Landowner and manager awareness and perceptions of pine health issues and southern pine management activities in the southeastern United States
Authors: | David R. Coyle, Gary T. Green, Brittany F. Barnes, Kier Klepzig, John T. Nowak, J.K. Gandhi |
Year: | 2016 |
Type: | Scientific Journal |
Station: | Southern Research Station |
DOI: | https://doi.org/10.5849/jof.15-093 |
Source: | Journal of Forestry |
Abstract
We assessed awareness and perceptions of forest landowners and managers in the southeastern United Statesregarding their stand health especially under the context of the southern pine decline (SPD) phenomenon. E-mail
and paper surveys were sent to 4,670 forest landowners and managers in Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina
with an overall response rate of 28%. About half (51%) of respondents reported having healthy and
symptom-free pine stands, and only 11% reported elevated levels of dying pine or pine mortality within the
last year. Few (30%) respondents were aware of SPD. Insects, disease, and drought were perceived as the
most important threats to pine health. Respondents usually used material from state agencies, professional
speakers, or research publications for information regarding pine stand management. Data indicate a favorable
outlook for pine health in the southeastern United States, as landowners were engaged and willing to use
recognized management prescriptions.