The number of longleaf pines is increasing across the Southeast, with some of the biggest improvements in Georgia, according to a new study from the U.S. Forest Service. Some 57 million acres of longleaf pine forest once stretched across the southeast from Virginia to Texas. But much of it was clear-cut for timber by the early 20th century. ecause longleaf pines rely on regular fires to thrive, many were lost to fire suppression, too, until only about 3 million acres remained. The new study found that the amount of longleaf pine forest has increased thanks to concerted restoration efforts. …But the species still has a long way to go: most new seedlings are planted, not naturally occurring. …Overall, the study found that while the total amount of longleaf pine is increasing, other forest types have less longleaf pine in them than previously.