Reference conditions for old-growth pine forests in the Upper West Gulf Coastal Plain

摘要: DON C. BKAGG (U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Southern Research Station). Reference conditions for old-growth pine forests in the Upper West Gulf Coastal Plain. J. Torrcy. Bot. Sot. 129: 261-288. 2002.-Ecosystem restoration has become an important component forest management, especially on public lands. Howeber, determination manageable reference lagged behind interest. This paper oresents a case studv from Dine-dominated Plain NJWGCP), with special . emphasis southern Arkansas. Decades fire exclusion, exotic species invasion, and other ecological changes have converted small remnants mature shortleaf (Pirius echirm/cl Mill.) loblolly (Pinus trteda L.) stands into ineffectual models restoring presettlement-like conditions. However, sufficient information can be gathered available references to more reliably describe boundaries desired environment. Early explorer accounts, maps, survey records, historical trade technical publications, modern scientific journals were consulted reconstruct presettlement (pre1900) pine-dominated landscapes UWGCP On average, virgin had considerably (especially uplands) than contemporary natural stands, relatively low basal area standing volume concentrated large trees. Presettlement timber also less uniform structural spatial patterns examples pine. Assuming most critical processes ilre still present, it appears possible recreate compositional attributes forests.