The value of long-term silvicultural research studies

Reductions in research operating budgets and recent trends in research management philosophy have in many instances forced Forest Service scientists to realign their research programs to compete for short-term grants and other sources of funding. This approach may prove detrimental in silviculture, a discipline where long-term research is critical for: (1) research in the regeneration and establishment of forests, (2) testing management alternatives in established stands, (3) retaining research installations for future remeasurement; using them as laboratories for other disciplines, and adapting them to meet current and future needs. We present specific examples from our own experience where long-term studies have been utilized in these capacities.