The forestry branch regularly conducts work to re-establish forests in areas appropriate with other management needs. Where available, natural regeneration is preferred, but areas with little or no potential for natural regeneration (Basal areas <30 or site index < 60) are selected for artificial regeneration. Areas are planted with approximately 680 longleaf pine seedlings per acre. One or two-year old longleaf pine is used for planting stock and a North Carolina seed source is preferred. Tools used to plant seedlings include a planting bar, planting hoe, dibble, or machine, as determined by terrain and/or site conditions.
