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1 Key Findings

· Forest management in the South has intensified over the past two decades and this trend is expected to continue.

· Intensive planted pine technology nearly doubles growth and yield rates and offers superior investment returns compared to more traditional management composed only of site preparation and planting.

· Planted pine management intensity is expected to continue to grow as forest industry and timberland management organizations increase investment on their land.

· Hardwood forests are managed less intensively in natural stands.

· Intensive management is difficult and more expansive on smaller tracts; increasing fragmentation of forests in the South will exert downward pressure on management intensity.

· Forestry incentives programs have supported tree planting, management planning, and improvement of forest management practices, substantially increasing planted pine area, timber production returns, and environmental benefits.