Forest Restoration and Management

The population in the South is growing and changing, as is the climate. Forests are also changing, requiring new tools and technologies. At the Center for Forest Restoration and Management (CFRM), we study all aspects of forest ecosystems – tree physiology, silviculture, wildlife biology, timber harvest operations, and more. We provide knowledge and tools for preserving and enhancing the economic, ecological, and societal benefits that forest ecosystems provide.  

Six Research Work Units (RWU) make up this Center:  

• Center for Bottomland Hardwoods Research (RWU-4155). Providing the scientific basis for managing bottomland hardwoods and wetland ecosystems.  
• Upland Hardwood Ecology and Management (RWU-4157). Understanding how natural disturbances and silviculture affect upland hardwood forests and wildlife.  
• Forest Operations Research (RWU-4703). Improving the systems used for timber harvests, mechanical fuel treatments, biomass recovery, and other operations.  
• Restoring and Managing Longleaf Pine Ecosystems (RWU-4158). Understanding longleaf pine physiology, fire response, and improving management strategies.  
• Southern Pine Ecology and Management (RWU-4159). Developing new knowledge and refining silvicultural practices for loblolly, shortleaf, and other southern pine ecosystems.  
• Utilization of Southern Forest Resources (RWU-4704). Applying materials science and engineering principles to forest management.