These and many other studies have provided the information needed to convert a region of decimated forests to one where forestry is of leading economic importance. It is the site of numerous long-term studies such as a longleaf pine planting spacing, prescribed burning, pruning, and thinning regime study that is now nearly 60 years old. It also serves as the area for plantings of shorter term studies evaluating seedling physiology. At this tract, studies are underway to evaluate the effects of global climate change on forest productivity and to devise management strategies to reduce such effects. These studies require very intensive measurements of tree and stand morphology and physiology and involve cooperative efforts with organizations and agencies outside the Forest Service.
Lodging is available for cooperating scientists, graduate students, and summer interns.
This research effort involves using some of the most modern and sophisticated equipment available to plant science. The Longleaf Tract, about 35 miles south of Alexandria, Louisiana, off highway US-165 near Glenmora, has been the site of some of the most intensive multiresource research in the South. Since the mid-1940's, the interactions of cattle grazing, wildlife management and timber production have been studied. This effort has provided the information necessary to allow integration of grazing, wildlife habitat, and forest productivity. Current research emphases include evaluations of effects of forest management practices on long-term soil productivity.