Management of cypress and tupelo stands is integral to the restoration of the Louisiana black bear. These stands are generally found in close proximity to bodies of water. Bears use this habitat type primarily for escape cover and denning sites. When the FWS formally listed the Louisiana black bear as threatened, cypress and tupelo were afforded special protection due to the importance of those trees as bear denning sites. All cypress and tupelo adjacent to water that are 36 inches dbh (diameter at breast height) or larger, with visible signs of defects (i.e. cavities, broken tops), must be protected.

Regeneration/Management

Management of cypress and tupelo stands is similar with a few minor differences. Regeneration is generally from stump sprouts of trees up to 14” dbh if sufficient sunlight is available. Usually tupelo sprouts at higher rates than cypress, so care must be taken to prevent harvested stands from becoming dominated by tupelo. Because a large amount of sunlight is needed to stimulate stump sprouting and sprout survival, harvesting these stands is the preferred method of regeneration.

Regeneration from seed is usually more complex. Both species produce adequate to excellent seed crops yearly, with abundant crops every 3-5 years. Tupelo is the most consistent and prolific of the two species. Cypress needs exposed wet soil for germination and continued moisture for about 2-3 years for seedlings to become established.

Flooding is a constant threat to first year seedlings. Seedlings from either species will experience early mortality if they are submerged for any length of time during the first growing season. Once established, growth is vigorous during the early years. Depending upon site quality, marketability for mulch is usually reached within 20 years and timber production within 80 years.

Special Considerations

Vigorous growth in dense stands causes pruning to occur early on, producing good quality bole development. Thinning should begin by age 20 if markets are available. Thinning to 70 to 80 trees per acre will maintain high rates of growth and bole quality. Subsequent thinnings should be conducted at 10 year intervals to remove poor quality stems.

Natural stands where little information is known concerning age and growth can be maintained at higher stand densities than artificially regenerated stands. Natural stands may be maintained with few or no harvests until the trees reach targeted size. For periodic income from these natural stands and to shorten the time to reach a desired diameter, selective harvests may be done, removing the poorer quality trees and maintaining a density of 70-100 trees per acre.

Retention of small isolated groups and individual trees of cypress or tupelo within other stands of bottomland hardwoods can benefit bears. When harvesting for regeneration purposes, consideration should be given to these isolated stands or individuals to promote regeneration and provide escape for bears. In areas where water is present much of the year (e.g., Lower Atchafalaya), careful consideration should be taken when the decision to harvest is made. Removal of all trees in permanently flooded areas will almost inevitably lead to conversion of forested wetlands to open water because regeneration is hindered by the constant presence of water.

When managing stands of tupelo and cypress in occupied bear habitat, trees with visible cavities or defects in the top or bole should be excluded from the harvest and protected from logging damage. Bears will select these trees for denning sites and escape cover.