Summer 2024 21 Diminished is an interesting word. Webster’s Dictionary tells us it means “to make or become less” or “make (someone or something) seem less impressive or valuable.” An unspoken meaning is that diminished is something to avoid as there might something wrong with it. Within the context of this issue of Virginia Forests, however, (and using it as a noun instead of a verb) diminished means something dramatically different: a tree species that was once great but is now uncommon or rare. Numerous examples abound. American chestnut was once the dominant hardwood species in the piedmont and mountains until the blight was accidently introduced over a century ago. According to legend, a squirrel could once travel from Georgia to Maine without ever touching ground, in the crowns of the great chestnut tree. Shortleaf pine is another diminished species, not because of any disease but because it doesn’t grow as fast as loblolly pine. A third example is the venerable longleaf pine. Longleaf is diminished in a certain sense because of its historic value as a source of pitch as well as lumber, poles, and pilings. This prior unsustainable harvesting (along with its more complex regeneration and slower growth rate) led to its current status. It’s not all bad news, though! The forestry community has recognized the value of these diminished species and is making substantial efforts to return them to their original range and population numbers. The American Chestnut Foundation has spearheaded the effort for a blight-resistant variety, and seedlings are now being produced for operational plantings. The economic, social, and environmental value of longleaf and shortleaf pine ecosystems has been recognized, and several programs are available to Virginia landowners to re-establish their original range. As consulting foresters, we are often asked about diminished species. Our clients are curious about them. They read about the value of these ecosystems and ask how they can be part of returning these trees to their native range. We are humbled and honored when we get these questions, and we work tirelessly to assist landowners in their reintroduction efforts. We want to return these once common species to their rightful place in the landscape, not only to benefit the landowners but also to a greater advantage including our plant communities, wildlife habitat, and the marketplace. —The Executive Committee of the Virginia Chapter ACF VIRGINIA CHAPTER Association of Consulting Foresters Diminished
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