Our research will lead to strategies, systems, and tools used to effectively and efficiently manage Appalachian forests for a variety of benefits and uses, and addresses issues of local, regional, national, and international scales. We partner with other federal, state and local governments, policymakers, forest product and energy industries, private investors, forest managers, consultants, landowners, conservation and environmental organizations, trade associations, educators, and scientists.

The forests of the United States are influenced by many factors, including changes in land use patterns and ownerships, climates, markets, and the globalization of economies. Scientific information is needed to sustainably manage these ecosystems, particularly the diverse and economically valuable forests of the Appalachian region.

Ecosystem Structure and Processes

Discover and disseminate knowledge of forest management, silviculture, forest product economies and markets, and efficient resource utilization. Deliver tools and recommendations to enable partners and customers to better sustain forests for a variety of outcomes, products, and uses.

Ecosystem Responses to Disturbance

There is a strong need to predict the effects of an ever-growing suite of disturbances on ecosystem processes and properties.

Forest Products

The heavily forested Appalachian region provides important recreational uses, ecosystem services, emerging energy sources (fossil, wood, and biofuels) and traditional forest products.

Markets & Globalization

The effects of globalization on the hardwood product manufacturing industry are wide-ranging and dynamic. Nearly 60 percent of wood furniture sold in the United States is now imported from overseas.