Research

Wildfires are destructive forces, but they can occur naturally. Because of this, certain plants and animals have evolved to depend on periodic wildfires for ecological balance. Prescribed burns can mimic the benefits of wildfires while also lowering the risks associated with larger, uncontrolled fires. READ THE STORY AT NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC

A recent paper examined the role that plantation forestry has on fire severity, and compared this to the relative importance of other variables known to drive fire severity (topography, weather, and fuels). This is important research because a frequent assertion made is that intensively managed forests, characterized by densely planted, even-aged young trees, are less… Continue reading Intensive Forest Management Increases Fire Severity

Logging in national forests is increasing. National Forests are legally required to balance five uses: recreation, timber, range, wildlife, and water. Recreation generates far more income than timber harvests in national forests. READ THE STORY AT BLUE RIDGE OUTDOORS

Evidence from 36 years of data following experimental clear-cut logging at Coweeta Hydrologic Laboratory, N.C., suggests that forest disturbance in the southern Appalachian mountains can cause elevation of nitrogen in streamflow. These elevated nitrogen levels can last decades or perhaps longer. READ THE USFS STUDY