restoration success: longleaf pine seedlings established in a fire-suppressed old-growth stand

The Flomaton Natural Area in Alabama is a 60 acre virgin long-leaf pine area that underwent more than 45 yr of fire suppression. A major restoration project with the reintroduction of fire was initiated in 1995, and annual surveys have been conducted since to determine if longleaf pine regeneration was going to survive restoration efforts. The application of low intensity fires appears to have been effective in restoration longleaf pine stands. Guidelines developed for restoring such fire-suppressed stands are summarized and advise protection of pine overstory, early evaluation of hardwoods, and management of canopy gaps and use of seed crops.