Human Benefits

        Beginning in the 1600s, agriculture, timber extraction, and settlements built by Europeans and their descendants gradually spread across the region, affecting the extent, distribution, and composition of southern forests. Over four centuries, more than 99% of southern forest acreage was cut or cleared to make room for development. Despite the land regenerated over time as secondary forest, the forest has declined by ~40% since the dawn of European settlement. (4)

Southern Appalachian Piedmont

Land use: Natural vegetation has been cleared for agriculture on most of the area, especially for cotton production in the 1800's. (1)

Coastal Plains, Middle

Land use: Natural vegetation has been cleared for agriculture on about 30% of the area. (1)

Southern Cumberland Plateau

Land use: Natural vegetation has been cleared for agriculture on about 30% of the area. (1)

Southern Ridge and Valley

Land use: Natural vegetation has been cleared for agriculture on over 60% of the area. (1)

Mid Coastal Plains, Western

Land use: Natural vegetation has been cleared for agriculture on about 25% of the area. Much of the non-cleared land is managed for forestry. (1)

Eastern Gulf Prairies and Marshes

Land use: Natural vegetation has been cleared for agricultural crops on about 40% of the area. (1)

Arkansas Valley

Land use: Reserved. (1)

        In addition, because many vegetation in the area are deciduous, many of the protected parks serve as recreational areas, especially during autumn when the tree leaves change into beautiful arrays of color (i.e. red, orange, gold, and purple). Other benefits include: soil erosion control, air purification, water quality protection, and pulpwood for paper.