A tale of two forests: Case study comparisons of sustained yield management on Mississippi and New York nonindustrial private forestland

Nonindustrial private forestland (NIPF) is increasingly important in the United States from a timber perspective. Harvested volumes have risen steadily since the 1970s and are not expected to decelerate. Sustaining the potential to meet future demand depends in large part on the management of stand density and changes in stand diameter when thinning, the quality of residual stocking, and regeneration practices after a final harvest. Previous research shows that these aspects vary on NIPF, but little is known about how they differ across forest management contexts and owner types. Field surveys on recently harvested loblolly plantations in Mississippi and northern hardwood stands in New York were performed and interviews with the owners of these forests were conducted. Data were used to assess whether density and diameter management, residual stocking quality, and regeneration practices more strongly relate to the state where the harvesting occurred or the characteristics of the owner. Results suggest that outcomes differ more based on context than owner. The implications for sustaining high-quality timber yields from NIPF are also discussed.