ERCE Assignment - Google Docs

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Geography

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Oct 30, 2023

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Uploaded by ProfessorToad3567

Forest Ecology and Management Self-Reflection Assignment Slash pine plantations are typically an even-aged pure stand consisting of only the single slash pine species. The density of the slash pine stand is dependent upon the objectives of the owner of the land along with the quality of the land where the pines are planted. If planted at a higher density, the pines will most likely have to undergo thinning once they begin reaching maturity and try to compete with one another. Based on further research, it seems there can be anywhere between 500-1000 trees per acre planted on a slash pine plantation, again, depending on the goal at hand (Lewis, Andreu, & Demers, 2022). Slash pine plantations are stronger when there is a removal of understory, removing the possibility of competition. However, because there is an absence of understory, this results in low biodiversity on the plantation not only for any plant species but also for animal species, except for some bird species, due to a lack of resources and habitat. There are many economic values of slash pine plantations, the main two being timber production and extraction of resin (Carey, 1992). These two products can then be utilized in a vast variety of ways from construction, paper production, to gum turpentine (Carey, 1992). My recommendation for management of the acquired 20-acre stand is to change the composition of the forest along with the age structure by utilizing the silvicultural technique of the selection method and introducing Longleaf pines into the stand. My primary desired goals are to introduce varying ages of Longleaf pines into the stand along with establishing a rich understory to promote a healthier stand for biodiversity while also maintaining a source of wood production for economic value. Other objectives that should be addressed that would result from achieving the main goals are carbon storage and aesthetics. I would begin regenerating the stand through the selection method by thinning out the existing slash pines on the plantation and by selectively removing groups of trees throughout the stand. Thinning the canopies and removing existing slash pines would allow for an increase in gaps of the canopy, thus allowing more sunlight to reach the forest floor. With that being said, in areas where thinning and tree removal occurs, I would have Longleaf pine seedlings planted. Offhand, the growth of younger trees allows for a higher sequestration of carbon storage, improving air quality. I would continue the theme of removing existing slash pines and thinning in slow intervals throughout the stand to continue promoting growth of new seedlings planted throughout the forest floor while also allowing existing seedlings to reach maturity. Performing the intervals over a few years time lets the stand establish Longleaf pines of uneven-ages rather than even-ages. Using this method also allows for a continuation of harvesting stocks of slash pines throughout the regeneration period and not jeopardizing any income for the land owners. Once the Longleaf becomes established and the slash pine is replaced, you will have different sections of age groups that can then be harvested and then introduce seedlings back to that section, continuing the uneven-aged theme.

As I mentioned above, I would like to generate a healthy stand to promote biodiversity. And, since prescribed burns are vital to the health of pine species in general, I would accomplish this by performing prescribed burns every few years to reduce the number of hardwoods or competing species in the understory and instead, promote new growth of understory vegetation that are native to Longleaf pine stands. A rich understory provides habitats for many wildlife species. I made my recommendation to change the forest composition and age structure of the land primarily because I believe that Florida has lost a lot of its wild nature. Florida is home to some of the most biodiverse ecosystems and I think it’s important that we try to maintain that the best we can while still fulfilling obligations to the economy and personal values. I travel often to North/Central Florida to explore the rivers and along the drive I definitely notice the amount of tree farms and subdivisions taking over. So, in an effort to keep Florida wild to its true nature, and because Longleaf pines are a species in need of restoration efforts, I wanted to recommend regenerating the stand. Of course, my recommendation is more so because of my selfish values. However, I understand that there is an economic demand for wood production to meet societal needs. Regenerating the stand to Longleaf pine wouldn’t inhibit the economic production of wood but rather alter how we harvest and manage the stand that way it benefits both the economy and society. Having a stand with rich biodiversity and higher carbon sequestration enhances the aesthetics of the land, the air quality, and could promote recreational value in terms of education or however an individual connects with nature. I figured that regenerating the stand would satisfy my desire to help restore Florida’s Longleaf pine ecosystems and also continue to meet the needs of society.

Works Cited Carey, Jennifer H. (1992). Pinus elliottii. In: Fire Effects Information System. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Fire Sciences Laboratory. https://www.fs.usda.gov/database/feis/plants/tree/pinell/all.html [2023, October 17]. Lewis, E., Andreu, M., & Demers, C. (2022, September). Planting Southern Pines in Florida. Retrieved October 17, 2023, from edis.ifas.ufl.edu website: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/FR456

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