Ecology and Management of Central Hardwood Forests

A comprehensive guide to effective hardwood forest management

Extending 235,000 square miles from New York to Georgia and fromVirginia to Missouri, the Central Hardwoods Region harbors the mostextensive concentration of deciduous hardwoods in the world. Asharvests in the Pacific Northwest decline and timber prices rise,the maturing stands of mixed species in this central U.S. regionare a rich and valuable resource that is increasingly vulnerable toexploitation. This timely book examines all of the key ecological,social, and economic management considerations essential to utilizeand sustain these vital woodlands effectively.

First, it develops the background necessary to understand whatmakes the hardwood eco-system function, with a thorough examinationof the physiography, geology, soils, and climate of the region anda historical overview of its evolution and development frompre-European settlement to the present. Then, species by species,the book details the silvical characteristics of 34 important treespecies. Next, it offers expert recommendations for effectiveforest treatment and management, from specific concerns such astimber production, pollution, and financial planning to broaderissues, including the role of the natural resource manager and thebiological potential of the entire region.

Generously supplemented with graphs and photos, Ecology andManagement of Central Hardwood Forests is important reading forforesters, natural resource managers, regional planners,environmental scientists, governmental officials--everyone with astake in the future of this critical living resource. The Central Hardwood Region.

Historical Development.

Ecological Relationships.

Silvical Characteristics of the Major Central HardwoodSpecies.

Silviculture of Central Hardwoods.

Management of Central Hardwoods.

Synthesis and Conclusions.

Glossary.

Literature Cited.

Appendices.

Index. RAY R. HICKS, Jr., is Professor of Forestry at West Virginia University. His research centers on ecological studies of forests, including nutrient cycling, forest health, and forest pest management. A comprehensive guide to effective hardwood forest management

Extending 235,000 square miles from New York to Georgia and from Virginia to Missouri, the Central Hardwoods Region harbors the most extensive concentration of deciduous hardwoods in the world. As harvests in the Pacific Northwest decline and timber prices rise, the maturing stands of mixed species in this central U.S. region are a rich and valuable resource that is increasingly vulnerable to exploitation. This timely book examines all of the key ecological, social, and economic management considerations essential to utilize and sustain these vital woodlands effectively.

First, it develops the background necessary to understand what makes the hardwood eco-system function, with a thorough examination of the physiography, geology, soils, and climate of the region and a historical overview of its evolution and development from pre-European settlement to the present. Then, species by species, the book details the silvical characteristics of 34 important tree species. Next, it offers expert recommendations for effective forest treatment and management, from specific concerns such as timber production, pollution, and financial planning to broader issues, including the role of the natural resource manager and the biological potential of the entire region.

Generously supplemented with graphs and photos, Ecology and Management of Central Hardwood Forests is important reading for foresters, natural resource managers, regional planners, environmental scientists, governmental officials—everyone with a stake in the future of this critical living resource.