bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Establishing a Research and Demonstration Area Initiated by Managers: The Sharkey Restoration Research and Demonstration Site
Authors: Gardiner Emile , Stanturf John , Leininger Theodor , Hamel Paul , Dorris Lamar , Portwood Jeffery , Shepard James 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
As forest scientists increase their role in the process of science delivery, many research organizations are searching for novel methods to effectively build collaboration with managers to produce valued results. This article documents our experience with establishment of a forest restoration research and demonstration area in the Lower Mississippi Alluvial Valley (LMAV), a region that has experienced extensive afforestation of former agricultural land over the past 15 years. Although basic establishment techniques for production plantations had been developed and applied on small areas, land managers lacked critical knowledge to implement operational-scale afforestation practices that would accommodate multiple forest restoration objectives. In 1993, managers with the US Fish and Wildlife Service made a 1,700-ac agricultural tract available to scientists interested in partnering research and demonstrating various aspects of bottomland hardwood ecosystem restoration. Through collaborative efforts, resource managers and scientists have installed numerous experiments on the Sharkey Restoration Research and Demonstration Site to address relevant issues in afforestation and restoration of bottomland hardwood ecosystems. Development of this research and demonstration area has provided a science-based resource for educating landowners, foresters, wildlife managers, and the general public on afforestation techniques appropriate for restoration of bottomland hardwood forests; has served as a platform for scientists and land managers to cooperate on the development of innovative approaches to forest restoration; and has provided a venue for education and debate among policymakers active in the LMAV. Early results showed the viability of low-cost techniques such as direct seeding oaks, as well as introducing the interplanting technique for rapid development of forest conditions. We recognize that the value of the research and demonstration site is attributed in part to site characteristics and experimental design, and expect continued work at the location to contribute to improved afforestation practices that will foster establishment of sustainable bottomland hardwood forests.
A Tale of Two Forests: Case Study Comparisons of Sustained Yield Management on Mississippi and New York Nonindustrial Private Forestland
Authors: Munsell John F. , Germain René H. , Munn Ian A. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Nonindustrial private forestland (NIPF) is increasingly important in the United States from a timber perspective. Harvested volumes have risen steadily since the 1970s and are not expected to decelerate. Sustaining the potential to meet future demand depends in large part on the management of stand density and changes in stand diameter when thinning, the quality of residual stocking, and regeneration practices after a final harvest. Previous research shows that these aspects vary on NIPF, but little is known about how they differ across forest management contexts and owner types. Field surveys on recently harvested loblolly plantations in Mississippi and northern hardwood stands in New York were performed and interviews with the owners of these forests were conducted. Data were used to assess whether density and diameter management, residual stocking quality, and regeneration practices more strongly relate to the state where the harvesting occurred or the characteristics of the owner. Results suggest that outcomes differ more based on context than owner. The implications for sustaining high-quality timber yields from NIPF are also discussed.
Empowering Forestry Extension with Geospatial Technology
Authors: Fei Songlin , Thomas William , Stringer Jeffrey 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Although geospatial technology has become an essential tool in forestry, it has not been widely applied in forestry extension and continuing education. Geospatial technology can be used to enhance our understanding of extension audiences and improve our ability to strategically plan education and training programs. In this article, we used the University of Kentucky's Cooperative Extension forestry program as an example to illustrate how geospatial technology can assist program planning, monitor and predict trends, identify service gaps, improve information dissemination, and foresee extension opportunities.
Forest Policy Reform in Brazil
Authors: Bauch Simone , Sills Erin , Rodriguez Luiz Carlos Estraviz , McGinley Kathleen , Cubbage Frederick 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Rapid deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon, caused by economic, social, and policy factors, has focused global and national attention on protecting this valuable forest resource. In response, Brazil reformed its federal forest laws in 2006, creating new regulatory, development, and incentive policy instruments and institutions. Federal forestry responsibilities are maintained within the ministry of the environment; its regulatory agency responsibilities are divided among three different branches of the agency; many powers are delegated to states and municipalities; and a new private concession system is being developed. These reforms offer promise to improve forest protection and management in Brazil but must overcome significant institutional and social resistance for success.
Challenges to Educating the Next Generation of Wildland Fire Professionals in the United States
Authors: Kobziar Leda N. , Rocca Monique E. , Dicus Christopher A. , Hoffman Chad , Sugihara Neil , Thode Andrea E. , Varner J. Morgan , Morgan Penelope 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Over the last 20 years, the duties of US fire professionals have become more complex and risk laden because of fuel load accumulation, climate change, and the increasing wildland-urban interface. Incorporation of fire use and ecological principles into fire management policies has further expanded the range of expertise and knowledge required of fire professionals. The educational and training systems that produce these professionals, however, have been slow to organize an updated and coordinated approach to preparing future practitioners. Consequently, aspiring fire professionals face numerous challenges related to scheduling conflicts, limited higher education programs in fire science, lack of coordination between fire training and higher education entities, and the overall difficulty of obtaining education and training without sacrificing experience. Here, we address these and other challenges with potential solutions and outline the first steps toward their implementation. We organize the necessary aspects of professional fire preparation into a representative model: a fire professional development triangle comprised of education, training, and experience. For each of these aspects, we suggest changes that can be made by employers, educators, and nongovernmental organizations to provide a more streamlined mechanism for preparing the next generation of wildland fire professionals in the United States.
Outdoor Recreation Research and Education for the 21st Century: Defining National Direction and Building Capacity
Authors: Selin Steve , Hunt Fen , Blanche Catalino , Thompson Katherine 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Outdoor recreation has emerged as an important way in which forests contribute to national public health and prosperity. This article builds a case for strengthening science and education-based programs to address outdoor recreation management challenges and train the next generation of natural resource leaders. We describe a national-level effort to develop a 5-year strategic plan for outdoor recreation research and education. Outcomes from this strategic plan are elaborated and a call to action is issued. The forestry community needs to seize this political opportunity to bring about real change on the ground—change that builds a healthier and more prosperous America.
Are Family Forest Owners Facing a Future In Which Forest Management Is Not Enough?
Authors: D'Amato Anthony W. , Catanzaro Paul F. , Damery David T. , Kittredge David B. , Ferrare Kristina A. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Family forests represent the largest proportion of forestland within the United States; however, the processes of forest conversion, fragmentation, and parcelization are drastically impeding the ability to manage these lands and maintain the benefits they provide. One factor suggested as driving this trend is the inability of landowners to meet the property tax burden on their land. We evaluated the effectiveness of three tools commonly suggested for meeting the financial demands of property taxes: (1) use of economic returns from timber management, (2) enrollment in a current-use tax program, and (3) sale of a conservation easement, within a rural watershed in western Massachusetts. Our results indicate that revenue from timber management is insufficient at covering property taxes and that application of measures such as the sale of conservation easements will be critical in maintaining the viability of forest ownership in areas of rising land values and property taxes.
Fire Burners to Firefighters: The Nez Perce and Fire
Authors: Carroll Matthew S. , Cohn Patricia J. , Paveglio Travis B. , Drader Donna R. , Jakes Pamela J. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
This article presents results from an interview-based case study examining burning practices of the Nez Perce tribe in the Inland Northwest in both their contemporary and historical policy context. Despite the lack of a prominent fire tradition, our interviews uncovered a legacy of knowledge and cultural traditions linked to fire and a variety of contemporary fire practices on the reservation performed by land-management professionals and individual tribal members. Many of these practices, particularly those involving broadcast burning, have diminished over the years. We examine the reasons for this and the potentials for mitigating some of the practical and policy constraints to such burning. We conclude that the nontribal community still has much to learn about fire from those who have lived in fire-adapted landscapes longer than anyone else.
The Unknown Trajectory of Forest Restoration: A Call for Ecosystem Monitoring
Authors: DeLuca Thomas H. , Aplet Gregory H. , Wilmer Bo , Burchfield James 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Restoration of forest ecosystems is a common objective of land managers throughout the western United States. Unfortunately, limited federal funding and a lack of specific enforcement of existing regulations has resulted in a lack of effectiveness monitoring (monitoring that provides information on the successes and impacts of the activity or project) after forest restoration activities on federal lands, thus inhibiting learning about, and improving the success of, restoration efforts. Monitoring could potentially be conducted on limited federal budgets through use of (1) multiparty teams composed of volunteers on a portion of restoration sites, (2) a statistical sampling strategy on a limited set of sites for intensive monitoring by federal monitoring teams, and (3) remote sensing to monitor a select set of variables across a broad portion of the affected landscape.
Combining Ecological Classification Systems and Conservation Filters Could Facilitate the Integration of Wildlife and Forest Management
Authors: Zenner Eric K. , Peck JeriLynn E. , Brubaker Kristen , Gamble Benjamin , Gilbert Carrie , Heggenstaller Daniel , Hickey Jeanne , Sitch Kelly , Withington Robbie 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Ecosystem management demands simultaneous consideration and integration of ecosystem services in monitoring, planning, and management activities, but specialization has led to independently developed traditions in wildlife biology and management and forestry. We drew on the literature to explore the use of filters in wildlife conservation and ecological classification systems in forest management and to ask the question, “Can combining these tools improve our integration of wildlife and forest management?” Although each tool has been successfully applied independently, relatively few examples still exist for their combined use. We conclude that this approach has potential for enhancing research, monitoring, and management in areas beyond wildlife management, including forest health.
Wikipedia as a Tool for Forestry Outreach
Authors: Radtke Philip J. , Munsell John F. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
The goals of this work were to examine how the online, collaborative encyclopedia Wikipedia presents information related to forest management and the profession of forestry and to explore its potential as a vehicle for widespread public outreach, interaction, and communication regarding these topics. Issues concerning the accuracy of Wikipedia content were reviewed, and a survey of Wikipedia content related to forestry was performed, along with a project enlisting college students to generate content on Wikipedia related to forest measurements coursework. Forestry-related Wikipedia articles generated over one-half million page views during 1 month in 2008, with nearly 6,000 views of 25 student-generated pages. In the 18 months since they were first uploaded, student-generated articles were edited 784 times by 132 separate contributors. Developing new content, editing, and revision are essential parts of the Wikipedia collaborative model. As such, significant opportunities exist for individuals or groups of students, professionals, experts, and nonexperts alike to contribute collaboratively to forestry-related articles that will be viewed by relatively large audiences of the online public on Wikipedia.
Organizational Learning and the Fate of Adaptive Management in the US Forest Service
Authors: Brown Gregory G. , Squirrell Trevor 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Learning is a fundamental driver and product of adaptive management. We measured organizational learning attributes in a survey of US Forest Service employees in 2008 to assess the agency learning environment by organizational hierarchy and work unit in the agency and to benchmark the US Forest Service against other external organizations. We found that positive organizational learning attributes are unevenly distributed throughout the agency's work units and hierarchy. US Forest Service managers experience a stronger learning environment than staff, and work units in the National Forest System have significantly weaker learning environments than research stations and state and private forestry. Furthermore, US Forest Service learning attributes fall below the median compared with external benchmark scores. We offer some general suggestions for improving the learning environment in the agency but we are not optimistic about adaptive management implementation without further development of the basic building blocks of learning in the US Forest Service.
Challenges to Sawmill Businesses in New England and New York State: A Survey of Wood Procurement Managers
Authors: Egan Andrew F. , Morin Louis J. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Forests and large population centers dominate the landscape of New England (NE) and New York. We investigated factors that may impact the ability of sawmill procurement organizations in the region to obtain wood raw material by surveying mill procurement managers in the region. We found that, although symptoms of population pressures, such as decreasing size of forest parcels and terminal harvesting due to land-use change, were important constraints for many mills and appeared to be increasingly problematic, other factors, such as energy costs, appeared to present far greater challenges to most mills. Results have implications for both near- and long-term procurement strategies and may be relevant to forest products businesses nationwide.
Workshop Approach for Developing Climate Change Adaptation Strategies and Actions for Natural Resource Management Agencies in the United States
Authors: Halofsky Jessica E. , Peterson David L. , Furniss Michael J. , Joyce Linda A. , Millar Constance I. , Neilson Ronald P. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Concrete ways to adapt to climate change are needed to help land-management agencies take steps to incorporate climate change into management and take advantage of opportunities to balance the negative effects of climate change. Because the development of adaptation tools and strategies is at an early stage, it is important that ideas and strategies are disseminated quickly to advance thinking and practice. Here, we offer an example of a successful workshop, focused on National Forests in the United States, which allowed quick dissemination of ideas and strategies for climate change adaptation in resource management through an interaction between scientists and managers. We share both the process used in the workshop and the outcome of facilitated dialogue at the workshop. By presenting concrete adaptation methods and showing the value of a focused scientist–manager dialogue, we hope to motivate the US Forest Service and other natural resource agencies to emulate our approach and begin the process of adapting to climate change.
A Functional Approach to Riparian Area Delineation Using Geospatial Methods
Authors: Holmes Kathryn L. , Goebel P. Charles 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Riparian areas are diverse ecotones that provide numerous, valuable ecosystem functions. However, many riparian delineation methods use a fixed minimum width to create a riparian buffer or setback that may not adequately protect actual riparian function. A method for riparian area delineation across landscapes is presented that incorporates riparian function and moves beyond the fixed-width buffer approach. Using geospatial data and tools, riparian areas were delineated functionally for the Cuyahoga Valley National Park in northeastern Ohio and compared to fixed-width buffers in terms of extent and protection of riparian function. We suggest that functional riparian area delineation be incorporated into watershed management planning to improve protection and restoration of the valuable ecological functions provided by riparian areas across landscapes.
New Choices and Challenges for Regulated Private Forests: The “Alternate Plan” Option
Authors: Gootee Roje S. , Blatner Keith A. , Carroll Matthew S. , Baumgartner David M. , Weber Edward P. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
The state of Washington has developed a policy instrument that substantially amends traditional “top-down” private forest regulation. Called the “Alternate Plan” option, it gives landowners unusual new flexibility in designing forest management projects for their property. Projects may depart from any of the state's established Forest Practices Rules, if the property owner can satisfactorily show that a customized proposal would provide equivalent environmental protection. The state provides a prompt review and decision and then supervises project implementation and monitors compliance with the approved project specifications. We interviewed 109 stakeholders involved in the design, use, and implementation of this innovative program. From this data we evaluate the functional advantages and challenges inherent in this new regulatory approach, suggest modifications to improve its effectiveness, and discuss policymaking implications.
LiDAR as a Tool to Characterize Wildlife Habitat: California Spotted Owl Nesting Habitat as an Example
Authors: García-Feced Celia , Tempel Douglas J. , Kelly Maggi 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
We show the use of an emerging technology, airborne light detection and ranging (LiDAR), to assess forest wildlife habitat by showing how it can improve the characterization of California spotted owl (Strix occidentalis occidentalis) nesting habitat. Large residual trees are important elements for many wildlife species and often, apparently, facilitate selection of habitat by spotted owls. However, we currently lack the ability to identify such trees over large spatial scales. We acquired multiple-return, high-resolution LiDAR data for a 107.1-km2 area in the central Sierra Nevada, California. We surveyed for spotted owls within this area during 2007–2009 and located four nest trees. We then used the LiDAR data to measure the number, density, and pattern of residual trees (≥90-cm dbh) and to estimate canopy cover within 200 m of four nest trees. Nest trees were surrounded by large numbers of residual trees and high canopy cover. We believe that LiDAR would greatly benefit forest managers and scientists in the assessment of wildlife– habitat relationships and conservation of important wildlife species.
Human Dimensions / Recreation and Ecotourism
Authors: Billingham Rachel , Daniel Marissa Jo , Aguilar Francisco , Stelzer Hank , Robertson Guy , Asah Stanley , King Michelle , Gupta Angela , Grant Samatha , Jones Christopher , Lenart Melanie , Tholen Richard , Whelan William , Oswald Tina , Rideout-Hanzak Sandra , Randler Paula , Pendris Darrel , Mittlefehldt Sarah , Harding James , Lyons Patrick , Leahy Jessica , Silka Linda , Lindenfeld Laura , Gorczyca Erika , Leahy Jessica , Wilson Jeremy , Bell Kathleen , Mercier Wilfred , Selin Steven , Blankenbaker Gene , Aguilar Francisco , Burns Robert , Graefe Alan , Schuett Michael , Lu Jiaying , Poudyal Neelam , Green Gary , Stein Taylor , Dahl Christopher , Mehlhorn Sandy , Smartt Philip , Mehlhorn Joey , Leahy Jessica , Willand Martha , Petit Bryan 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
8With the current state of the economy and the budget woes found in everyone's workplace, every extra dollar we can use to offset the cost of projects counts—and what if those extra dollars came with public relations opportunities at no cost to you? For the last several years, the Pennsylvania Bureau of Forestry has cultivated relationships with a variety of non-traditional partners. These relationships have not only provided additional funds for tree planting projects through our TreeVitalize program, but have also provided fantastic public relations exposure and access to new audiences. Come hear how we used a “win-win” approach with our new partners and be inspired to try some of these ideas in your “neck of the woods.”