Page 13 - Tree Line - North Carolina Forestry Association - Third Quarter 2020

and grow more merchantable tons of wood than are harvested.
Since his arrival, Miller has managed the timberlands with the same goal: “grow quality pine-saw timber in a reasonable rotation length and in an environmentally responsible manner.” As silvicultural practices evolved over the years, Miller has been able to utilize technology to ensure he meets this goal. He shared a few of the state-of-the-art silviculture practices he is implementing.
“We believe we can get the most value for the dollars spent by buying the best genetic material we can afford,” he said. By investing in advanced genetics, Miller is researching species that yield high-quality wood with a reduced rotation. Jordan
now plants 100% mass-control pollinated seedlings in order to verify the genetics
of parent trees. By collaborating with the NC State University Tree Improvement Cooperative, Miller is able to search and select for traits based on his needs.
What does he look for? “We are experimenting with crossing coastal and Piedmont families together,” he said. “We want a cold-hardy seedling, which also has the growth characteristics typically seen in the coastal families.”
Miller said he is already seeing results with his hybrids: “Looking ahead, nurseries are able to give landowners and forest managers a choice we have not had before.” He predicts that new genetics will be able
to reduce the first thinning to year 14, with the potential to see a nice saw timber tree for the mill at age 24.
Potential in Drone Technology
In recent years, Miller started dispatching drones to capture aerial images of the timber. Drone technology has provided accurate data on stocking levels in pine plantations, assessed stands for pre- commercial thinning, and completed stand inspections in a fraction of the time.
“Drones are an economical way to get
John Hatcher pictured with multiple generations of the Jordan family and employees of Jordan Lumber. (Front row, left to right: Vince Jordan, Robert Jordan, John Hatcher, Bob Jordan, Jack Jordan. Back row: Chip Miller, Bruce Evans.)
a good look at stands that you physically cannot walk through quick enough to get an accurate measurement,” Miller said. “That has been a great tool for us to utilize and I think it is saving us a lot of money to where we have a better handle and better view to make a better decision out there
in the field.” Miller is working with his team to provide training and licenses in order to include more drone technology
in future operations. He would also like to incorporate the use of satellite images and continue to find tech and tools to improve
The forestry department at Jordan Lumber & Supply (left to right): Retired Jordan forester Mickey Blake, Louis Norment, Scott Askew, David Gladden, Justin Morris, Deborah Efird, Bruce Evans, Matt Carpenter, Eddie Haywood, BJ Hill, David Curlee and Chip Miller.
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