Gulf Coast's Ecological Heritage at RiskThe Gulf Statesspacer
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Mississippi
Mississippi State Flower - Magnolia, 'Magnolia grandiflora'
Introduction
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Forestry
Forestry is a major industry in Mississippi. In 1997, the managed shortleaf and loblolly pine tree forests in Mississippi contributed more than $7 billion to the state's economy. However this important industry in Mississippi is highly sensitive to climate change.

  • Natural and, especially, managed forests are vulnerable to drought and fire in areas that could become drier. As temperatures rise, the capacity of trees to absorb and store carbon decreases.

  • A lobolly pine plantationIf the drier climate scenario were to play out, savannas and grasslands would expand at the expense of forests, particularly in areas further inland from the coast. Wetter climate conditions, on the other hand, would increase the productivity of hardwoods at the expense of softwoods.

  • Increased fire frequency under drier conditions would require that forest managers change their forest and fire management practices, including changes in tree species, stand density, fertilization, and rotation length. Extreme, long-lasting droughts would seriously damage forests in the long-term.

  • Warmer, wetter conditions would increase the risk of forestry pests such as the southern pine bark beetle, and frequent disturbance from storms would favor the spread of invasive species, such as tropical soda apple, cogongrass, and Chinese tallow over native species.
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Photo Credits:
Magnolia - Copyright M. Harris, Floridata.com.
lobolly pine plantation - Mississippi State University, S. Roberts, Image 1202006, ForestryImages.org.
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