About 15% of Forest Service timber sales receive no initial bids. Agency employees weighed in on possible reasons for these no-bid timber sales, with results available in a new report (SRS-GTR-270). Causes include direct factors like road construction costs and underlying factors like inadequate staffing.

A new study compares forest biomass supply chains in the Southeast and two other U.S. regions – and explores potential for a new paradigm, bio-hubs. These networks could help feedstocks reach processing centers economically and create support for burgeoning local bioeconomies.

Everything from engine power to operator comfort can affect grapple skidder performance. Scientists analyzed skidder productivity in a recent study. And in a new Research Paper, they share a model showing how harvest choices affect specific production goals.

The physical structure of trees can predict the productivity of a forest, reports a new study. Researchers analyzed FIA data for more than three million trees and found structure consistently outperformed species diversity as a productivity predictor.

A video reviews acorn collection techniques for successful oak regeneration and reforestation, from species selection to collection procedures and storage.

Tips for forest landowners filing their 2022 federal taxes are now available. The annually published tax tips outline forest-related tax provisions.

Accurate estimates of tree growth, biomass, and carbon are needed for Caribbean forests. A webinar from the International Union of Forest Research Organizations describes new growth models developed with FIA data and next steps to refine and apply the models.

A study of longleaf pine woodlands in North Carolina shows that a hardwood midstory does not help longleaf pine seedlings survive and grow. A hardwood overstory impedes longleaf sapling recruitment more than midstory hardwoods, the results indicated.

New research detected only minor genetic differences between Table Mountain pine (Pinus pungens) seeds collected in northern and southern extents of its entire range. The low differentiation means seeds for replanting could be sourced from anywhere in the imperiled species' range.

Eight years of field trials show that the latest hybrid chestnuts (the BC3F3 generation) have the desired American chestnut growth traits along with an intermediate level of resistance to chestnut blight.

A rare plant in Arkansas, the Ouachita twistflower (Streptanthus squamiformis), was found over 100 kilometers from its previously known habitats on a glade above the South Fourche La Fave River. More surveys are needed to better understand the species and its larger range.

A new story map shows how extensively public drinking water systems rely on national forests and grasslands, with tools to explore, query, and visualize the data. The story complements a recent report, the latest product in a long-term project.

Hydrologic models are often part of forest management decisions about water supply, restoration, or climate adaptation. A review of 47 models offers guidance on model uses, limitations, and applications, with considerations for future developers.

Plants growing on streambanks can help reduce flooding in urbanizing areas, according to a modeling study. The study uses climate and land use change projections out to 2060 and shows localized reductions in peak flow and increases in low flow for the Upper Neuse basin in NC.

Nearly two-thirds of fossil fuel-fired electricity generation capacity in the U.S. is expected to reach its typical end of life by 2035. As these power plants are retired, research shows the amount of water available for rivers will increase, benefitting ecosystems and local water users.

Wildfires can be devastating, especially for socially vulnerable communities. Characteristics such as socioeconomic status can increase vulnerability, reports new research that can inform preparedness and adaptation strategies. 

In the Southern Appalachian Mountains, prescribed fires are usually low-intensity and do not benefit birds – but high-intensity wildfires do, reports a recent study. The researchers monitored forests in western NC for five years after the extreme wildfire season of 2016.

Fueling Collaboration, a joint NRS-SRS webinar series, covers fire science – including smoke, timber management, wildlife, and more. Register now for the March 16 episode on fire and water.

A review paper identifies 14 topics critical to understanding global declines in freshwater mussels. The topics are emerging or poorly understood and fit under the broad themes of autecology, population dynamics, global stressors, global diversity, and ecosystem services.

SRS researchers and partners from the Aldo Leopold Wilderness Research Institute and others summarized the economic and societal benefits that federal wilderness areas provide (WO-GTR-101).

A story map introduces the people, organization, and research of the SRS Center for Forest Restoration and Management. All six Research Work Units in the Center are highlighted, including key accomplishments.