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A History of Watershed Research in Experimental Forests of the Interior Highlands

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USDA Forest Service Experimental Forests and Ranges

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Abstract

The history of watershed research in the Interior Highlands can be divided into four periods: Initial Start and Stumble (1930s–1950s), Reestablishment and Renewal (1960–1980), Partnerships and Expansion (1980–1990), and New Scales and Paths (1990–present). While each of these periods was marked by different societal concerns and scientific questions, experimental forests played a central role in accomplishing watershed research during all of these periods. Unlike other regions of the country, there was no dominating theme or inspirational leader to focus watershed research in one particular experimental forest; rather the work shifted between several experimental forests over time. Despite many changes in personnel and research direction, a significant body of knowledge has been developed over the past 70 years that has benefited scientists, forest managers, and the public. Fundamental knowledge has been gained regarding the components of the hydrologic system and how these components are affected by natural disturbances. Timber harvesting impacts on soil and water resources have been quantified and shown to be short-lived. Concerns about acid rain and road erosion also have been addressed and shown to be less severe than initially thought. These findings, coupled with the discovery that, in general, small watersheds responded in similar ways across the Interior Highlands, have been the basis for forest planning across the region. As new research challenges arise, experimental forests will continue to play a critical role in addressing these needs.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Southern Research Station, USDA Forest Service, P.O. Box 1270, 71902, Hot Springs, AR, USA

    Daniel A. Marion

  2. Natural Resource Ecology and Management, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, USA

    Donald Turton

  3. Ouachita National Forest, USDA Forest Service, Mena Ranger District, P.O. Box 1270, 71902, Hot Springs, AR, USA

    Maria Schleidt

Authors
  1. Daniel A. Marion
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  2. Donald Turton
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  3. Maria Schleidt
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Daniel A. Marion .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. USDA Forest Service, Washington, District of Columbia, USA

    Deborah C. Hayes

  2. Northern Research Station, USDA Forest Service, Irvine, Pennsylvania, USA

    Susan L. Stout

  3. Northeastern Areas, USDA Forest Service, Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, USA

    Ralph H. Crawford

  4. USDA Forest Service, Washington, District of Columbia, USA

    Anne P. Hoover

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Marion, D., Turton, D., Schleidt, M. (2014). A History of Watershed Research in Experimental Forests of the Interior Highlands. In: Hayes, D., Stout, S., Crawford, R., Hoover, A. (eds) USDA Forest Service Experimental Forests and Ranges. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-1818-4_15

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