CHAPTER IV: WILDLIFE HABITATS FOR MISSISSIPPI’S SGCN,
THREATS AND CONSERVATION ACTIONS^110A Develop/implement/continue recovery plans for individual SGCN.
A Encourage restoration and improved management of altered/degraded habitat when possible.
A Encourage and improve agricultural/forestry/watershed land-use planning and BMPs to address
nonpoint pollution, erosion and water quality issues.
A Initiate propagation program or establish nest box program for selected SGCN.
A Improve environmental review and permit process and oversight and enforcement of existing
regulations in important habitats/populations.
A Control exotic and invasive species (plant and animal).
A Provide public education about conservation of SGCN and/or their habitats.
A Promote and develop landowner incentive and assistance programs for conservation of SGCN
and their habitats.
A Encourage appreciation of SGCN and their habitats by providing public access and compatible
recreational activities.
2.4 Pine Plantations
Value to SGCN - 60
Rank - 15th of 29 Inland Terrestrial Complexes
(Terrestrial, Wetland, Subterranean and Anthropogenic)DESCRIPTION
A wide range of upland habitats are suitable for growing
pines in Mississippi. They grow best in moist, moderately
acid soils. Loblolly, and less frequently, shortleaf pine
have been planted over extensive areas of the state and presently occupy a wide variety of landforms and
soil types. Slash pine plantations are popular in the piney woods region of southern Mississippi. Pine
plantations have replaced large acreages of natural hardwood and longleaf pine forests. In Mississippi
and much of the southeastern United States, loblolly pine is the preferred tree of the forest industry
because of its rapid growth. Its distribution and abundance is much greater today than in presettlement
forests.
Young plantations contain stands of pine that have trees averaging less than 15 feet tall. Southern
yellow pines take about ten to fifteen years to reach tree size (15-18 feet) to overtop other competitive
shrubs and trees. Rate of pine growth depends on such factors as soil type, type of land treatment,
stocking density and competition from other species. During initial growth stages, young pines are
vigorous but less competitive. After the pines become established, the ground is heavily shaded and
becomes littered with a thick mat of pine needles, which insulates the soil and prevents other herbs,
shrubs and trees from growing in the stand. However, shrubs and trees persist in pine stands, even those