What is the main risk of clear cutting in forest management?

Clear cutting, a logging practice that involves removing all trees from a specific area, carries significant risks associated with soil erosion and habitat loss. When trees are removed, the protective cover that they provide is eliminated, leading to increased exposure of the soil. This exposure can result in erosion, especially during rain events, as there are no roots to anchor the soil in place. The loss of tree cover also negatively impacts the surrounding ecosystem, as many species of wildlife depend on forests for habitat. The removal of trees disrupts the habitat, leading to decreased biodiversity as animals and plants may not be able to survive or thrive in the altered environment. Overall, clear cutting can severely degrade forest ecosystems, leading to long-term ecological challenges.