Western Gulf Forest Tree Improvement Program

The Western Gulf Forest Tree Improvement Program (WGFTIP) preserves and improves populations of loblolly, slash, longleaf, and shortleaf pine. We also work with a few plantation hardwood species.  

WGFTIP was established in 1969 and created a formal relationship with our tree improvement partners.  

The cooperative model allows our members within a local region to share workloads. This speeds up the tree improvement process and gives members access to the same improved genetics.  

Early program emphasis was on establishing the breeding populations of loblolly and slash pines with membership expanded to include forest industries and state organizations in Arkansas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Mississippi.  

Landowner impacts

Since the inception of the program in 1969: 

  • Site productivity on a good site increased from 5.75 to 7.50 tons per acre per year.  
  • Present value based on discounted cash flow from marginal increases in the growth of lumber and wood products between $5 and $10 per planted acre.  
  • Annual increase in marginal stumpage value increased from $2.5 to $5 million.  
  • Current marginal present value of $75 to $150 million added to the regional wood supply resource annually. 

Membership

Our members get access to current germplasm, data and publications, employee development opportunities, and research collaborations.  If you’re interested in joining our efforts, contact us directly at [email protected].

Our annual reports highlight our breeding, progeny testing, orchard establishment, and production activities as well as any pertinent forestry research conducted at Texas A&M University or by USDA Forest Service.   

2009 Annual Report  

2006 Annual Report  

2005 Annual Report  

2004 Annual Report  

2003 Annual Report  

2002 Annual Report  

2001 Annual Report  

2000 Annual Report  

1999 Annual Report  

1998 Annual Report  

Connect with us to learn more or to support sustainable forest growth.