Forest Management

Andres Susaeta and Chris Demers

Byron Love, Michael Andreu, and Chris Demers

Christopher M. Demers andAlan J. Long

This article provides forest landowners some important guidelines to follow when planning and conducting a timber sale.

Chris Demers, Alan Long, and Patrick Minogue

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet.

Christopher M. Demers andRobert Clausen

This document outlines the essential components of a natural resource management plan for forest properties. It emphasizes the importance of clear objectives, property location and history, resource assessment, management recommendations, and an activity schedule. The plan serves as a “road map” to guide landowners in achieving their desired outcomes, such as timber production and wildlife habitat improvement. It also highlights the role of consulting foresters and the need for periodic reviews to adapt to changing conditions. The document provides practical advice for creating a flexible and effective management plan. First published August 2001.

Chris Demers, Chris Latt, and Rob Clausen

This document outlines the importance of forest inventory for resource management, detailing its benefits for timber valuation, wildlife habitat assessment, and recreational planning. It explains the steps involved in conducting an inventory, including mapping, sampling, and data analysis. The article emphasizes the need for professional assistance in complex inventories and provides guidance on selecting consultants. It also highlights the significance of background information, such as property maps and soil types, for effective forest management. The document concludes with recommendations for storing inventory data and ensuring its long-term usefulness. First published January 2002.

Jennifer L. Gagnon, Eric J. Jokela, Ajay Sharma, Ajay Sharma, andJason G. Vogel

A discussion of traditional and alternative longleaf pine management practices, as well as a description of the process of converting an even-aged stand of mature longleaf pine to an uneven-aged stand.

Chris Demers

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet. Published by Forestry

Holly Andres, Kaile Zhang, Kaile Zhang, andHui-Ling Liao

Ectomycorrhizal fungi (EMF) form symbiotic relationships with approximately 60% of trees and woody plants among temperate and boreal forests. EMF also serve as the primary symbionts in subtropical and tropical forests, particularly in conifer forests, including those in Florida's climate. These fungi influence the global carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus cycles, sequestering or supplying these elements as necessary for ecosystem processes and resilience. However, EMF are susceptible to environmental stressors and management practices, including fertilizers, fungicides, and mechanical disturbances. This publication aims to provide general knowledge to the general public on the biology and ecological functions of EMF in natural and managed forest ecosystems. By understanding the role and benefits of EMF in these environments, forest managers, tree nursery operators, and timber industry stakeholders can gain valuable insights for incorporating EMF into their management practices.

Chris Demers and Michael Andreu

Hurricane season is June 1 through November 30. Powerful storms that venture inland can damage forest and agricultural land and enterprises. There is no way to fully prepare for major devastation in advance, but this publication provides some strategies and steps you can take to get yourself and your land ready so that you can recover as quickly and smoothly as possible after a major storm.

Christopher M. Demers, Martin B. Main, andMark Hostetler

The purpose of this publication is to inform landowners about government programs available to help conserve natural resources. In each case we describe the program options, benefits, and requirements and provide information on where to apply.

Elysia Lewis, Michael G. Andreu, andChristopher M. Demers

Florida landowners have contributed vastly to the Southeast’s planting of pines over many decades; recent incentive programs across the state have encouraged further interest. Understanding the factors that affect seedling quality and survival of native pine species will assure a more successful and productive forest plantation. This publication reviews each southern pine's important silviculture characteristics, soil-site conditions, and potential markets and products. It outlines planting standards and techniques as they relate to landowners’ objectives and their target markets. It is to be used as a guide to facilitate selection of appropriate pine species and offers guidance on best practices for handling seedlings throughout all stages of tree planting.

Timothy L. White, Mary L. Duryea, and Gregory L. Powell

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet. Published by Natural resources operations and Invasive Species

Christopher M. Demers, Michael G. Andreu, Babe McGowan, Alan J. Long, andJarek Nowak

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet. in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Animal Systems

Ziwen Yu

This publication discusses information about the structure of the carbon market in the United States and some restrictions on participation. It also provides an overview of the benefits and barriers of farmers’ or landowners’ participation in the carbon market, especially for Florida. Written by Ziwen Yu, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, February 2024.

Christopher M. Demers andAlan J. Long

This document provides an overview of the role and services of consulting foresters in forest management. It outlines the various technical assistance they offer, including timber sales, tree planting, and wildlife habitat improvement. The article emphasizes the importance of selecting a qualified consultant with proper education, experience, and communication skills. It also highlights the need for consultants to avoid conflicts of interest and maintain ethical conduct. Additionally, it discusses the variability in fee arrangements and the lack of uniform standards for consulting foresters in Florida. First published August 2001.

Alan Long, Rick Williams, Chris Demers, Jarek Nowak, Nicole Strong, Jib Davidson, and John Holzaepfel

Every year, southern timberland is damaged by hurricanes, ice storms, or tornados somewhere in the region. In response, a variety of information sources have been developed to address the many issues associated with such damage. This fact sheet summarizes information and guidelines from these sources, with a focus on Florida. It provides guidance to forestland owners for assessing severe storm damage, handling salvage operations and timber sales, minimizing potential impacts of other disasters after the storm, dealing with financial issues such as income tax casualty losses, and altering management plans. The references listed at the end may provide landowners with additional information relevant to their particular situation.

Chris Demers

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet. Published by Informed community decision-making

Coleson F. Wrege, Santiago A. Casanova, andRaelene M. Crandall

Riparian zones connect a body of water and upland habitat and provide many ecosystem services. In many southeastern US ecosystems, prescribed fires are a management tool, yet little is known about how fire impacts the riparian zone. This publication relates research from the western United States to riparian zones in the southeastern United States, with emphasis on wetlands. It discusses fire behavior in relation to riparian zone vegetation, weather (particularly seasonality), and fire interactions with various water body types. It lists and defines relevant fire terms and considers various land management goals. To manage wetlands effectively, managers must understand their historical fire regimes and may need to develop specialized alternative burn plans. Riparian zones should be monitored and specific burn objectives developed within the larger upland pine savanna ecosystem to better understand how these ecotones are impacted by prescribed fire and vice versa. 

Michael G. Andreu, Chris Demers, and Anthony Grossman

Forest stewardship is the wise use and management of resources that maintain and enhance the value of the forest for present and future generations. The goals of the Forest Stewardship Program are to encourage landowners to manage their forests for multiple natural resources, increase public awareness of the importance of Florida's forestlands, and improve cooperation among natural resource agencies and organizations to meet Florida's forest resource conservation and management needs and opportunities.

Anna Osiecka, Patrick J. Minogue, andE. David Dickens

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet for Commercial audience(s). in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Forestry