Jonathan Dingler
Journal Correspondent

• Nacogdoches TX

A spring hailstorm swept through northern Panola County in late March leaving a path of destruction full of downed limbs and dented hoods. The biggest casualty, however, just might be the thousands of acres of timberland killed by the storm.

An estimated 30,000 acres of southern pine was killed or severely damaged by the March 31st storm. Initial fears by landowners have been confirmed in recent weeks as the remaining foliage on the trees faded from lush green to crispy brown.

According to Phil Gates, District Forester with the Texas Forest Service, hailstones kill the trees by stripping them of leaves and buds as well as severely damaging the cambium layer of the tree. This diminishes the trees' ability to produce and transport food and water, which causes the tree to die essentially from starvation and dehydration.

This can cause timber mortality anytime a hailstorm strikes, but it is particularly deadly in a dry season, which is what east Texas is currently experiencing. According to Gates, Panola County received 3.5 inches of rain in April, and only a half inch in the month of May. This is substantially below what would be expected in an average spring.

With the one, two punch dealt by Mother Nature, Panola County timberland owners are now left with the decision to salvage. Gates noted that depreciation begins fairly quickly in situation like this. A dry log weighs less at the mill, and therefore brings a lower value. Also if the timber is left standing, it can succumb to insect and fungus damage.

On the positive side, Dr. Linda Wang, tax analyst and economist for Texas Forest Service, indicates that the damaged timber is considered a "casualty loss" and may allow timberland owners to claim a deduction on their federal income tax return.

Information on what actions should be taken by landowners can be obtained by contacting the Carthage office of the Texas Forest service at 903-693-6865.

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