Virgin Pine, Shannon County.

Description. Beginning in the mid- to late-1930's Pioneer Cooperage Company began to cut the large shortleaf pine on its lands in this area of Shannon County. In 1940, before it was cut, Missouri's Highway Department purchased a 200-foot right-of-way along either side of Missouri Highway 19 from the cooperage company. It has become a highly visible and scenic area of large native shortleaf pine trees. On the deed given to the Highway Department, and later, on signs marking each end of this mile-long stretch, the place has been called Missouri's Virgin Pine Forest.

In 1993, Pioneer Forest called on Dr. Richard Guyette, dendrochronologist, University of Missouri-Columbia to visit the Ozarks to sample several areas of large, old trees. From his sampling of several of the large shortleaf pine trees here he estimated their average age of germination to be 1791. From Guyette's other work in Missouri we know shortleaf pine can continue to grow beyond 300 years.

Situated high on a ridge high above the Current River Valley, this small area and the more extensive pine forests which once surrounded it were home to the last recorded red-cockaded woodpecker in Missouri. According to information recorded at the time, five birds were last observed here in June of 1946 the same year logging began in the nearby pine forests.

In 1996 the L-A-D Foundation acquired 41 acres from the Highway Department placing it into permanent protection.

Directions to the Site. This area is located on Highway 19 south from Round Spring. Missouri Highway Department signs are located at either end and the best access to the area is midway along the one-mile route by turning east on a county gravel road. This turn is clearly marked by a Pioneer Forest sign and leads to a small parking area.