F

FIREBREAK - Any nonflammable barrier used to slow or stop fires. Several types of firebreaks are mineral soil barriers; barriers of green, slow-burning vegetation; and mechanically cleared areas.

FLASHBOARD RISER - A versatile water control device used in the coastal plain to manage water movement. Water levels are physically altered to control fire and maintain beneficial soil characteristics to reduce soil oxidation and soil damage caused by heavy equipment.

FLAT or STRAIGHT PLANTING - Planting trees directly into the ground without beds or, in some cases, without first moving logging debris.

FORAGE - Vegetation such as leaves, stems, buds, and some types of bark, that can be eaten for food and energy.

FORB(ES) - Any herb other than grass.

FOREST DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM (FDP) - A state- and industry-funded cost-sharing program administered by the North Carolina Division of Forest Resources. The program pays landowners for approved tree site preparation and planting activities.

FOREST MANAGEMENT - (a) Proper care and control of wooded land to maintain health, vigor, product flow, and other values (soil condition, water quality, wildlife preservation, and beauty) in order to accomplish specific objectives. (b) The practical application of scientific, economic, and social principles to forest property.

FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN - Written guidelines for current and future management practices recommended to meet an owner's objectives.

FOREST STEWARDSHIP PLAN - A written document listing activities that enhance or improve forest resources (wildlife, timber, soil, water, recreation, and aesthetics) on private land over a 5-year period.

FOREST STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM - A cooperative, technical-assistance program designed to encourage multiple resource management on private forestland. Emphasis is placed on preharvest planning to enhance and protect forest-based resources. Authorized under the 1990 Farm Bill, the program is based on national guidelines but is set by individual states.

FOREST TYPE - Groups of tree species commonly growing in the same stand because their environmental requirements are similar. North Carolina examples include pine and mixed hardwood; cypress, tupelo, and black gum; and oak and hickory.

FORESTRY - The science, art, and practice of managing and using trees, forests, and their associated resources for human benefit.

FORESTRY INCENTIVES PROGRAM (FIP) - A federally funded cost-sharing program of the Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service (ASCS). FIP provides payments to landowners who complete certain approved forest management practices, including site preparation, tree planting, and timber stand improvement (TSI).

FUEL LOADING - A buildup of fuels, especially easily ignited, fast-burning fuels such as pinestraw.

FUSIFORM RUST - A disease resulting in a canker or swollen area on the limbs or trunks of pine trees from orange spores produced by infected oak leaves. Fusiform rust degrades stem quality and tree value, often leading to breakage, disfigurement, and eventual death of the tree.

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