Southern Research Station

1. Southern Research Station 200 W.T. Weaver Blvd. Asheville, NC 28804 828-257-4832 http://www.srs.fs.usda.gov/ May 21, 2013 USDA Forest Service  Research and Development  Southern Research Station

2. Who we are: • The Southern Research Station (SRS) is part of the U.S. Forest Service R&D division. • SRS is one of 7 Research Stations. Others are: • Northern Research Station • Pacific Northwest Research Station • Pacific Southwest Research Station • Rocky Mountain Research Station • Forest Products Laboratory • International Institute of Tropical Forestry USDA Forest Service  Research and Development  Southern Research Station

3. MISSION SRS creates and delivers science and technology that sustains forest ecosystems and the benefits these ecosystems provide. Supporting the Station’s mission are 16 research work units and 19 Experimental forests. USDA Forest Service  Research and Development  Southern Research Station

4. Southern Forest Facts Forests occupy about half of the South’s 545 million acres. These 263 million acres of forests are complex eco-systems, vary in their characteristics, and provide many benefits. • Approximately 88 % of the region’s forest is privately owned. USDA Forest Service  Research and Development  Southern Research Station

5. Southern Forest Facts The southern U.S. is the nation’s “woodbasket,” producing more than half of all forest products. Forest industry ranks as one of the top three manufacturers in 10 of the 13 Southern States. Non-timber or special forest products contribute about 1 Billion dollars to the region’s economy. USDA Forest Service  Research and Development  Southern Research Station

6. Research/Partners The work of the SRS focuses on research areas of concern that are most immediate to today’s forested land. USDA Forest Service  Research and Development  Southern Research Station

7. Science Topics The Station’s 106 scientists do research on: Forest Health & Conditions Ecosystems & Landscapes Fish & Wildlife Resource Management Forest Inventory and Analysis Forest & People USDA Forest Service  Research and Development  Southern Research Station

8. For the County Planner, Landowners and Wildland Fire Managers Forest Health & Conditions: Forests are constantly responding to disturbances, such as: Changing weather patterns Fire Urbanization Recreation Invasive species Disease USDA Forest Service  Research and Development  Southern Research Station

9. For the Watershed Managers, Scientists, and Business Community, Ecosystems & Landscapes: Recent land use developments due to recreational preferences and community growth impact the size of the forest and the environmental quality within and around the forest ecosystem. Our focus areas include: Water, Air, & Soil Landscape Ecology Plant Ecology USDA Forest Service  Research and Development  Southern Research Station

10. For Policy Officials, Environmentally Conscious Citizen, Forest Managers Fish and Wildlife: To ensure the forest continues to be an integral and productive part of our nation’s resources the SRS is committed to addressing some of the most complex problems facing wildlife and aquatic life in our forests. USDA Forest Service  Research and Development  Southern Research Station

11. Fish • Cold Water • CATT • Warm Water • Fish • Crayfish • Mussels • Amphibians USDA Forest Service  Research and Development  Southern Research Station

12. Wildlife • Bats • Deer / Coyote • Migratory songbirds • RCW (endangered) • Gopher Tortoise • Snakes • Herps / Amphibians USDA Forest Service  Research and Development  Southern Research Station

13. For Policy Officials and the Environmentally Conscious Citizen, Scientists, Landowners, and Land Managers Resource Management :The environmental benefits provided by forests and grasslands are essential to our society. Forests and grasslands purify air and water, prevent soil erosion, and provide vital wildlife habitat. The aesthetic benefits of intact forests and grasslands also contribute to human health and happiness. USDA Forest Service  Research and Development  Southern Research Station

14. Resource Management ************************************************* Restoration Thinning Prescribed Fire Ecosystem Services Longleaf / Shortleaf /Loblolly Upland Hardwoods Bottomland Hardwoods USDA Forest Service  Research and Development  Southern Research Station

15. For Policy Officials, Business Community, Land Managers Forest Inventory and Analysis: In partnership with the States the Station’s scientists and technicians expand the data, analysis, and tools the Nation’s resource managers and landowners need to identify trends, impacts, and threats of fire, insects, disease and other naturally occurring processes within the forest ecosystem. USDA Forest Service  Research and Development  Southern Research Station

16. For Policy Officials, Environmentally Conscious Citizen, Landowners , Land Managers Forests and People: The Station produces the science and technology that natural resource managers use to ensure our forests can continue to offer quality outdoor experiences for today’s communities and future generations. USDA Forest Service  Research and Development  Southern Research Station