The forest, an important economic resource, may be a measure of a nation's wealth. Taiwan's tropical and sub-tropical climate and bountiful rainfall have been favorable to the growth of trees. Because of the island's special geographic conditions and natural environment, there are four forest zones. They vary with the elevation and temperature: the frigid, the temperate, the sub-tropical and the tropical. Forests cover 55% of the total Taiwan area. The government is developing this vast natural resource to obtain its highest economic value. The Taiwan Forestry Bureau, responsible for carrying out forest policy, has prepared plans for promoting forest development, forest protection, afforestation and reforestation throughout the island.
The most common trees found in Taiwan's forests are: Taiwan red false-cypress, Japan cypress, Chinese hemlock, Morrison spruce and several broad-leaved trees that have economic value. Timber is produced either directly by government agencies or by the private logging industry through public sales of government-owned forest tracts. Timber production averages 1,100,000 cubic meters annually. Meanwhile, afforestation and reforestation are very much emphasized. Planted areas in the past three decades averaged 27,000 hectares (about 67,500 acres) annually. A six-year plan has been made to promote afforestation. Plans call for afforesting 172,362 hectares in 1977-82.
Good harvest of rice protected by coastal windbreaks
Natural forests along the East-West Cross-Island Highway
Pure and Natural Taiwan red false-cypress
Cutting timber according to market needs
Japanese firs in an afforested area
Coastal windbreaks at Mailliao, Yunlin County
Seedlings of horsetail pine
A large truck for transporting timber
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