A new look at some old shortleaf pine progeny tests: lessons for silvicultural opportunities through partnerships.

Abstract

Starting in the 1980s, 155 shortleaf pine progeny tests were established by the USDA Forest Service on national forests across the range the species. Originally intended to support the agency's timber management program (post-clearcutting and subsequent reforestation with planting), these progeny tests were largely abandoned as the Forest Service's forest management policies changed. Over the years, some of these shortleaf pine progeny tests were lost to natural disturbances or harvested, but many still remain as more-or-less intact outplantings. Recently, large-scale planting needs to support shortleaf pine restoration on public lands has reignited interest in these established progeny tests, spurring the Southern Region (with the assistance of the Southern Research Station) to take another look at them.