Abstract
Shortleaf pine has the largest range of any of the southern pines, covering more than 440,000 square miles in 22 states, and has an inventory volume second only to loblolly pine. Despite this importance, shortleaf pine lags behind in terms of research information and management effort. This is generally due to the preference of forest managers for faster-growing species, and problem of littleleaf disease in the Piedmont region. However, shortleaf pine continues to be of primary importance on public lands in regions where it is the only naturally-occurring southern pine. Furthermore, it typically maintains itself as a significant component of natural stands, through mechanisms which are not fully understood. Recently, concern that loblolly pine is being planted to the north of its natural range has prompted a renewed interest in shortleaf pine. We hope that this symposium and its proceedings will provide managers and researchers with an up-to-date reference and that it will spark fresh interest in studying, growing, and managing this most neglected of the major southern pines.
Titles contained within Proceedings of symposium on the shortleaf pine ecosystem; 1986 March 31-April 2; Little Rock, AR
Keywords
Shortleaf pine,
Pinus echinata,
southern pine,
management
Citation
Murphy, Paul A., ed. 1986. Proceedings of symposium on the shortleaf pine ecosystem; 1986 March 31-April 2; Little Rock, AR. Monticello, AR: Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service. 272 p.
