Southern pine species such as loblolly, longleaf, shortleaf, and slash cover much of the 
southeastern U.S., and are a critical component of the region’s economy.  Loblolly pine is the 
most widely planted species in the southeastern region, is commercially managed in plantations and natural stands, and accounts for nearly half of the pine growing stock.  These pine stands are 
ecologically and economically critical to the region as they improve soil and water quality, create 
habitat for various wildlife species, and provide timber and pulpwood products worth tens of 
billions of dollars each year with many benefits to local communities.  As demands on our pine 
resources increase, forest threats such as urbanization, climate change, and invasion by non-native species are also expected to increase.