more... > Forestry > Commercial Forestry > ‘Choose-And-Cut’ Tree Season Begins (Distributed 11/20/07) An annual tradition in the South is the opening of most "choose-and-cut" Christmas tree farms on the Friday following Thanksgiving. LSU AgCenter Scientist Develops New ‘Model’ To Predict Timber Production [Image: photo] Timberland owners and managers use statistical models to predict growth and yield of their forests. Quang V. Cao in the LSU AgCenter’s School of Renewable Natural Resources has developed a new predictive model that promises to improve on current ones. Lee Memorial Forest Serves Louisiana’s Forestry Industry [Image: katrina damaged forest] Lee Memorial Forest with more than 1 ,200 acres of managed timberland is an important research and teaching resource for the LSU AgCenter. Establishment Success and Growth of Southern Pine Plantations on Water and Nutrient-Poor Soils [Image: photo] Forests of Louisiana managed for timber production constitute the state’s top agricultural crop, contributing an estimated $4.554 billion to Louisiana’s economy in 2005. Louisiana’s managed forests, which are often loblolly pine plantations, are among the world’s most productive forests at producing timber and fiber.  more articles... The Hurricane Impact on Southern Pine Sawtimber Stumpage Prices in Louisiana [Image: Clearing debris after Hurricane Katrina] Within a month, hurricanes Katrina and Rita damaged about 4.4 billion board feet (3.0 billion by Katrina and 1.4 billion by Rita) of sawtimber inventory in Louisiana. South Louisiana Christmas Tree Farmer Gets Help From Out-of-state Friends [Image: Christmas tree grower discusses damage] There will be trees from the Shady Pond Christmas Tree Farm northeast of New Orleans this year – thanks in large part to some help from fellow growers from North Carolina. Katrina Hurts Timber, Sugarcane; Shrimping Biggest Seafood Loss; Citrus ‘Down the Drain’ Agricultural damage in Louisiana has been estimated in excess of $1 billion, including $610 million in lost timber, $145 million in sugarcane and $151 million for seafood. Forest Investments: Risk and Return [Image: Forest Investments] For an increasing number of forest landowners, a forest is an investment. Understanding the basics of forest investments is essential in planning for long-term maximum benefits. Glossary of Forestry Terms This is a comprehensive glossary of basic terms used in forest management. Herbicide Application for the Small Landowner An easy-to-understand guide for the forest landowner seeking to apply herbicides to pest tree species on his or her property. Marketing and Selling Your Timber This document provides basic information to forest landowners regarding points to consider when contracting to sell timber.