It serves the region over 12 southern states and the US Affiliated Caribbean Islands with 12.5 million acres of National Forests, Tropical National Forest and grasslands. It serves the region of 20 states from Minnesota to Maine. It serves the region of Alaska. Providing the scientific basis for decisions and policies that affect the management and use of forests in the region. Their research and development advances the understanding of ecosystems, interactions between people and those ecosystems, and ways to provide benefits for people within the capabilities of the land.
Research ranges from molecular to landscape and from local to global.
The HBEF was established by the USDA Forest Service, Northeastern Research Station in 1955 as a major center for hydrologic research in New England. The 1,737 acres of forest land that comprises the experimental forest were designated for research use in 1930. The forest is currently managed by the staff of the Forestry Sciences Laboratory in Warren, Pa where research is focused on understanding and managing forest ecosystems of the Allegheny Plateau Region. The Massabesic Experimental Forest is owned and operated by the Northeastern Research Station of the USDA Forest Service. It consists of ca 3600 ac.