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Forces of Change

Several forces have shaped and continue to influence the extent, structure, and function of the South’s forests. We summarize these forces using five categories: (1) land markets that ultimately determine the area of forests; (2) timber markets that influence the location and extent of timber harvesting, management approaches, and forest conditions; (3) social institutions that organize the behavior of people who own, manage, and use forests in the region; (4) biological factors such as insects and diseases that affect the structure of forests; and (5) physical factors that affect the structure of forests, including hurricanes, fire, and ice storms, as well as the ambient environment.