1. Land Management Decision Making and Silvicultural Prescriptions David Loftis Bent Creek Experimental Forest

2. Silviculture ► The SCIENCE and ART of cultivating (i.e. growing and tending) forest crops, based on a knowledge of silvics. ► The theory and practice of controlling the ESTABLISHMENT, COMPOSITION, STRUCTURE and GROWTH of forests.

3. Silviculture The art and science of controlling the establishment, growth, composition, health, and quality of forests and woodlands to meet the diverse needs and values of landowners and society on a sustainable basis. (SAF) The art and science of controlling the establishment, growth, composition, health, and quality of forests and woodlands to meet the diverse needs and values of landowners and society on a sustainable basis. (SAF)

4. Silvicultural Prescription ► A deliberate course of action to manipulate forest vegetation to achieve specific management objectives.

5. Silviculture is applied at the stand level, but usually in the context of objectives achieved at larger scales. Silviculture is applied at the stand level, but usually in the context of objectives achieved at larger scales.

6. Purpose ( Smith, 1962, 1986) ► Silviculture is normally directed at the creation and maintenance of the kind of forest that will best fulfill the objectives of the owner. ► …the objectives should be clearly defined and silviculture directed to their attainment.

7. The Creation and Maintenance of a Mosaic of Stands That Satisfies Objectives Requires an Understanding of Ecological Response to Silvicultural Treatments….and the Practicality of Implementing Those Treatments The Creation and Maintenance of a Mosaic of Stands That Satisfies Objectives Requires an Understanding of Ecological Response to Silvicultural Treatments….and the Practicality of Implementing Those Treatments

8. Topics ► Disturbance History of the Southern Appalachians ► Fire in Upland Hardwood Ecosystems ► Environmental Gradients and Forest Composition ► Forest Site Classification

9. Topics ► Regeneration Ecology ► Cumberland Plateau Regeneration Study ► Reintroduction of American Chestnut

10. Topics ► Intermediate Stand Management ► Overview of the Forest Vegetation Simulator ► Economic Considerations of Hardwood Management ► Managing Low Quality Stands ► Biltmore Forest Field Trip

11. Topics ► Managing Wildlife Species and Their Habitats ► The Production and Management of Hard Mast and Fleshy Fruit ► Emerging Forest Health Issues ► Nonnative Invasive Plants of Southern Appalachian Hardwood Forests

12. Topic ► Southern Appalachian Forest Knowledge Management – Mike Raucher