Ecosystem Dynamics: The Story of Longleaf & Jack Pine

By Brett (BJ) Valentine

Introduction:

• Is fire a force that destroys the environment or a force that helps the survival of an environgment?
• Define ecosystem and succession
• Introduce the Longleaf Pine and the Jack Pine Ecosystem

 

• Main Body:

• Before Fire
  • Site Characteristics for Longleaf and Jack Pine Ecosystems
    • Plant composition
    • Soils
  • Plant adaptations
• During and After Fire
  • Fire tunnel demonstration using Jack Pine Cones
  • Compare and contrast how fire benefits the two Ecosystems
• Forest Management
  • Past management of fire
  • The effect on wildlife and the plant community
  • Present fire management
    • Improvement of site quality for wildlife and timber production

     

• Conclusion:
  • Fires in these Ecosystems are a needed disturbance for the ongoing survival of both Longleaf and Jack pine
  • Student questions