For what were forests cut and planted in commercial forestry?

Correct answer: For the timber needs of the state and market

In commercial forestry, colonial governments cleared natural forests and often planted a single type of tree to supply timber to the state and the market. This timber was needed for railway sleepers, ships and construction. Growing food crops or conserving natural wildlife habitats was not its purpose. Exam tip: remember commercial forestry as forest management for market-oriented timber production.