colombia Yes
166
country.
Country
Cote d'Ivoire Yes
Cuba Yes
Cyprus Yes
Denmark Yes
Fiji Yes
France Yes
Ghana Yes
Hungary Yes
India Yes
Indonesia Yes
Isle of Man Yes
Italy Yes
Kyrgyzstan Yes
Latvia Yes
167
country.
Country
Lithuania Yes
Malaysia Yes
Morocco Yes
New Zealand Yes
Northern Mariana Yes

Is.
Pakistan Yes
Papua New Yes

Guinea
Paraguay Yes
Romania Yes
Saint Lucia. Yes
Taiwan (R.O.C.) Yes
UK Yes
Ukraine Yes
USA Yes
168
country.
Country
Venezuela Yes
Yemen Yes
United Nations Yes
3.1.5 Questions:
1. Is afforestation a change in land cover or land use or both?

2. Is afforestation by natural means a sink that we need to track?
3. Is natural afforestation considered human-induced?
4. If area is planted as a crop - i.e. with an intent to harvest - what does that mean, if anything, for tracking
sinks/emissions?
5. What to plant - native or exotics? Time on how long an area has been without trees.
3.2 DEFORESTATION - Definitions are grouped depending on if they are changes in land cover, land use, or both.
Additional discussions of the meaning of "deforestation" may be found in Sunderlin, William D.; Resosudarmo, Ida Aju
Pradnja. Rate and Causes of Deforestation in Indonesia: Towards a Resolution of the Ambiguities.
http://www.cgiar.org/cifor/publications/occpaper/occpaper9.html
3.2.1 As a legal term
1. Disafforest - Free forest land from the operation of forest law (to be distinguished from deforest, q.v.) (P 205); remove
an area of land from the constraints of forest law (R 166); release land from forest law (L 237)
http://info.sjc.ox.ac.uk/forests/glossary.htm
2. Disafforestation to remove land from the authority of the Verderers. http://www.hants.gov.uk/newforest/bibliog.html
3.2.2 As a change in land cover
1. (Australia NSW-EPA 1995). The removal of forest and undergrowth (NSW-EPA, 1995)
http://unfcccbali.org/unfccc/component/option,com_glossary/Itemid,100/func,display/letter,D/catid,31/page,1/
2. (Bolivia) DEFORESTADO: Desprovisto de bosque, por haber talado. Source: Luis Castello faopaf@caoba.entelnet.bo
Adjunto srvase encontrar la versin no oficial y premilinar del Glosario Forestal elaborado por el Proyecto de Apoyo a
la Coordinacin e Implementacin del Plan de Accin Forestal para Bolivia.
3. (Bulgaria) Deforestation - destruction of the forests on certain area under the influence of natural disasters,
uncontrolled or planned (final cuttings) human activities. This term is not defined in the forestry law. Forest Research
Institute forestin@bulnet.bg
169
4. (Canada) Deforestation - The conversion of forested land to nonforested land as a direct result of human activities.
http://carbon.cfs.nrcan.gc.ca/definitions_e.html
5. (Canada) To clear an area of forests or trees, usually for commercial use of the lumber or agricultural use of the land.
http://environment.nelson.com/glossary.html#D
6. (Cape Verde) Deforestation - the destruction of vast areas of forest (e.g., unsustainable forestry practices, agricultural
and range land clearing, and the over exploitation of wood products for use as fuel) without planting new growth.
http://www.indexmundi.com/cape_verde/environment_current_issues.html
7. (EC 2008) Deforestation is the permanent destruction of forests and woodlands.
http://ec.europa.eu/environment/forests/deforestation.htm
8. (EC-DGVIII) The depletion of tree crown cover to less than 10 per cent
http://europa.eu.int/comm/dg08/forests/en/en4_6.htm
9. (Fiji) Removal of forested areas. Malakai Sevudredre, Conservator of Forests, F.9641/2. 01/06/2000.
10. (France) deforestation = dforestation = dboisement = essartage (autrefois) = dfrichement (mais ce terme est
souvent plus vague) : destruction durable d'une fort "Michel Godron" michel.godron@libertysurf.fr
11. (Ghana) A process whereby trees are forests are removed or degraded through a variety of activities by man. A typical
example is exploitation of timber. (Osei Kofi, Forestry Dept.- Letter 7 May 99)
12. (IPCC - 2003) Deforestation - Conversion of forest to non-forest. For a discussion of the term forest and related
terms such as afforestation, reforestation, and deforestation: see the IPCC Report on Land Use, Land-Use
Change and Forestry (IPCC, 2000). See also the Report on Definitions and Methodological Options to Inventory
Emissions from Direct Human-induced Degradation of Forests and Devegetation of Other Vegetation Types (IPCC,
2003). (Source: Second Order Draft Glossary IPCC WGI Fourth Assessment Report
13. (Morocco) Deforestation (Arabic : Zawal Al Ghabah, French : Dforestation, Spanish : deforestacion) Aggression
(negative action) leading to the removal of trees and stands from the forest. This agreesion, if not stopped in time,
could put in jeopardy the preservation of the forest. The cause could be anthropic (cutting), fire (burning), or livestock
(overgrazing). Mohammed Ellatifi, m.ellatifi@ellatifi.8m.com
14. (Nepal) deforestation = reduction of stocking due to overcutting for fuelwood, timber, and fodder (from Master plan for
the forestry sector Nepal, main report, 1988). Krishna H Gautam <khg13@student.canterbury.ac.nz
15. (Northern Mariana Islands) Deforestation - A science and are of harvesting or act of destroying a forestland to meet a
particular objective. Source: Estanislao Villagomez stanvill@gtepacifica.net Division of Agriculture.
16. (Pakistan) To remove, kill or destroy all or most of the trees of a forest so that reproduction is impossible except by
artificial means. Definition adopted from the British Commonwealth Forest Terminology Part-I, 1953. Source: Mumtaz
Ahmad, Section Forest Officer, Pakistan Min. of Environment, Local Government, and Rural Development.
17. (Philippines) - The destruction of forest trees in such a manner as to leave practically little or no chance at all of
normal recovery for a forest. Some of the factors responsible for the destruction of forest products include: illegal
loggers, illegal forestry product gatherers, timber smugglers, kaingeros, squatters, forest incendiaries, miners,
atmospheric agents, biological agents. http://www.nscb.gov.ph/ru12/DEFINE/DEF-ENV.HTM
18. (Philippines) Deforested Area - the area which has been denuded but has not been reforested as of the end of the
reference year. http://www.nscb.gov.ph/ru12/DEFINE/DEF-ENV.HTM
19. (Romania) - The act of removing the forest vegetation from forest lands, without changing the land destination
(considering the administrative point of view). Sorin Sfirlogea <sorinsf@rosilva.ro National Forests Administration.
20. (St. Lucia) The cutting down of forest or destruction of forests. (Source: Michael Andrew, chiefforest@maffe.org)
21. (Taiwan, ROC) The behavior and activity of destroy forest, included forest fire, disease, insect pest, illegal cutting and
illegal cultivation. Source: "ªL°§½service" service@dns.forest.gov.tw
22. (Uganda) - When the biomass abstracted is higher than the natural growth. The Environmental Act (1995). Paolo
Viskanic viskanic@imul.com.
23. (UN-DP 1999) The conversion of forested to non-forested land. Deforestation can involve the cutting and burning of
trees to provide land for agricultural purposes or clearing for residential and industrial uses.
http://www.un.org.vn/undp/projects/profor/pdffiles/trexler.pdf .and http://www.profor.info/pdf/InnovatForesFinanc.pdf
24. (UN-EP) The felling of trees, usually for commercial purposes. http://www.nyo.unep.org/action/ap1.htm
25. (UN-FAO 1998) Refers to change of land cover with depletion of tree crown cover to less than 10%. Changes within
the forest class (e.g. from closed to open forest) which negatively affect the stand or site and, in particular, lower the
production capacity, are termed forest degradation
http://unfcccbali.org/unfccc/component/option,com_glossary/Itemid,100/func,display/letter,D/catid,31/page,1/.
26. (UN-FAO) and (EU) The depletion of forest crown cover to less than 10%. [Source: from
http://faov02.fao.org:70/0gopher_root%3a[fao.fra]def_uk.txt (concepts, definitions and methodology of the FAO Forest
170
Resources Assessment 1990) via Bernhard Schlamadinger]
http://europa.eu.int/comm/development/forests/en/en4_6.htm
27. (UN-FAO) Developed countries: Change of forest with depletion of tree crown cover to less than 20 percent (FAO
1997).
28. (UN-FAO) Developing countries: Change of forest with depletion of tree crown cover to less than 10 percent (FAO
1997).
29. (UN-FCCC 2001) - the direct human-induced conversion of forested land to nonforested land. Decision 11/CP.7
ftp://ftp.fao.org/docrep/fao/009/j9345e/j9345e00.pdf and http://www.unfccc.int/resource/docs/cop6secpart/l11r01.pdf
30. (UN-FCCC 2006) A measurable sustained decrease in crown cover below a 1030% threshold.
http://www.iop.org/EJ/article/1748-9326/3/2/025011/erl8_2_025011.pdf?request-id=dc893ad1-7028-4e4a-a91d-
c44bc540a975
31. (UN-FRA 2000) Refers to change of land cover with depletion of tree crown cover to less than 10 percent. Changes
within the forest class (e.g. from closed to open forest) which negatively affect the stand or site and, in particular,
lower the production capacity, are termed forest degradation. (UN-ECE/FAO 1997 and FAO 1998)
32. (UN-HCR 2005) The depletion of tree crown cover to less than 10 per cent.
http://postconflict.unep.ch/liberia/displacement/documents/UNHCR_IUCN_Forest_Management_Refugee_Returnee_
Situations.pdf UNHCR 2005.
33. (USA-FED-CIA) Tthe destruction of vast areas of forest (e.g., unsustainable forestry practices, agricultural and range
land clearing, and the over exploitation of wood products for use as fuel) without planting new growth.
https://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/docs/notesanddefs.html#2032
34. (USA-FED-EPA) Deforestation is the "permanent removal of standing forests.
http://homeguides.sfgate.com/deforestation-effects-global-scale-78864.html
35. (Venezuela) DEFORESTACION: eliminar por mtodos mecnicos la vegetacin alta y mediana para erradicarla
totalmente (1); tala de un bosque con el propsito de habilitar la tiera,para uso agrcola o ganadero y/o aprovechar la
madera para la construccin o propsitos industriales. Reglamento de la Ley Forestal de Suelos y Aguas (1977).
Areas Naturales Protegidas de Venezuela. Series Aspectos Conceptuales y Metodolgicos, DGSPOA/ACM/01, feb
1992. Via Profauna@marnr.gov.ve
36. (World Bank 2000) Change of forest with depletion of tree crown cover to less than 10 percent. The clearing of forests
and the conversion of land to non-forest uses. . http://www.holz.uni-
goettingen.de/ek/woodsat/pdf/worldbankforestry.pdf.
37. (Yemen) Deforestation (Arabic : Zawal Al Ghabah, French : Dforestation, Spanish : deforestacion) Aggression
(negative action) leading to the removal of trees and stands from the forest. This agreesion, if not stopped in time,
could put in jeopardy the preservation of the forest. The cause could be anthropic (cutting), fire (burning), or livestock
(overgrazing). Mohammed Ellatifi, m.ellatifi@ellatifi.8m.com
38. A change from forest cover into some other land cover formations, without the revival of forests by natural or artificial
reforestation within a human planning horizon (Palo 1999).
39. A complete and permanent removal of all forest cover. http://www.sprl.umich.edu/GCL/notes2/Deforestation.pdf
40. A fancy word that means exactly what you probably think it means: the destruction of forested lands.
http://science.howstuffworks.com/environmental/conservation/issues/what-is-deforestation.htm
41. A reduccion de areas arbolades (Bosques y Selvas) (Herrera 1999).
42. Deforestation is when trees are cut down or cleared out. Deforestation is becoming a large problem in rain forest
areas, because the trees that are cut down for use aren't being replaced.
http://answers.ask.com/Science/Other/what_is_deforestation
43. Changes of land use which lead to a depletion of tree crown to less than 10% (this definition relates to the definition of
forests as ecosystems with a minimum 10% cover of trees). (FAO, 1990)
http://www.spcforests.org/Library/usestatus/usestatus.htm
44. Chopping down the natural forest of an area . http://www.oldhamagenda21.demon.co.uk/Plan/Glossary.htm
45. Clearing land and trees http://www.devon.gov.uk/agenda21/glossary.html#terminology
46. Clearing land of trees by cutting or burning. http://www.ran.org/kids_action/glossary.html
47. Clearing trees for timber, fuel, farmland or for new settlements from a piece of land without the intention of reforesting.
http://www.schools.wafa.org.au/terms.htm
48. Clearing trees from a woodland, often done to promote food for wildlife as well as to provide timber.
http://www.gardenweb.com/glossary/deforestation
49. Cutting down trees is called deforestation. http://www.isabelperez.com/select/forest.htm
50. Deforestation (Soft) happens when trees are cleared, but they later grow back. http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-
hard-deforestation.htm
171
51. Deforestation (Tropical) - The clearing of tropical forests across the Earth
http://www.trfic.msu.edu/data_portal/Landsat7doc/defor_fact.html
52. Deforestation includes the destruction of forestsas well as woodlands. The term deforestation does not apply to
the removal of trees from plantations or industrial forests. http://www.globaled.org/issues/152/a.html
53. Deforestation involves the permanent destruction of indigenous forests and woodlands. .
54. Deforestation is just what it sounds like: the destruction of large areas of forest lands or rainforests.
http://curiosity.discovery.com/question/deforestation-biggest-threat-biodiversity
55. Deforestation is people cutting down whole forests of trees, and making it even less likely for humans to survive.
http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_is_deforestation?altQ=What_is_deforrestation#slide=1
56. Deforestation is the rapid destruction of woodland. Although it can occur due to natural catastrophe it is most
commonly caused by human intervention. http://www.s-cool.co.uk/a-level/biology/ecological-concepts/revise-it/human-
effects-on-the-environment
57. Deforestation is when humans remove or clear large areas of forest lands for non-forest use. These include clearing
for farming purposes, ranching and urban use. In these cases, trees are never re-planted.
http://eschooltoday.com/forests/what-is-deforestation.html
58. Deforestation Rate (396 UN CSD) - Area of forest harvested per year for lumber
http://www.hq.nasa.gov/iwgsdi/ISS_SDI_Land_Use.html
59. Deforestation: this involves a decrease in the area covered by forest. However, it cannot be so defined without adding
a reference to its use (or allocation). In point of fact, there exist certain forms of forest utilization - and priority
objectives of forest management - that clear temporarily the forest cover while guaranteeing its maintenance. This is
the case of clearcutting of areas where forest will regenerate itself or be regenerated, or of the final cut in an even-
aged forest sylvicultural treatment once natural regeneration has been assured. In other words, there is no
deforestation if there is a guarantee of continuity in maintaining the forest cover; http://www.unredd.net/index.php?
option=com_docman&task=doc_download&gid=7437&Itemid=53
60. Destruction of forest for timber, fuel, charcoal burning, and clearing for agriculture and extractive industries such as
mining without planting new trees to replace those lost (reafforestation) or working on a cycle that allows natural forest
to regenerate (Lindley and Moore 1998).
61. Direct, human-induced conversion of natural forest to non-forest land or plantation. The canopy cover threshold,
demarcating the transition from native forest to non-forest land, should be defined for specific forest ecosystems.
http://www.climnet.org/CAN_2008_sep_LCA_REDD.pdf
62. Disforestation -- the removal of trees. http://www.notredame.ac.jp/cgi-bin/wn?deforestation
63. Forest cover destruction Source: Infoterra Thesaurus http://p5uni.ii.pw.edu.pl/infterra/
64. Forest loss; typically defined as a forest losing 40 percent or more of the trees.
http://www.oznet.ksu.edu/library/MISC2/SB661.PDF
65. Global Forest Watch 2014 - Deforestation - How one defines deforestation is dependent on how one defines forest.
As noted above, various definitions of forest exist and GFW does not aim to provide a consensus view.
Correspondingly, GFW does not provide a single definition for deforestation. In general writing, GFW uses
deforestation to refer to the removal of a significant number of trees from a landscape, typically in the context of
human actions rather than natural events such as fires or disease. We generally refer to gross deforestation (the
total amount of forest loss), rather than net deforestation (the total amount of forest loss minus the amount of forest
gain), or clearly specify otherwise. Tree cover loss refers to the removal of trees, which may be within natural forests
or tree plantations. Accordingly, tree cover loss does not necessarily equate to deforestation and can be due to a
variety of factors, including mechanical harvesting, fire, disease, or storm damage. Different data sets have additional
parameters that must be met for the indication or alert of loss to appear on the GFW map.
http://www.globalforestwatch.org/howto#terminology
66. Happens when people cut down forests or when trees are burned.
http://wings.ucdavis.edu/Book/Atmosphere/beginner/deforestation-01.html
67. In simple terms, can be the gradual reduction of the stocking of the vegetation cover resulting from human activities.
http://www.wrm.org.uy/oldsite/deforestation/Africa/Gambia.html
68. Loss of forest cover from 40% of the trees or more. http://www.undp.org.vn/undp/docs/2002/DevGlossary.pdf
69. Loss of forest land due to logging, disease, or infestation http://www.hq.nasa.gov/iwgsdi/ISS_SDI_Land_Use.html
70. Loss of forest. (Source: Mintzer, 1992). http://www.globalchange.org/glossall/glossa-c.htm
71. Loss of primary (sometimes called mature, virgin, or old-growth) forest. http://www.oup-
usa.org/reference/globalchange/amazonia.html
72. Massive destruction of the world's forests through logging, burning and other human activities.
http://www.chevron.com//COMMUNITY/EDUCATION/GREENHOUSE/GLOSSARY.SHTML
172
73. More or less permanent removal of most of the natural tree cover from an area.
http://www.cifor.cgiar.org/publications/pdf_files/SPubs/SP-LStock-n.pdf
74. Permanent clearance of trees and woodland. http://www.soton.ac.uk/~engenvir/glossary.html#def
75. Permanent forest cover removal - http://www.cifor.org/publications/html/occpaper9/chapter6.html.
76. Rate and total area of forest land converted to non-forest land cover, classed by major forest type
http://www.fs.fed.us/institute/cifor/cifor_260.html.
77. Removal of trees from a forested area without adequate replanting. http://www.gsu.edu/~mstnrhx/ecogloss.htm and
http://ecology.org/biod/library/glos_index.html
78. Removal of trees from a forested area without adequate replanting or natural regeneration (Miller 1991:A6).
http://www.npwrc.usgs.gov/resource/literatr/avian/avian.htm Glossary of Avian Terms For Use in Avian Conservation
Biology
79. Removal of trees from a forested area without adequate replanting. http://www.gsu.edu/~mstnrhx/ecogloss.htm
80. Removal of trees from a habitat dominated by forest. http://www.geog.ouc.bc.ca/physgeog/physgeoglos/d.html and
http://www.physicalgeography.net/physgeoglos/d.html
81. Removal of trees from an area without adequate replanting
http://www.geog.psu.edu/courses/geog103/SUSDEV1.html
82. Removal of trees, often as a result of human activities. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deforestation
83. The act of cutting down forests in large swathes http://school.discovery.com/lessonplans/programs/geo_mexico/
84. The act of cutting down or burning the trees in an area
http://oald8.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/dictionary/deforestation
85. The act of cutting down trees and clearing forests in order to benefit people.
http://www.createqrcodes.org/deforestation-and-the-environment.html
86. The act of removing forests from an area in favor of another land cover type, often agriculture or urban. In many areas
forests are cut down to obtain lumber.
http://www.epa.gov/ceisweb1/ceishome/atlas/ohiolandchange/ohiolandchangeglossary.html
87. The act or result of cutting down or burning all the trees in an area http://www.merriam-
webster.com/dictionary/deforestation
88. The action or process of clearing of forests. The state of having been cleared of forest. [Source: WWWebster
Dictionary] http://www.m-w.com/cgi-bin/dictionary?book=Dictionary&va=deforestation
89. The burning and bulldozing of trees for the purpose of lumber, agriculture, or ranching.
http://www.aloha.net/~ani/glossary.html
90. The burning and logging of trees in the forest. It kills animals and destroys habitats.
http://www.ask.com/question/what-is-deforestation
91. The change from forest cover into some other land cover formation without the planned revival of forests by natural or
artificial reforestation. (Wardle et al. 2003).
92. The clearing Earth's forests on a massive scale, often resulting in damage to the quality of the land.
http://www.wfmz.com/weather/What-is-deforestation/180118
93. The clearing of a previously forested area. Though humans are the primary deforesters, natural agents, such as
volcanic eruptions, erosion, and landslides may also contribute. Clear cutting, if followed by reforestation, is not an act
of deforestation. http://epdweb.engr.wisc.edu/dmc/courses/hazards/BB02-apx1.html
94. The clearing of forested land. http://www.cobeconet.com/resources/worldbank/glossary.html
95. The clearing of forests mainly by human activity, which results in the damage to the quality of the land. Forests are cut
down in the process ... http://www.ask.com/question/what-is-deforestation
96. The clearing of forests mainly due to human activity by the process of logging or burning -
http://lifestyle.iloveindia.com/lounge/what-is-deforestation-11731.html
97. The clearing or destruction of a previously forested area. http://www.unisdr.org/unisdr/glossaire.htm and
http://www.reliefweb.int/library/mcda/refman/glossary.html
98. The clearing the earths forest on a massive scale, resulting in damage to the quality of the land.
http://info.live58.org/why-should-i-care-about-deforestation/
99. The clearing, destroying, or otherwise removal of trees through deliberate, natural or accidental means.
http://www.pachamama.org/effects-of-deforestation
100. The conversion of forested to non-forested land. Deforestation can involve the cutting and burning of trees to
provide land for agricultural purposes or clearing for residential and industrial uses.
http://www.usask.ca/agriculture/caedac/dbases/glossary.htm and
http://www.undp.org/seed/forest/pdf/InnovatForesFinanc.pdf
173
101. The conversion of forests to land uses that have a tree cover of less than 10 percent.
http://www.theblackvault.com/documents/ota/Ota_4/DATA/1984/8426.PDF 1984 and
102. The cutting down and burning of the trees in our forests (especially in the rain forest).
http://ellerbruch.nmu.edu/classes/cs255f03/cs255students/jedens/P12/deforestation.ppt
103. The cutting down and clearing away forest on a very large scale.
http://environment.nationalgeographic.com/environment/global-warming/deforestation-overview.html
104. The cutting down and clearing of the forests. http://gradestack.com/CBSE-Class-9/What-is-Deforestation-/14919-
2955-3388-study-wtw
105. The cutting down and clearing of trees from forests, usually causing ecological harm. Encyclopdia Britannica.
(2003, Nov.) Encyclopdia Britannica Online. [Online]. Available: http://www.britannica.com and
http://www.rss.chalmers.se/gem/Education/RSES-2003/final_report_group_1.pdf
106. The cutting down of trees in a large area - http://dictionary.cambridge.org/define.asp?key=deforestation*1+0
107. The deliberate and accidental destruction or removal of forests through the use of fire, felling for timber and fuel,
overgrazing, clearance or destruction for agricultural and urban-industrial expansion, and other human activities.
http://www.spcforests.org/Library/usestatus/usestatus.htm
108. The depletion of tree crown cover to less than 10 per cent
http://europa.eu.int/comm/development/forests/en/en4_6.htm
109. The destruction of a forest by removal of trees and plants
http://www.ocdsb.edu.on.ca/WOODSweb/geomatics/English/glossary.html
110. The destruction of forest. This normally refers to deforestation of tropical rainforests in Indonesia, Brazil and in
West Africa. http://www.kgv.edu.hk/eden/glossary.php
111. The destruction of forests by people http://dictionary.cambridge.org/define.asp?key=deforestation*1+0
112. The destruction of forests, usually caused by clear-cutting (followed by soil oxidation and/or erosion), poor
agricultural practices, agricultural overuse, overcutting of forests, or overgrazing.
http://www.ficus.usf.edu/docs/guide_issues/glossary/D.htm
113. The destruction of the world's forests, mainly rain forests, through direct human activity such as logging or slash
and burn clearing for agriculture and grazing, and the indirect effects of pollution and acid rain.
http://www.icons.umd.edu/resource/glossary.htm
114. The destruction of vast areas of forest (e.g., unsustainable forestry practices, agricultural and range land clearing,
and the over exploitation of wood products for use as fuel) without planting new growth.
http://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/docs/notes.html.
115. The disruption of the forest ecosystem by changes in land use that deplete tree crown cover to less than 10
percent of the land area (FAO, 1995). By this definition, very productive agricultural land with less than 10 percent tree
crown cover is considered deforested. On the other hand, logging or any form of removal of 90 percent of the trees
leaving only 10 percent of the tree crown cover would not be considered deforestation but would be considered as
degradation if it results in damage to the land. http://www.spcforests.org/Library/usestatus/usestatus.htm
116. The large scale cutting down or clearing away of trees. http://www.uiowa.edu/~africart/teachers/glossary/GlD.html
117. The large-scale removal of trees from a habitat dominated by forest.
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/wildworld/glossary.html and http://www.internet.ve/wildlife/glosario.htm
118. The logging or general destruction of forest. http://www.lfc.edu/academics/biology/westley/adam2.htm
119. The long-term reduction of the tree canopy cover below a 10 percent threshold.
http://www.globalchange.umich.edu/globalchange2/current/lectures/deforest/deforest.html
120. The loss of trees due to overcutting of forests. Source: http://www.prb.org/pubs/lessons/5billion/glossary.htm
121. The loss of tropical forests due to collection of fuelwood, commercial logging, shifting cultivation, grazing, road
construction, ranching, mining and fire. Leads to soil erosion and flooding and endangers wildlife through habitat
destruction. http://www.lehigh.edu/~kaf3/books/reporting/glossary.html
122. The loss or destruction of natural forests and is an increasing global problem with far reaching environmental and
economic consequences. http://www.theforestproject.co.uk/why-take-action/deforestation
123. The loss or destruction of naturally occurring forests, primarily due to human activities such as logging, cutting
trees for fuel, slash-and-burn agriculture, clearing land for livestock grazing, mining operations, oil extraction, dam
building, and urban sprawl or other types of development and population expansion.
http://environment.about.com/od/biodiversityconservation/f/deforestation-overview.htm
124. The mass destruction, usually for the supply of timber, of large areas of forest.
http://www.abf90.dial.pipex.com/bco6.htm
174
125. The net removal of trees from forested land. http://www.eia.doe.gov/oiaf/1605/ggrpt/glossary.html and
http://www.theadvisorygroup.com/PDF2/publications/Carbon%20Sequestration%20Paper.pdf
126. The permanent clearing of forest areas, preventing regrowth e.g. clearing land for agriculture
127. The permanent destruction of forests and woodlands. http://ps.ucdavis.edu/classes/ire001/env/deforest.htm
128. The permanent destruction of indigenous forests and woodlands.
http://www.panda.org/resources/factsheets/forests/frame.htm?31defor.htm and http://abe.msstate.edu/csd-tc/p3-
g2/intro.htm
129. The permanent loss of forests to other land uses such as agriculture, grazing, new settlements, infrastructure, and
dam reservoirs. http://anmf.web1000.com/BIBLIOGRAPHY%20ON%20AFRICA%20MOUNTAINS.html
130. The permanent removal of a forest from its natural habitat by man's activities.
http://www.sovereignty.net/p/land/gba-gloss.htm
131. The permanent removal of forest and undergrowth http://collections.ic.gc.ca/abnature/glossary.htm
132. The process in which a forest is cut down, burned or damaged is called "deforestation."
http://www.bsrsi.msu.edu/rfrc/deforestation.html
133. The process of clearing forests. http://ohia.com/ohia/roadshows/sky/glossary.htm
134. The process of clearing land of trees or forest. http://www.europe.apnet.com/inscight/12031996/defores1.htm or
135. The process of clearing of forests. http://www.worldbank.org/html/schools/glossary.htm#d
136. The process of destroying forest habitat(s). http://www.sandiegozoo.org/wildideas/glossary_c-d.html
137. The process of removing forested areas. Examples include cutting or burning to provide land for agricultural
purposes, residential or industrial building sites, roads etc., or harvesting the trees for building materials or fuel.
http://www.greenhousefriendly.com/glossary.shtml#D
138. The process whereby natural forests are cleared through logging and/or burning, either to use the timber or to
replace the area for alternative uses. http://wwf.panda.org/about_our_earth/about_forests/deforestation/
139. The removal of all trees from an area (see also DEPLETION, ENVIRONMENT and DESERTIFICATION).
http://www.faculty.rsu.edu/~felwell/glossary/body.htm
140. The removal of forest and undergrowth http://www.epa.nsw.gov.au/soe/95/28.htm
141. The removal of forest cover from an area.
http://environment.jbpub.com/mckinney/interactive_glossary_showterm.cfm?term=deforestation%20
142. The removal of forest growth http://library.thinkquest.org/26634/sitemapf.htm
143. The removal of forest stands by cutting and burning to provide land for agricultural purposes, residential or
industrial building http://search.nap.edu/nap-cgi/morehits.cgi?file=840-
846.htm&term=forest&isbn=0309043867&display=
industrial building sites, roads, etc. or by harvesting the trees for building materials or fuel. Oxidation of organic matter
releases CO2 to the atmosphere, and regional and global impacts may result. Source: EPO.
http://harp.gsfc.nasa.gov/v0ims/glossary.of.terms.html, http://cdiac.esd.ornl.gov/cdiac/glossary.html#D , and
http://www.eia.doe.gov/oiaf/1605/95report/glossary.html
industrial building sites, roads, etc., or by harvesting the trees for building materials or fuel. Oxidation of organic
matter releases CO2 to the atmosphere, and regional and global impacts may result.
http://books.nap.edu/openbook.php?record_id=1605&page=843
146. The removal of forest stands. http://www.cleantechindia.com/climatechange/glossary.htm ,
http://www.eia.doe.gov/oiaf/1605/vr95rpt/gloss.html and http://www.eia.doe.gov/oiaf/1605/gg98rpt/glossary.html
147. The removal of forests from the land.
http://www.hwwa.de/Projekte/Forsch_Schwerpunkte/FS/Klimapolitik/PDFDokumente/Michaelowa,%20Koch
%20(2001).pdf
148. The removal of trees and forests from the land http://www.sitesalive.com/admin/glossary/sectD.html
149. The removal of trees and often the plants associated with them.
http://www.lpb.org/programs/forest/glossary.html#d
150. The removal of trees by people or their livestock.
http://www.harcourtcollege.com/geography/regionalatlas/glossary.html
151. The removal of trees from a forested area that can be the result of Mother Nature, e.g. forest fires, or of human
nature. http://www-pub.naz.edu:9000/~jborsos9/deforestation.htm
175
152. The removal of trees from forests by humans. http://www.life123.com/home-garden/green-living/energy-
consumption/what-is-deforestation.shtml?fcsource=dell
153. The removal of trees http://www.notredame.ac.jp/cgi-bin/wn?cmd=wn&word=deforestation
154. The removal of trees without replacing them with young trees. http://www.minntrees.org/asp/default.asp?
PageID=59
155. The state of being clear of trees. http://www.notredame.ac.jp/cgi-bin/wn?deforestation and
http://info.live58.org/why-should-i-care-about-deforestation/
156. The state of having been cleared of forests. http://www.africanculturalcenter.org/10_0glossary.html
157. The term used for when people completely remove trees and vegetation from a large forested area. Think of it like
shaving, except instead of hairs, it's trees. Once an area is deforested, there's nothing left except dirt.
http://answers.ask.com/Science/Other/what_is_deforestation
158. To clear away the trees or forests from. http://www.geocities.com/RainForest/Andes/7292/Terms.html
159. To clear of forests; to disforest. http://www.mso.anu.edu.au/~ralph/OPTED/v003/wb1913_d.html
160. To cut down and clear away the trees or forests from. http://www.dictionary.com/cgi-bin/dict.pl?term=deforestation
161. To remove the trees from an area as by fire, flood, logging, etc. http://nhd.heinle.com/nhd-bin/searchNHD.pl
162. To strip or deprive of trees and forest; the loss of our forest. http://www.chias.org/www/edu/cse/owpglo.html
163. When a living forest is destroyed due to things such as logging, cattle ranching, or oil drilling.
http://kids.ran.org/kidscorner/rainforests/wordup.html
3.2.3 As a change in land use
1. (Brazil) The conversion of areas of primary forest physiognomy by anthropogenic activities, for the development of
agriculture and cattle raising, detected by orbital platforms. Gross deforestation indicates that areas in process of
secondary succession or forest recovery are not subtracted in the calculation of the extent and the rate. The above
definition does not include areas of forest affected by selective logging activities or wild fires, which are object of
specific reports by INPE. http://www.gisdevelopment.net/application/gii/planning/giipl0015a.htm
2. (EU 2013) deforestation means the direct human-induced conversion of forest to land that is not forest, where the
conversion has taken place after 31 December 1989; http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?
3. (Italy) A loss of forest area because of change of land use to agricultural lands, barren lands, buildings, roads,
pipelines, etc. Burned forest areas are not considered deforested. ISTAT (1950-1997). Statistiche Forestali. Annuari 1-
47. Istituto Nazionale di Statistica. Rome. Lorenzo Ciccarese ciccarese@anpa.it
4. (Malaysia) - The conversion of forest or forest land to permanent non-forestry uses such as for agricultural crops,
infrastructural and industrial development, settlements etc. From: hcthang@forestry.gov.my (Thang Hooi Chiew),
Forestry Department Peninsular Malaysia
5. (UN-FAO) The change of land use from forest to other land-use. [Source: from http://faov02.fao.org:70/0gopher_root
%3a[fao.fra]def_uk.txt (concepts, definitions and methodology of the FAO Forest Resources Assessment 1990) via
Bernhard Schlamadinger]
6. (UN-FAO 2001) Deforestation is the conversion of forest to another land use or the long-term reduction of tree canopy
cover below the 10% threshold. Explanatory note (extract): Deforestation implies the long-term or permanent loss of
forest cover. Such a loss can only be caused and maintained through a continued man-induced or natural
perturbation. Deforestation includes, for example, areas of forest converted to agriculture (including agroforestry),
pasture, water reservoirs and urban areas. The term specifically excludes areas where the trees have been removed,
due, for example, to harvesting or logging, and where the forest is expected to regenerate naturally or with the aid of
silvicultural measures within the short term. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO 2000b)
7. A complete change in land use from forest to agriculture - including shifting cultivation and pasture - or urban
use.http://ches.ing.ula.ve/GAIA/gis/maps/CaseStudies/explain/caseT.exp
8. A complete transformation in land use from forest to agricultural and urban uses, such as those brought upon by
shifting cultivation, agroforestry and pasture. Excluded in the process is the large scale clear-cutting of plantations
adopted by commercial tree growers.http://fiesta.bren.ucsb.edu/~idgec/publications/reports/forest.pdf
9. A process of land-use change from forest to other uses, because of population pressure, shifting cultivation,
agricultural development, transmigration, forest fires, or unsupervised and poor logging practices, climatic and human-
induced disturbancies (Setiadi 1996, modified). Lorenzo Ciccarese ciccarese@anpa.it
10. Area of forest permanently converted to non-forest land use, e.g., urbanization and Semi-permanent or temporary
loss or gain of forest ecosystems, e.g., grasslands and agriculture. http://www.fs.fed.us/institute/cifor/cifor_260.html
11. Conversion of forest land to other land use (Schlamadinger 1998).
176
12. Conversion of forests to another land use, frequently accompanied by burning (IPCC 1996c).
http://www.greenhouse.gov.au/ncas/files/strategic/glossary.html
13. Converting forest land to other vegetation or uses (i.e., cropland, pasture, dams). www.wws.princeton.edu/cgi-
bin/byteserv.prl/~ota/disk1/1992/9217/921713.PDF
14. Forest conversion to other uses, leaving out logged areas to regenerate.
http://www.auburn.edu/~hurlbkl/definition.htm
15. The conversion of forest lands to alternative uses such as cropland or human settlement.
http://www.peopleandplanet.net/section.php?section=1&topic=8&PHPSESSID=1a9faae006a4efebfebe57431f0ca5ac
16. The permanent clearing of forest areas, preventing regrowth e.g. clearing land for agriculture.
17. The permanent conversion of forests to pasture, farmland, or urban landscape.
http://www.fieldtripearth.org/qa_article.xml?id=28
18. The practice or process that result in the long-term change in land-use to non-forest uses.
http://edugreen.teri.res.in/explore/glossary.htm#d
19. The process of degradation or loss of forests by shifting use of the forest to agricultureincluding shifting cultivation
and pastureurban use, and timber harvesting, thus reducing the forests contribution to preserving biodiversity, water
retention, soil and climate preservation, and other environmental services.
http://www.undp.org/gef/workshop/glossary.htm
20. The unintentional or intentional conversion of land use from forest to nonforest. Associated with nonrenewable timber
harvesting practises in ecologically sensitive areas, such a tropical reinforests. http://www.pfmt.org/glossary/d.htm
21. Those practices or processes that result in the change of forested lands to non-forest uses.
http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov:81/Library/glossary.php3?mode=alpha&seg=d
22. Those practices or processes that result in the conversion of forested lands for non-forest uses.
http://www.epa.gov/globalwarming/publications/outreach/general/glossary.pdf and.
http://www.doc.mmu.ac.uk/aric/diction.html.
3.2.4 As a change in land cover and use
1. (Austria) (clearing) (Rodung) - A land use change of forest land to other uses. Deforestation (clearing) is forbidden in
Austria (due to former laws deforestation (clearing) is countrywide forbidden in Austria since about 150 years).
However, if public interest in the different land use is higher than public interest in the conservation of the forest, the
authority may give its approval for the deforestation (clearing). Usually, as a compensation other adequate areas have
to be afforested. (Austrian Forestry Act (Federal Legal Gazette no. 440/1975, as amended Federal Legal Gazette
231/1977, 142/1978 and 576/1987) From: Weiss Peter weissp@ubavie.gv.at)
2. (Canada - BC) Clearing an area of forest on a non-temporary basis for another use. Clearcutting (even with stump
removal), if shortly followed by reforestation for forestry purposes, is not deforesting. [Source: Glossary of Forestry
Terms, Province of British Columbia, Ministry of Forests, http://www.for.gov.bc.ca/pab/publctns/glossary/glossary.htm
via Igor A. Yakovlev]
3. (Canada - Sask.) [deboisement (n.m.)] Permanent removal of forest cover and withdrawal of land from forest use,
whether deliberately or circumstantially. [Source: Silvicultural Terms in Canada - Second Edition 1995 From: Mark
Johnston <johnston@larix.derm.gov.sk.ca Date: Tue, 16 Jun 1998 17:44:48 -0600]
http://nfdp.ccfm.org/silviterm/silvi_e/silvitermatode.htm#D
4. (Canada NR). Deforestation is the permanent removal of forest cover from an area, and the conversion of the
previously forested land to other uses. https://www.nrcan.gc.ca/forests/inventory/13419
5. (Canada) Clearing an area of forest for another long-term use. (http://nrcan.gc.ca/cfs/proj/ppiab/sof/sof.html )
6. (Cyprus) Deforestation: the removal of a forest stand from an area where the land is put to a nonforest use. A.K.
Christou "Forestry Department - Research and Publicity Sector" publicity@cytanet.com.cy
7. (India) Removal of forest cover from a forest land. It excludes clearfelling. [Source: Glossary of Technical Terms,
Forest Research Institute, India. From: "Vivek K. Varma" <v.varma@landfood.unimelb.edu.au Date: Fri, 17 Jul 1998
02:28:29 -0400 (EDT)]
8. (Indonesia - 2002) The permanent removal of forest cover and conversion of the land to other uses. According to the
land use definition used by FAO and accepted by most governments, forest land that has been harvested, even clear-
cut, is not regarded as deforested because, in principle, trees may regrow or be replanted. Deforestation is recorded
only when the land is permanently converted to nonforest use. However, the remote sensing imagery used in this
report to determine land cover (the presence or absence of forest) over time does not make such a distinction and
clear-cut land has been recorded as nonforest or deforested land.
177
9. (Lithuania) Clearing of an area with the purpose to change forest land to other land use category. Source: A. Kuliesis,
10. (Mexico -INEGI y SEMARNAP) Proceso de cambio de uso del suelo de forestal a otro uso (INEGI y SEMARNAP
1999).
11. (Pakistan) To remove the tree crop from a piece of land without the intention of reforesting. Definition adopted from
the British Commonwealth Forest Terminology Part-I, 1953. Source: Mumtaz Ahmad, Section Forest Officer, Pakistan
Min. of Environment, Local Government, and Rural Development.
12. (Papua New Guinea) - The removal of trees from forestland and subsequent conversion of land-use from forestry to
other such as agriculture. Vitus Ambia, Papua New Guinea Forest Authority.
13. (Tanzania) Normally refers to clearing of a forest or woodland cover and replacing it with other land uses i.e.
converting forest land to agriculture farms or settlement areas. http://www.unep-
wcmc.org/forest/restoration/docs/TanzaniaFLR.PDF
14. (UN) - Clearing of tree formations and their replacement by non-forest land uses. (UN Glossary of Environment
Statistics) http://www.nscb.gov.ph/peenra/Publications/Compendium/glossary.PDF
15. (UN-EP 2003) - Conversion of forest to non-forest. http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?
article=1030&context=usdafsfacpub.
16. (UN-FAO 2000) - A permanent conversion to other uses. http://www.fao.org/DOCREP/X7273E/x7273e05.htm#P0_0.
17. (UN-FAO 2000) - The conversion of forest to another land use or the long-term reduction of tree canopy cover below
the 10% threshold (FAO, 2000)
18. (UN-FAO 2001) -The conversion of forest to another land use or the long-term reduction of the tree canopy cover
below the minimum 10 percent threshold (see the UN-FAO 2001 definition of forest and the following explanatory
note). Explanatory note: Deforestation implies the long-term or permanent loss of forest cover and implies
transformation into another land use. Such a loss can only be caused and maintained by a continued human-induced
or natural perturbation. Deforestation includes areas of forest converted to agriculture, pasture, water reservoirs and
urban areas. The term specifically excludes areas where the trees have been removed as a result of harvesting or
logging and where the forest is expected to regenerate naturally or with the aid of silvicultural measures. Unless
logging is followed by the clearing of the remaining logged-over forest for the introduction of alternative land uses, or
the clearings are maintained through continued disturbance, forests commonly regenerate, although often to a
different, secondary condition. In areas of shifting agriculture, forest, forest fallow and agricultural lands appear in a
dynamic pattern where deforestation and the return of forest occur frequently in small patches. To simplify reporting of
such areas, the net change over a larger area is typically used. Deforestation also includes areas where, for example,
the impact of disturbance, overutilization or changing environmental conditions affects the forest to an extent that it
cannot sustain a tree cover above the 10 percent threshold.
http://www.fao.org/docrep/003/y0900e/y0900e11.htm#P1_7 and . ftp://ftp.fao.org/docrep/fao/009/j9345e/j9345e00.pdf
19. (UN-FAO 2004) - The conversion of forest to another land use or the long-term reduction of the tree canopy cover
below the minimum 10 percent threshold. Explanatory notes: 1. Deforestation implies the long-term or permanent loss
of forest cover and implies transformation into another land use. Such a loss can only be caused and maintained by a
continued human-induced or natural perturbation. 2. Deforestation includes areas of forest converted to agriculture,
pasture, water reservoirs and urban areas. 3. The term specifically excludes areas where the trees have been
removed as a result of harvesting or logging, and where the forest is expected to regenerate naturally or with the aid
of silvicultural measures. Unless logging is followed by the clearing of the remaining logged-over forest for the
introduction of alternative land uses, or the maintenance of the clearings through continued disturbance, forests
commonly regenerate, although often to a different, secondary condition. In areas of shifting agriculture, forest, forest
fallow and agricultural lands appear in a dynamic pattern where deforestation and the return of forest occur frequently
in small patches. To simplify reporting of such areas, the net change over a larger area is typically used. 4.
Deforestation also includes areas where, for example, the impact of disturbance, overutilization or changing
environmental conditions affects the forest to an extent that it cannot sustain a tree cover above the 10 percent
threshold. http://www.fao.org/forestry/foris/webview/forestry2/index.jsp?
siteId=4261&sitetreeId=13629&langId=1&geoId=0
20. (UN-FAO) - To clear an area, other than purely temporarily, of forest. Clear cutting (even with stump removal), if
shortly followed by reforestation, is not deforesting. From: Graeme Wild <GraemeW@za.sappi.com
21. (UN-FCCC 2001) The direct human-induced conversion of forested land to non-forested land. (UNFCCC, 2001)
22. (UN-FCCC) The removal of forest stands by cutting and burning to provide land for agricultural purposes, residential
or industrial building sites, roads, etc., or by harvesting the trees for building materials or fuel.
23. (USA STATE- Maryland) -The clearing of forests and the conversion of land to nonforest uses.
http://www.wrm.org.uy/actors/WB/1994policy.html
178
24. (USA-Congress-OTA 1984) : The conversion of forests to land uses that have a tree cover of less than 10 percent.
http://govinfo.library.unt.edu/ota/Ota_4/DATA/1984/8426.PDF
25. (WAF 2004) The conversion of forest land to non-forest land.
http://www.worldagroforestry.org/sea/Publications/files/book/BK0073-04.PDF .
26. Cambio de uso del suelo que impica la desaparicion de las selva o el bosque (Herrera et al. n.d.).
27. Change in forest land use from forestry to other purposes, such that it no longer functions as a forest ecosystem
(Repetto and Gillis 1998).
28. Clearing an area of forest for another long-term use. http://www.nrcan-rncan.gc.ca/cfs-
scf/science/prodserv/glossary_e.html#22 Dboisement http://www.fnfp.gc.ca/rep99/gloss-e.htm
29. Clearing an area of forest on a non-temporary basis for another use.
http://www.for.gov.bc.ca/pab/publctns/glossary/glossary.txt
30. Clearing an area of forest on a non-temporary basis for another use. Clearcutting (even with stump removal), if shortly
followed by reforestation for forestry purposes, is not deforesting. http://typhoon.sdsu.edu/nasa_lcluc/forest.html
31. Clearing an area permanently for another use, such as agriculture or road building (Ecoforestry 1997).
32. Clearing of forest from large tracts of land which consequently remains unforested either as barren land or as
agricultural crop. (Bruening n.d.).
33. Clearing of tree formations and their replacement by non forest land use (PEENRA website)
34. Clearing trees for timber, fuel, farmland or for new settlements from a piece of land without the intention of reforesting.
http://www.schools.wafa.org.au/terms.htm
35. Conversion of any forest (natural forest, modified forest, or planted forest) to non-forest conditions (cropland, pasture,
or urban land) (IUCN, UNEP, WWF 1991).
36. Deforestation (Hard) occurs when forested lands are clearcut and then compromised so that the trees cannot grow
back. http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-hard-deforestation.htm
37. Deforestation (Wasteful) occurs when forests yielding high values of goods and services are clearcut and replaced
with land uses that yield lower returns. http://www.sprl.umich.edu/GCL/notes2/Deforestation.pdf.
38. Deforestation happens when human beings turn forested land into non-forested land due to our activities. It is not a
good thing for wildlife because it takes away much of their natural habitat.
http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_is_deforestation?altQ=What_is_deforrestation#slide=1
39. Deforestation implies the long-term or permanent loss of forest cover and its transformation into another land use.
40. Deforestation is when forests, rain forests or a group of trees in the same area are living with animals and many
different types of plants, are being chopped of, or mostly burnt for the land use.
http://abushald.blogspot.com/2008/11/why-is-deforestation-important.html
41. Deforestation is when humans remove or clear large areas of forest lands and related ecosystems for non-forest use.
These include clearing for farming purposes, ranching and urban use. In these cases, trees are never re-planted.
http://eschooltoday.com/forests/what-is-deforestation.html
42. Deforestation is when humans remove or clear large areas of forest lands for non-forest use. These include clearing
for farming purposes, ranching and urban use. Inthese cases, trees are never re-planted.
http://www.meritnation.com/ask-answer/question/what-is-deforestation/forest-society-and-colonialism/6273919
43. Deforestation refers to the loss of forest cover; land that is permanently converted from forest to agricultural land, golf
courses, cattle pasture, homes, lakes, or desert. The FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the U.N.) defines
tropical deforestation as "change of forest with depletion of tree crown cover to less than 10%." Depletion of forest to
tree crown cover greater than 10% (say from 100% to 12%) is considered forest degradation. Logging most often falls
under the category of forest degradation and thus is not included in deforestation statistics. Therefore forest
degradation rates are considerably higher than deforestation rates. For example, according to satellite surveys
Indonesia has considerable forest coverage, but millions of hectares are highly degraded by logging and no longer
contain their full diversity or original structure. http://www.mongabay.com/08define.htm
44. Deforestation, clearance or clearing is the removal of a forest or stand of trees where the land is thereafter converted
to a non-forest use.[1] Examples of deforestation include conversion of forestland to farms, ranches, or urban use
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deforestation
45. Destruction of forested habitats for conversion to other uses. http://www.northern.edu/natsource/BIRDS/Conser1.htm
46. Eliminacion total de la vegetacion y su reemplazo por usos no forestales de la tierra (Varela 1998).
47. Forests are removed and the land changed to another kind of land use. http://loki.stockton.edu/~epsteinc/deforest.htm
48. Large scale cutting of forest; replacement with other plant cover (esp. pasture)
http://hcd.ucdavis.edu/classes/iad10/enviro.html
49. Loss of forest cover which is not replaced by either natural regeneration or replanting of trees (WWF/IUCN 1996).
179
50. Para la delimitacion y cuantificacion de la deforestacion, la ha definido como la remocion temporal o permanente de
la cubierta vegetal natural para dedicar otro uso no forestal (Anon. 1995a).
51. Permanent removal of forest cover and withdrawal of land from forest use, whether deliberately or circumstantially
http://nfdp.ccfm.org/silviterm/silvi_e/silvitermatode.htm#D
52. Se considera el cambio de uso del suelo de foresta a no forestal en un periodo determinado. Tambien puede
expresarse como la elimiacion completa de areas arbolada a usos del suelo no forestales (Herrera 1998).
53. The clearance of all the trees and undergrowth in a forest to make land usable for farming.
http://www.oxfam.org.uk/coolplanet/glossary.htm
54. The clearing of forest lands for all forms of agricultural uses (shifting cultivation, permanent agriculture and ranching)
and for other land uses such as settlements, other infrastructure and mining. In tropical countries, this entails clearing
that reduces tree crown cover to less than 10 percent. As defined here, deforestation does not include other
alterations, such as selective logging (unless the forest cover is permanently reduced to less than 10 percent), that
can substantially affect forests, forest soil, wildlife and its habitat, and the global carbon cycle.
http://www.sprl.umich.edu/GCL/wri/forest/deforest.html
55. The clearing of forests and the conversion of land to non-forest uses such as cropland or human settlement.
https://www.uni-hohenheim.de/i490a/teaching/M4901-
56. The clearing of forests and the conversion of land to nonforest uses.
http://www.wrm.org.uy/actors/WB/1991policy3.html
57. The clearing of virgin forests, or intentional destruction or removal of trees and other vegetation for agricultural,
commercial, housing, or firewood use without replanting (reforesting) and without allowing time for the forest to
regenerate itself. Deforestation is one of the major factors contributing to the greenhouse effect and desertification.
http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/deforestation.html
58. The conversion of forest to another land use
59. The conversion of forest to another land use or the long-term reduction of the tree canopy cover below a 10 percent
threshold. Deforestation implies the long-term or permanent loss of forest cover and its transformation into another
land use. http://www.globalchange.umich.edu/globalchange2/current/lectures/deforest/deforest.html
60. The conversion of forested to non-forested land. Deforestation can involve the cutting and burning of trees to provide
land for agricultural purposes or clearing for residential and industrial uses. .
http://www.climateservices.com/glossary.htm
61. The destruction of forest for timber, fuel, charcoal burning, and clearing for agriculture and extractive industries, such
as mining, without planting new trees to replace those lost (reafforestation) or working on a cycle that allows the
natural forest to regenerate. http://ukdb.web.aol.com/hutchinson/encyclopedia/50/M0020550.htm
62. The destruction of forests, typically to clear land for agriculture or ranching or to provide fuel and timber.
http://www.quiknet.com/~mathman/csus/Site_Map/Glossary/glossary.htm
63. The direct, human-induced conversion of forested land to non-forested land (2008).
http://www.greenpeace.org/raw/content/usa/turning-up-the-heat-global-w.pdf
64. The felling and clearing of forest cover or tree plantations in order to accommodate agricultural, industrial or urban
use. It involves permanent end of forest cover to make that land available for residential, commercial or industrial
purpose. http://www.conserve-energy-future.com/causes-effects-solutions-of-deforestation.php
65. The felling of trees without subsequent replanting or regeneration, i.e. the conversion of previously forested land to
agricultural, urban or other land uses, which do not have a substantial tree canopy cover (<10 per cent, according to
the definition in FAO (2000)).. http://forestry.oxfordjournals.org/content/77/1/9.full.pdf
66. The long-term removal of trees from forested site to permit other site uses. http://www.canadian-forests.com/fsc-
glossary.html and http://www.web.net/~fscca/standard.htm#anchor88641. Cutting of trees followed by regeneration is
not deforestation. syn: forest clearing disturbance, conversion, or wasteful destruction of forest lands. (AGRO)
(Dunster and Dunster 1996).
67. The net loss of forests. A "net loss" of forests occurs when more forest cover is removed than is replaced, leaving the
landscape substantially altered. http://greenliving.lovetoknow.com/What_is_Deforestation
68. The permanent clearing of forest areas, preventing regrowth e.g. clearing land for agriculture
69. The permanent clearing of forest lands for shifting cultivation, permanent agriculture or settlements; it does not include
other alterations such as selective logging. http://www.socialwatch.org/indicators/Glossary.htm#Deforestation
70. The permanent destruction of forests and woodlands; it occurs as the forests are converted for agricultural uses.
http://www.auburn.edu/~hurlbkl/definition.htm
180
71. The permanent destruction of forests in order to make the land available for other uses.
http://www.livescience.com/27692-deforestation.html
72. The permanent destruction of indigenous forest and woodland. Deforestation thus refers to clearing of original forests,
and it includes a range of processes, from a selective removal of valuable timber species to clear cutting followed by
burning and creation of pasture and agricultural fields (Keller, 1994).
http://www.scar.toronto.edu/~97fauche/termassignment.html# What is deforestation, the state of deforestation. Keller,
M. (1994) Controls on Soil-Atmosphere fluxes of nitrous oxide and methane: effects of tropical deforestation. In
Climate-Biosphere Interactions Ed. Zepp, R.G. John Wiley and sons, Georgia.
73. The permanent destruction of indigenous forests and woodlands. . http://www.globaled.org/issues/152/a.html
74. The permanent destruction of indigenous forests and woodlands. The term does not include the removal of industrial
forests such as plantations of gums or pines. http://www.botany.uwc.ac.za/envfacts/facts/deforestation.htm
75. The permanent removal of forest and undergrowth. http://www.gn.apc.org/LivingEarth/RainforestDB/glossary.a-
e.html#climax_forest
76. The process of land cover transformation from forest to non-forest (Achard et al. 1998).
77. The removal of a forest or stand of trees where the land is thereafter converted to a nonforest use.[1] Examples of
deforestation include conversion of forestland to agriculture or urban use. The term deforestation is often misused to
describe any activity where all trees in an area are removed. However in temperate mesic climates, the removal of all
trees in an areain conformance with sustainable forestry practicesis correctly described as regeneration harvest.
[2] In temperate mesic climates, natural regeneration of forest stands often will not occur in the absence of
disturbance, whether natural or anthropogenic.[3] Furthermore, biodiversity after regeneration harvest often mimics
that found after natural disturbance, including biodiversity loss after naturally occurring rainforest destruction.[4][5]
https://www.princeton.edu/~achaney/tmve/wiki100k/docs/Deforestation.html
78. The removal of a forest stand where the land is put to a non-forest use (Helms 1998).
79. The removal of forest or trees from a land and converting it for nonforest use http://www.buzzle.com/articles/causes-
and-effects-of-deforestation.html
80. The removal of trees without replacing them with young trees. http://www.minntrees.org/facts/ff17.htm
81. The temporary or permanent clearance of forest for agriculture or other purposes (Grainger 1993).
82. The transformation of forested lands by human actions.
83. The willful and permanent transition in vegetative cover from that which is clearly "forest" (regardless of the
commercial or aesthetic value of the trees) to that which is clearly devoted to other uses - with trees seen as
undesirable invaders. On this definition, the clear cutting of portions of a forest with the intention of allowing
regeneration of trees does not qualify as deforestation - even though all the trees are removed at a certain time
(Daniel W. Bromley, Deforestation: Institutional Causes And Solutions, in World Forests, Society and Environment,
Volume I. In press).
84. To clear an area, other than purely temporarily, of forest. 1) While man is the main deforester, natural agencies (e.g.
volcanic eruption, landslides) may also contribute. (2) Clear cutting (even with stump removal), if shortly followed by
reforestation is not deforesting. (Ford-Robertson 1971).
85. Trees being cut down and not being replanted/
http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_is_deforestation_and_deforestation#slide=2
86. Type of "forestry practice" which involves the permanent removal of forests and their undergrowth so that the land can
serve another purpose. http://www.shsu.edu/~chemistry/Glossary/de.html#D
3.2.5 Other
1. Annual Deforestation - Annual loss of forest land; reflects land degradation

http://www.uncc.edu/~chamato/glossary.htm
2. Deforestation occurs in a number of ways, both natural and unnatural. http://www-
pub.naz.edu:9000/~jwitten2/about2.htm
3. Induced land degradation in developing countries that is a direct result of land tenure systems that facilitate property-
right acquisition in idle lands. http://www.auburn.edu/~hurlbkl/definition.htm
4. Loss of forest. http://www.globalchange.org/glossall/glossd-f.htm
5. Simply means to "divest of forests". http://www.britell.com/misc/lex.html
6. The direct, human-induced conversion of forested land to non-forested land (2008).
http://www.greenpeace.org/raw/content/usa/turning-up-the-heat-global-w.pdf
7. Deforestation is the inevitable result of the current social and economic policies being carried out in the name of
development http://ellerbruch.nmu.edu/classes/cs255f03/cs255students/jedens/P12/deforestation.ppt
181
3.2.6 Summary table
Table 6 Listing of national "Deforestation" land definitions by type.

Where there is more than one entry per row- there was more than one
definition found for that country.
Deforestation defined as:
Country
A change in land A change in land A change in land
cover use cover and use
Austria Yes
Bolivia Yes
Bulgaria Yes
Canada Yes Yes
Cyprus Yes
Fiji Yes
France Yes
Ghana Yes
India Yes
Indonesia Yes
Italy Yes
Lithuania Yes
Malaysia Yes
Mexico Yes
182
Table 6 Listing of national "Deforestation" land definitions by type.
Where there is more than one entry per row- there was more than one
definition found for that country.
Deforestation defined as:
Country
A change in land A change in land A change in land
cover use cover and use
Morocco Yes
Nepal Yes
Northern Yes
Mariana Is.
Pakistan Yes
Papua New Yes

Guinea
Philippines Yes
Romania Yes
Saint Lucia. Yes
Taiwan (R.O.C.) Yes
Uganda Yes
Venezuela Yes
Yemen Yes
United Nations Yes Yes
3.2.7 Questions:
1. Is "deforestation" a change in land cover, land use or both.

183
2. How much canopy has to be removed?
3. How long must an area be "deforested?"
4. Does "natural" deforestation count as an emission to track?
3.3 DEGRADATION (See http://home.comcast.net/~gyde/pristine.htm)
3.4 FORESTATION
1. (Chile) La accin de poblar con especies arbreas o arbustivas terrenos que carezcan de ellas o que estando
cubiertos de vegetacin, sta no sea susceptible de explotacin econmica, ni mejoramiento mediante manejo
(Cerda 1998).
2. (North Amer.) (Afforestation, Reforestation) The establishment of forest, naturally or artificially, on an area, whether
previously carrying forest or not (Ford-Robertson 1971).
3. All types of tree planting, whether conversion of open land or after a harvest.
http://www.state.in.us/dnr/forestry/bmp/glossary.htm
4. The establishment of forest, naturally or artificially, on an area, whether previously carrying forest or not. (3) cf.
afforestation, deforestation, reforestation. http://nfdp.ccfm.org/silviterm/silvi_e/silvitermetohe.htm#F
3.5 REFORESTATION - Reforestation is sorted by restoration of land cover and land cover and use. Several specified the
planting of "crops."
3.5.1 Restoration of Land Cover
1. (Australia-NSW) Replanting of a forest on cleared or destroyed forest areas.

2. (Austria) (Wiederbewaldung): Reforestation areas are temporarily unstocked areas caused by harvesting, wind
breaks, natural disasters and so on. These areas have to be reforested artificially (usually within 3 years, under
certain circumstances within maximal 8 years) or with methods of natural regeneration (usually within 8 years, under
certain circumstances within maximal 11 years). In Austria reforestation has always been recognized as a part of
forest management and has never been linked up to land use change. (Austrian Forestry Act (Federal Legal Gazette
no. 440/1975, as amended Federal Legal Gazette 231/1977, 142/1978 and 576/1987) From: Weiss Peter
weissp@ubavie.gv.at)
3. (Brazil) REFLORESTAMENTO always, no matter the previous land use was not a forest and it is the first time this
land bears a forest. Currently, reforestation (REFLORESTAMENTO) is the general name of planted forests. From:
Erich Schaitza <erich@cnpf.embrapa.br.
4. (Bulgaria) Reforestation - there is no special definition for "reforestation". It is part of the afforestation activities. Forest
Research Institute forestin@bulnet.bg
5. (Canada - BC) Regeneration (reforestation): The renewal of a tree crop either by natural means (seeded on-site from
adjacent stands or deposited by wind, birds, or animals) or by planted seedlings or direct seeding.
http://www.for.gov.bc.ca/pab/publctns/westland/gloss.htm
6. (Canada - BC) The natural or artificial restocking (i.e., planting, seeding) of an area with forest trees. Also called forest
regeneration. [Source: Glossary of Forestry Terms, Province of British Columbia, Ministry of Forests,
http://www.for.gov.bc.ca/pab/publctns/glossary/glossary.htm via Igor A. Yakovlev]
7. (Canada - Sask.) [reboisement (n.m.)] syn. reafforestation - Successful renewal of a forest crop by planting or direct
seeding. [Source: Silvicultural Terms in Canada - Second Edition 1995 From: Mark Johnston
<johnston@larix.derm.gov.sk.ca Date: Tue, 16 Jun 1998 17:44:48 -0600]
8. (Canada - Sask.) The natural or artificial restocking of an area with trees. [Source: Chapter F-19.1: An Act Respecting
the Management of Forest Resources... new provincial legislation on forest management From: Mark Johnston
<johnston@larix.derm.gov.sk.ca Date: Tue, 16 Jun 1998 17:44:48 -0600] also http://www.studyweb.com/Agriculture/
9. (Canada) - The conversion of non-forested land to forested land through human activities, on land that was forested
but that had been converted to non-forested land. http://carbon.cfs.nrcan.gc.ca/definitions_e.html
10. (Canada) The reestablishment of trees on denuded forest land by natural or artificial means, such as planting or
seeding. State of Canada's Forests 1996-97. (http://nrcan.gc.ca/cfs/proj/ppiab/sof/sof.html)
11. (Chile) La accin de poblar con especies arbreas o arbustivas mediante plantacin, regeneracin manejada o
siembra, un terreno que haya sido objeto de explotacin extractiva (Cerda 1998).
184
12. (Colombia) Es el establecimiento de rboles para formar bosques, realizado por el hombre. (Decreto 1791 de 1996.
Ministerio del medio Ambiente.) "Gerardo Lozano" glozano@impsat.net.co and Mara del Pilar Pardo
mpp@LatinMail.com
13. (Cuba) Reforestacin: la accin de poblar con especies arbreas reas que hayan sido objeto de aprovechamiento
previos o arrasadas por incendios y otras causas. Christoph Kleinn <ckleinn@catie.ac.cr
14. (Cyprus) Reforestation: the establishment of a forest cover in an area where there was a forest before but due to
some reasons (fire, felling etc.) has been removed. A.K. Christou "Forestry Department - Research and Publicity
Sector" publicity@cytanet.com.cy
15. (Denmark) Reforestation forests with a forest-obligation written in the cadastre must be reforested, if not deforestation
takes place and that is forbidden without permission from the national forest-authorities. A forest obligation states that
the area in principle shall be used for forests purposes forever (so-called 'good and sustainable forestry'). If the owner
can give the forest authorities a very good reason - for instance the soil is not suited for forestry - he can have
permission to raise the cadastre-note, but normally he shall find another agriculture land of a bigger size to plant with
forest, for instance a double size. (From: PMP@sns.dk Date: Tue, 29 Sep 1998 09:31:59 +0100)
16. (EU 2013) reforestation means any direct human-induced conversion of land that is not forest to forest through
planting, seeding and/or the human-induced promotion of natural seed sources, which is confined to land that was
forest but ceased to be forest before 1 January 1990, and which has been reconverted to forest in the period after 31
December 1989; http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:32013D0529
17. (EU) The restoration of tree cover, to areas from which trees have recently been removed, by planting,
encouragement of natural regeneration, or a combination of these methods
http://europa.eu.int/comm/dg08/forests/en/en4_6.htm.
18. (Fiji) Areas where trees have been felled and replanted. Malakai Sevudredre, Conservator of Forests, F.9641/2.
01/06/2000.
19. (Ghana) When a degraded or removed forest land is restored to its original forest status. (Osei Kofi, Forestry Dept.-
Letter 7 May 99)
20. (GM/UNCCD 2008) This process increases the capacity of the land to sequester carbon by replanting forest biomass
in areas where forests have been previously harvested. Registration: The formal acceptance by the CDM Executive
Board of a validated project as a CDM project activity. http://www.global-
mechanism.org/dynamic/documents/document_file/final2-viet-nam-climate-change-report---1july08.pdf.
21. (Indonesia - 2002) The establishment by humans of forest cover on land that was formerly forested.
22. (IPCC - 1997) Forest stands established artificially on lands that have supported forests within the last 50 years
http://www.grida.no/climate/ipcc/regional/327.htm
23. (Italy) (ricostituzione boschiva) - A forest activity aimed to restore or improve the forest tree and shrub cover through
seeding, planting and 'regeneration coppicing' (in Italian riceppatura, which is a coppicing method for regenerating
stumps, for example, after fire). (ISTAT) 'Rimboschimento' (reforestation), also for ex-novo planting in bare
lands.From: Vittorio Tosi ISAFA Biometria isafa.biofor@tqs.it and Lorenzo Ciccarese ciccarese@anpa.it
24. (Kyrgyzstan - New Forest Code (1999)) - The installation of forest plantations on areas previously covered by forest.
Source: Irina Yunusova irina@lesic.elcat.kg
25. (Kyrgyzstan) - An active (with human support) form of afforestation on the territories formerly covered with the forest
(lands) Source: Irina Yunusova irina@lesic.elcat.kg
26. (Kyrgyzstan) (from Russian it is likely to be translated as "forest regeneration") - The process of the creation of the
forest generation under the forest cover, at the fellings and forest fires sites, and other areas formerly covered with the
forest. Forest regeneration can be natural, artificial and mixed. Source: Irina Yunusova irina@lesic.elcat.kg
27. (Lithuania) The reestablishment of forest cover on forest land either naturally or artificially. Source: A. Kuliesis,
28. (Malaysia) - The artificial establishment of forests by direct seeding or planting seedlings or cuttings on lands which
previously (within the living memory or within 50 years) carry forests. From: hcthang@forestry.gov.my (Thang Hooi
Chiew), Forestry Department Peninsular Malaysia
29. (Morocco) Reforestation (Arabic : Iadat tashjeer/tahreej, French : Reboisement) - Artificial creation (by man) of a
forest on an land which has been forested before, but on which the forest has disappeared, using seedlings,
vegetative materials or seeds (sowing) Mohammed Ellatifi, m.ellatifi@ellatifi.8m.com
30. (Nicaragua) Reforestacin - Draft.La accin de poblar con especies arbreas o arbustivas mediante plantacin,
regeneracin manejada o siembra, un terreno que haya sido objeto de aprovechamiento previo o afectado por
incendios o fenmenos naturales. www.nicarao.org.ni/ja (see Borrador de la ley, CAPITULO II DEFINICIONES) Harrie
<harnic@ibw.com.ni>
31. (Northern Mariana Islands) Reforestation - A science and art of establishing a multistorey species of trees beneficial to
mankind, wildlife and ecosystem. Source: Estanislao Villagomez stanvill@gtepacifica.net Division of Agriculture.
32. (Pakistan) To restock felled or otherwise cleared woodland. Definition adopted from the British Commonwealth Forest
Terminology Part-I, 1953. Source: Mumtaz Ahmad, Section Forest Officer, Pakistan Min. of Environment, Local
Government, and Rural Development.
185
33. (Paraguay) Reforestacin: La accin de poblar con especies arbreas mediante plantacin, regeneracin manejada o
siembra, un terreno anteriormente boscoso que haya sido objeto de explotacin extractiva. Ley N° 536 - DE
FOMENTO A LA FORESTACION Y REFORESTACION. Captulo I. Artculo 2do. cdcdpnvs@venus.pla.net.py
(Nombre Apellido)
34. (Philippines) Reforestation - the act of planting trees on bare or open land which is used to be covered with forest
growth. http://www.nscb.gov.ph/ru12/DEFINE/DEF-ENV.HTM
35. (Romania) - The act of installation, through artificial methods, of the forest vegetation on lands where forest was
recently removed. Sorin Sfirlogea <sorinsf@rosilva.ro National Forests Administration.
36. (Russian Federation)Process of establishing of forest cultures on before forested areas. (Forest cultures (specific
Russian term) - forest, which was created by seeding or planting). [From: "Igor Yakovlev" yakovlev@mari-el.ru Date:
Wed, 10 Jun 1998 02:51:19 -0400 (EDT)]
37. (St. Lucia) The planting of forest trees in an area where forest existed before (Source: Michael Andrew,
chiefforest@maffe.org)
38. (Taiwan, ROC) To reforest in cut-over areas. Source: "ªL°§½service"
service@dns.forest.gov.tw
39. (UN-DP 1999) Generally refers to planting trees on land that has been cleared of forest within the relatively recent
past. May or may not refer to planting trees on land that has just been harvested.
http://www.profor.info/pdf/InnovatForesFinanc.pdf
40. (UN-FAO 1997) - Establishment of a tree crop on forest land (FAO 1997).
41. (UN-FAO 2001) - The re-establishment of forest formations after a temporary condition with less than 10% canopy
cover due to human-induced or natural perturbations. Explanatory note (extract): The definition of forest clearly states
that forests under regeneration are considered as forests even if the canopy cover is temporarily below 10 per cent.
Many forest management regimes include clearcutting followed by regeneration, and several natural processes,
notably forest fires and windfalls, may lead to a temporary situation with less than 10 per cent canopy cover. In these
cases, the area is considered as forest, provided that the re-establishment (i.e., reforestation) to above 10 per cent
canopy cover takes place within the relatively near future. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
(FAO 2000b)
42. (UN-FAO 2005) - Establishment of forest plantations on temporarily unstocked lands that are considered as forests
43. (UN-FAO) The establishment of forest, naturally or artificially, on an area previously in forest cover (FAO - IUFRO).
From: Graeme Wild GraemeW@za.sappi.com
44. (UNFCCC 2001) Reforestation is the direct human-induced conversion of non-forested land to forested land through
planting, seeding and/or the human-induced promotion of natural seed sources, on land that was forested but that has
been converted to non-forested land. For the first commitment period, reforestation activities will be limited to
reforestation occurring on those lands that did not contain forest on 31 December 1989;
http://www.unfccc.int/resource/docs/cop6secpart/l11r01.pdf
45. (UN-FRA 2000) Artificial establishment of forest on lands which carried forest before. (UN-ECE/FAO 1997 and FAO
1998)
46. (United Kingdom) Re-establishment of a tree crop on forest land (British Commonwealth Terminology) (Ford-
Robertson 1971).
47. (USA STATE- Maryland) The creation of a biological community dominated by trees and other woody plants
containing at least 100 live trees per acre with at least 50 percent of those trees having the potential of attaining a 2-
inch or greater diameter measured at 4.5 feet above the ground, within 7 years, according to procedures set forth in
the Washington County Forest Conservation Technical Manual. The term also includes landscaping of areas under an
approved landscaping plan establishing a forest at least 35 feet wide and covering 2500 square feet or more of area.
http://pilot.wash.lib.md.us/washco/forestcn.html
48. (USA-FED-DA-FS) The restocking of an area with forest trees, by either natural or artificial means, such as planting
(http://www.fs.fed.us/land/emterms.html).
49. (USA-STATE-Oregon) "Natural reforestation" means restocking a site with self-grown trees resulting from self-seeding
or vegetative means. http://www.cof.orst.edu/cof/teach/for442/odfdefin.htm
50. (Venezuela) REFORESTACION: cultivo de rboles, con fines econmicos o con fines de proteccin en reas donde
ya haban existido vegetacn en pocas pasadas. Reglamento de la Ley Forestal de Suelos y Aguas (1977). Areas
Naturales Protegidas de Venezuela. Series Aspectos Conceptuales y Metodolgicos, DGSPOA/ACM/01, feb 1992.
Via Profauna@marnr.gov.ve
51. (WAF 2004) - The establishment of forest on land previously under a forest land-use.
http://www.worldagroforestry.org/sea/Publications/files/book/BK0073-04.PDF
52. (WCMC) - The managed reestablishment of forests on lands that once contained forests.
53. (World Bank 1999) The replacement of trees in cut-over forest areas. http://www-
wds.worldbank.org/servlet/WDSContentServer/WDSP/IB/1999/09/17/000178830_98101901520841/Rendered/INDEX
/multi0page.txt
186
54. (World Bank 2000) The replacement or establishment of a tree crop on forestland. . http://www.holz.uni-
goettingen.de/ek/woodsat/pdf/worldbankforestry.pdf World Bank 2000.
55. (Yemen) Reforestation (Arabic : Iadat tashjeer/tahreej, French : Reboisement) - Artificial creation (by man) of a forest
on an land which has been forested before, but on which the forest has disappeared, using seedlings, vegetative
materials or seeds (sowing) Mohammed Ellatifi, m.ellatifi@ellatifi.8m.com
56. A process by which a forest regrown http://ifdn.com/teacher/glossary.htm#d
57. A sylvicultural system that consists in seeding or planting tree forest stock in a forest area after felling or when species
are unreliable for natural regeneration. Lorenzo Ciccarese ciccarese@anpa.it
58. Artificial (planting, seeding) or natural re-establishment of forest on previously forest or other wooded land. [Source:
UN/ECE 1990, via Brita Pajari]
59. Conversion of non-forest to forest on lands which had, historically, contained forests but which had been converted to
some other use as of 1990. http://www.gcrio.org/OnLnDoc/senate_epw990603.html
60. Establishment of a replacement stand of trees after harvesting operations are complete, based on scientific
silvicultural practices that may include natural seeding or suckering, mechanical seeding or planting of seedlings.
http://www.abforestprod.org/ARglossary.html
61. Forest stands established artificially on lands that have supported forests within the last 50 years
http://www.grida.no/climate/ipcc/tectran/362.htm
62. Generally refers to planting trees on land that has been cleared of forest within the relatively recent past. May or may
not refer to planting trees on land that has just been harvested. . http://www.climateservices.com/glossary.htm and
http://www.undp.org/seed/forest/pdf/InnovatForesFinanc.pdf
63. Planting trees to replace forests which have been harvested or destroyed.
http://www.oxfam.org.uk/coolplanet/glossary.htm
64. Process of re-establishing forests on previously forested lands.
http://fiesta.bren.ucsb.edu/~idgec/publications/reports/forest.pdf
65. Re-afforestation -- (the restoration (replanting) of a forest that had been reduced by fire or cutting)
http://www.notredame.ac.jp/cgi-bin/wn?reforestation
66. Reafforestation - is the restocking of existing forests and woodlands which have been depleted.
http://www.deltaenviro.org.za/resources/envirofacts/afforestation.html
67. Reafforestation - The planting of trees on land that was previously under the forest cover, but which has been
depleted by habitat destruction or over-exploitation. http://education.vsnl.com/deep/
68. Reestablishing a forest by planting or seeding an area from which forest vegetation has been removed.
http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/nreos/forest/woodland/won-26r.html and http://msucares.com/pubs/pub1250.htm
69. Reestablishing a forest in an area where trees have been removed.
http://www.mrsc.org/environment/forest/glossary.htm
70. Reestablishment of forest formation after a temporary (less than 10 years) period with less than 10% canopy cover
due to human induced or natural perturbations. http://greenplanet.eolss.net/EolssLogn/mss/C10/E5-03/E5-03-01/E5-
03-01-05/E5-03-01-05-TXT.aspx#Glossary
71. Replacing forests after felling. http://www.bugwood.caes.uga.edu/glossary/
72. Replacing forests. http://www.oznet.ksu.edu/library/MISC2/SB661.PDF
73. Replanting of forests on lands that have recently been harvested or otherwise cleared of trees.
http://www.eia.doe.gov/oiaf/1605/ggrpt/glossary.html
74. Replanting of forests on lands that have recently been harvested. http://www.eia.doe.gov/oiaf/1605/vr95rpt/gloss.html,
http://www.theadvisorygroup.com/PDF2/publications/Carbon%20Sequestration%20Paper.pdf and
http://www.epa.gov/globalwarming/publications/outreach/general/glossary.pdf
75. Restocking an area with forest trees. [Source: Timber Harvesting and Engineering Glossary, USFS]
76. Restoration of recently cleared forest (WWF/IUCN 1996).
77. Revegetation - Re-establishment of non-forest vegetation and restoration of degraded non-forested lands, such as
overgrazed native grasslands or cultivated wetlands http://www.plant-a-tree-today.org/webcontrol/ShowPicture.asp?
Status=ShowLibraryPDF&LiId=40
78. The act of planting trees on bare or open land which is used to be covered with forest growth.
http://www.nscb.gov.ph/ru12/DEFINE/DEF-ENV.HTM
79. The act of renewing forest cover by planting seeds or young trees. [Source: WWWebster Dictionary]
80. The act of replanting or reseeding a forest area to replace trees removed by harvest or destroyed by fire, wind or
disease. http://www.idahoforests.org/dict1.htm
81. The creation of a biological community dominated by trees and other woody plants containing at least 100 trees per
acre, with at least 50 percent of those trees having the potential of attaining a 2-inch or greater dbh within seven
years. http://www.ci.rockville.md.us/cityprojects/envguide/eggloss.htm
82. The direct human-induced conversion of non-forested land back to forested land. In the context of the Kyoto Protocol
to the UNFCCC, reforestation can take place on land that was historically forested but as of December 31, 1989 was
subject to another land-use http://www.plant-a-tree-today.org/webcontrol/ShowPicture.asp?
Status=ShowLibraryPDF&LiId=40
187
83. The establishment of forest in an area where there was forest during the previous 50 years.
http://greenplanet.eolss.net/EolssLogn/mss/C09/E4-27/E4-27-08/E4-27-08-04/E4-27-08-04-TXT.aspx#Glossary_
84. The establishment of plantations] to produce a forest product "crop" on lands that have supported forests within the
last 50 years and where the original crop has been replaced with a different one (Brown et al. 1986).
85. The natural or artificial restocking of an area with forest trees. http://www.sfrc.ufl.edu/Class/for3162c/silvterm.pdf.
Typically, refers to planting (Dunster and Dunster 1996).
86. The natural or artificial restocking of an area with forest trees, most commonly used in reference to the artificial. The
Art and Science of Sustainable Use. 1997. http://www.lehigh.edu/~kaf3/books/reporting/glossary.html
87. The natural or artificial restocking of an area with trees. www.superiornationalforest.org/july4thstorm1999/Appendix
%20B.doc
88. The planting of trees for re-establishment of a former forest.
http://www.woodrow.org/teachers/biology/institutes/1992/old_growth.html
89. The planting of trees on land from which the forest has been removed. [Source: Water Words Dictionary]
90. The planting of young trees in forests that have been affected by harvest, fire, disease, wind or other factors. .
http://www.minntrees.org/facts/ff17.htm
91. The re-establishment of a stand of trees by planting or sowing with species native to the locality on previously cleared
or poorly forested land. http://www.rfa.gov.au/cra/vic/cenhigh/press/glossary.html
92. The reestablishment of forest cover either naturally (by natural seeding, coppice, or root suckers) or artificially (by
direct seeding or planting). Note - reforestation usually maintains the same forest type and is done promptly after the
previous stand or forest was removed (Helms 1998).
93. The re-establishment of trees and understorey plants at a site previously occupied by forest cover.
http://assets.panda.org/downloads/lowermekongregionaloverview.pdf
94. The renewal of forest cover by natural regeneration or the planting of seeds or seedlings
http://www.vanaturally.com/glossary.html
95. The renewal of forest cover by seeding or planting. http://ohia.com/ohia/roadshows/sky/glossary.htm
96. The replacement of trees in cut-over forest areas. http://www.wrm.org.uy/actors/WB/1991policy3.htm, https://www.uni-
hohenheim.de/i490a/teaching/M4901-430/ws_03_04/reading_materials/New_Neef_Schwarzmeier_Studie.pdf and
97. The replanting of trees in an area that was previously forested. http://buttecreekwatershed.org/ecr/new/glossary.htm
98. The replanting of trees in areas which have been cleared of woodland.
http://www.soton.ac.uk/~engenvir/glossary.html#D
99. The replanting of trees on previously forested lands.
http://solstice.crest.org/renewables/SJ/glossary/A.html#AFFORESTATION
100. The restocking of felled or otherwise cleared woodland. [Source: British Commonwealth Forest Terminology via
Renate Prller]
101. To re-establish tree cover on a once-forested site. http://greenplanet.eolss.net/EolssLogn/mss/C09/E4-27/E4-27-
08/E4-27-08-05/E4-27-08-05-TXT.aspx#Glossary_
102. To reestablish trees on a harvested area by planting trees, setting tree seeds, seeding-in from adjacent trees, or
sprouts from the stumps or roots of harvested trees http://www.timbertax.org/research/aghndbk/glossary.htm
103. When revegetation is established within the forest areas (Setiadi 1996). Lorenzo Ciccarese ciccarese@anpa.it
3.5. 2 Restoration of Land Cover and Use
1. (Bolivia) REFORESTACIN: Tala de un bosque con el propsito de crear tierra arable, para usos agrcolas o
ganaderos y aprovechar la madera para la construccin o propsitos industriales. Este proceso elimina los rboles y
el sotobosque, alterando todo el ecosistema, con la consecuente perdida de humus del suelo, con las consecuencias
de escorrentia superficial por la baja infiltracin, perdida de animales y plantas tiles al hombre, y la inestabilidad de
las cuencas hidrogrficas. A causa de la deforestacin no solo se modifica el rgimen hidrolgico, sino se pueden dar
cambios del microclima y extensos daos aguas abajo, por erosin hdrica de la cuenca, as como modificaciones
substanciales en la sedimentacin estuarina. Source: Luis Castello faopaf@caoba.entelnet.bo Adjunto srvase
encontrar la versin no oficial y premilinar del Glosario Forestal elaborado por el Proyecto de Apoyo a la Coordinacin
e Implementacin del Plan de Accin Forestal para Bolivia
2. (India) Bringing any deforested land under forest cover. [Source: Glossary of Technical Terms, Forest Research
Institute, India. From: "Vivek K. Varma" <v.varma@landfood.unimelb.edu.au Date: Fri, 17 Jul 1998 02:28:29 -0400
(EDT)]
3. (IPCC - 2003) Deforestation - Conversion of forest to non-forest. For a discussion of the term forest and related
terms such as afforestation, reforestation, and deforestation: see the IPCC Report on Land Use, Land-Use
Change and Forestry (IPCC, 2000). See also the Report on Definitions and Methodological Options to Inventory
Emissions from Direct Human-induced Degradation of Forests and Devegetation of Other Vegetation Types (IPCC,
188
2003). (Source: Second Order Draft Glossary IPCC WGI Fourth Assessment Report
4. (Latvia) A complex of measures to afforest land (area) not covered by forest. Source: "Maksym Polyakov"
<mpoliak@pcomp.nauu.kiev.ua
5. (Thailand) The planting of forests on lands which have historically contained forests but which have since been
converted to some other use. The report of Thailand's National Greenhouse Gas Inventory, 1990. "Wilailak
Pangtawaong" wpangtaw@deqp.go.th
6. (Ukraine) (Artificial) reforestation -- creation of forest plantations on the lands which were not previously under forest
(covered by forest) with the aim of formation economically valuable, high productive and biologically sustainable forest
stands. Note that ``forest plantations'' defined as ``forest stands created by planting of seedlings, saplings of trees or
shrubs or by sowing of their seeds'', i.e. it here this means only origination of stands, not intensity of management
(Polyakov 1998).
7. (UN-EP 2003) - Planting of forests on lands that have previously contained forests but that have been converted to
some other use. http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1030&context=usdafsfacpub
8. (USA-STATE-Illinois) "Reforestation" means the natural or artificial restocking with trees on forest land.
http://dnr.state.il.us/legal/1537.htm
9. (WCMC) Forest restoration - the establishment of forests containing native species with a high ecological integrity.
Restoration is defined as the deliberate alteration of ecological patterns and processes for the purpose of recreating
some presumed set of natural, predisturbance ecosystem conditions.
10. Establishing forests on lands which have, historically, previously contained forests but which have been converted to
some other use. This "other use" must have prevailed for at least 20 (or other number to be chosen) years, or,
alternatively, the "other use" can be shorter if the land has been counted as "deforested" within a commitment period
under the Kyoto Protocol (Schlamadinger 1998).
11. Planting of forests on lands which have, historically, previously contained forests but which have been converted to
some other use. Replanted forests are included in the category, Changes in Forest and Other Woody Biomass
Stocks, in the LUCF module of the emissions inventory calculations (IPCC 1996).
12. The establishment of a tree crop on forest land following deforestation.
http://epdweb.engr.wisc.edu/dmc/courses/hazards/BB02-apx1.html
13. The reestablishment and development of a timber crop on forest land. Also, REAFFORESTATION.
14. The restocking of existing forests and woodlands which have been depleted. Source:
http://www.deltaenviro.org.za/resources/envirofacts/afforestation.html
3.5.3 Summary table
Table 7 Listing of national "Reforestation" definitions

country.
Reforestation as defined as:
Country
A restoration of A restoration of
land cover land cover and use
Austria Yes
Bolivia Yes
Brazil Yes
189
country.
Country
Bulgaria Yes
Canada Yes
Chile Yes
Colombia Yes
Cuba Yes
Cyprus Yes
Denmark Yes
Fiji Yes
India Yes
Indonesia Yes
Italy Yes
Kyrgyzstan Yes
Latvia Yes
Lithuania Yes
190
country.
Country
Malaysia Yes
Morocco Yes
Nicaragua Yes
Northern Mariana Yes

Is.
Pakistan Yes
Paraguay Yes
Philippines Yes
Romania Yes
Russia Yes
Saint Lucia Yes
Taiwan (R.O.C.) Yes
Thailand Yes
Ukraine Yes
United Kingdom Yes
191
country.
Country
USA Yes
Venezuela Yes
Yemen Yes
United Nations Yes
3.5.4 Questions:
1. Is reforestation a change in land cover or land use or both?

2. If only a change in land cover, should we use the term "regeneration" instead?
3. Do we need to track reforestation by natural means as a sink?
4. Is natural reforestation considered human-induced?
5. If area is planted as a crop - does that mean anything special to the tracking of sinks/emissions?
6. What to plant - native or exotics?
3.6 REGENERATION - Regenreation is grouped by natural methods and by any method. All implied the restoration of
land cover. Some specified the establishment of "crops."
3.6.1 By natural methods only
1. (Natural) Areas that become forested through the ordinary process of forest succession (e.g. occupation of
abandoned farm lands or lands laid bare by recent glaciation). Also where forest is being regenerated to the same or
similar species as removed from the site. Brinkley 1997.
2. (Natural) Regrowth of forest vegetation, in the absence of planting or direct seeding, following any of many kinds of
disturbances that were lethal to forest vegetation (e.g. landslide, fire, pest damage, wind, logging, clearing for
agriculture) previously growing on the site. Stanley 1998.
3. (United Kingdom) (Natural Regeneration) - Plants growing on a site as a result of natural seed fall or suckering. The
term is also used to describe the silvicultural practices used to encourage natural seeding and successful growth of
the seedlings. [Source: THE UK FORESTRY STANDARD. The Government's Approach to Sustainable Forestry,
EDINBURGH: FORESTRY COMMISSION, 1998 http://www.forestry.gov.uk/standard.html and
http://www.forestry.gov.uk/standard.pdf From: "Maksym Polyakov" <mpoliak@pcomp.usau.kiev.ua Date: Tue, 23 Jun
1998 21:04:18 +0300 (MSD)]
4. All types of natural recovering of forest vegetation on forest lands (without special seeding or planting), the natural
one (seeds or coppice) or with the help of men by means of different types of forest activities such as scarification,
stripes or gap cuttings, etc. (Yakovlev 1998).
5. Process of formation of new generation of forest by natural way (in word-by-word translation) (Yakovlev 1998).
3.6.2 By any method

192
1. (Canada - Sask.) Renewal of a forest stand (i.e. establishment of new young trees) by natural or artificial means.
[Source: the Saskatchewan Long-term Integrated Forest Resource Management Plan March 1995 From: Mark
Johnston <johnston@larix.derm.gov.sk.ca Date: Tue, 16 Jun 1998 17:44:48 -0600]
2. (Canada) The continuous renewal of a forest stand. Natural regeneration occurs gradually with seeds from adjacent
stands or with seeds brought in by wind, birds, or animals. Artificial regeneration involves direct seeding or planting.
(http://nrcan.gc.ca/cfs/proj/ppiab/sof/sof.html)
3. (Czech Republic) A set of measures resulting in the development of a new generation of forest stand. [Source: Act on
Forests and Amendments to Some Acts (the Forest Act) dated 3 November 1995. Ministry of Agriculture of the Czech
Republic. Prague, 1996. 58 pp. From: "Maksym Polyakov" <mpoliak@pcomp.usau.kiev.ua Date: Mon, 15 Jun 1998
11:32:47 +0300 (MSD)]
4. (Japan) Forest stands established following harvesting artificially or naturally. Definition of Glossary of Agriculture,
Forestry and Fishery Statistics, Agriculture and Forestry Statistics Association. From: Masahiro Amano
<masahiro@ss.ffpri.affrc.go.jp
5. (noun) The young regrowth of forest plants following disturbance or the forest such as timber harvesting or fire.
http://www.rfa.gov.au/cra/vic/cenhigh/press/glossary.html
6. (United Kingdom) Renewal of woodland through sowing, planting, or natural regeneration. [Source: THE UK
FORESTRY STANDARD. The Government's Approach to Sustainable Forestry, EDINBURGH: FORESTRY
COMMISSION, 1998 http://www.forestry.gov.uk/standard.html and http://www.forestry.gov.uk/standard.pdf From:
"Maksym Polyakov" <mpoliak@pcomp.usau.kiev.ua Date: Tue, 23 Jun 1998 21:04:18 +0300 (MSD)]
7. An act or the process of regenerating : the state of being regenerated [Source WWWebster 11 June 1998]
8. Establishment and early development of new tree seedlings. In managed forests, regeneration may be natural or
artificial (performed through seeding or planting.) (WESTVACO)
9. Renewal of a forest crop by natural, artificial or vegetative (regrowth) means. Also the new crop so obtained. The new
crop is generally less than 1.3 m high. http://nrcan.gc.ca/cfs/proj/iepb/nfdp/regen/regen_e/s18.htm
10. Renewal of a tree crop, either by natural or artificial means. -Young tree crop (17).
http://rredc.nrel.gov/biomass/forest/tim_glossary/t_glossary.html#F
11. The renewal of a tree crop by either natural or artificial means. The term is also used to refer to the young crop itself
(http://www.fs.fed.us/land/emterms.html).
12. The renewal of a tree crop through either natural means (seeded on-site from adjacent stands or deposited by wind,
birds or animals) or artificial means (by planting seedlings or direct seeding).
http://www.interfor.com/glossary/glossary29.html
3.6.3 Questions:
1. When should we use "regeneration" in lieu of "reforestation?"

2. When does one consider natural regeneration "human-induced" if ever?
3. Does the inclusion of the term "crop" in a definition have any bearing on carbon sink and emission estimates?
4. OTHER TERMS
There are other terms that one may need to understand. These are some that the RAD team members have offered.
1. Assart: To turn woodlands into pasture or cropland. To assart lands within a forest without license is a grave offence.
http://orb.rhodes.edu/Medieval_Terms.html
2. (USA-FED-DA-FS 1997) Available other forest land - forest land incapable of growing 20 cubic feet per acre per year
(mean annual increment at culmination in fully stocked, natural stands) of industrial wood because of adverse
conditions such as sterile soils, dry climate, poor drainage, subalpine sites, steepness, or rockiness. (Waddell and
Bassett 1997).
3. Coafforest, v.t. To convert ground into a forest. http://www.christiantech.com/cgi-bin/webster.exe?search_for_cgi-
bin/texts/web1828=coafforest
4. (Canada) Commercial forest - Forest land that is able to grow commercial timber within an acceptable time frame.
[Canada's State of the Forest Report at http://www.nrcan.gc.ca/cfs/proj/ppiab/sof/sof98/spout2.shtml]
5. Coupe An area within a forest which is harvested and regenerated. It is usually less than half a hectare where
management is based on ecosystem sustainability. From: Indigenous Forest Policy (New Zealand Institute of Forestry,
July 1998)
6. Damaged forest - Forest which is prevented by negative influences from natural development of the ecosystem or
prevented from providing the functions of a forest. Damaged forest is forest for reclamation and is a threat to the
193
environment under the terms of regulations on the protection of the environment. [From: Slovenian LAW ON
FORESTS - Milan SINKO milan.sinko@UNI-LJ.SI via "Maksym Polyakov" <mpoliak@pcomp.usau.kiev.ua Date: Fri,
12 Jun 1998 16:11:17 +0300 (MSD)]
7. Devegetated - having removed the vegetation from an area.
8. Devegetation - destruction of vegetation (by fire, human impact). http://www.nature.nps.gov/nrbib/HTML
%20files/33.htm#3259
9. (UN-FCCC-IPCC) Devegetation - A direct human-induced long-term loss (persisting for X years or more) of at least Y
% of vegetation [characterized by cover / volume / carbon stocks] since time T on vegetation types other than forest
and not subject to an elected activity under Article 3.4 of the Kyoto Protocol. Vegetation types consist of a minimum
area of land of Z hectares with foliar cover of W%. http://www.ipcc-
nggip.iges.or.jp/public/gpglulucf/gpglulucf_files/Task2/Degradation.pdf
10. Disafforest, v.t. [dis and afforest.] To reduce from the privileges of a forest to the state of common ground; to strip of
forest laws and their oppressive privileges. http://www.christiantech.com/cgi-bin/webster.exe?search_for_cgi-
bin/texts/web1828=disafforest
11. Disafforested - Stripped of forest privileges http://www.christiantech.com/cgi-bin/webster.exe?search_for_cgi-
bin/texts/web1828=afforestation. To remove land from the authority of the Verderers.
http://www.hants.org.uk/newforest/bibliog.html
12. Disturbance - Any removal of tree cover sufficient to create a site for an even-aged crop of regeneration. Even-aged
Of a forest, stand, or forest type in which relatively small age differences exist between individual trees. The
differences in age permitted are usually 10 to 20 years. http://nrcan.gc.ca/cfs/proj/iepb/nfdp/regen/regen_e/s18.htm
13. Established forest stand The reaching such a state of forest stand where intensive protection is no longer required
after afforestation and the number of individual trees and their distribution throughout the forested area, as well as the
composition of the forest tree species, create all the prerequisites required for the establishment of a site suitable
forest stand. [Source: Act on Forests and Amendments to Some Acts (the Forest Act) dated 3 November 1995.
Ministry of Agriculture of the Czech Republic. Prague, 1996. 58 pp. From: "Maksym Polyakov"
<mpoliak@pcomp.usau.kiev.ua Date: Mon, 15 Jun 1998 11:32:47 +0300 (MSD)]
14. Forest cultures - Artificially created or planted forest stands. [From: "Maksym Polyakov" mpoliak@pcomp.usau.kiev.ua
Date: Thu, 11 Jun 1998 12:06:37 +0300 (MSD)]
15. Forest fund - All the lands given to state forestry enterprises plus all the forests under responsibility of other bodies.
Or, all the forest lands plus non-forest lands of state forestry enterprises. forest [lands]: covered by forest (tree and
shrubs) vegetation; not covered by forest vegetation but required to be afforested (cuttings [places after fellings],
burnings, [loose forests], [empty places] etc., forest roads, cuttings [narrow straight road dividing quarters in forest],
fire breaks; non-forest [lands]: under buildings connected with forest management, power lines, pipelines, other
underground communications, etc.; agricultural lands (arable lands, hayfields, pastures, given for the purposes of
forestry [forest management]; wetlands and waters within the parcels of forest fund given for the purposes of forestry.''
11 Jun 1998 12:06:37 +0300 (MSD)]
16. Forest management The regeneration, protection, tending and felling of forest stands and other activities securing
the fulfillment of forest functions, [Source: Act on Forests and Amendments to Some Acts (the Forest Act) dated 3
November 1995. Ministry of Agriculture of the Czech Republic. Prague, 1996. 58 pp. From: "Maksym Polyakov"
<mpoliak@pcomp.usau.kiev.ua Date: Mon, 15 Jun 1998 11:32:47 +0300 (MSD)]
17. Natural regeneration - (Romania) -The act of installation, through natural methods, of the forest vegetation. Sorin
Sfirlogea <sorinsf@rosilva.ro National Forests Administration.
18. Non covered by forest forest lands - Lands designated for forest growing, i.e. felled places, loose forest, `not closed
yet young forest cultures'', etc. All these land were potentially needed to be reforested/afforested/reconstructed.
11 Jun 1998 12:06:37 +0300 (MSD)]
19. (USA-FED-DA-FS) Nonforest land - Land that has never supported forests or formerly was forested and currently is
developed for nonforest uses. Included are lands used for agricultural crops, Christmas tree farms, improved pasture,
residential areas, city parks, constructed roads, operating railroads and their right-of-way clearings, powerline and
pipeline clearings, streams more than 30 feet wide, and 1- to 40-acre areas of water classified by the Bureau of the
Census, U.S. Department of Commerce, as land. If intermingled in forest areas, unimproved roads and other
nonforest strips must be more than 120 feet wide, and clearings or other areas must be 1 acre or larger to qualify as
nonforest land. (Waddell and Bassett 1997).
20. (USA-FED-DA-FS) Nonforest land - Land that has never supported forests, and lands formerly forested where use of
timber management is precluded by development for other uses. (Note: This includes area used for crops, improved
pasture, residential areas, city parks, improved roads of any width and adjoining clearings, powerline clearings of any
width, and 1- to 4.5-acre areas of water classified by the Bureau of the Census as land. If intermingled in forest areas,
unimproved roads and nonforest strips must be more than 120 feet wide, and clearings, etc., more than 1 acre, to
qualify as nonforest land. (Powell et al. 1993).
194
21. (USA-FED-DA-FS) Other forest land - Forest land other than timberland and productive reserved forest land. It
includes available and reserved forest land, which is incapable of producing annually 20 cubic feet per acre of
industrial wood under natural conditions, because of adverse site conditions, such as sterile soils, dry climate, poor
drainage, high elevation, steepness, or rockiness. Urban forest land is also included. (Powell et al. 1993).
22. (Canada BC) Production forest - the forest used for production of various commodities, for example timber. [BC's
official definition at http://www.for.gov.bc.ca/PAB/PUBLCTNS/GLOSSARY/P.htm]
23. (Canada BC) Productive forest land - forest land that is capable of producing a merchantable stand within a defined
period of time. [BC's official definition at http://www.for.gov.bc.ca/PAB/PUBLCTNS/GLOSSARY/P.htm]
24. Productive forest land - Land which has an annual yield capacity of at least 1 m3 wood including bark per hectare
under favourable stand conditions. Classification should not be affected if the land is temporarily without trees. More
critical factors are the yield capacity and that the land is not utilized for other purposes than wood production. [From:
Stein Tomter stein.tomter@tor.nijos.no Date: Mon, 15 Jun 1998 14:50:20 +0200]
25. (USA-FED-DA-FS) Productive reserved forest land - Forest land that would otherwise be classified as timberland,
except that it is withdrawn from timber utilization by statute or administrative regulation. (Powell et al. 1993).
26. Regrowth forest - Native forest containing a substantial proportion of trees that are in the younger growth phase and
are actively growing in height and diameter. Regrowth forests may contain scattered individuals or small occurrences
of ecologically mature, or old growth, trees. http://www.rfa.gov.au/dfa/other_info/glossary.html
27. Renewal - The natural or artificial renewal of any forest product and includes reforestation" [Source: Chapter F-19.1:
An Act respecting the management of Forest Resources...aka THE ACT From: Mark Johnston
<johnston@larix.derm.gov.sk.ca Date: Tue, 16 Jun 1998 17:44:48 -0600])
28. (UNFCCC 2001) "Revegetation is a direct human-induced activity to increase carbon stocks on sites through the
establishment of vegetation that covers a minimum area of 0.05 hectares and does not meet the definitions of
afforestation and reforestation contained here; http://www.unfccc.int/resource/docs/cop6secpart/l11r01.pdf
29. (USA-FED-DA-FS) Reserved Forest Land - Forest lands that have statutory or administrative restrictions prohibiting
the harvest of trees. Examples include land within the wilderness preservation system, research natural areas,
National Parks and Monuments, and state parks. In National Forests, reserved forest lands are referred to collectively
as "withdrawn forest land" (Powell 1993).
30. (USA-FED-DA-FS) Reserved other forest - Forest land incapable of growing 20 cubic feet per acre per year (mean
annual increment at culmination in fully stocked, natural stands) of industrial wood that has been dedicated to
noncommodity use through statute, ordinance, or administrative order. (Waddell and Bassett 1997).
31. (USA-FED-DA-FS) Reserved timberland - Forest land capable of growing 20 cubic feet per acre per year (mean
annual increment at culmination in fully stocked, natural stands) of industrial wood that has been dedicated to
noncommodity use through statute, ordinance, or administrative order. Plots were not established in reserved areas;
tree data therefore were not available to determine the mean annual increment (MAI) for these plots [sic]. Because of
this, reserved forest land with an MAI of less than 20 cubic feet per acre per year may be classified as reserved
timberland rather than reserved other forest land. (Waddell and Bassett 1997).
32. Restoration - The recreation of communities of organisms resembling, in structure, function and dynamics, those prior
to degradation, and protected from further human degradation
http://www.greenpeace.org/~comms/cbio/forp&g.html#annex
33. Restored forests - Forests planted, seeded, or otherwise restored in such a manner as to emulate the original natural
forests of an area. http://www.af.nfr.no/andre-doc/alternativ-agenda/Forests.html
34. Shrubs - Woody perennials which ramify at very soil surface (in contrast to trees-ASH) and have not any main stem at
maturity. Shrubbery is an ecosystem dominated by shrubs of a maximum potential hight at maturity of approximately 6
m with a minimum projected crown cover of 20%. Anatoly SHVIDENKO <shvidenk@iiasa.ac.at
35. (USA-FED-DA-FS) Timberland - Forest land that is producing or is capable of producing crops of industrial wood, and
that is not withdrawn from timber utilization by statute or administrative regulation (Note: Areas qualifying as
timberland are capable of producing more than 20 cubic feet per acre per year of industrial wood in natural stands.
Currently inaccessible and inoperable areas are included.) (Powell et al. 1993). A subsequent report (Smith et al.
1994) provides the metric equivalent for timberland as 1.4 cubic meters per hectare per year.
36. Timberland - Forest land capable of growing 20 cubic feet or more per acre per year (mean annual increment at
culmination in fully stocked, natural stands) of industrial wood and not in a reserved status through removal of the
area from timber utilization by statute, ordinance, or administrative order; and not in a withdrawn status where it is
pending consideration for reserved status. (Waddell and Bassett 1997).
37. Unproductive forest land - Forest land which is incapable of producing annually 0.6 cubic meters of industrial
wood/per acre under natural conditions, because of adverse site conditions, such as sterile soils, dry climate, poor
drainage, high elevation, steepness, or rockiness. Urban forest land is also included (Powell et al. 1993).
38. Withdrawn timberland - Timberland in National Forests that is being considered for permanent reserved status.
Although this land has not been removed from timber utilization by statute, ordinance, or administrative order, it is not
being actively managed as timberland. (Waddell and Bassett 1997).
195
39. Wooded grasslands (South Africa) - As in (South Africa) Woodlands, but 5-40% canopy cover; grasslands typically
less than 6m tall http://www.polity.org.za/govdocs/green_papers/forest1.html#t1
40. Inaccessible forest: A forest area is inaccessible if it is located on a slope of more than 100 per cent (45) or if it is
surrounded by steep slopes, landslides, or other physical obstacles. http://www.bioone.org/doi/pdf/10.1659/0276-
4741(2002)022 per cent5B0085:IONSFR per cent5D2.0.CO per cent3B2
5. DISCUSSION
A decision on whether we are to track land use or land cover changes is key to the interpretation of all the other
definitions. The Kyoto protocol speaks of changes in human-induced land use changes. Did the Conference of Parties
really mean land use or did they mean land cover?
5.1 Illustrations
To illustrate the difference in classification of actions on forest lands based upon the land cover or land use interpretations
consider the following five examples:
Example 1 -Changes based upon a land use approach
Period 1 Period 2 Period 3
Trees present- forestry Trees present- agriculture Trees present- forestry

land use use use
If observations are made at periods 1 and 2 and with knowledge of intended use, the process could be termed
deforestation even though no forest cover has been removed.
If observations are made at periods 2 and 3 and with knowledge of intended use, this could be termed
afforestation or reforestation even though no new trees were planted.
If observation is made at periods 1 and 3, no changes may be detected.
Example 2 - Changes based upon a land use approach
Trees present- forestry No trees present- forestry Trees present- forestry

land use land use use
If observations are made at periods 1 and 2 and with knowledge of intended use, the process may be called
timber extraction or harvesting if human-induced, and possibly cover removal in the case of natural occurrences
(fire, volcanic eruption, blowdown, etc.). The use of the label deforestation would not be appropriate, as a change
in land use was not involved.
If observations are made at periods 2 and 3, and with knowledge of intended use, this would be called
regeneration. Reforestation may not be an appropriate term, as a change in land use was not involved.
196
Example 3 -Changes based on a land cover approach
Large trees present No trees present Small trees present

If observations are made at periods 1 and 2 only and with no other information, this could be termed
deforestation. However, we do not know if the changes are due to human-induced activities or natural
phenomena.
If observations are made at periods 2 and 3 only and with no other information, this could be labeled afforestation.
If observations are made at periods 1 and 3 only and with no other information, this could be interpreted as forest
degradation if remote sensing was the sole source of information.
If observations are made at all three periods and with no other information, the change in period 3 could be
termed reforestation or regeneration.
Example 4 - Changes based upon a land cover approach
No trees present Trees present No trees present

If observations are made at periods 1 and 2 only, the change could be attributed to afforestation or reforestation - if
considered human-induced.
If observations are made at periods 2 and 3 only, the change could be termed deforestation - if considered human-
induced.
If observations are made at periods 1 and 3 only, no change may be noted. Note: The frequency with which
observations are made could have a bearing on if changes in growth are detected. For example one could observe
the changes in a child on a daily basis. No significant changes in size may be noted from day to day, which could lead
one to assume that no changes have taken place. However, if the observations were made on a less frequent basis
such as yearly or every 5 years, then changes in growth would be detected.
Example 5 -Changes based upon a land cover approach
Small trees present Medium-size trees Large trees present

present
The changes between periods reflect growth. Isn't the increase in biomass as important in carbon sequestration as
RAD? Do we need to be discussing forest accretion in addition to RAD?
5.2. Basic Needs
197
Table 8 - Basic information required for a variety of "forest land" classification schemes
Administrative Unit Land Use Only Land Cover Only Land Use and Cover
Only
Location and Location and Location and boundariesLocation and boundaries

boundaries boundaries
+ Owners intentions + Owners intentions
+ Existing vegetation + Intended vegetation

type type

canopy cover canopy cover

height height
5.3 Implications and Interpretations
5.3.1 From a Land Use Interpretation - If taken literally
Forest land would be any land used for forestry activities regardless if there were trees present or not. Forestry activities
would have to be defined. If forestry activities include soil and water protection, recreation, enhancing scenic values and
wildlife habitat, then most any land capable of supporting trees would qualify including urban areas, orchards, agricultural
lands.
Deforestation would be a change of land use from forestry to some other use regardless if the tree cover were removed or
not. If protected areas, wilderness and national parks for example are not considered forestry activities, then a change of
management or designation of otherwise timber producing lands to these categories would be considered deforestation
even though there is not change of biomass or tree cover.
Reforestation would be the reestablishment of forest use where it previously existed - not necessarily the replacement of
tree cover.
Afforestation would be the designation of land for forestry activities where they had never been carried out before. Again,
changes in tree cover may or may not take place.
Human-induced - All changes in land use would be human induced as they are decisions on how the land is to be utilized.
Implications -
If changes in biomass (growth, decline) is not to be tracked then a nation could clear cut all its forest lands and still
report the lands as forest lands.
If change of a designation of forest land to protected, wilderness, or national park is considered a change in land
administration or use, and if change in land use is considered deforestation and if deforestation is considered an
emission, then a nation may be reluctant to protect or preserve its forest resources.
198
Implementation - Land use depends on each individual owner. Very difficult to determine except by the use of
questionnaires and on the ground interviews.
5.3.2 From a Land Cover Interpretation - If taken literally
Forest land would be any land that has tree cover above a certain threshold crown cover percentage. This would include
orchards, urban areas, etc.
Deforestation - the removal of tree cover below the threshold for "forest land" regardless if the reductions permanent or
not.
Reforestation - the restoration of tree cover on areas formerly classed as forest land to at least the threshold canopy
cover or greater.
Afforestation - the establishment of tree cover on areas not formerly classes as forest land with canopy cover equal to or
exceeding the threshold for forest land.
Human-induced - May be difficult to determine from other than on the ground surveys.
Implications - Deforestation definition may not be politically acceptable. If biomass is not tracked, one could remove the
overstory to within the crown cover threshold and be required to report removal as an emission.
Implementation - Interpretation of land cover may be done from remote sensing depending on sensor and scale. Again,
determining if change is human-induced or not may be difficult but not as difficult as determining land use.
5.4 Summary table
Table 9 - Definitions of deforestation- reforestation- and afforestation by interpretation of "Forest"

or "Forest Land"
Change action Forest or forest land interpreted as:
An administrative A land cover A land use A combination land

unit cover and use
The act of The act of reducing The act changing The act of removing
changing the the tree cover to the employment of tree cover to below
proclamation of below the threshold the land to some the threshold value
the land to a value for "Forest." other use other for "forest cover"
category other than forestry and changing the
than "Forest" purposes. employment of the
land to some use
other than forestry.
199
Table 9 - Definitions of deforestation- reforestation- and afforestation by interpretation of "Forest"
or "Forest Land"
The act of re- The act of re- The act of The act of re-
proclaiming land establishing tree reestablishing use establishing tree
previously listed cover where it once back to forestry cover where it once
as "Forest" as existed to meet or purposes. existed to meet or
"Forest." exceed the exceed the
threshold value for threshold value for
"Forest." "forest cover" and
where the land use
has been or is
currently used for
forestry purposes.
The act of The act of The act of The act of

proclaiming land establishing tree establishing forest establishing tree
as "Forest" cover- where it use where it cover- where it
where it was not previously previously previously
previously (historically) has (historically) has (historically) has not
(historically) so not existed- to meet not existed. existed- to meet or
designated. or exceed the exceed the
threshold value for threshold value for
"Forest." "forest cover-"
where the land will
be used for forestry
purposes- and
where it has not
been previously
(historically) been
used for such
employment.
5.5 Considerations
1. Use land cover interpretation and definitions and track and report on natural and human-induced biomass changes as
well.
2. Failing the acceptance of a land cover approach, a nation may use any definition of forest land it chooses, but would
have to keep and use the same definition over the reporting periods. However, we would not be able to make country
to country comparisons or analyses unless all countries used the same definition.
3. Here are some generic, politically-correct definitions of deforestation, reforestation and afforestation applicable to any
definition of "forest land."
Deforestation The act or process of changing forest land to non-forest land.

Reforestation The act or process of changing previously deforested lands back to forest land.
Afforestation The act or process of creating forest land where it "historically" did not exist.
6. FINAL QUESTIONS AND OBSERVATIONS
The purpose of this paper is not to come up with final definitions, but to show the breadth of definitions in use. There is a
test at the end of this document. Ultimately, all countries should come up with the same answers. In the meantime, we can
ponder such things as are natural tree invasions, in the case of afforestation, and natural regeneration, in the case of
reforestation, acknowledged or accepted? Do the terms reforestation and afforestation imply that there will be timber
crops produced or just tree cover increased? . Do human-induced "afforestation, deforestation, and reforestation" cover all
200
forestry activities that affect carbon emissions and sinks we need to track? What about natural deforestation, afforestation,
and reforestation? Do we need other terms to describe other situations - such as the restocking of a recent clearcut area?
If one is speaking of carbon sequestration, the fact that some lands with trees are considered forests and others are
considered agricultural lands is unimportant. Rather than getting embroiled with definitions of forests, etc., we may prefer
to speak of vegetated, revegetated, and devegetated lands where woody vegetation is the primary interest. Thus, one
would include all lands with trees on them (forests, agricultural lands, urban areas, etc) and the changes in that cover.
What is important is the kind, amount (extent and size), and relative permanence of the woody vegetation. The kind and
amount can be determined from remote sensing. The relative permanency depends, in part, on the landowners'
management objectives.
To determine if an area has been afforested, deforested, or degraded, or vegetated (having established vegetation in or
on WWWebster), revegetated (having provided barren or denuded lands with a new vegetative cover WWWebster) or
devegetated (having removed the vegetation from an area), one must have some indication of what was the prior land
and vegetation condition. The location and degree of change is determined by monitoring changes in land and vegetation
cover. The interpretation depends on the time interval between observing or reporting periods. For example if an area was
clearcut in 1996 and planted in 1997 one could say the area was deforested in 1997 and reforested in 1998. If the same
area were observed again in 1999, is the area now considered forested, reforested, or both? The fact that such estimates
are estimates of change and with the estimates of change, the time factor is of importance is often overlooked.
The area of forested land may be easily determined from national inventories or remote sensing projects. If the inventories
involve permanent sample sites or if periodic remote sensing coverage is obtained, one can determine which areas have
changes in vegetation cover. Again, monitoring is an essential if one is to determine areas of forest degradation,
deforestation, reforestation, and afforestation. The results from national forest inventory program which do not have
monitoring components should be questioned.
Lastly, most forest inventories, do not look at lands where there are no trees. Consequently statistics on areas suitable for
reforestation and afforestation will probably be missing nationally and globally.
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206
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Some additional reading
Anon. 2009. Judge uses 12,000 words to legally define a tree. Daily Telegram. 14 Feb.
http://takecover08.wordpress.com/2009/02/14/judge-use-1200-words-to-legally-define-a-tree/
Bennett, Brandon. 2001. What is a Forest? On the Vagueness of Certain Geographic Concepts. Topoi 20 (2):189
201. Revised 2002. http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.7.4038&rep=rep1&type=pdf. From
Brad Smith, USDA Forest Service.
Colson, Filip et al. 2009. The influence of forest definition on landscape fragmentation assessment in Rondnia,
Brazil. Abstract. http://www.citeulike.org/article/4959197
Cranston, Justice. 2009. Palm Developments Ltd v Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government
[2009] EWHC 220 (Admin) (13 February 2009). Case No: CO/5568/2008.
http://www.bailii.org/ew/cases/EWHC/Admin/2009/220.html
Neeff, Till et al. 2006. Choosing a forest definition for the Clean Development Mechanism. FAO Forests and Climate
Change Working Paper 4. 22 p. http://www.fao.org/forestry/media/11280/1/0/
Sethi, Nitin 2007. Centre to define 'forest' afresh. The Times of India. 12 Mar.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/NEWS/India/Centre_to_define_forest_afresh/articleshow/1749957.cms
Sharma, J.V. n.d. Evolving definition(s) of forests in India. 2 p. http://envfor.nic.in/divisions/fp/Evo_def.doc
Smith, W. Brad, tech. coord.; Miles, Patrick D., data coord.; Perry, Charles H., map coord.; Pugh, Scott A., Data CD coord.
2009. Forest Resources of the United States, 2007. Gen. Tech. Rep. WO-78. Washington, DC: U.S.
Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Washington Office. 336 p.
http://www.fs.fed.us/nrs/pubs/gtr/gtr_wo78.pdf.
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DEFINITIONS OF FOREST, DEFORESTATION, AFFORESTATION, AND REFORESTATION

H. Gyde Lund (coordinator)

Last updated: 13 December 2017

Keywords: Climate change, forest, tree, afforestation, deforestation, reforestation, plantations.

2.2 LAND USE

2.3 FOREST/FOREST LAND

2.3.1 General definitions

2.3.1.1 As a declared, legal, or administrative unit

2.3.1.2 As a land cover type

2.3.1.4 Ecological/Miscellaneous Definitions

2.3.2 International definitions

2.3.2.1 As a declared, legal, or administrative unit

2.3.2.2 As a land cover type

2.3.2.3 As a land use type

2.3.2.4 Ecological/Miscellaneous Definitions

2.3.3 National definitions

2.3.3.1 As a declared, legal, or administrative unit

2.3.3.2 As a land cover type

2.3.3.3 As a land use type

2.3.3.4 Ecological/Miscellaneous Definitions

2.3.4 State, province and local definitions.

2.3.4.1 As a declared, legal, or administrative unit

2.3.4.2 As a land cover type

2.3.4.3 As a land use type

2.3.4.4 Ecological/Miscellaneous Definitions

2.4.1 a Trees outside forests

2.4.2 Summary table

2.5 WOODS, WOODLAND, OTHER WOODED LANDS (OWL)

2.7 NATIVE FOREST (See http://home.comcast.net/~gyde/pristine.htm)

2.8 NATURAL FOREST (See http://home.comcast.net/~gyde/pristine.htm)

2.9 SEMI-NATURAL FOREST (See http://home.comcast.net/~gyde/pristine.htm)

3.1.1 Legal Term

3.1.2 Land Cover

3.1.3 Land Cover and Use

3.1.4 Summary table

3.2.1 As a change in legal status

3.2.2 As a change in land cover

3.2.3 As a change in land use

3.2.4As a change in land cover and use

3.2.6 Summary table

3.3 DEGRADATION (See http://home.comcast.net/~gyde/pristine.htm)

3.5.1 Restoration of Land Cover

3.5. 2 Restoration of Land Cover and Use

3.5.3 Summary table

3.6.2 By any method

5.2. Basic Needs

5.3.1 From a Land Use Interpretation

5.3.2 From a Land Cover Interpretation

5.4 Summary table

6. FINAL QUESTIONS AND OBSERVATIONS

2.1 LAND COVER

the root for(s) today still means outsider -(e.g. foreigner).

Table 1 "Forest;" "forest land;" and "tree" in other languages

Table 2 - Summary of number of published definitions of forest found

2.3.1 General definitions

2.3.1.1 As a declared, legal, or administrative unit

2.3.1.2 As a land cover type

209. Large area of trees and undergrowth http://crossword911.com/forest.html.

210. Leaf cover above a level 8m off ground, >60% http://www.esd.ornl.gov/projects/qen/adams3.html

2.3.1.3 As a land use type

2.3.1.4 Ecological/Miscellaneous Definitions

2.3.2 International definitions

2.3.2.1 As a declared, legal, or administrative unit

2.3.2.2 As a land cover type