Proceedings of the 15th Biennial Southern Silvicultural Research Conference

The expansive network of experimental forests (EF) facilitated by the U.S. Forest Service (Forest Service) encompasses a fairly complete representation of the forest ecotypes in the nation. The network, 101 years old this year (2009), has provided researchers with a wealth of long-term data on silviculture, watershed protection, and restoration. However, our nation's needs and expectations have changed dramatically in the last 100 years. A number of structural, financial, and policy challenges must be overcome if the current EF model is to continue to exist. The Forest Service must consider how EFs fit the needs of the public in the 21st century.