Do you think you're better off alone?

The Longleaf Pine (Pinus Palustris) was once one of the most extensive forest ecosystems in southeastern North America. But it has nearly vanished without notice. Longleaf pine is the key tree species in a complex of fire-dependent forest ecosystems long native to the US. Its existance was dependent on periodic fire, to which it is adapted. Without fire, the species would be outcompeted by other hartier tree species. Longleaf pine forests provide habitat for a wide range of flora and fauna, and its reduction has caused the endangerment of key wildlife and 191 species of plants. But the forests were also economically important to humans, who harvested the Longleaf Pine for its staight, strong timber until near exhastion of the timber source. Today, there are concerted and committed efforts to restore and manage longleaf pine ecosystems. While before, the wildfires were caused by dry climate and lightning, now perscribed burns are set intentionally in an effort to bring this keystone ecosystem back to the United States. Avatar is by haridraws