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Experimental Forests & Ranges

Bonanza Creek EFR. A boardwalk into the wetlands region of the survey line fire. There are a number of research activities in this fire scar. Photographer: Brian Charlton. The USDA Forest Service’s system of Experimental Forests and Ranges provides an incredible wealth of records and knowledge of environmental change in natural and managed forest and rangeland ecosystems across the United States.
The present system of 80 Experimental Forests and Ranges has been established progressively since 1908; many sites are more than 50 years old. The system provides places for long-term science and management studies in major vegetation types of the 195 million acres of public land administered by the Forest Service. Individual sites range from 47 to 22,500 ha in size.

Symposia and Seminars

  • Celebrating 50 years of Ecosystem Research: Peatland Biogeochemistry and Watershed Hydrology at the Marcell Experimental Forest - June 23 to June 25, 2009
    Pdf 600 kb
  • Meeting current and future conservation challenges through synthesis of long-term silviculture and range management research workshop - September 30 to October 2, 2008
    Pdf 624 kb

Major Discoveries at Experimental Forests and Ranges

Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest (HBEF) was established in 1955 as a major center for hydrologic research in New England. The site is located within the boundaries of the White Mountain National Forest in central New Hampshire.
  • Recognition of acid rain based on long-term precipitation chemistry data at Hubbard Brook, New Hampshire.
  • Characterization of old-growth Douglas-fir forests and ecology of northern spotted owl sets the stage for conservation planning in the Pacific Northwest.
  • The science of forest hydrology derives from strong roots in long-term studies in experimental forests, especially Coweeta.
  • Forest and rangeland management systems build from foundation studies at many experimental properties.

Experimental Forests and Ranges Offer You:

Weir on Watershed 7, Coweeta Hydrologic Laboratory LTER Site.
  • Knowledge of forest and stream ecosystems,
  • Long-term records of climate, forest dynamics, hydrology, and other ecosystem components,
  • Information about long-term field experiments and opportunity to participate in them,
  • Access to a cadre of knowledgeable scientists,
  • Access to thousands of publications about natural resource management and ecosystem science.

Location: http://www.fs.fed.us/research/efr/index.shtml
Updated: October 3, 2008 10:36 AM

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