NATIVE FORESTS Chapter 14

Importance of Native Forests Native Forest – one that is comprised of naturally occurring native species Commercial Forest – trees are grown to be harvested for wood products Regrowth Forest – one that has been cut several times Old-Growth Forest – one that has never been cut Urban Forest – one found in a city such as a park (Bienville Square)

Parts of a Tree Tree- woody plant generally having one well-defined stem and a definite top of small branches Crown – top part of a tree with limbs, leaves, and perhaps flowers and fruit. Trunk – main stem connecting the crown with the roots Roots – part in the ground that anchors plant and takes up water and nutrients Canopy – overlapping crowns that form a continuous covering Story – a horizontal layer of vegetative growth

Tree Species Over 250 species of trees are found in North American forests Most are identified by the shapes of their leaves, fruits, flowers, seeds, or bark. Area dominant species include long-leaf pine, live oak, red oak, red maple, dogwood, sweetgum, and black cherry Primary non-native nuisance tree is the Chinese tallow tree or popcorn tree.

Long-leaf Pine

Live Oak

Red Oak

Red Maple

Dogwood

Sweetgum

Black (Wild) Cherry

Chinese Tallow (Popcorn) Tree

Major Forest Regions of the U.S.

Forest Management Forester – a college-trained individual in charge of maximizing timber profits and reserves Silviculture – managing trees to increase productivity Silviculture includes planting trees (seedlings), thinning, cleaning (removal of diseased or defective trees), liberation (removal of older trees so younger ones can grow), harvesting, and protection (fire prevention, insect treatment, etc.)

Promoting Animal Wildlife Avoid clear-cutting If clear-cutting necessary, use checkerboard pattern Avoid clear-cutting along streams Replant a variety of trees Use selective cutting Limit livestock grazing Initiate well-planned burning program Regulate harvest of game animals Avoid harvests that would impact marshes, bogs, steep slopes