The Art of Managing Longleaf: A Personal History of the Stoddard-Neel Approach (Wormsloe Foundation Nature Books)

This book is an outstanding historical account of the early days of research and management of the Red Hills (Florida-Georgia) Longleaf Pine wiregrass ecosystem by one of the Pioneers of this type of management. Leon Neal was there almost from the beginning. He recounts the early research in Quail Management and Forest management in the Longleaf Pine-Wiregrass Ecosystem, the founding of the Tall Timbers Research station, as well as the early use of prescribed fire. Chapter 4 discusses not only the science of un-even aged management integrated with fire in the Southern pines; but also the ART of practicing this type of management from a man who has spent a life time doing it! I recommend it to land managers and Forestry and Wildlife professionals. It is without a doubt one of the best books that I have read in a long time!!

Almost literally, Leon Neel is a voice in the wilderness in the practice of forestry. His method of single tree selection and prescribed burning is unconventional only to the industrial mindset of clear cutting and replanting of mono cultural tree stands, which destroys biodiversity and is devoid of natural beauty. It's refreshing to learn from someone with knowledge of ecology coupled with long experience who has demonstrated over a lifetime a much better way for productive and sustainable forestry. The Stoddard-Neel approach carefully considers and enhances everything in the landscape, and makes it livable for the longterm. One of the most important practical books to have for anyone interested in living in a healthy,biodiverse, natural environment.

This is exactly how the longleaf pine forest should be managed.

This is a great book for any naturalist, conservationist, or ecologist with many good land management lessons being gleaned from Mr. Neel's words. The style of writing makes the book read like you are talking with Mr. Neel. The manor of writing also merges two books together well with lesson in land management and a biography of a historic land manager. It was a true delight to read.

Leon Neel is a wonderful individual who has made a most significant contribution to the management and protection of the most significant ecosystem of coastal plain US. This book is a credit to him and his work.

Interesting and informative.

nice.tanks