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2 Introduction

Timber harvests in the South have taken advantage of a substantial accumulation of forest growing stock and considerable investment in timber growing over the past four decades. As some forest owners adopt more intensive forest management, the production potential of forests changes accordingly. Planting genetically improved stock and applying fertilizer and herbicide will increase growth, yield, and long-run timber supply. This Chapter assesses the status of forest management in the South. It describes both the types and extent of silvicultural treatments in the region. It also analyzes costs and returns from intensive management practices.