SREL Reprint #2974

Towards sustainable management of Louisiana's coastal wetland forests: problems, constraints, and a new beginning

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

Chambers, J. L., W. H. Conner, R. F. Keim, S. P. Faulkner, J. W. Day, Jr., E. S. Gardiner, M. S. Hughes, S. L. King, K. W. McLeod, C. A. Miller, J. A. Nyman, and G. P. Shaffer. 2006. Towards sustainable management of Louisiana's coastal wetland forests: problems, constraints, and a new beginning. p. 159-157 In Proceedings of Hydrology and Management of Forested Wetlands International Conference. April 8-12, 2006. ASABE Publication Number 701PO406.

This information was provided by the University of Georgia's Savannah River Ecology Laboratory (srel.uga.edu).