Evaluating the relationship between vegetative composition and forest aesthetics of prescribed fire management in longleaf pine (Pinus palustris Mill.) forests
January 22, 2021
| The majority of the coastal plain from Virginia to Texas was predominantly covered by longleaf pine (Pinus palustris Mill.) stands. These forests were described as ‘park like’ forests with a clean, aesthetic, and picturesque understory. However, European settlement dramatically degraded the longleaf pine ecosystem. Today, suppression of fires has substantially reduced the pine reproduction, increased the woody understory vegetation, and has significantly decreased the stand maintenance and regeneration of longleaf pine stands. Yet, there is a gap in understanding the relationship between the scenic beauty, forests aesthetics and how prescribed fire treatments impact the public perception of longleaf pine forests. This study aims to evaluate how different seasons and timing of prescribed fire treatments impact the scenic beauty of longleaf pine forests on the Escambia Experimental Forest near Brewton, Alabama. The main objectives of this research was to examine the forest measurements associated with each of the prescribed fire treatments in an attempt determine additional factors that may contribute to the scenic beauty of a forest scene. |