J. L. Chambers¹, W. H. Conner², R. F. Keim¹, S. P. Faulkner³, J. W. Day⁴,
E. S. Gardiner⁵, M. S. Hughes¹, S. L. King⁶, K. W. McLeod⁷,
C. A. Miller¹, J. A. Nyman¹, and G. P. Shaffer⁸

 

¹School of Renewable Natural Resources, Louisiana State University AgCenter, Renewable Natural Resources Building, Baton Rouge, LA 70803

²Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, Baruch Institute of Coastal Ecology and Forest Science, Clemson University, P O Box 596, Georgetown, SC 29442

³USGS National Wetlands Research Center, 700 Cajundome Boulevard, Lafayette, LA 70506

⁴Louisiana State University Department of Oceanography and Coastal Sciences, 1002-Y Energy, Coast and Environment Building, Baton Rouge, LA 70803

⁵Center for Bottomland Hardwoods Research, USDA-Forest Service, Southern Hardwoods Laboratory, P O Box 227, Stoneville, MS 38776

⁶USGS Louisiana Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit and Louisiana State University AgCenter, School of Renewable Natural Resources, Baton Rouge, LA 70803

⁷Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, P O Drawer E, Aiken, SC 29802

⁸Department of Biological Sciences, Southeastern Louisiana University, Box 10736, Hammond, LA 70402

 

Abstract
Over 345,000 ha of forested swamps occur throughout the Mississippi River Deltaic Plain. Natural and anthropogenic changes in hydrology and geomorphology at local and landscape levels have reduced the productivity in many of these coastal wetland forests areas and have caused the complete loss of forest cover in some places. A summary and interpretation of the available science, suggestions for policy change, and a multidisciplinary (multi-responsibility) approach were needed to address these issues [in the context of private land]. In response, the Louisiana Governor’s office formed a Coastal Wetland Forest Conservation and Use Science Working Group (SWG) and an associated Advisory Panel to provide the Governor with information and suggestions of strategies for environmental and economic utilization, conservation, and protection of Louisiana’s coastal wetland forest ecosystem in the long-term. The process of engaging scientists, resource managers, and other stakeholders in this effort is described, and the recommendations of the SWG are presented relative to forestry practices and the potential for sustainable management of coastal wetland forests.

 

Keywords: Baldcypress, tupelo, sustainability, regeneration, restoration

SREL Reprint #2974