Demonstration and Research Forests in the South
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ALABAMA
Auburn University- School of Forestry
Solon Dixon Forestry Education Center
The Solon Dixon Forestry Education Center is located in the pinelands of south central Alabama, about
18 miles south of Andalusia, Alabama, and is surrounded by Conecuh National Forest. One of the
finest field facilities of its type in the nation, the Solon Dixon Forestry Education Center offers
comfortable, efficient classroom and living accommodations and a diverse 5,300 acre natural resource
base for the benefit of students and visitors alike. The Alabama Forestry Commission, the Alabama
Cooperative Extension System, other state and federal natural resources agencies, and various forest
industries use the Center for in-service training education activities. The Dixon Center has served as
the site of research projects in a number of fields. Forestry research has centered around herbicide
use, forest growth and yield, and forest regeneration. Wildlife research has included work with indigo
snakes, gopher tortoises, and gray squirrels. Forest types range from the dry, sandy longleaf
pine/turkey oak ridges common in the area to baldcypress/tupelo gum wetlands.
Route 7, Box 131, Andalusia, AL 36420
(334) 222-7779
http://www.forestry.auburn.edu/sdfec.htm
Louise Kreher Forest Ecology Preserve
The 110 acre Forest Ecology Preserve is a nature center established as an outreach program of the
Auburn University School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences. The mission of the Preserve is to provide
programs, experiences, nature trails, and natural habitats for education, study, and relaxation for
students and citizens of all ages while creating an atmosphere of discovery and stewardship toward our
natural world. There is a 150-seat meeting space.
The School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences
Auburn University, AL 36849
(334) 821-3914.
The Federation of Southern Cooperatives
The Federation of Southern Cooperatives has a demonstration forest in Sumter county, AL.
FSC Rural Training Center
PO Box 95, Epes, AL 35460
(205) 652-9676
US Forest Service
Escambia Experimental Forest
The Escambia Experimental Forest was established through a 99-year lease agreement with the TR Miller Mill
Company of Brewton, AL. This 3,000-acre tract in southwest Alabama was selected as typical of secondgrowth longleaf pine forests that, at the time, covered about 6.2 million acres in south Alabama and northwest
Florida. Research on the Escambia was initially aimed at solving the principal management problems
associated with longleaf pine, including natural regeneration, management alternatives, growth and yield,
rotation lengths, thinning regimes, forest grazing, and economic costs and returns.
Today, the Escambia Experimental Forest constitutes a unique example of longleaf pine ecosystems in all
stages of development. The forest supports continuing long-term research studies and management
demonstrations. Research has involved all aspects of longleaf pine natural regeneration, including
development of the shelterwood system for this species. Other long-term studies and demonstrations include
stand management and management alternatives; growth and yield of even-aged natural stands in relation to
age, site quality, and stand density; and fire ecology, including long-term effects of season and frequency of
prescribed fire, or fire exclusion.
Southern Research Station 4105
520 Devall Drive, Auburn, AL 36849
251-867-3942
http://www.srs.fs.usda.gov/4105/escambia.html
Mountain Longleaf National Wildlife Refuge
The 9,000-acre mountain refuge contains beautiful vistas and a rugged landscape of unfragmented forests.
The primary objective in establishing the refuge was the protection and management of the last remaining old
growth stands and the best remaining mountain longleaf pine (Pinus palustris) forests in the Southeast. It is
managed by the US Fish & Wildlife Service. Currently, Mountain Longleaf NWR is closed to the public. During
2003 and into early 2004 a public use and hunting proposal will be developed that will allow limited public use
within areas of the refuge that are safe for the general public.
291 Jimmy Parks Boulevard, Fort McClellan, Alabama 36205-5000
(256) 848-6833
http://southeast.fws.gov/mountainlongleaf/index.htm
FLORIDA
Tall Timbers Research Station
TTRS is a scientific research and cooperative extension program in ecological forestry and stewardship in the
Red Hills region between Tallahassee, Florida and Thomasville, Georgia. TTRS has a land trust program.
Activities include:
 developing and maintaining long-term studies/research, including use of fire as a necessary land
management tool.
 promoting natural diversity.
 promoting management actions that mimic ecosystem processes in natural, and old field systems.
 producing reliable knowledge that is applicable to Land Management.
 protecting outstanding examples of natural ecosystems and all their components.
13093 Henry Beadel Drive, Tallahassee, Florida 32312-0918
850-893-4153
http://www.ttrs.org/
University of Florida- School of Forest Resources and Conservation
Austin Memorial Cary Forest
The School maintains a 2,080 acre teaching and research forest northeast of Gainesville. The Austin
Memorial Cary Forest is a valuable natural laboratory of the University of Florida for forest resource education,
demonstration, and research. In 1987 a rustic 3,200-sq.ft. teaching-conference center was completed on the
grounds where class lectures and conferences are today commonplace. The unusually broad range of forest
types, existing and possible, affords a rare opportunity for educating forestry students, informing laymen, and
stimulating research projects on the management of forests common to Florida and to the lower Coastal Plain
region.
University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611-0410
(352) 846-0850
http://www.sfrc.ufl.edu/ACMF.html
FL State Forests
Florida Division of Forestry
3125 Conner Boulevard, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1650, 850 488-4274
http://www.fl-dof.com
Big Shoals Public Lands
1,629 acres located in Hamilton County.
7620 133rd Road, Live Oak, Florida 32060
(386) 208-1460
Blackwater River State Forest
Blackwater River State Forest is 189,848 acres located in the Florida panhandle northeast of
Pensacola in Santa Rosa and Okaloosa counties. The forest borders the Conecuh National Forest to
the north and extends southward toward Eglin Air Force Base. Control burning allows for the
maintenance of the largest remaining fragment of longleaf pine/wiregrass ecosystem in the world. The
Florida Division of Forestry and US Forest Service will be developing uneven-aged research sites in
this forest in the future.
11650 Munson Hwy, Milton, FL 32570
850/957-6140
http://www.fl-dof.com/state_forests/blackwater.htm
Carl Duval Moore State Forest
306 acres located in Putnam County.
(904) 329-3772
Cary State Forest
Cary State Forest is 3,413 acres located in northeastern Florida near Jacksonville in Nassau and Duval
Counties. The ecosystems on Cary State Forest are varied and include longleaf pine/wiregrass, mesic
flatwoods, wet flatwoods, baygalls and cypress ponds. Cary State Forest has an open air teaching
pavilion and nature trail.
Route 2, Box 60
Bryceville, Florida 32009
904/266-5021
http://www.fl-dof.com/state_forests/cary.html
Cottage Hill State Forest
31 acres located in Escambia County
(850) 957-6140
Deep Creek State Forest
380 acres located in St. Johns County
(904) 446-6787
Etoniah Creek State Forest
Etoniah Creek State Forest contains 8,608 acres of various natural communities. Etoniah Creek State
Forest is located in northern Putnam County in northeast Florida.
390 Holloway Road
Florahome, FL 32140
Phone: 386/329-2552
http://www.fl-dof.com/state_forests/Etoniah_Creek.htm
Goethe State Forest
Goethe State Forest- 53,398 acres in Alachua and Levy counties- has more than 15 different natural
communities. A few examples are scrubby flatwoods, dome swamp, sandhill, and basin swamp.
Goethe State Forest may contain the largest tract of contiguous, old-growth longleaf pine flatwoods in
the state. This extensive old-growth forest has one of the largest red-cockaded woodpecker populations
on state lands in Florida. The Florida Division of Forestry and US Forest Service will be developing
uneven-aged research sites in this forest in the future.
9110 SE CR 337, Dunnellon, FL 34431
(352) 465-8585
http://www.fl-dof.com/state_forests/Goethe.htm
Holopaw State Forest
58 acres located in Osceola County
(407) 856-6512
Jennings State Forest
Jennings State Forest can be found in the northern section of Clay County, which is located in
northeastern Florida. There are more than 15 different natural biological communities on the 23,995
acres of Jennings State Forest.
1337 Longhorn Road, Middleburg, Florida 32068
904/291-5530
http://www.fl-dof.com/state_forests/Jennings.htm
Lake George State Forest
Lake George State Forest is made up of three tracts of land which total 19,610 acres. This diverse
forest is primarily comprised of slash pine, longleaf pine, bottomland hardwoods, and interspersed
cypress and bay depressions. The lands have a history of heavy timber harvesting. In 1998 nearly half
the acreage of Lake George State Forest was damaged during the Firestorm wildfires. Restoration
efforts included harvesting salvage timber and reforestation with longleaf pine and slash pine. Lake
George State Forest is located in northwestern Volusia County near the towns of Barberville and Astor.
5458 North Hwy 17, DeLeon Springs, FL 32130
(386) 985-7822
http://www.fl-dof.com/state_forests/Lake_George.htm
Lake Talquin State Forest
Lake Talquin State Forest is composed of nine main tracts and many smaller tracts of land totaling
16,896 acres. The majority of these tracts adjoin the Ochlockonee River and Lake Talquin, the body of
water that gives the forest its name. Lake Talquin State Forest is located just west of Tallahassee in
western Leon County and southern Gadsden County in the panhandle of Florida.
865 Geddie Road, Tallahassee, FL 32304
http://www.fl-dof.com/state_forests/Lake_Talquin.htm
Lake Wales Ridge State Forest
Lake Wales Ridge State Forest consists of two separate tracts totaling 21,624 acres which contain
outstanding examples of naturally-functioning ecosystems. Emphasis is given to the protection and
enhancement of endangered and threatened species, and the maintenance of the natural communities
found in the forest. Lake Wales Ridge State Forest is located on the ancient "Lake Wales Ridge" in
southeastern Polk County, which is located in central Florida.
452 School Bus Road, Frostproof, FL 33843
(863) 635-7801
http://www.fl-dof.com/state_forests/Lake_Wales_Ridge.htm
Little Big Econ State Forest
Little Big Econ State Forest contains 5,048 acres of naturally scenic land. Little Big Econ State Forest is
located in Seminole County. The area that makes up and surrounds Little Big Econ State Forest
supports a wide variety of wildlife and provides a roaming corridor which connects the southern part of
the Econ Basin to the Tosohatchee State Preserve and other public lands along the St. Johns River for
approximately 100 miles.
1350 Snow Hill Rd., Geneva FL. 32732
407-971-3500
http://www.fl-dof.com/state_forests/LB_Econ.htm
Myakka State Forest
This 8,593 acre forest is managed under the multiple-use concept, which includes management for
timber, recreation, wildlife, watershed protection, and environmental education. Myakka State Forest is
made up primarily of mesic flatwoods with a mixture of longleaf pine and slash pine overstory with a
palmetto understory. The Myakka State Forest is located in southern Sarasota County.
4723 53rd Avenue
East Bradenton, FL 34203
(941) 255-7653
http://www.fl-dof.com/state_forests/Myakka.htm
Okaloacoochee Slough State Forest
32,039 acres located in Collier and Hendry Counties.
(863) 612-0776
Picayune Strand State Forest
Picayune Strand State Forest is located in southwest Florida in western Collier County. Picayune
Strand State Forest is primarily comprised of two major tracts of land totaling 69,975 acres- the South
Golden Gate Estates Tract and the Belle Meade Tract. The South Golden Gate Estates Tract
comprises the majority of the forest. The land which is currently Picayune Strand State Forest was
originally logged for cypress trees in the 1940's and 1950's, and then in the 1960's, a developer
purchased over 57,000 acres to create the largest subdivision in America. After development plans
failed, the state purchased the land for conservation and has undertaken restoration activities.
2121 52nd Avenue S, Naples, FL 34117
(239) 348-7552
http://www.fl-dof.com/state_forests/Picayune_Strand.htm
Pine Log State Forest
Pine Log State Forest contains 6,911 acres located near Ebro, Florida in northwestern Bay and
southwestern Washington Counties. A widely used management tool on Pine Log State Forest is
prescribed burning.
5583-A Longleaf Rd., Ebro, Fl 32437
(850) 535-2888
http://www.fl-dof.com/state_forests/Pine_Log.htm
Point Washington State Forest
Point Washington State Forest is located in the southernmost portion of Walton County. The majority of
the 15,131 acres consists of: sandhill, basin swamps/Titi drains, wet flatwoods, wet prairie and cypress
swamps. Although much of Point Washington State Forest has been cut over, there are some excellent
examples of intact sandhill ecosystems.
715 W. 15th Street, Panama City, Florida 32401
(850) 747-5639
http://www.fl-dof.com/state_forests/Point_Washington.htm
Ralph E. Simmons Memorial State Forest
Ralph E. Simmons Memorial State Forest contains 3,638 acres located in Nassau County, in
northeastern Florida on the St. Mary's River. The forest features many excellent examples of natural
communities which include: longleaf pine/wiregrass, low pinelands, seepage slopes, herb bogs and
ravine communities.
Route 3 Box 299, Hillard, FL 32046
(904)845-3597
http://www.fl-dof.com/state_forests/Simmons.htm
Ross Prairie State Forest
3,527 acres located in Marion County
2735 NE Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala, Florida 34470
(352) 732-1201
Seminole State Forest
25,812 acres in Lake County- The distinctive character of Seminole State Forest is it's ecological
diversity which includes almost all of the naturally occurring vegetative communities found in Central
Florida.
9610 CR 44, Leesburg, FL 34788
352/360-6675
http://www.fl-dof.com/state_forests/Seminole.htm
Tate's Hell State Forest
Tate's Hell State Forest is located in Franklin County, between the Apalachicola and Ochlockonee
Rivers. Tate's Hell State Forest is one continuous tract of land comprising over 185,000 acres.
Conquering this wet and seemingly unproductive area for timber production was thefocus of the timber
industry from the 1950's to early 1990's. During the 1960's and 1970's, the hydrology was substantially
altered in an attempt to establish extensive tracts of pine plantations and to enhance the production of
pine timber. These alterations involved the construction of roads and associated ditches, followed by
the planting of large dense stands of slash pine that were fertilized with phosphorus and nitrogen.
290 Airport Road, Carrabelle, FL 32322
Phone # 850/ 697-3734
http://www.fl-dof.com/state_forests/Tates_Hell.htm
Tiger Bay State Forest
Tiger Bay State Forest consists of 23,432 acres located in the central section of Volusia County.
Located in a natural water recharge area, Tiger Bay State Forest consists of large areas of swamp with
embedded pine islands and a large pine ridge area. Tiger Bay State Forest was severely impacted by
the 1998 Summer Wildfire Firestorm. Approximately 15,000 acres of the forest were burned during
these catastrophic wildfires. Restoration included extensive salvage timber removal and reforestation
efforts are being completed.
4316 W. International Speedway Blvd., Daytona Beach, FL 32124
(386) 226-0250
http://www.fl-dof.com/state_forests/Tiger_Bay.htm
Twin Rivers State Forest
Twin Rivers State Forest is comprised of 14,882 acres in 14 noncontiguous tracts. Using an ecosystem
management approach, the primary management objective of the Division of Forestry is to restore,
maintain and protect all native ecosystems. The forest encompasses eastern Madison, western
Hamilton, and northwestern Suwannee counties in northern Florida.
7620 133rd Road, Live Oak, Florida 32060
(386) 208-1460
http://www.fl-dof.com/state_forests/Twin_Rivers.htm
Wakulla State Forest
4,145 acres located in Wakulla County
57 Taff Drive, Crawfordville, Fl 32327
850/926-3170
Watson Island State Forest
276 acres located in St. Johns County
(904) 825-5082
Welaka State Forest
Welaka State Forest contains 2,287 acres located in northeastern Florida along the east bank of the
beautiful and historic St. Johns River. The Division of Forestry maintains the integrity of the natural
systems while allowing limited outdoor recreation use and environmental education, especially in the
areas of forestry, botany, soils and wildlife ecology. There are three kinds of flatwoods that grow at
Welaka State Forest, you can find an abundance of longleaf pines, slash pines and pond pine.
Hammocks (shady places) can be found in wet, moderately wet and dry areas throughout the forest.
Sandhills are open habitats dominated by longleaf pines and wiregrass.
PO Box 174, Welaka, FL 32193-0174
(386) 467-2388
http://www.fl-dof.com/state_forests/Welaka.htm
Withlacoochee State Forest
157,479 acres located in Citrus, Hernando, Pasco, and Sumter counties. A variety of tree species
create dense woodlands and canopy trails. Species found on the forest include: slash pine, longleaf
pine, pond cypress, bald cypress and a mixture of oak, maple, southern magnolia, gum and hickory.
Declared as one of the "10 Coolest Places You've Never Been in North America" by the World Wildlife
Fund. Meeting space, dorm lodging, and camping are available.
15003 Broad Street, Brooksville, FL 34601
352/754-6896
http://www.fl-dof.com/state_forests/Withlacoochee.htm
US Forest Service
Myakka River State Park, Florida
This work is under the Research Work Unit: Disturbance and the Management of
Southern Pine Ecosystems. The study at Myakka River State Park under the
Fire, Fire Surrogate National Plan will directly contribute to problem 1.)
Sustaining ecosystem productivity and functions requires better understanding of
the role of disturbance in southern pine ecosystems and Problem 2.) Improved
management practices that more fully emulate desirable influences of natural
disturbance regimes are needed to attain productivity and sustainability
objectives.
Chipola Experimental Forest
The Chipola Experimental Forest is located in the panhandle area of Florida near Clarksville. It is
entirely on private land, under a 99-year unproductive dry sandy sites back to healthy forests. Two
major areas of research, genetics of longleaf pine and tests of termite control, remain active on the
Chipola Experimental Forest. The genetics studies on longleaf pine are the last remaining ones of their
type and thus are very important. These test plots are just now reaching the age of mature growth
where differences are going to become more apparent. This information is made more critical by the
trend for extending rotation lengths on longleaf pine. The Chipola is the major dry test site for termite
control studies started in the late 1950s. New treatment methods are being tested and will be
compared to previous treatment methods for effectiveness.
320 Green Street, Athens, GA 30602
Phone: (706)559-4309
http://www.srs.fs.usda.gov/disturbance/ExpForests/chipola/index.htm
Olustee Experimental Forest
The 3500-acre Olustee Experimental Forest was established near Lake City, FL in 1931. For more
than 60 years, Olustee was the site of research on gum naval stores, genetic improvement of forest
trees, insuring maximum survival and growth of plantations, and protecting the forest from damage by
insects, disease, and fire. Although the Research Work Unit at Olustee was closed in 1996, the
Southern Research Station continues to maintain the experimental forest for long-term experiments and
as a reservoir for genetic material of historic value and continuing scientific interest.
320 Green Street, Athens, GA 30602
Phone: (706)559-4309
http://www.srs.fs.usda.gov/disturbance/ExpForests/Olustee/index.htm
Osceola National Forest
In 1958, the Southeastern Forest and Range Experiment Station installed a hazardous fuel reduction
study in a second growth stand of longleaf pine (Pinus palustris Mill.) on the Osceola National Forest
near Lake City, FL.
320 Green Street, Athens, GA 30602
Phone: (706)559-4309
GEORGIA
Joseph W. Jones Ecological Research Center at Ichauway
The mission of the Joseph W. Jones Ecological Research Center at Ichauway is to serve as a regional center
of excellence in ecology and natural resource management that includes integrated research, education, and
conservation goals. Multidisciplinary research, both short- and long-term in duration, is being conducted using
experimental and descriptive studies of regional ecosystems. Information is transferred to targeted
conservation and natural resource constituencies through the education and outreach program. Ichauway is
used by Center staff as an outdoor laboratory for research, as a site for conserving and restoring regional
ecosystems, and as an educational demonstration area for ecology and natural resource management. The
Center is an independent, non-profit facility.
Ichauway is divided into two management zones that accommodate the diverse conservation, research, and
education goals of the organization. The multiple-use zone conserves biological diversity while maintaining
sustainable practices and patterns of land use for wildlife and forest management. The conservation zone is
managed to conserve the natural ecosystems and associated elements of biological diversity and, over time, to
restore the structure and function of the natural landscape.
Route 2, Box 2324 Newton, GA 39870
(229) 734-4706
www.jonesctr.org
Georgia Forestry Commission Educational Forests
1-800-GATREES or (478) 751-3500 http://www.gfc.state.ga.us/Services/Educational/index.cfm
Bartram Educational Forest
The Bartram Educational Forest is a working forest managed by the Georgia Forestry Commission. As
an outdoor classroom, it is being used to teach students of all ages about Georgia's natural resources
and to increase conservation awareness.
2892 Hwy 441 South, Milledgeville GA 31061
478-445-2119
http://www.gfc.state.ga.us/Services/Educational/bartram.cfm
Hightower Educational Forest
Hightower Educational Forest, located in the beautiful North Georgia mountains, is an outdoor learning
facility where students can participate in natural resource studies in a managed forest environment.
4500 Hwy 53 East, Dawsonville GA 30534
(706) 216-6073
http://www.gfc.state.ga.us/Services/Educational/hightower.cfm
Spirit Creek Educational Forest
Spirit Creek Educational Forest (SCEF) is 570 acres of actively managed forestland in the midst of
South Richmond County. Just 30 minutes from downtown Augusta, Georgia, it will provide students a
real-world learning environment to study forest resources and conservation. Students will be guided in
their investigation of the environment using grade specific hands-on activities correlated to Georgia's
Quality Core Curriculum.
4052 Smokey Road, Hephzibah GA 30815
(706) 790-2351
http://www.gfc.state.ga.us/Services/Educational/spirit_creek.cfm
Georgia Model Urban Forest Demonstration Project
Immediately, partners in Atlanta got together and decided to "bring to life" the Georgia Model Urban
Forest Book, a recent publication of Georgia Forestry Commission and their partners. The USDA
Forest Service, Georgia Forestry Commission, Georgia Urban Forest Council, American Forests, Trees
Atlanta, Park Pride, and Arabia Mountain Heritage Alliance are all participating in the Demonstration
Project.
Georgia Forestry Commission
5645 Riggins Mill Road, Dry Branch, Georgia 31020
1-800-GATREES or (478) 751-3500
http://www.gfc.state.ga.us/Services/UCF/GeorgiaModalUrbanForestDemonstrationProject.cfm
University of Georgia, Warnell School of Forest Resources
The University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602-2152, 706.542.2686 http://www.uga.edu/wsfr/
Oconee Forest Park
Oconee Forest Park is a 60 acre natural area on the University of Georgia campus in Athens, Georgia.
The park is administered by the Daniel B. Warnell School of Forest Resources. Oconee Forest Park
provides recreation, teaching, and research opportunities for the University community while preserving
its 100-year-old forest.
706 542-1571
http://www.forestry.uga.edu/warnell/ofp/
Thompson Mills Forest
The 330 acre Thompson Mills Forest was established to:
* provide teaching and research opportunities to the students and researchers in dendrology, ecology,
silviculture and forest biology.
* establish an arboretum of native and exotic trees
* provide Georgia citizens and visitors an opportunity to study and enjoy the abundant plants of the
region
Currently the collection includes 90 percent of the native trees of Georgia. The pinetum has one of the
most varied and valuable collections of gymnosperms in North America. It includes all the native
conifers of Georgia and more than 100 species of gymnosperms from 27 countries.
(706) 654-2666
http://www.forestry.uga.edu/warnell/tmf/index.html
Dorothy Warnell Research, Education and Demonstration Forest
The 1,900-acre Dorothy Warnell Research, Education and Demonstration Forest provides a working
forest where sustainable forest management is both practiced and demonstrated. The forest has
several forest types. The demonstration forest and the Mary Kahrs Warnell Forest Education Center
host numerous educational programs and events.
5960 Highway 17 South Guyton, GA 31312
(912) 330.0531
http://www.forestry.uga.edu/warnell/kahrs/html/aboutdorthyre.htm
US Forest Service
Hitchiti Experimental Forest
The 5000 acre Hitchiti Experimental Forest is located about 65 miles southwest of Athens, GA and is
the site of the Brender Demonstration Forest, a cooperative effort by the Southern Research Station
and the Georgia Forestry Commission to showcase pine management for nonindustrial private
landowners. The forest occupies 4,735 acres (1916 ha) of Lower Piedmont forest land in Jones County,
Georgia, 18 miles north of Macon, on the east bank of the Ocmulgee River. Acquired in 1946 by the
Federal Government, it has been home for more than 30 years to research on loblolly pine to benefit
non-industrial forest landowners, who hold 67% of the forest land in the Southeast. The majority of the
present-day forest is second and third growth. Most stands contain loblolly (Pinus taeda) and shortleaf
(P. echinata) pines mixed with hardwoods. The pine stands are mostly even-aged and are fairly well
stocked with seedlings, saplings, poles, and sawtimber. Pine overstories typically contain about 85
percent loblolly and 15 percent shortleaf. Hardwoods are encroaching on about half of the upland forest
area, and about 1O percent of the forest is classified as hardwood.
320 Green Street Athens, GA 30602-2044
Phone: 706-559-4316
http://www.srs.fs.usda.gov/disturbance/ExpForests/Hitchiti/index.htm
Scull Shoals Experimental Forest
The 4,500 acre Scull Shoals Experimental Forest near Athens, Georgia is the site of several silvicultural
research studies since 1938.
The Forestry Sciences Laboratory is on 4 acres of land near the University of Georgia's School of
Forestry. The facility, containing 17,962 square feet of laboratory space, and 14,000 square feet of
office space, consists of two buildings, an insectary, greenhouses, a nursery, a fully equipped
woodworking and fabricating shop, and a wood products testing laboratory. The Scull Shoals
Experimental Forest is the site of several silvicultural research studies.
320 Green Street, Athens, GA 30602-2044
706-559-4222
NORTH CAROLINA
Land Trust for the Little Tennessee
The Land Trust for the Little Tennessee has joined with Western Carolina University, Duke University, The
Conservation Fund, and the Region A Council of Governments in a three-year initiative to research and
promote sustainable-forestry practices and to develop a conservation plan for the forestlands surrounding the
Little Tennessee River basin. The project will establish sites throughout the basin to demonstrate “light-touch”
timber management and other forest-management practices in a setting that is accessible to interested parties,
both private landowners and forestry professionals. These demonstration sites will also provide a venue for
student interns and staff from Western Carolina and Duke universities to further their practical education by
evaluating and communicating the project’s findings.
P.O. Box 1148, Franklin, NC 28744
828-524-2711
Valle Crucis Conference Center
The Valle Crucis Conference Center is an Episcopalian Center in Watauga County, NC that provides space for
workshops and retreats for a number of different groups throughout the year. The 430-acre property consists
of approximately 350-forested acres in addition to working farmland, meadows, old/converted wetlands, and a
number of residential and meeting buildings. The forestland includes old growth, previous apple orchards,
white pine plantings, rich cove hardwood stands, mixed hardwood/conifer stands, and stands dominated by
yellow poplar. The Center's goal to be “deeply rooted on sacred ground” is important for both the mission and
the management of Center land. Because of this, they are beginning to manage their forests as a
demonstration for landowners and the general public. The goal is to show how forests can be sustainably
managed using uneven-aged methods while creating an income stream for landowners. The forests will be
managed for high-quality timber, non-timber products, recreation, aesthetics, maintenance of old growth, and
wildlife habitat.
For more information contact Katie Goslee, Sustainable Forestry Coordinator, Appalachian Voices
703 West King St., Boone, NC 28607
828.262.1500
forester@appvoices.org
NC Educational State Forests
The North Carolina Division of Forest Resources operates a system of six Educational State Forests (ESFs)
designed to teach the public - especially school children - about the forest environment.
http://www.dfr.state.nc.us/education/esf.htm
Clemmons Educational State Forest
Clemmons Educational State Forest, a unique outdoors experience. Located between the Piedmont
and the Coastal Plain, Clemmons' pine stands and hardwoods are set on a pleasant rolling terrain
highlighted by streams and rock formations. These features are accessible by a series of well-marked
trails, accented by exhibits and displays depicting the ecology of a managed forest.
2411 Old US 70 West, Clayton, N.C., 27520
(919) 553-5651
Holmes Educational State Forest
Holmes is a 235 acre educational managed forest. The forest is operated by the NC Division of Forest
Resources. It is mainly used as tool for outdoor education catering to school children in kindergarten6th grade. There are five miles of hiking trails varying in degrees of difficulty. Most notably are the
talking tree trail, forest management demonstration trail, and the Crab Creek trail with its wildfire
demonstration area. Facilities on the forest include a forestry interpretation center, a 100 person
covered picnic shelter w/ electricity, rest rooms, three natural amphitheaters, group camping area with
cold water showers, pit toilets, and a council fire pit. Coming this fall will be our sawmill area which will
house a portable circular mill. Holmes is also recognized as one the best forests in the area for its
diverse and species rich wildflower population
Contact: Keith Aitken, Educational Ranger (Southern Forests Network member)
1209 Crab Creek Rd, Hendersonville, NC 28739
828.692.0100
Jordan Lake Educational State Forest
Jordan Lake Educational State Forest is located between the Piedmont and Coastal Plain, this forest
showcases a wide variety of pines and hardwoods found in a wetland ecosystem.
2832 Big Woods Road, Chapel Hill, NC 27514
(919) 542-1154
Rendezvous Mountain Educational State Forest
Rendezvous Mountain Educational State Forest is located in the rugged Blue Ridge Mountains, this
forest showcases magnificent mountain hardwoods in one of North Carolina's most scenic settings. Its
features are accessible by a series of well-marked trails, accented by exhibits and displays depicting
the ecology of the managed forest.
Route 1, Box 50-B, Purlear, NC 28665
(336) 667-5072
Tuttle Educational State Forest
Tuttle Educational State Forest is located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Tuttle boasts a
wide variety of pines and hardwoods plus rolling terrain and clear streams. These features are
accessible by a series of well-marked trails accented by exhibits and displays which explain the ecology
of the managed forest.
Route 6, Box 417, Lenoir, NC 28645
(828) 757-5608
Island Educational State Forest
Straddling Lincoln and Gaston Counties is Mountain Island Educational State Forest; a picturesque
slice of nature featuring adundant plant and animal life. Not yet open to the public, the Forest will
feature classes and exhibits designed to educate schoolchildren, forestry professionals and the general
public about the importance of North Carolina's Forest health.
1933 Mountain Island Highway, Mount Holly, NC 28120
(704) 827-7576
Turnbull Creek Educational State Forest
4803 Sweet Home Church Rd., Elizabethtown, NC 28337
(910) 588-4161
tcesf@intrstar.net
NC State University Educational Forests
http://natural-resources.ncsu.edu/for/facilities.html
Hill Demonstration Forest
This 2,450-acre forest in Durham County is the College's longest-held forest and the site of Camp
Slocum, where all rising juniors in the Forestry Program spend 10 weeks of intensive summer field
work. Established in 1929, Hill Forest has been managed as a teaching laboratory, where students
learn to survey, measure, identify vegetation, perform water and soil tests and undertake the myriad
other tasks that are part of every forester's job. Like all of our forests, Hill is economically selfsustaining through timber sales and usage fees. In addition, research studies on the forest have
resulted in 15 Ph.D dissertations, 31 Masters theses, and 23 refereed articles in journals or books.
Bull Neck Swamp Research Forest
In early 1996 NCSU acquired one of the largest remaining tracts of undeveloped private waterfront
property on North Carolina's Albemarle Sound for use as a wetlands research site. The Forest covers
5,500 acres, including more that seven miles of rare, undisturbed shoreline. Here our students and
faculty will study critical environmental issues, including coastal water quality, wildlife management,
forest regeneration and environmentally sound timber management.
Hofmann Forest
Hofmann Forest is located in the coastal region of North Carolina. Established in 1929 it is the largest
forest holding of the College encompassing nearly 80,000 contiguous acres. The forest is situated on
what was historically referred to as the White Oak pocosin. Pocosin is an Algonquin Indian word for
"swamp on a hill" and aptly describes the character of this wetland forest. Hofmann Forest supports
academic excellence at North Carolina State University through graduate fellowships, basic and applied
research, and outdoor-classrom instruction. Formal research on the Hofmann Forest began in 1936.
Early research concentrated almost exclusively on hydrology and the growth of pines. Many of the
earlier publications and theses concern interrelationships among water table levels, artificial drainage,
and tree height growth. These topics produced an early report of research in 1947 and pioneered the
use of pocosins for forestry. Subsequent research has studied a wide range of topics including: fire
ecology, organic soils, wildlife, seed quality of pond pine, natural regeneration of pond pine, survival
and growth of Atlantic White Cedar, forest hydrology, site productivity, bio-diversity, tree spacing, cattle
grazing, forest economics, water quality and atmospheric nutrient deposition.
Hope Valley Experimental Forest
Since 1985, this seed tree cut and others like it have helped provide roost and nest habitat for the
endangered population of bald eagles at Jordan Lake. The conditions were ideal in 1985 allowing the
eagles to swoop into trees and scan the lake for fish near the surface. The 345 acre forest, used for
research, is located in Chatham County and was established in 1941.
Hosley Forest
This 252 acre Franklin County property is one of the newer acquisitions to NC State's forest holdings.
Donated in 1994 by Mr. Wilfred Hosley of Wake Forest, the property includes examples of both
intensively managed pine plantations and natural bottomland hardwood types.
James Goodwin Forest
Moore County, near Carthage is the site of the 1,169 acre Goodwin Forest. Donated in 1968 by James
L. Goodwin after his death, the former depleted cotton fields and rundown woodlots were restored by
Goodwin himself. A trained forester from Yale University, Goodwin planted open lands with pine
seedlings and succeeded in reforesting the area. Several creeks run through the property. Hikers are
welcome to use the area, as Goodwin wished.
Schenck Memorial Forest
Acquired in 1936, the 245 acre Schenck Forest is located in western Wake County about 10 minutes
from the NC State campus. Visitors can walk the well maintained trails to enjoy birdwatching and
wildlife, see a managed forest that shows successional stages, and picnic in the well-maintained
facilities. Students of forestry, botany, zoology and recreation also use the forest for educational
purposes.
Duke University- Duke Forest
Management of the Duke Forest is guided by a comprehensive management plan, created in 1981
after considered study of all competing demands. The plan allows the Forest to be utilized for
multiple purposes while being sensitive to changing needs. The eight major considerations of the
plan are: education and research; timber management; integrated pest management; protection of
rare species and unique ecosystems; wildlife management; water quality protection; history and
archeology; and recreation and aesthetics. Timber management practices conducted within the Duke
Forest are designed to provide a diverse set of benefits including sound silvicultural and economic
operation, establishment of demonstration/research areas and the protection of other resource
features. The primary objective of wildlife management in the Forest is to maintain as diverse and
complete a population of animals native to the piedmont, as possible.
Box 90332, Durham, North Carolina 27708-0332
919-613-8013
http://www.env.duke.edu/forest/
US Forest Service
Bent Creek Experimental Forest
Bent Creek Experimental Forest—the first to be established in the South, is one of the oldest research
areas maintained by the Forest Service. Its purpose was to provide opportunities for the systematic
development of experiments in silvicultural practices. Since 1925, before its establishment as an
experimental forest, scientists have been developing and demonstrating sound forestry practices at
Bent Creek. Their research—both early and current—on fire, insects, diseases, timber, wildlife, and
water is being applied over much of the Southern Appalachians. With an increasing intensity of land
use throughout the region and around the country, research conducted at Bent Creek is important to
the sustainability of the South’s forested lands.
Current research is focused on: (1) understanding the distribution and productivity of forest vegetation
as a function of the controlling environmental variables; (2) understanding the structural and
compositional dynamics of forest vegetation in relation to both natural and human-imposed disturbance
regimes; (3) relating wildlife habitat to forest structure and composition; and (4) synthesis and
integration of research information to provide decision support to forest managers.
1577 Brevard Road, Asheville, NC 28806
828-667-5261
http://www.srs.fs.usda.gov/bentcreek/index.html
Blue Valley Experimental Forest
Established in 1964 to provide a focal area for silvicultural research of eastern white pine and
associated hardwoods, the 1200-acre Blue Valley Experimental Forest is located near Highlands, North
Carolina. Blue Valley typifies white pine-dominated portions of the southern highlands escarpment.
The experimental forest area receives more than 70 inches of precipitation annually, but has infertile
soils derived from decomposed granite. Current investigations include single tree selection and
regeneration cutting/underburning of white pine-hardwood forests.
USDA Forest Service Southern Research Station
P.O. Box 2680, Asheville, NC, 28802
(828) 257-4832
Coweeta Hydrologic Laboratory
The Coweeta Experimental Forest was set-aside in 1934 with a research emphasis on watershed
management; and measurements of rainfall, streamflow, climate, and forest growth began. These have
been continuously monitored since. In 1948, the site was renamed Coweeta Hydrologic Laboratory. In
the early 1980’s, Coweeta was selected by the National Science Foundation as one of 11 sites in the
Nation for the Long-Term Ecological Research Program. The Coweeta Basin is ideal for hydrologic
research. Local rainfall is usually plentiful—80 to 100 inches per year. Solid bedrock underlying the
soils permits hydrologists to account for most of the rainfall that enters the basin. The valley contains
numerous small watersheds; many are similar in size, climate, and vegetation.
3160 Coweeta Lab Road, Otto, North Carolina 28763
828.524.2128
SOUTH CAROLINA
Clemson University
Clemson Experimental Forest
The Clemson Experimental Forest's 17,500 acres are dedicated to education, research and
demonstration in order to better understand and manage forest resources for the benefit of society.
These essential resources include clean air, clean water, pleasing aesthetic qualities, abundant wildlife,
protection of species and habitat diversity, recreation opportunities, along with commodity products
from the forest. The forest is managed strictly for perpetual sustained or improved yield of these
products. The Clemson Experimental Forest personnel, equipment, supplies, roads, recreation facilities
and maintenance are solely supported by revenue from generated the Forest.
261 Lehotsky Hall, Clemson, SC 29634-0331
(864) 656-3302
http://www.clemson.edu/cef/
Belle W. Baruch Institute of Coastal Ecology and Forest Science
Scientists at the Baruch Institute study coastal forest and wetland ecosystems, including wildlife,
forestry, and hydrology. Future studies will include environmental toxicology, wastewater treatment, and
landscape ecology to help commercial developers preserve the area’s fragile ecosystems. Future plans
also include educational seminars for school groups and the public on the coastal environment and the
importance of wise management of natural resources. Research sites:
 7,500 acres at the Hobcaw Forest
 200,000 acres at the Frances Marion National Forest
 6,500 acres at the Santee Experimental Forest
 198,000 acres at the Savannah River Site
 Winyah Bay Wildlife Refuge
PO Box 596, Georgetown, SC 29442-0596
843.546.1013
http://www.clemson.edu/agforestryresearch/baruch/index.htm
SC State Forests
http://www.state.sc.us/forest/recreat.htm
Manchester State Forest
Manchester State Forest, in Sumter and Clarendon Counties, consists of approximately 25,000 acres of
mixed pine and hardwood species native to the midlands of South Carolina. The forest is managed to
yield a variety of forest products, from pulpwood and sawtimber to poles and pine straw. Stands of nonnative slash pine, planted in the 1960s, are being gradually harvested and replaced with longleaf pine.
In 1989 the forest was severely damaged by Hurricane Hugo. Sixty-five percent of the timber base was
destroyed. Since then hundreds of acres have been salvaged and replanted. Manchester State Forest
practices principles of high quality multiple-use and sustained-yield forest management.
6740 Headquarters Road, Wedgefield, SC 29168
Phone: (803) 494-8196
manchesterst@ftc-i.net
Harbison Environmental Education Forest
Bounded along its northeastern edge by the Broad River, Harbison Environmental Education Forest
encompasses 2,177 acres of forestland only nine miles from downtown Columbia. Its unique urban
location makes Harbison one of the largest public greenspaces inside the city limits of a metropolitan
area in the eastern United States. Harbison Environmental Education Forest's emphasis is on natural
resource education, providing demonstrations of forestry practices as well as recreation. Portions of the
Forest are used to demonstrate the value of various forestry practices, from prescribed burning to
thinning, harvest, site preparation and planting. The forest mix is roughly forty percent loblolly and
shortleaf pine, forty percent natural longleaf pine, twenty percent bottomland flood plain hardwoods and
hardwood drains. The Harbison Environmental Education Center, a 5,000 square foot log building,
serves as a classroom for visitors' introduction to the Forest. When not being used for educational
programs, the Center can be rented for meetings.
5500 Broad River Road, Columbia, SC 29210
803 896-8890
Sand Hills State Forest
Part of a unique ecosystem, the Sand Hills State Forest is located between the piedmont and coastal
plain of South Carolina in Chesterfield and Darlington Counties. The region is characterized by deep
sands with generally arid conditions. It consists of 46,000 acres of infertile sand deposited by a
prehistoric sea. Because wildfires, improper logging and poor farming practices had almost eliminated
timber production, an intensive reforestation project was initiated. In conjunction with the reforestation
effort, a wildlife management program was started to improve habitat. As a result of such efforts, the
once barren sand hills now support a large inventory of timber and a variety of game and non-game
species. Since its acquisition, Sand Hills has been used as a demonstration area for forest
management. In recent years, attention has been given to restore native longleaf pines.
P.O. Box 128, 16218 Highway 1, Patrick, SC 29584
843-498-6478
US Forest Service
Santee Experimental Forest
The SEF is located within the Francis Marion National Forest in Berkeley County, on SC Highway 402,
16 miles from the town of Moncks Corner. The SEF consists of 2,468 ha of Atlantic Coastal Plain
flatwoods vegetation types situated on a marine terrace of the Pleistocene Epoch. The SEF is a mosaic
of flatwoods forest types that include (1) mixed pine-hardwood, (2) loblolly pine, (3) longleaf pine, (4)
mixed loblolly-longleaf pine; (5) upland-hardwoods (6) bottomland hardwoods and (7) creek swamp.
Facilities on the administrative site include an office-laboratory, containing three small, modestly
equipped laboratories, office space, and a conference room; a 4-bedroom guesthouse with kitchen,
laundry, and common area; and a workshop with a small attached greenhouse.
Center for Forested Wetlands Research
2730 Savannah Highway, Charleston, SC 29414
(843) 727-4271
http://www.srs.fs.usda.gov/charleston/santee.html
Calhoun Experimental Forest
The Calhoun Experimental Forest, located in the Sumter National Forest near Union, South Carolina,
was established in 1947 for work on Piedmont forest, soil, and water problems. Early studies on the
Calhoun were aimed at soil improvement on poor sites in order to find the cheapest, quickest, most
effective ways to improve tree growth and soil structure, and increase nutrients for plants. Current
research includes part of the national Fire and Fire Surrogate Study, testing responses of fire and
alternative treatments on a Piedmont site.
320 Green Street, Athens, GA 30602
(706) 559.4334
http://www.srs.fs.usda.gov/disturbance/ExpForests/Calhoun/index.htm
TENNESSEE
University of the South
The University of the South Domain has several thousand acres of forest that is used for research and
teaching primarily.
Forestry and Geology Department
735 University Ave. Sewanee, TN 37383
931-598-1000
http://www.sewanee.edu/Forestry_Geology/index.html
Tennessee State Forests
http://www.state.tn.us/agriculture/forestry/stateforests/info.html
Chickasaw State Forest
Size: 13,104 acres/5,303 ha. Chickasaw State Forest is located in Chester and Hardeman Counties on
the Coastal Plain in West Tennessee. Approximately 63% of the Forest is covered in hardwood types,
about 29% is in southern yellow pines, and the remainder is in mixed pine and hardwood cover. The
Forest is dominated by stands of mature sawtimber. About 35% of the stands are upland hardwoods in
excess of 80 years old. There are various educational and demonstration areas highlighted with signs
throughout the forest. In addition, there are 115 acres of forest set aside as an experimental forest and
nursery.
4775 Sand Mountain Road, Enville, TN 38332
(731) 989-5252
Natchez Trace State Forest
Size: 35,904 acres / 14,530 ha. The Forest is located in central-western Tennessee, in portions of
Henderson, Carroll, and Benton Counties. The Forest now consists of 67% hardwood types and 30%
pines. Hardwood stands exceeding 60 years of age occur on 39% of the forest on land that was never
cleared for agriculture or had been abandoned for farming. Large areas have been salvaged as a result
of approximately 7,300 acres of older age class stands being blown down to various degrees by a
severe thunderstorm in 1999.
10150 Corinth Road, Wildersville, TN 38388
(731) 968-3214
Stewart State Forest
Size: 4,000 acres/1,619 ha. This Forest is located in northwestern Tennessee, in south-central Stewart
County. There are also several small areas where native prairie grasses occur. Hunting has been a
traditional use of the forest. Other recreational activities on the forest include hiking and some mountain
biking. A large proportion of the forest has received salvage cutting due to blow down of older age class
stands in 1998. Approximately 81% is in hardwoods and only about 3% is in pine. The dominant
hardwood type is oak/hickory and is generally even aged (70-95 years) containing mostly mature to
over-mature hardwood.
PO Box 814, Clarksville, TN 37041
(931) 552-3909
Lewis State Forest
Size: 1,257 acres/509 ha. It is on the Western Highland Rim in central-southwestern Tennessee, in
Lewis County. There is a demonstration forest road, exemplifying the use of BMPs and appropriate
engineering specifications. Other areas of the forest have served for past research studies. A small
wetland occurs in the southwestern corner of the forest. Most of the land (97%) is in forest cover and
the remainder is open land. This Forest is somewhat unique in the Tennessee State Forest system in
that about 71% of the forested area is in the southern yellow pine type. Primary recreational use of the
Forest is for hunting. All timber harvests include objectives for improving habitat for wildlife.
1450 Waynesboro Hwy., Waynesboro, TN 38462
(931) 796-2721
Cedars Of Lebanon State Forest
Size: 6,943 acres/2,810 ha. The Forest is located in the Central Basin of Tennessee in the southern
part of Wilson County. The forest is approximately 15 miles east of Nashville. The forest is of Natural
Heritage significance because it is part of the largest contiguous cedar glade-barren complex in public
ownership in middle Tennessee. About 14% of the area is designated a Tennessee Natural Resource
Area and contains at least two threatened or endangered plant species. Eastern red cedar is the
predominant species and is found in pure stands on the very poor soils. On deeper soils and better
sites it is found mixed in with hardwoods. No timber harvest activities have occurred, presently, on the
forest. The exception is a few salvage cuts as a result of pine mortality from the southern pine beetle.
The forest has been highly degraded and eroded by high Off Highway Vehicle use.
1050 Burnthouse Road, Lebanon, TN 37090
(615) 443-2768
Franklin State Forest
Size: 6,941 acres/2,809 ha. The land was acquired in 1936 from the Cross Creek Coal Company and
was highly degraded. The Forest is on the Cumberland Plateau and located in south-central
Tennessee, in Marion and Franklin Counties. The forest is 35-40 miles west of Chattanooga. About
99% of the land is forested and about 96% of the land is in mature hardwood sawtimber and pole
timber. Only about 3% of the Forest is pine. The area has a history of timber abuse by diameter-limit
cuts and uncontrolled wildfires. Silvicultural prescriptions are geared towards timber stand improvement
and management of wildlife habitat.
PO Box 234, Dunlap, TN 37327
(423) 949-3821
Prentice Cooper State Forest
Size: 23,759 acres/9,615 ha. Prentice Cooper State Forest is located in southeastern Tennessee, in
Marion County. The forest is approximately 10 miles west of Chattanooga and is heavily utilized by the
public. It includes the south side of the Tennessee River Valley Gorge. Management activities of the
forest focus primarily on wildlife habitat improvement and maintaining recreational opportunities for the
public. Tennessee Department of Agriculture, Forestry Division has provided labor and portions of the
forest for various types of research in collaboration with the University of Tennessee. No recent timber
cutting has occurred on the forest, with the exception of several salvage cuts and road
improvement/wildlife linear strip projects.
PO Box 160, Hixson, TN 37343
(423) 634-3091 or (423) 658-5551
Bledsoe State Forest
Size: 6,782 acres/2,745 ha. Bledsoe State Forest is located on the Cumberland Plateau in east-central
Tennessee, in Bledsoe, Cumberland, Van Buren, and White Counties. Areas of the forest are used for
tree improvement studies, where strains of various species are grown to determine their suitability as
high quality timber. The timber type consists primarily of mixed upland hardwoods and most stands are
in the 40 to 80+ age classes.
PO Box 384, Dayton, TN 37321
(423) 775-0251
Standing Stone State Forest
Size: 8,445 acres/3,418 ha. It is located on the Eastern Highland Rim in Overton and Clay Counties.
The forest is approximately 20 miles north of Cookeville. The forested areas had been subjected to
heavy timber cutting, high grading, and frequent fires. Ninety-eight percent of the land is in regulated
forest and 89% is in upland hardwoods, 6.8% in pine, and 4% in mixed hardwood and pine. Thirty-four
percent of the forest is in stands 80+ years old and 48% is in stands 50-80 years old, and only 18% is
less than 50 years old.
390 South Lowe, Suite 10, Cookeville, TN 38501-4702
(931) 526-9502 (District Office)
Pickett State Forest
Size: 18,302 acres/7,407 ha. Pickett State Forest is located in northeastern Tennessee in Pickett and
Fentress Counties near the Kentucky - Tennessee border. About 53% of the Forest is in hardwood
types, 24% in pine type, and 21% in mixed hardwood and pine. Ninety-five percent of the Forest is in
trees older than 40 years and most of the area is well stocked. Basal area averages about 80 square
feet per acre and 60% of that is hardwood. There are also two unregulated areas (862 acres) that have
been set aside to protect the integrity of view sheds and water quality. There are 46 known
archaeological sites on the forest. The forest has been the site of research projects conducted by
various Universities.
4266 Pickett Park Highway, Jamestown, TN 38556
(931) 879-5170
Scott State Forest
Size: 2,842 acres/1,150 ha. The Forest is located in northeastern Tennessee, in Scott and Fentress
Counties. The Forest is unique in the system in that it is completely surrounded by the Big South Fork
National River and recreation Area. There are no interior holdings, cemeteries, or natural areas. The
forest is used for research including tree improvement studies, where improved strains of various
species are grown and tested. Most timber stands on the Forest are sawtimber size hardwood stands,
with many of the stands at or near rotation age. Superior stands of eastern white pine were located on
the Forest, but most have been lost to the southern pine beetle in the last two years.
209 N. Indiana Avenue, LaFollette, TN 37766
(423) 566-3715
Lone Mountain State Forest
Size: 3,597 acres/1,456 ha. The Forest is located on the Cumberland Plateau in east-central
Tennessee, in Morgan County. It is approximately 20 miles west of the Tennessee River and 30 miles
west of Knoxville. The land was heavily cut-over and degraded by the Lone Mountain Land Company.
As a result, a hands-off management strategy has been employed on the forest to help it regenerate.
There has been essentially no timber harvesting on the forest, with the exception of three small timber
sales from “day lighting” roads and an occasional salvage cut of pine due to tree mortality caused by
the southern pine beetle. A small portion of the forest (52 acres) is being used for seed orchards and
genetic studies. Forest types consist of 55% upland hardwoods, 24% of mixed hardwood-pine, and
21% of pine.
302 Clayton Howard Road, Wartburg, TN 37887
(423) 346-6655
Chuck Swan State Forest
Size: 24,831 acres / 10,449 ha. This forest is located in northeastern Tennessee, 25 miles north of
Knoxville, in Union and Campbell Counties. Norris Lake borders it on three sides. The tree composition
is about 65% hardwood and 35% pines. Approximately 5% of the forest is 30 years and younger as a
result of timber harvests during 1966 and 1994. An estimated 29% of the land is old farmland that
reverted to forests and is 30 to 50 years old. About 55% of the forests are 50 to 90 years old, and about
20% is considered mature or over-mature timber which is over 90 years old. The oldest timber stands
are around 200 years old. Chuck Swan State Forest is the only representative of the Southern
Appalachian Ridge and Valley province. TDA Forestry Division has cooperated on a variety of research
projects in conjunction with the University of Tennessee.
3476 Sharps Chapel Road, Sharps Chapel, TN 37866
(865) 278-3352
Martha Sundquist State Forest
Size: 2001 acres (810 ha). It is located in eastern Tennessee, in Cocke County near the North
Carolina-Tennessee border. It is 30-40 miles east of Knoxville. Martha Sundquist State Forest is
surrounded by the Cherokee National Forest on three sides and consists of one drainage system. The
Forest is composed of mature mountain and cove hardwoods. Most of the timber harvests that have
occurred on the property have been cuts of less than 50 acres in size. This tract is considered a wildlife
management area and has special provisions for bear hunting.
PO Box 265, Jefferson City, TN 37760
(865) 475-7788
John Tully State Forest
Size: 2,100 acres, (850 ha). John Tully State Forest, acquired on August 29, 2002, was formed from
part of a substantial tract of prime forestland and wildlife habitat acquired from Anderson-Tully, a
Memphis-based timber management and lumber company. Funding was provided by a joint effort of
the State of Tennessee, the USDA Forest Service's Forest Legacy program, the Nature Conservancy,
and various other private sources including the National Wild Turkey Federation, Tennessee Parks and
Greenways Foundation and Wildlife Forever, Inc. The property had been managed for years by the
Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) as a wildlife management area. As the only state
forest representing western Tennessee's physiogeographic region, it is covered in Mississippi River
alluvial bottomland hardwoods and holds some of the state's best hunting and fishing lands. It is only
the second state forest established in the last half-century.
2258 Dry Hill Road West, Ripley, TN 38063
(731) 625-1105
University of Tennessee
The UT Forestry Experiment Station conducts research programs that demonstrate the application of optimal
forest and wildlife management technologies and assist with transfer of new technology to forest land owners
and industries. The Forestry Experiment Station hosts events throughout the year including an annual plant
sale and field days on various topics. This 2,260-acre forest is located in Oak Ridge, TN, along with the
University of Tennessee Arboretum, a project of the Forestry Experiment Station. It is the headquarters for the
Forestry Experiment Station. Established in 1964, this forest is unique in that, other than the traditional function
of conducting forestry and wildlife research on the total property, 260 acres are identified as part of the
Arboretum's mission of public education and public service. This area features interpretive nature trails and
ecological points of interest.
The Cumberland Forest
This forest was also established in 1947. It is the largest field research unit in the Forestry Experiment
Station, encompassing 8,000 acres of Cumberland Mountain forest land in Morgan and Scott Counties.
This forest facilitates several large scale forest management research and demonstration projects. The
Cumberland Forest is also the site of some of the earliest strip-mine reclamation research in
Tennessee.
The Highland Rim Forest
The 860-acre forest, established in 1961, is located in Franklin County. This area is known as the
"barrens" and is typified as being an Oak Forest of very low timber production and value. This station
has numerous research and demonstration projects aimed at identifying optimum tree species and
forest production systems to increase forest productivity on such sites.
Forestry Experiment Station
http://forestry.tennessee.edu/
901 South Illinois Ave., Oak Ridge, TN 37830
(865) 483-3571
Alum Cove Wilderness Center
The Center is located near Sequatchie, Tennessee high in a cove on 600 acres of mountain land. The Center
was established to provide outdoor learning experiences to the public, especially children. Parts of the property
have been logged by the owner, who is a professional logger. Available for groups, and they plan to build
classroom facilities.
Gregg and Roxanne Marble
PO Box 565, Sequatchee, TN 37374
423-942-5084
http://www.alumcove.org/index.htm
VIRGINIA
VA State Forests
The State Forests serve as a demonstration site for "best practices" in forestry. Eighty-six percent of the land is
classified as commercial timberland. Other areas are designated as non-commercial forestland, such as buffer
strips along creeks and rivers and aesthetic strips along all major highways. A diversity of timber types will be
maintained on the forest in approximately the same ratio as when the forest was first acquired.
http://www.vdof.org/stforest/index.shtml
Fontaine Research Park, 900 Natural Resources Drive, Ste 800,
Charlottesville, VA 22903
Phone: (434) 977-6555
Appomattox-Buckingham State Forest
Appomattox-Buckingham State Forest contains 19,535 acres. Considered an excellent example of crop
tree management, improvement cutting (cutting the worst first), regeneration cuts, and harvest cuts,
and maintaining a desirable genetic foundation.
Bourassa State Forest
Located in Bedford County, north of Smith Mountain Lake, this mixed hardwood forest covers 288
acres. This Forest was a gift and is used for timber production, an outdoor laboratory, wildlife sanctuary
and watershed protection.
Conway – Robinson State Forest
Located in Prince William County adjacent to Manassas National Battlefield and Route 29, this 400
acre Forest is a mixture of pine and old growth hardwood stands. It is a wildlife and wildflower
sanctuary and is used for environmental education, hiking, preservation of historic sites, watershed
protection and timber production.
Crawfords State Forest
Located in New Kent County between Route 60 and the Chickahominy River, near Providence Forge,
this 257 acre Forest has a mixture of bottomland hardwood and loblolly pine stands. It is used for
demonstration and education for forestry, ecology, history, forestry research, hiking, canoeing and
passive recreation. The Forest is a wildlife sanctuary.
Cumberland State Forest
The 16,233 acre Cumberland State Forest, located in the piedmont of Virginia, is in Cumberland
County; it is north of State Route 60, west of State Route 45 and bordered on the west by the Willis
River. Site demonstrate transition of natural stands from old field pioneer species to mixed stands of
vigorous hardwoods. Considered an excellent example of crop tree management, improvement cutting
(cutting the worst first), regeneration cuts, and harvest cuts, and maintaining a desirable genetic
foundation.
Devils Backbone State Forest
Located in Shenandoah County, near Route 621, this 173 acre Forest was a gift and the area includes
several timber types. It is used for education and demonstration, research, timber production,
watershed protection and a wildlife sanctuary.
Hawks State Forest
Located in Carroll County, this area is used for demonstration and management of forestry species
indigenous to Southwest Virginia. The 122 acre area offers watershed protection and wildlife.
Lesesne State Forest
Located in Nelson County on Route 664, this 421 acre Forest was a gift designated for use for
American Chestnut research and as a wildlife sanctuary.
Matthews State Forest
Located in Grayson County near Route 58 and the town of Galax, this 154 acre forest was a gift and is
used for American Chestnut research, demonstration of white pine management, watershed protection,
hiking and a wildlife sanctuary. A nature trail is used by area schools for field trips.
Niday Place
Located in Craig County of Route 658 on John’s Creek Mountain, the 219 acre Forest was a gift and
has typical mountain hardwood stands. It is used for an outdoor laboratory, preservation of wildflowers,
and American Chestnut research. The Forest is a wildlife sanctuary.
Paul State Forest
Located in Rockingham County on Route 613, this 173 acre Forest was a gift and has a variety of
hardwood species. Primary uses include hardwood research and demonstration, timber production,
hiking, horseback riding and wildlife habitat protection.
Pocahontas State Park
Owned by the Department of Conservation and Recreation this urban fringe area is managed as a
State Forest and a State Park. It is located in Chesterfield County and contains 5,873 acres. It is used
for timber production, camping, fishing, hiking, education, and is a wildlife sanctuary.
Prince Edward-Gallion State Forest
Prince Edward-Gallion contains 6,496 acres .
Whitney State Forest
Located in Fauquier County on Route 684, this 147 acre forest is used for timber production, horseback
riding, hiking, research and demonstration and is a wildlife sanctuary.
Zoar State Forest
The Forest is located in King William County near Aylett.
Virginia Forest Watch
VAFW is in the process of setting up a demo forest with a group
of folks that own about 80 acres in Madison County, NE of Charlottesville.
Virginia Forest Watch
Rt. 2, Box 471, Nickelsville, Va. 24271
276-479-2176
vafw@mounet.com
www.virginiaforestwatch.org