The Crossett Farm Forestry Forties After 41 Years of Selection Management

Abstract

Abstract Timber management was initiated in 1937 on the Crossett Farm Forestry Forties in southern Arkansas to determine whether selection (uneven-aged) management could be used to rehabilitate understocked loblolly-shortleaf pine (Pinus taeda L.-P. echinata Mill.) stands while providing an income to the landowner. At that time, the Forties consisted of a cutover, understocked stand (Poor Forty), and a well-stocked stand (Good Forty). During the first years of management, all midstory and overstory hardwoods were removed from the stands, and light improvement cuts were made to promote the growth of the residual pines and the establishment of pine reproduction. Understory hardwoods were also controlled periodically. The improvement cuts removed only a portion of the annual growth from the Poor Forty; thus, stocking was increased. After 15 years of such management, the understocked stand reached full stocking and began producing sawlog growth in excess of 400 bd ft (Doyle)/ac/yr. Over the 41-year management period, this stand produced a sawlog volume of 16,300 bd ft (Doyle)/ac that was worth about $2,930, or $72/ac/yr. The Good Forty produced a sawlog volume of 16,900 bd ft/ac, a volume worth about $3,040, or $74/ac/yr. South. J. Appl. For. 10:233-237, Nov. 1986.