Sustaining Cross-Timbers Forest Resources: Current Knowledge and Future Research Needs

Omkar Joshi,Gehendra Kharel,Rodney E Will,Chris B Zou

doi:10.3390/su11174703

Omkar Joshi, Gehendra Kharel + Show 2 more

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https://doi.org/10.3390/su11174703

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Abstract

The Cross-Timbers region of the United States, situated in the southern Great Plains along the western edge of the eastern deciduous forest, was historically Quercus-dominated open forest interspersed with tallgrass prairie and shrubs communities. The historical structure of the Cross- Timbers forests in this region has been altered, mainly due to fire exclusion, such that the current structure is closed-canopy and includes a midstory of fire-intolerant species. This change has reduced many of the important ecosystem services provided. This paper synthesizes existing literature on the Cross-Timbers with the aim of summarizing the current state of Cross-Timbers management related to sustaining ecosystem services and identifying potential research topics and directions needed. Specifically, we consider the ecological, management, and socio-economic issues. In addition, we theorize how the adoption of active forest management will affect ecosystem services and structure of the Cross-Timbers forests.

Highlights

The Cross-Timbers region spans an area of approximately 8 million hectares in the southern Great Plains of the United States, extending from southern Kansas through central Oklahoma, and into Texas [1] (Figure A1)
4.5 million ha of the Cross-Timbers is in Oklahoma and the majority of the remaining 3.5 million ha is in Texas [2]
This region consists of forest historically dominated by post oak (Quercus stellata) and blackjack oak (Q. marilandica) of variable tree densities interspersed with patches of tallgrass prairie and shrubland of varying sizes

Summary

Introduction

The Cross-Timbers region spans an area of approximately 8 million hectares in the southern Great Plains of the United States, extending from southern Kansas through central Oklahoma, and into Texas [1] (Figure A1). 4.5 million ha of the Cross-Timbers is in Oklahoma and the majority of the remaining 3.5 million ha is in Texas [2]. This region consists of forest historically dominated by post oak (Quercus stellata) and blackjack oak (Q. marilandica) of variable tree densities interspersed with patches of tallgrass prairie and shrubland of varying sizes. The area is important for agriculture and provides recreational opportunities due to the urban–rural interface, diverse wildlife, relatively abundant water, and the attractive aesthetics associated with this complex landscape [1]

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