New paper: Optimizing forest restoration to boost streamflow in Georgia watersheds
Can restoring pine savannas improve water flow? Our lab’s new study, led by Chambers English and Seth Younger, shows how forest restoration can be strategically optimized to meet streamflow goals in Southwest Georgia. Using vegetation and hydrologic modeling, the team identifies the most cost-effective areas for pine savanna restoration to support ecological and economic goals.
Can off-site native pines accelerate longleaf pine restoration?
Meeting the pace and scale of longleaf pine restoration may require innovative solutions. Restoration of longleaf pine woodlands often starts with removal of native pines, prior to re-establishing longleaf pine. Here, we review functional similarities among native, off-site pines such as loblolly, slash, and shortleaf have enough functional similarity. We found that native-off site species may be a useful tool for providing many of the ecological benefits especially if their retention permits unterrupted management with fire and open structure.