Restoration of Southern Pine Forests After the Southern Pine Beetle

Abstract

The southern pine beetle (Dendroctonus frontalis Zimmermann) is the most destructive insect pest of pine (Pinus spp.) forests in the southern United States. Restoring and managing pine stands infested by southern pine beetle are critically important for forest health and sustainability in the region. The successful restoration of damaged pine forests requires the integration of information of beetle biology and behavior, pine ecology, and landscape restoration. Certain social, economic, and political issues also need to be considered concomitantly. The knowledge for effective restoration and management of southern pine forests has increased greatly in the past decade. In this chapter, we provide a synthesis of new and existing knowledge to address the goals, framework, implementation, social and political impacts on the restoration of the southern pine forests in the context of southern pine beetle. We also provide information on common restoration methods and cost estimates. More effective use and further development of such knowledge could substantially reduce the economic, ecological, and social impact of southern pine beetle within the southern United States and adjacent areas.