CHAPTER IV: WILDLIFE HABITATS FOR MISSISSIPPI’S SGCN,

THREATS AND CONSERVATION ACTIONS^119

U

3. MESIC (MODERATELY MOIST)

UPLAND FORESTS

pland forests that are not limited by nutrient or moisture availability are considered moderately moist.
Landforms supporting this type are those positioned on the middle to lower slopes, low flats, or protected
draws. The soils are usually deeper, moderately fertile, consist of loam or clay and have higher moisture
holding capacities than those of dry to moderately moist categories. Hydric features, characteristics of
wetland soils, are normally not found in the upper horizons of these soils. Plant communities of mesic
habitats include beech/magnolia, loess hills and lower slope or high terrace hardwoods.

This type includes four subtypes: 3.1 Beech/Magnolia Forests, 3.2 Mesic Longleaf Pine Savanna/
Forests, 3.3 Loess Hardwood Forests and 3.4 Lower Slope/High Terrace Hardwood Forests.

GENERAL CONDITION:

The diversity of the hardwood and pine forest communities have decreased due to land clearing,
overcutting, introduction of invasive species, especially Chinese privet, erosion and the suppression of fire
over long periods. Being situated on gently sloping landscapes with relatively deep and fertile soil, the
mesic forest types were more likely to be converted to agriculture. The loess forests of Mississippi, which
are found on steeper terrain, have remained somewhat intact. However, development surrounding the
urban centers of Memphis, Vicksburg and Natchez is causing significant fragmentation of the loess forest
community.

Mesic longleaf forests once formed an extensive blanket across the uplands of the piney woods region but
were logged during the last two centuries. Second growth forests, many of which were converted to other
pines, now occupy the undulating hills and plains of the region. Because of the current emphasis on timber
production, longleaf pine stands are even-aged and have much higher stocking densities. Although
significant land conversion has occurred, longleaf forests are common on national forest lands and some
private holdings. Many areas have lost their coverage of beech/magnolia trees. However, beech and
magnolia remain the dominant trees in isolated coves, draws and on steeper terrain, especially across the
loess hills south of Vicksburg, in patches on national forest lands and on bluffs or upper terraces of major
river systems. Forest management practices that prevent logging in streamside zones, designed to help
improve water quality of streams, also help conserve lower slope/high terrace hardwood forests. The
expansion of terrace hardwoods onto slopes is a modern condition resulting from the suppression of fire.
Conditions described for dry-mesic upland forests also apply to these forest communities.