from the station director

Welcome to the Southern Research Station's 2006 Forest Science in the South.  Our summary highlights key accomplishments and activities from this past fiscal year, October 1, 2005, through September 30, 2006.

This was a dynamic year for the Station!  We recently realigned our 28 research work units (RWUs) into 15 RWUs grouped under five science areas – forest values, uses and policies; natural resources inventory and monitoring; threats to forest health; forest watershed science; and forest ecosystem restoration and management.  These areas clearly define our core research strengths and allow us to focus on research relevant to current issues.  We feel these changes will enhance our mission “to create the science and technology needed to sustain and enhance southern forest ecosystems and the benefits they provide.”

Additionally, we have increased our focus on science delivery to ensure that our customers and non-traditional audiences will benefit from Station research.  Working with our partners, we will identify products that address sustainability issues and reflect mutual goals, ensuring the information is presented in user-friendly formats. Science delivery programs throughout the Southeast will feature innovative ways to strengthen our relationships with a variety of individuals and organizations.    We are committed to sharing and making available science you can use….

I hope you find our highlights informative and useful. Please feel free to contact us with questions or suggestions about any of the work that we do, or should be doing.

PETER J. ROUSSOPOULOS
Station Director