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4. Ecological and Economic Sustainability of the Appalachian Forest in an Era of Globalization
5. Ecosystem Responses to Disturbance

Ecological and Economic Sustainability of the Appalachian Forest in an Era of Globalization

Research Focus

The region's forests have been shaped by past exploitative harvesting, contrasting fire regimes, dramatic changes in the wildlife community, periods of herbivory, persistent acidic deposition for the past 75 years, and a century of impact by non-native forest insects and diseases. Climate change is a relatively new stressor, and the impacts, which could be profound, are only beginning to be identified and incorporated into management decisions. Nonetheless, the region's forests remain productive, provide essential ecosystem services, support a thriving tourism industry, and provide the raw materials for the important forest products industry.

Selected Research Summaries

• The DREAM Project - Desired Regeneration through Assisted Migration
• Air Pollution and Sustainable Forest Ecosystems
• Understanding and Using Prescribed Fire
• Sediment Delivery and Best Management Practices
• Understanding Effects of Oil and Natural Gas Development

 

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