Forest Health Monitoring
Threats to forest health in the Southern Appalachians

Three workshops across region describing exotic insects and diseases affecting the forests

Approximately 100 plots already providing data. There are 100 additional plots expected in the next one to two years.

Landscape Ecology/Landscape Monitoring

Held two workshops on Integrated/Ecological Assessments

In cooperation with EPA's EMAP program, significant research is being funded on developing landscape scale modeling and analysis.

Southern Appalachian Assessment

In April of 1994, SAMAB initiated work on one of the most significant projects to date, the Southern Appalachian Assessment (SAA). This integrated assessment assembled existing data and evaluated past trends, current conditions, and future risks to the economic, ecological, and cultural resources of the region.

The initial phase of the SAA will be completed in early 1996 with publication of resource-specific technical reports and a preliminary integrated report. Other products of the SAA include:

1) a comprehensive database made available to interested parties through a variety of media including a published CDROM set and this SAMAB Homepage on the Internet; and

2) identification of gaps in both available data and understanding of system function that will guide future research and monitoring activities.

It is hoped that the results of the SAA will enable SAMAB partners to work together to protect the unique resources of Southern Appalachia while promoting economic development that is sustainable. The SAA has been recognized as one of three prototypes by the National Assessment Program under the Office of Environmental Policy and is expected to set the standards for anticipated integrated assessments conducted across the country.

Two regional workshops for better understanding and implementation strategies

Community strategic planning/tourism

Assistance in developing a strategic plan led to additional grants to the community for implementation

Outreach program to other communities underway

Geographic Information Systems

Regional geographic information system underway

Workshops on Forestry Best Management Practices.

Wetlands

Regional conference led to publication of Book entitled "Wetlands of the Southeastern United States."

Economic Use(s)/Protection of Native Plants

First Regional workshop clarified local interest; data needs; and opportunities for achieving sustainable economic development of biological resources.

Range of Native Brook Trout Workshop led to additional funded research.

Neo-tropical Migratory Birds Cooperative support led to additional monitoring and education programs.

Testimony to the Senate subcommittee on Agricultural Research, Conservation, Forestry and General Legislation

Recognized by White House's Interagency Task Force on Ecosystem Management as a demonstration area for ecological assessment and ecosystem management.

Air Quality Management: Threats to Class I Airsheds Brochure on "Understanding Air Pollution in the Southern Appalachians

Workshop led to the Creation of the Southern Appalachians Mountain Initiative (SAMI) -- an eight state consortium of public and private groups to address air quality impacting Class I areas in the region

Assisting in developing a framework for preparing air quality management plans on public lands in Southern Appalachian.

Partner with U.S. Forest Service on the Chattooga Ecosystem Demonstration Project Regional Demonstration -- Southern Appalachian Assessment

Directory of Environment Education and Training (member organizations)

Videos, posters, and teacher guides on:

Reintroduction of the Red Wolf into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, in Cooperation with WBIR-TV, Knoxville, (video won an Emmy Award and the educational poster was selected by Urban America as one of top 20 posters in America in 1992).

"Water: From the Mountains to the Coast", also in Cooperation with WBIR-TV, Knoxville.

Dogwood Anthracnose, in cooperation with several non-government organizations.

These materials were distributed to all schools and public libraries in the zone of cooperation.

Workshop(s) led to ongoing development of a cooperative program to preserve and promote regional cultural resources

Developing databases on regional cultural resources.

Newsletter

Spring and Fall Conferences

General Information about SAMAB and the Southern Appalachian Biosphere Reserve.

SAMAB Home Page on the Internet

Return to Main SAMAB Page