File:1980-1990 national program of research for forests and associated rangelands. - (1982) (20384961660).jpg

Title: 1980-1990 national program of research for forests and associated rangelands. --
Identifier: CAT86842972 (find matches)
Year: 1982 (1980s)
Authors: United States. Forest Service
Subjects: Forests and forestry Research United States; Rangelands Research United States
Publisher: (Washington, D. C. ?) : U. S. Dept. of Agriculture, Forest Service
Contributing Library: U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Agricultural Library
Digitizing Sponsor: U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Agricultural Library

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A technician removes circular bark samples to study bark beetle populations. (Photo courtesy of Texas A. & M. University.) Scope of Research The key to meeting the South's goals for goods and services from forests and rangelands lies in more inten- sive management and better utilization practices. Developing ways to achieve these two objectives and the need to foresee and provide acceptable solutions to attendant problems are the challenge to forestry research. Multiresource inventory, appraisal, and evaluation are vital to meeting future demands for forest goods and services. A constant check on supply of available resources is required along with predictions of future demands and changes in ownership pattern. And, because the forest land base is decreasing, we must develop ways to accommodate multiple uses in con- junction with increased timber production. Timber production per acre must be increased if the South is to satisfy future demands for forest goods and services. This translates into the culture of about 70 pine and hardwood species from forest establishment through harvest to reestablishment. While considerable research attention must be given to pine forests, we cannot meet overall land management and production goals without advancements in hardwood silviculture. Genetic improvement and economics are important elements of such hardwood timber management research. Insects and diseases will become more important as intensive management increases. While the southern pine beetle is the major pest in the region, it is by no means the only enemy. Other insects, diseases, and wildlife claim a sizable portion of the potential timber volume each year. Wildfire will become more costly as forest investments rise and plantations of genetically improved trees are established. The South is in the midst of a veritable industrial revolution, in the woods and mills, brought on by ris- ing costs, increased demands for wood products, and scarcity of labor. Changes in harvesting, processing, and marketing of forest products must continue, or the lack of suitable processes and equipment could be a major limiting factor in forestry advancement. Any use of forest lands has environmental impact- good and bad. As forest management intensifies in the South, protection and enhancement of site productivi- ty and air and water quality become even more impor- tant considerations. 29

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