Kisatchie National Forest
Vernon District
Vernon Parish, LA

This area is classified as a Western Upland Longleaf Pine Forest by the Louisiana Natural Heritage Program (LNHP). It is characterized by an open canopy, and a savanah-type quality. This particular site also has a small slope with a closed canopy. Pinus palustris (longleaf pine) is the dominant species. During an otherwise successuful prescribed burn, the low area did not burn well; however, there is a slight opening in the canopy that is allowing regeneration of longleaf pine. Compare this site with Upland: site 7, which is located adjacent to this site, but across the road; the prescribed burn on site 7 was not considered to be as good.

This site is floristically rich in forbs and has no dominant mid-story. One indicator species is Pteridium aquilinum (bracken fern), which is common on this type of site after a fire. Another good indicator species is Echinacea pallidae (purple cone flower). Some negative indicator species that may be present after fire are: Quercus marilandica (blackjack oak), Rhus copallina (wnged-sumac), and Liquidambar styraciflua (sweetgum). Other species present on this site, but not easily distinguishable in the image above are: Chamaecrista fasciculata (partridgepea), Desmodium sp. (beggar lice), Dichanthelium sp. (panic grass), and Liatris phychostachya (purple gay feather, or blazing star).

Also indicated in the image are red-cockaded woodpecker (RCW) sites. The boundaries to the RCW areas are marked with red paint and "RWC endangered species" signs. The trees marked with white paint are possible nesting trees. The presence of RCW's usually dictates the management practices of the area.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has more information about the Louisiana Natural Heritage Program (LNHP) and the classification of Natural Communities of Louisiana.