In the virgin forest white pine was dominant on soils inclined to he droughty, 

 such as eskers , kames , outwash plains, and shores and terraces of old glacial 

 lakes (Braun 1950) . Elsewhere the development of stands heavily stocked with 

 white pine was the consequence of forest catastrophies . Fire played a major 

 role in establishing essentially even-aged stands of white pine in the 

 original forest by eliminating competition (Cline and Spurr 1942) . People 

 also were greatly responsible for the creation of the white pine region along 

 the coast. The farm clearings which they carved out of the wilderness and 

 subsequently abandoned were often reclaimed by white pine forests . 



On sandy relatively dry sites, white pine stands may form a climax forest. On 

 fertile and relatively moist soils white pine eventually is displaced by more 

 shade-tolerant species, usually hardwoods. Although white pine may play an 

 ecological role similar to that of some of the most light-demanding species, 

 it is in fact intermediate in shade tolerance. 



Reproduction and Growth 



White pine begins to bear cones before it is 20 years old, but optimum seed- 

 bearing age is not until 50 to 150 years (Fowells 1965). Condition of the 

 seedbed is an important factor in regenerating white pine. In full sunlight 

 favorable seedbeds are moist mineral soil, moss, or short grass cover of 

 light-to-medium density. Unfavorable seedbeds include dry soil, coniferous 

 litter, lichen, and very thin or very dense grass covers (Smith 1951; and 

 Fowells 1965). 



White pine has several attributes that enable it to take advantage of certain 

 conditions and endure in the forest community. First, its seed will germinate 

 well and survive on almost any type of seedbed under shade (Smith 1951). 

 Following establishment the young plants must be given abundant overhead light 

 for best development. They have the ability to withstand exposure without 

 suffering undue mortality. Second, young seedlings are exceptionally drought 

 resistant, having the capacity to survive extended periods of drought (Smith 

 1951). Third, height growth may be very rapid once the seedling is 

 established and in the open. On the best sites, annual height growth of 2 to 

 3 feet (0.6 to 1 m) or more has been observed after trees have reached breast 

 height. 



Management Practices 



Growth characteristics of white pine are such that it is best grown under 

 even-aged stand conditions but considerable flexibility may be exercised in 

 choosing regeneration methods. The method most successfully employed is known 

 as a two-cut shelterwood system. The following steps are taken in this 

 system: 



1. An initial cut is made in an established stand of trees during, or 

 immediately after, an abundant seed year. This cut consists of 

 removing 40% to 60% of the overstory. It is important that the first 

 cut result in the disturbance of accumulated litter and the exposure 

 of mineral soil so that the seed can germinate and grow. 



19-18 



