2022 S.C. Tree Farm Field Tour - Bailey Mill Plantation

Stop #1 Road Improvements, Burning Regime

The S.C. Tree Farm system held a Field Tour in Jasper County on November 2 at Bailey Mill Plantation. Owners Jim and Pam Porter planned out a tour that worked in conjunction with the S.C. Forestry Alliance convention in Hilton Head, and included representatives from the American Forest Foundation. The Porter's acquired this property six years ago, and have been actively planting pine trees in order to produce a sustainable harvest in the future. The Field Tour began with an introduction and safety talk, before attendees boarded two trolley cars to tour the property with six stopping points. Dry conditions and premium Fall weather made this day in the field extremely comfortable for all.

Stop # 6 Longleaf Pine planting with
Bob Franklin, Lisa Lord and Jim Porter

Welcome to Bailey Mill Plantation

Tour Stop Number One included two pine stands on either side of the road, approximate age of 16 years old and inherited from prior owners. After improving the road through this pine stand pine crowning and daylighting, they started two different regimes of controlled burns on each side of the road to vary the understory habitat. One acreage is only burned in winter, and one acreage is burned during growing seasons, and the visual difference between the two stands informs anyone that views it how a growing season burn keeps the understory more clear of woody vegetation. Often the implementation of fire to any landscape can produce different results, so a trial and error effort may be best, or in this case just do two separate prescriptions right next to each.

Stop # 5 Forester Wise Batten Jr. talks Clearcuts,
and replanting with ArborGen trees

Tour Stop Number Six highlighted a conversion of agricultural fields to a longleaf pine site, that was a parternship with the Longleaf Alliance. While the longleaf pines will not reach the mill as quickly as loblolly pines, it does produce the desired effect of habitat diversity on Bailey Mill which is what the owners desire. A large portion of the property has been placed under easement with the Lowcountry Land Trust, for protection in perpetuity. This Tree Farm will also be used for hunting by the family, and includes quail woods under guidance from biologist Travis Folk, and a significant hardwood drain that is home to waterfowl. The Field Tour wrapped up with lunch by Hawg Wild Barbecue under a tent, with a presentation by Dr. Barry Shiver about the financial analysis process for Tree Farm owners. The pillars of a certified Tree Farm are Wood, Water, Recreation and Wildlife.

To view past blog entries from the S.C. Tree Farm click on 2016 Field Tour - 2016 Lobby Day - 2014 Tree Farm Changes - 2012 District 12 Winner - 2010 Volunteer of the Year 

To view past blog entries from the Lowcountry Landowners Association click on 2022 - 2020 - 2019 - 2018 

To view past blog entries on landowner meetings click 2016 Kershaw County Landowners - 2016 Longleaf Alliance - 2014 Quail Habitat Workshop - 2011 Tri-County Forestry Association - ACE Basin - S.C. Prescribed Fire Council - Savannah River Preserve - Herbicide - Mayfield Garden Club