Biological and social issues affecting forest management – the southern Appalachian region

The Southern Appalachian hardwood region is a critically important national resource. It is composed of many complex, biologically diverse and unique ecosystems. It is the hardwood resource center of the nation. The region is rich in historic events and American heritage, and its millions of acres of majestic forests and its scenic beauty make it a prime outdoor recreation attraction in the eastern United States. Biological, social, political, and economic factors all strongly influence forest management decisions in the region. This paper describes some of the important physical and biological characteristics of the Southern Appalachian region and discusses some current social and biological issues that confront forest managers.

You must be logged in to download any documents. Please login (login accounts are free) or learn how to Become a Member