Welcome
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North
American Forest Biology Workshop
July 12-15, 2004 Michigan Technological University Houghton, Michigan, U.S.A. |
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| Managing
Forest Resources in the 21st Century: An Integrated Approach Welcome |
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Sponsored
by the Tree Physiology and Forest Genetics working groups of the
Society of American Foresters, the conference was originally conceived
as a forum for scientists concerned principally with tree physiology
and forest genetics. It has since evolved into a "must attend"
event for exchange of technical information and ideas amongst scientists
working in many areas of basic forest biology, ecology, silviculture,
genetics and conservation throughout North America. 
The
2004 Workshop is being hosted by the 
The
Upper Great Lakes region of North America is a land dominated by
the largest freshwater system in the world and some of the most
extensive forest ecosystems in the eastern United States. Compared
to other regions of the U.S., the landscape has experienced little
fragmentation. The complex physiography is the product of the advance
and retreat of the Wisconsinan glaciation, approximately 12,000
years ago, and the underlying geology. Landforms range from Pleistocene-age
flat sandy outwash plains with coarse texture soil and rolling moraines
of fine texture, to relatively high elevation Pre-Cambrian crystalline
bedrock outcrops in highly dissected terrain.
Changes
in elevation, soils, and distance from the Lakes create a wide variety
of environmental conditions to which a diverse array of ecosystems
have become adapted since the land was last covered by ice. Industrial
exploitation of vast timber and mineral resources resulted in several
economic booms during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, resulting
in almost total deforestation and severe pollution of the region.
A changing global economy and resource depletion caused economic
collapse and depopulation, allowing an amazing recovery of the forests,
lakes, and streams. 
The
world's population and economy are once again changing, creating
new pressures on our natural resources. Rising human population
and economic growth are increasing the rate of development and landscape
fragmentation, changing the biogeochemical cycles of water, carbon,
and nitrogen, and moving non-indigenous species around the globe
at an unprecedented rate. These changes threaten the climatic stability
and fundamental capacity of the Ecosphere to sustain life. A key
factor to our success in meeting these challenges will be science-based
management of global water and forest resources.