Remnant old-growth longleaf pine (Pinus palustris) in the Cape Fear Region, North Carolina, USA

Abstract

Longleaf pine (Pinus palustris) ecosystems were historically widespread across the North American Coastal Plain. Deforestation, the naval stores industry, and other human activities resulted in extensive loss (c. 97% loss) of old-growth stands. While remaining large tracts of old-growth longleaf pine are well documented, smaller tracts on both public and private lands remain understudied. Our research surveyed sites in the Cape Fear Region of North Carolina for old‐growth (age >150 years) longleaf pine trees. We targeted trees based on characteristics associated with longevity including flattop crowns, gnarled growth, and thick lower limbs. Two increment cores were collected from each live tree. In some cases, cross-sectional samples were also collected from dead trees (snags and stumps) to extend the record of growth further back in time. Dendrochronological methods were used to crossdate annual rings, estimate tree age, and develop tree-ring chronologies. We observed that although most remaining longleaf pines are relatively young, old-growth trees still occur. Many of these old-growth stands are at risk given rapid development in the Cape Fear Region. Mature and old-growth trees provide numerous ecosystem services including carbon storage and storm buffering. Additionally, old-growth trees are valuable for research purposes; the tree-ring chronologies we are developing will aid in reconstructions of historical fire activity and tropical cyclone precipitation, among other applications.