Red-Cockaded Woodpecker Habitat Management and Longleaf Pine Straw Production: An Economic Analysis

Abstract

Abstract This paper contains an economic analysis of shelterwood management of longleaf pine (Pinus palustris Mill) with markets for both timber and pine straw. It was found that extended rotations required for red-cockaded woodpecker (Picoides borealis) habitat, while not optimal, are better when pine straw is also a market product than when considering timber alone. Rotation ages were fixed at 60, 80, 100, and 120 years to provide red-cockaded woodpecker habitat. A single thinning is included with variable timing and intensity. Intensive site treatments are also included to control litter, grasses, hardwood, and brown spot disease. An equation for pine straw yield as a function of basal area is presented. Pine straw may increase soil expectation value by more than 230% over that provided by timber alone. South. J. Appl. For. 15(2):88-92.