NATIONAL GATHERING TO DISCUSS EXPERIMENTAL FORESTS
H.J. ANDREWS: OCTOBER 9, 2002
PORTLAND, Ore. October 9, 2002. The H.J. Andrews Experimental Forest is the
site of the first national workshop about the future of the Forest
Service's 240,000-plus acres of experimental forest and range lands.
About 70 research program managers and scientists from throughout
the United States and Puerto Rico are coming together October 22
to 24 to enhance research programs and applications of science findings
to societal needs.
The Andrews Experimental Forest, established in 1948, is a "living
laboratory" for innovative research. It is here where the early
work on old-growth forests and the northern spotted owl began. It
is also here where watershed studies produced findings to help protect
the Nation's water supply.
"There are more than 80 experimental forests and ranges throughout
the United States and Puerto Rico," explains Sarah Greene,
research coordinator and organizer of the national meeting. "The
first one was the Fort Valley Experimental Forest near Flagstaff,
Arizona. It was established in 1908, although the big push to establish
experimental forests was between 1931 and 1969."
"The forests, created for research, teaching, and demonstration,"
Greene continues, "are some of the only places in the National
Forest System where research plots can be protected for the long
term--ensuring a continuous flow of long-term data--the only way
to really begin to understand environmental trends."
Field Tour Information
A field trip in the Andrews Experimental Forest for science writers
and reporters is scheduled for the day before the national meeting
opens to showcase the type of research that often occurs in an experimental
forest. The Andrews Experimental Forest covers 15,000 acres. It
is located in Oregon's Willamette National Forest.
Come join scientists on a field trip, Monday, October 21, in the
Andrews Experimental Forest to see and learn about some of the new
· Watershed studies that are helping alter management to
protect the Nation's water supply. A data network made up of information
from experimental forests across the country is being used to assess
the impacts of climate change and management on our water.
· Long-term studies on how forests develop are providing
knowledge to managers about how to alter management practices to
help foster and speed the development of traits found in older forests
into new forests.
The field tour begins at 12 p.m. and will conclude at 3 p.m. Wear
rain gear, wear boots or tennis shoes, and bring a sack lunch. The
average temperature in October is 47 degrees, with a high of 65
and a low of 35.
Please let us know if you will be joining the tour. Contact Sherri
Richardson-Dodge at 503.808.2137. Contact phone number on day of
the tour is 541.822.6303 or 6300.
Shuttle to the site:
A shuttle van is leaving the Corvallis Forestry Sciences Laboratory
for the Andrews Experimental Forest the day of the tour. Ask Richardson-Dodge
Driving directions to the Andrews:
The forest is about a 1-hour drive east of Eugene, Oregon. About
3 miles east of the town of Blue River on Oregon Highway 126, turn
left (north) onto Forest Service (FS) road 15. Drive about 4.5 miles
on road 15 and turn right (east) onto FS road 130. Bear right at
the Y in the road (about 0.5 miles) onto FS road 132. See sign for
the H.J. Andrews Experimental Forest. Follow the road to the headquarters
building and parking lot.
For more information about the H.J. Andrews Experimental Forest,
go to http://www.fsl.orst.edu/lter.
About the H.J. Andrews Experimental Forest
The H.J. Andrews Experimental Forest is a leader in the analysis
of forest and stream ecosystem dynamics and is a part of the National
Science Foundation Long Term Ecological Research Program. Nestled
in the central Cascade Range of Oregon, the Andrews Experimental
Forest is a living laboratory that provides unparalleled opportunities
for the study of forest and stream ecosystems. Long-term field experiments
and measurement programs focus on old and young forests, floods,
fire, landslides, and other forest disturbances. Research also includes
the role of forests in carbon sequestration, water quality, and
related themes. The USDA Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research
Station; Oregon State University; and the Willamette National Forest
cooperatively administer the Andrews Experimental Forest. Funding
comes from the National Science Foundation, Pacific Northwest Research
Station, Oregon State University, and other sources.