Research Highlights

Student mentored by Forest Service scientist receives honor for research poster

A student mentored by a Forest Service scientist earned the Best Undergraduate Poster Award for research showing that it is the extent of root symbiotic fungi, not root length, that determines nutrient uptake by tree roots. Station: NRS

Keeping oak forests in oak

Maintaining oaks in southeastern forests is desirable for economic and ecological reasons. Forest managers face many challenges as oak forests grow older and oaks are replaced by other tree species. Specific management to favor sustaining oak in U.S. forests while providing economic and ecological benefits are showing promise in addressing these concerns. Station: SRS

Wilderness areas contribute to economic health of rural communities

Forest Service scientists Tom Holmes and Eric White collaborated with Evan Hjerpe of the Conservation Economics Institute to estimate the economic benefits to rural communities that serve as gateways to U.S. wilderness areas. Their research shows that nearly 10 million people per year visit wilderness areas and spend about $500 million in adjacent communities. Annual visitor expenditures generate about 5,700 jobs, resulting in over $700 million in total economic output. Station: SRS

Improving prediction of future habitat distributions under climate change by combining multiple habitat suitability models

Future habitat distributions are usually forecast using a single model with a single response, such as tree species abundance. Combining multiple models, integrating multiple responses, and looking for consensus and average predictions results in more reliable assessment of future habitat suitability trends under climate warming. Station: NRS

Evaluating fire-damaged components of historic covered bridges

Arson continues to claim many historic covered bridges including the most recent one : Cedar Covered Bridge Station: FPL

Choices in the face of uncertainty: Study points to thresholds and framing as major influencing factors

This research, published in the journal Climatic Change, highlights human incentives for positive change in uncertain situations. The research shows that humans will take collective action to address a common problem if the problem, the amount of action needed to address the problem, and the potential consequences of not solving the problem are framed appropriately. Station: RMRS

Improved predictions of deforestation in Borneo

A collaborative team led by Forest Service research ecologist Samuel Cushman has produced a substantial breakthrough in advancing predictive modeling of drivers and patterns of deforestation. The method combines multi-scale optimization with machine-learning predictive modeling to identify the drivers of deforestation and map relative future deforestation risk. Station: RMRS