Needs and Opportunities for Longleaf Pine Ecosystem Restoration in Florida

Abstract

Data from permanent plots measured periodically by Forest Inventory and Analyses of the Southern Research Station, USDA Forest Service shows a continuing decline in the longleaf pine (Pinus pulustris Mill,) ecosystem in Florida from 1987 to 1995. Conversion to some other forest type resulted in a net loss of 58,000 ha natural stands of longleaf pine, An additional 37,000 ha of natural longleaf was lost to other land uses with 90 percent of the conversions on private lands. Since these trends are likely to continue, restoration will become increasingly important There are significant quantities of sites available for restoration, especially former longleaf pine sites now dominated by scrub oak. In 1995 there were 147,000 ha of this scrub oak-long leaf type in Florida. The dominance of oaks is being reversed on public lands. During the last 8 years Eglin Air Force Base restored 7,700 ha and State agencies restored 1,200 ha. Private owners control 80,000 ha of scrub oak-longleaf type available for restoration.

Citation

Outcalt, Kenneth W. 1997. Needs and Opportunities for Longleaf Pine Ecosystem Restoration in Florida. Longleaf Alliace Report No.3: Proceedings of the Longleaf Pine Ecosystem Resoration Symposium, Nov. 12-15, 1997, pgs. 38-43