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School of Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatics Sciences

Note: In March 2021, the UF/IFAS School of Forest Resources and Conservation (SFRC) changed its name to the School of Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatics Sciences (FFGS). Older publications will still use the older name.

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Editorial Team

  • Patrick Minogue - Editor
  • Red Baker Baker - Chair, Approver
  • Susan Gildersleeve - ICS Editor

RECENT & REVISED PUBLICATIONS

Pinus serotina Michx., Pond Pine

FR473/FOR402by Audrey C. Plauche, Gage D. LaPierre, and Michael G. AndreuFebruary 26th, 2024This publication provides an in-depth profile of Pinus serotina for academic audiences and interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology.Critical Issue: Natural Resources and Environment

What if prescribed fire is not an option? An overview of alternative vegetation and fuel management treatments

FR474/FOR403by Michael G. Andreu, Christopher Kinslow, and Stephen EnloeFebruary 26th, 2024Fire has been a significant part of southeastern American forests for thousands of years. Prescribed fire is an effective method to achieve some land management goals, but sometimes it is not possible to use this tool. Fortunately, there are alternative treatment options that land managers can consider. Although none of these surrogate treatments will produce the same suite of benefits as prescribed fire, they can mimic some of the benefits that prescribed fire creates and are better than applying no treatments. This publication provides an overview for landowners and land managers that want to understand surrogate treatments and the economic and ecological tradeoffs associated with each treatment.Critical Issue: Natural Resources and Environment

Pityopsis - Silkgrasses

FR471/FOR400by Gage Lapierre, Michael Andreu, and Jazz GriffisFebruary 5th, 2024The genus Pityopsis, the silkgrasses, are perennial forbs that look like grass with silky, silver hairs. Recognizing different species of silkgrass is important for land managers who are striving to restore specific plant communities and for nurseries selling and distributing native plant materials throughout Florida. Academic botanical keys make identification of silkgrass species challenging for those without a botanical background. This publication provides a breakdown of botanical terms used to describe silkgrass species and a guide with pictures and descriptions of various species to aid in differentiating between them. In addition, the publication provides information about phenology, seed harvesting, and propagation for silkgrasses and presents many practical applications for these attractive and useful plants.Critical Issue: Natural Resources and Environment

Beneficios de las quemas controladas o prescritas

FR472/FOR397Sby Michael G. Andreu, Chris Demers y Alan Long y traducido por Soraya SusJanuary 30th, 2024Esta publicación ofrece una visión general introductoria de la función del fuego en los sistemas forestales, los beneficios de la utilización de quemas controladas o prescritas como parte del manejo forestal, la seguridad necesaria y las precauciones reglamentarias que los propietarios y administradores de tierras deben cumplir en el uso de las quemas controladas o prescritas.Critical Issue: Natural Resources and Environment

Forest Management in the Interface: Reducing Fire Risk

FR249/FOR 179 by Bruce Hull, Raelene M. Crandall, and Martha C. MonroeNovember 3rd, 2023Managing wildfire in the wildland-urban interface (WUI) is challenging. Maintaining community preparedness is a crucial step in mitigating wildfire risk. Wise management of vegetation in and around communities, including procedures such as mechanical fuel reduction, herbiciding, and prescribed fire can be used to keep fuel loads low and increase the safety of developments in fire-prone areas. Using fire-resistant materials for building construction and landscaping with firewise plants are also important steps to decrease wildfire risk.Critical Issue: Natural Resources and Environment