Historical State

http://www.ecolibrary.org/page/DP1104

When people think about Costa Rica, they often think about lush rainforests and scenic coasts. However, this beauty is coupled with the harsh reality of intense deforestation. Over the years, logging practices and grazing land production have been slowly killing Costa Rica’s tropical rainforests. (8) Cattle ranching was also a serious contributor to this deforestation. Since the 1950s and 1960s, almost 60% of Costa Rica has been cleared for cattle ranching production. The United States even invested millions in Costa Rican cattle ranching to enhance the beef industry. (8) Banana, coffee, and other fruit plantations have also significantly contributed to the death of Costa Rican tropical rainforests. Over 130,000 acres of land has been cleared to make room for these fruit plantations. (8) During the 1990s, Costa Rica was recognized for having the worst deforestation rate in all of Latin America. At one time, Costa Rica’s land was about 99% forested but eventually reached a low of 35% due to deforestation. (7) It was also recorded that, on average, 20,000 acres of Costa Rican rainforest is cleared annually. (8) Now, Costa Rica is rebounding and making significant efforts to protect and reforest their rainforests.

http://www.ecolibrary.org/page/DP1101

http://news.mongabay.com/2012/0921-plantations.html