Across much of the southeastern U.S.A., sandhills have become dominated by
hardwoods or invasive pine species following logging of Pinus palustris (lo
ngleaf pine) and fire suppression. At Eglin Air Force Base where this study
was conducted, Pinus clausa (sand pine) has densely colonized most southea
stern sandhill sites, suppressing groundcover vegetation. The objectives of
this study were: to determine if suppressed groundcover vegetation recover
s following the removal of P. clausa; to compare species composition and ab
undance in removal plots with that in reference, high quality sandhills; to
test the assumption that recolonization by P. clausa seedlings decreases w
ith proximity to the centers of removal plots; and to measure the survival
of containerized P. palustris seedlings that were planted on P. clausa remo
val plots. One year post-removal (1995), the number of plant species decrea
sed by 50%, but then increased by 100% from 1995 to 1997, followed by a sma
ll reduction in 1998. The number of plant species was greater in reference
plots than in removal plots prior to 1997. Eighty-five percent of the origi
nal species were recorded 4 years post-harvest in removal plots. Shrubs and
large trees remained at low density after harvest. Densities of graminoids
, legumes, other forbs, woody vines, and small trees increased after harves
t. Plant densities of all life forms, except woody vines, were greater in r
eference plots than in removal plots. The density of recolonizing P. clausa
seedlings 2-4 years post-harvest significantly decreased with increasing p
roximity to the centers of removal plots. On average, 80% of planted P. pal
ustris seedlings survived their first 2 years. Harvest of P. clausa followe
d by fire and the planting of P. palustris is a reasonably effective restor
ation approach in invaded sandhills. However, supplementary plantings of so
me herbaceous species may be necessary for full restoration.