Conserve and Enhance Special Forest Products

Non-timber or special forest products (SFP) are a relatively unknown aspect of forest management. Many SFP, such as various berries, mushrooms, ramps (wild onions), fern fiddleheads, and ginseng, are derived from the herbaceous component of forest understories. Other SFPs come from other parts of various tree species—such as birch (bark for basketry), maple (sap for syrup making), fir (boughs for Christmas decorations), and witch hazel (twigs for medicinal/cosmetic purposes). Even less information exists on the people who gather SFP, the methods they use, their reasons for gathering, and the actual uses of products. Although most Forest Service SFP research is concentrated in the Pacific Northwest and is largely biological in its focus, the NRS has been doing research on SFPs in the Northeast and Midwest and on the extensive informal ecological knowledge possessed by gatherers in these areas.

Research Studies

Biofuels, Bioenergy, and Bioproducts from Short Rotation Woody Crops
We are testing the genetics, physiology, and silviculture of poplar crops. Specific areas of interest include quantitative genetic analyses of biomass, rooting, and other important traits from hundreds of genotypes grown throughout the North Central United States, as well as analyses of tree growth regulating mechanisms in the face of varying environments and changing climate. Our silviculture research includes a range of studies from vegetation management to yield trials.

Special forest products
Information exists on the people who gather SFP, the methods they use, their reasons for gathering, and the actual uses of products. Although most Forest Service SFP research is concentrated in the Pacific Northwest and is largely biological in its focus, the NRS has been doing research on SFPs in the Northeast and Midwest and on the extensive informal ecological knowledge possessed by gatherers in these areas.