Two-Year Dormant Season Burn

Flatwoods ecosystem under a two-year dormant season burn interval

To demonstrate the effects of a two-year burn interval during the dormant season (November-February), on the understory community composition and pine regeneration in a pine flatwoods ecosystem.

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Single tree selection harvesting with longleaf pine underplanting and herbicide application

Single tree selection area in the three year burn (2026).  Note the pink flag in foreground that represents a planted longleaf pine seedling. Seedlings were planted in February of 2025.

The objective of this study is to investigate how to accelerate the development of a multi-layered forest structure in a longleaf-slash pine flatwoods stand that is even-aged with little structural diversity (i.e., different sized trees). The stand overall is being managed to transition from an even- to uneven-aged forest as would be indicated by having a diversity of tree sizes.

This entry describes a single tree selection harvest, which involves cutting individual trees throughout the forest with little development of canopy gaps.

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Group tree selection harvesting with longleaf pine underplanting and herbicide

An area with a group tree selection harvest and herbicide application. Note that much of the understory remains. The planted pine cannot be seen in this photograph (spring 2026).

The objective of this study is to investigate how to accelerate the development of a multi-layered forest structure in a longleaf-slash pine flatwoods stand that is even-aged with little structural diversity (i.e., different sized trees). The stand overall is being managed to transition from an even- to uneven-aged forest as would be indicated by having a diversity of tree sizes.

This entry describes a group tree selection harvest, which involves cutting groups of trees throughout the forest with a focus on creating canopy gaps.

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Three year burn frequency effects in a piney flatwoods ecosystem

Prescribed burn applied around the eddy covariance tower

The objective of this demonstration area is to contrast the effects of fire frequency on understory species composition in a mixed longleaf (Pinus palustris) and slash pine (Pinus elliottii) flatwoods forest. Two adjacent stands feature one- and two-year burn frequencies and offer a visual contrast with this three-year burn area.

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Summer Annual Prescribed Burn

Annual summer burn area with a longleaf and slash pine overstory. Note the understory is dominated by grasses and forbs. A few saw palmetto patches are visible in the background. Woody shrub cover is minimal.

Demonstrate the effects of annual prescribed fire during the summer (approximately May-July), on the understory and regeneration of a flatwoods site.

The study area is adjacent to a flatwoods forests burned on 2- and 3-year intervals. It provides a striking visual contrast on how these burn intervals affect understory species composition.

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Comparing planted longleaf pine growth response to prescribed fire and mowing treatments

Mowing treatment at age 4.

Compare how early treatments of prescribed fire and mowing in planted longleaf pine (Pinus palustris) plantations differently affect pine growth.

Provide landowners with a better understanding of how silvicultural actions affect longleaf pine establishment and growth.

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