Landscape Partnership Resources Library
Using the Conservation Tax Incentive
The permanent conservation easement tax incentive is a powerful tool that helps Americans conserve their land voluntarily.
Poster Presentation: Seeing Past the Green: Quantifying the Characteristics of High-graded Forests
Download the Poster Presentation for "Seeing Past the Green: Quantifying the Characteristics of HIgh-Graded Forests
Seeing past the green: Structure, composition, and biomass differences in high graded and silviculture-managed forests of similar stand density
Forests of the eastern United States (US) mostly comprise a mix of stands managed following silvicultural principles and stands managed with exploitative timber harvesting practices. These stands can have similar stand densities (e.g., basal area per hectare) but vary vastly in structure, composition, and biomass and carbon storage. High grading, a prevalent exploitative timber harvesting practice in the eastern US, is of particular concern because it can negatively affect future forest health and productivity. This study quantifies differences in forest structure, composition, and biomass and carbon storage between high graded stands and stands that received a seed/establishment cut of a uniform shelterwood regeneration sequence treatment, which is a comparable and well-established silvicultural method used to regenerate mixed-oak forests. It focuses on mixed-oak forests (mixed-Quercus), where the effects of high grading have been understudied, and uses a sample with broader spatial coverage than previous studies. The sample comprised nine stands that were known to have been high graded 8–15 years ago and nine stands that received the seed/establishment cut of a uniform shelterwood regeneration sequence. Stand were systematically sampled using fixed-area plots. Field measurements were collected and used to calculate metrics describing forest structure and function. The structure of high graded stands was characterized by a higher proportion of trees with poor health and/or form compared to shelterwood stands, with 18.3 % less acceptable growing stock and trees with lower crown compaction. Diameter distributions of high graded stands were characterized by numerous small trees and few large-diameter trees. Spatial variability of overstory trees was contingent on the tree size range evaluated, with a larger variability of sawtimber-sized trees (trees ≥ 29.2 cm in diameter at breast height) in high graded stands. High graded stands also had 2.2 times fewer oak trees (Quercus spp.) in the overstory canopy, 17,897 fewer seedlings per hectare (ha), and 45 Mg/ha less biomass than shelterwood stands. These results indicate that high grading generally degrades mixed-oak forests and impairs their long-term capacity to supply vital ecosystem services such as habitat for specific wildlife species, carbon storage, and high-quality wood products.
Decision Support Tools to Inform the Rehabilitation and Management of High Graded Forests
Abstract Numerous forests in the eastern United States have been degraded due to past exploitative timber harvesting known as high grading. High graded forest stands may not improve without active re- habilitation and may require targeted silvicultural treatments. This study focuses on high graded mixed-oak (mixed-Quercus spp.) stands and aims to develop a model that can identify past high grading and to determine modifications that may improve forest management recommendations provided by the prominent decision support tool, SILVAH. We present a model that uses standard forest inventory measurements and does not require knowledge of preharvest stand conditions to predict with moderate to high accuracy whether a stand was high graded, which could be par- ticularly useful for nonindustrial private forests. Results indicate that modifications to SILVAH may be necessary to improve its utility for prescribing silvicultural treatments in high graded stands. Study Implications: High graded forest stands are often not readily apparent and likely require specific forest management practices. We present a tool that uses standard forest inventory meas- urements to predict past high grading, which can be used to inform and prioritize forest manage- ment decisions. We also present suggested modifications to the prominent decision support tool, SILVAH, that may improve its ability to prescribe optimal silvicultural treatments for high graded stands. Results from this study provide forestry professionals/landowners working in the mixed- oak forests of the northeastern United States with tools to inform forest management decisions that aim to return degraded stands to healthier and more productive states.
Golden-winged Warbler Landowner Outreach Mailer Template
This editible mailer template from the Golden-winged Warbler Working Group is a great way to generate private landowner interest in your area! It outlines the importance and benefits of Golden-winged Warbler habitat and how landowners can participate or get more information.
Framework for Conservation Action in the Sagebrush Biome
This action-based framework is the culmination of multi-state, areawide planning initiated to update SGI 2.0 and its ongoing success in 2021-2025. This framework also serves as NRCS’ ongoing contribution to the Sagebrush Conservation Strategy administered by Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. Sharing common cross-boundary threats, NRCS staff across 11 western states collaborated to create this shared vision for conservation action.
A Function-Based Framework for Stream Assessment and Restoration Projects
Download the Functional Framework for Stream Assessment and Restoration. This is the science-based development of the original function-based framework that is the basis for the SQT.
SQT Expert Feedback - RECORDING
Recording of a meeting with experts in Hellbender research to gather feedback on the draft Hellbender Stream Quantification Tool (SQT).
SE FireMap Phase 2 Proposal - Public Version
Phase II "Development" proposal jointly submitted by Tall Timbers Research Station and USGS. Financial information has been removed to accommodate sharing. This proposal was approved for funding by NRCS via direct agreements in November, 2022. Initial deliverables are anticipated in March, 2023 and the agreement performance period ends in 2026.
Firebird Newsletter October 2022
Fire Effects in Gulf of Mexico Marshes – Historical Perspectives, Management, and Monitoring of Mottled Ducks and Black and Yellow Rails. Spring and Summer 2022 Updates.
NRCS WLFW Outcomes Assessment 2012-2018 (released 2021)
An outcomes assessment report completed under a contract to Dr. JJ Apodaca from NRCS-WLFW. This document is being shared with conservation partners but broad or public sharing is not approved.
SE FireMap-Final Scoping Report (July 2021)
Tall Timbers Research, Inc. is pleased to present the July 15th 2021 Final Report and recommendations for the scoping agreement of the SE FireMap to the U.S. Endowment for Forestry and Communities and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service.
Tall Timbers Geospatial Center-Scoping Activity Updates 2020-2021
Tall Timbers Geospatial Center-Scoping Activity Updates 2020-2021
Tall Timbers Geospatial Center-Scoping Activity Updates 2020
Tall Timbers Geospatial Center-Scoping Activity Updates 2020
SE FireMap Scoping Report October 15, 2020
Tall Timbers Research, Inc. is pleased to present the October 15th Interim Report for the scoping agreement of the SE FireMap to the U.S. Endowment for Forestry and Communities and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service.
SE FireMap Scoping Report July 15, 2020
Tall Timbers Research, Inc. is pleased to present the July 15th Interim Report for the scoping agreement of the SE FireMap to the U.S. Endowment for Forestry and Communities and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service.
Tall Timbers SE FireMap Technical Oversite Team Update April 23, 2020
The Natural Resources Conservation Service and U.S Endowment for Forestry and Communities established the SE FireMap Technical Oversight Team (TOT) to serve as the advisory body for the proposed SE FireMap initiative. The TOT is comprised of subject area experts from a variety of organizations who expressed an interest in directly supporting the project.
Questions and Answers-SE FireMap Phase II: Developing the Decision Support System
Question and Answer transcript of the Q&A SE FireMap Phase II: Developing the Decision Support System webinar.
LANDSCAPE PARTNERSHIP PORTAL: A Guide to Workspace Collaboration and Communication Tools
This guide is designed to provide suggested tools to help Partners: develop and deliver science to inform conservation actions at scales that make a lasting difference for people and wildlife; enhance our quality of life, help communities become resilient to environmental change and natural disasters, and sustain the natural and cultural resources we care about; bring together different organizations, expertise, science and sectors to tackle long-term conservation challenges.
Beta Testers Summary Feedback 4-19-2022
Summary Data and Trends Illustrative Feedback
