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LONG LEAF PINE RESTORATION PROJECT MX974390
Impact/Purpose:
The Dantzler Tract located in Jackson County is one of Mississippi's Coastal Preserves and a Gulf Ecological Management Sites(GEMS). The Coastal Preserve has a five year plan to restore this tract of land to its historic function as a longleaf pine savannah using fire management. Effective fire management will perpetuate the natural characteristics, features, ecological integrity, economic and aesthetic values for all MS residents. The Dantzler Coastal Preserve is approximately 873 acres, of which 470 acres is saltwater marsh. The project objectives include: 1) management of the area to restore the long leaf pine ecosystem;
2) improve the wetland and watershed functions to increase wildlife habitat, biodiversity values, and further protect the adjacent estuarine marshlands;
3) Install limited public access trails for hiking, bird watching, and wildflower investigation;
4) Utilize control measures for the exotic weed, Cogon Grass. This is an agressive invasive competitor to the native longleaf pine seedlings.
Description:
There are two primary goals for managing the Dantzler Coastal Preserve: 1) Protect and enhance the flora and fauna of the estuarine marsh; and 2) Manage the upland portion by restoring the long leaf pine ecosystem. Results from this project will improve the wetlands and watershed functions to increase wildlife habitat, biodiversity values, and further protect the adjacent estuarine marshlands. This project will also restore the uplands to a historical function as longleaf pine uplands.