Heartpine

Earlene Jackson burning around a RCW cavity tree (marked with the white band) during a prescribed fire

Living and Learning in Longleaf

By Earlene Jackson, USDA Forest Service

As a native of southern Alabama, longleaf pine has always been a part of my life. I’ve walked through many longleaf pine communities and admired the beauty, smells, and sounds of these ecosystems. Even amongst Alabama’s diverse tree composition, including eight native pine species, longleaf pine’s unique silvics make it stand out. After initially designating the ‘southern pine tree’ as Alabama’s State Tree in 1949, the longleaf pine was later named the official tree in 1997.

Longleaf pine has been prominent throughout my professional journey, which includes a silvicultural practice skill set, knowledge in longleaf pine silvics, and silvicultural treatment implementation. I received a Bachelor of Science in Forest Management from Alabama A&M University, then gained field experience with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service. I started with the USDA Forest Service as a forestry trainee then transitioned to a permanent forester position. Working for this agency

s

Longleaf pine needle weaved basket, AlabamaCoushatta Tribe. Photo courtesy of U. S. Department of Agriculture.

Contract crew members and USDA Forest Service employees work together to inspect longleaf pine cones for insect damage and other defects after harvesting for seed collection at the Sabine National Forest in Texas.

s

I learned first-hand that fire is an essential element in longleaf pine communities.

provides a management platform while also creating an opportunity to share and acquire valuable information and experiences from project successes and lessons learned.

My first prescribed burn in a longleaf pine dominant ecosystem was with the Asheville Hotshot Crew assisting the Apalachicola National Forest in Florida. The objective for this burn was to improve and restore the red-cockaded woodpecker (RCW) habitat. I was amazed by the fire behavior on a welldrained, sandy soil following rainy weather and further impressed by how well, and with ease, fire carries across the landscape under these conditions. I learned first-hand that fire is an essential element in longleaf pine communities.

On the Angelina and Sabine National Forests in Texas, where longleaf is a significant and desired species, I continued to further my experience in longleaf pine management with a greater emphasis on reforestation. One of many things I’m proud of during my time there was the longleaf pine cone collection. Collecting these cones secures quality seed sources for future planting and increases the genetic diversity across public land. I’d only seen tree shakers in videos previously, and to see them in action was amazing. Although the Bobcat® is considered small equipment, it was enough to get the job done. My contribution in this operation was collecting and inspecting the cones before they were shipped for processing at Ashe Seed Extractory in Mississippi.

Fire and silviculture are not the only experiences I’ve gained. Tribal relations were another opportunity I received during my time in Texas, working with the AlabamaCoushatta Tribe to learn more about their cultural connections to longleaf. Longleaf pine has always been a part of their history and the key resource for their hand-woven baskets. Longleaf pine needles are used to weave intricate baskets for utilitarian and artisan purposes. Some needles are woven with dyed raffia, allowing the baskets more diversity in telling the story of their culture. The Angelina-Sabine Ranger District and Alabama-Coushatta Tribe built a partnership that enables them to work collectively on longleaf pine management and educational programs, ensuring the species is present for future generations.

I’ve visited several longleaf sites across the Southern Region, and among them, I have a few favorites. One of my favorites to stroll through is the outstanding park-like and scenic longleaf pine stand at Boykin Springs Recreational Area in Jasper, Texas (see page 50). This area is an example of a well-managed longleaf pine community comprised of natural regeneration, hillside seepage bogs, and grassy understory under mature longleaf pines. Just one more reason why I strive to ensure longleaf pine communities exist on public lands for future generations to experience and enjoy, hoping they will continue the legacy of longleaf pine restoration.

PUBLISHER The Longleaf Alliance, EDITOR Sarah Crate, ASSISTANT EDITOR Margaret Platt DESIGN Bellhouse Publishing, ADVERTISING Sarah Crate – editor@longleafalliance.org COVER Land trusts are essential partners to conserve and restore longleaf pine natural habitats. This longleaf pine property in south Georgia recently completed a 2,447-acre conservation easement with Tall Timbers. Photo by Shane Wellendorf.

The Longleaf Leader is an official publication of The Longleaf Alliance, 12130 Dixon Center Road, Andalusia, Alabama 36420 and is published quarterly. The Longleaf Alliance reserves the exclusive right to accept or reject advertising or editorial material submitted for publication. Advertising rates quoted upon request. Postmaster: Send address changes to The Longleaf Alliance, 12130 Dixon Center Road, Andalusia, Alabama 36420. Periodicals Postage Paid at Montgomery, Alabama.