Since January 2009, the Southern Research Station has produced more than 700 publications relevant to the needs of landowners and others in the South, conducted sound and cutting-edge research on forest health and on alternative forms of energy, completed a record number of State forest resources analyses, and investigated innovative solutions for forest restoration.

This year marks a robust period of Station research, partnership, and science delivery. The range of discoveries, innovations, and honors reported here is part of an ongoing effort to support the vision set forth by Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack for the future of our Nation's natural resources, with restoration as key and with the charge to deal with "all lands" (public and private).

Our shared vision, covering a wide spectrum of projects, requires continued close collaboration with a number of research partners, including the Southern Group of State Foresters, universities across the South, Forest Service Region 8 and other government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and industry. The following are a few of our many achievements in 2009:

Climate: Our scientists worked across disciplines, Stations, and Regions to address the effects of climate change on forests. We have continued to expand our research to address east-wide and national issues for findings that will inform policy debate at national and international levels.

Bioenergy: The Station responded to the twin push for energy security and for a reduction in the carbon footprint. Station scientists are focused on how Southern forests-the "wood basket" of America-will play a major role in bioenergy development, with an eye also to concerns that these new uses are sustainable and consistent with healthy ecosystems.

Forest restoration: Southern Research Station scientists and science delivery specialists continued addressing research information needs in the area of forest restoration in the Southern Appalachians. The Station also is building the scientific foundation to conserve longleaf pine ecosystems, particularly through a multi-agency collaboration called America's Longleaf Initiative, a range-wide effort on both public and private lands in the South.

Forest inventories: The Station published data for South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, Mississippi, Virginia, and east Texas-more than in previous years, with South Carolina and Virginia receiving their second 5-year reports. Quantifying forest resources is critical to helping the South derive the maximum benefits of its forests.

Recreation: The Station collaborated with key partners to develop the National Kids Survey database, which gives Federal agencies like the Forest Service a solid foundation for building outdoor recreation programs and other opportunities for boys and girls of all ages and backgrounds.

I hope you enjoy reading the stories that mark this chapter in Southern Research Station history. With the summary of accomplishments presented in the 2009 Forest Science in the South, we take stock of just how far we've come. But more important, we look forward to what's next.