Forests of the Ozarks largely contain elements of the deciduous forest farther east but transition into the great plains to the west and the southern pine forests to the south. The deciduous forests of the Ozarks are largely oak dominated, but within some areas there is a strong component of shortleaf pine. The latter species was more common in the presettlement forest than its current distribution. Although the topography is not dramatic and elevational differences are modest, local topographic relief plays an important primary role in controlling the composition of the vegetation and affects the disturbance regime because of the exposure of geologic parent material at different elevations and the importance of slope position and aspect. Southward into the Ouachita Mountains, shortleaf pine becomes increasing dominant. Restoration of pine forests and fire mediated disturbance regimes have become important throughout the Ozarks, especially in the northern portion of this physiographic province.