Neither Thunder Nor Rain Could Prevent the Centennial Celebration at Sagehen Experimental Forest

Published on Jun 13, 2009 - 8:37:26 AM

By: Wendy Holden, Pacific Southwest Research Station

TRUCKEE, California, June 12, 2009 - The USDA Forest Service Pacific Southwest Research Station and partners braved cold and rainy weather in a very successful two-day celebration at the Sagehen Experimental Forest to honor the 100th anniversary of Experimental Forests and Ranges (EFR). The Sagehen Experimental Forest was formally established in 2005 to conduct research on ecosystems of the Sierra Nevada. However, studies began on that site decades ago by University of California, Berkeley researchers and others who continue to provide answers to pressing forest management questions.

A number of exciting events took place during the course of the Celebration. Cynthia West, Acting Associate Deputy Chief of USDA Forest Service Research and Development, delivered the keynote address "Setting the Stage: A History and Vision for Experimental Forests and Ranges" which presented a national perspective on EFRs. Attendees also began the development of a long-term research vision for the Experimental Forest that will address new opportunities for onsite research, as well as education. Finally, a number of scientists performing research at Sagehen gave both presentations and field tours that highlighted their work.

This year, the USDA Forest Service is hosting a variety of events across the nation to commemorate the EFR centennial. Representing every major forest type in the United States, EFRs serve as outdoor classrooms for forest management research and education. There are a total of 81 sites nationwide. The two most recent additions to the EFR network are Sagehen Experimental Forest and the Hawaii Experimental Tropical Forest, both managed by the Pacific Southwest Research Station.

"We are proud to celebrate this milestone in Forest Service research. What more appropriate place to do so than at the Sagehen Experimental Forest, where our unique partnership with the University of California at Berkeley is providing a center for research and discovery that benefits the Sierra Nevada and similar ecosystems," said Deanna Stouder, Pacific Southwest Research Station Director.

The Pacific Southwest Research Station hosted the event. Co-sponsors included the Tahoe National Forest and the University of California, Berkeley.

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