Dr. John Willis
USFS – Southern Research Station

“Persistent Legacy Effects of Forest Management Create Complex Challenges for Restoration”

Abstract:

Coarse structural targets have historically been used to guide forest restoration. Oftentimes these targets are gleaned from studies conducted in stands where forest management has largely been absent or completely excluded. As such, the recommendations guiding many contemporary restoration efforts are not accounting for functional changes that have occurred following decades of forest management.  Consequently, efforts to restore forest ecosystems may not achieve the desired response. This seminar provides several examples of how legacy effects of forest management are impacting efforts to restore degraded stands in a variety of ecosystems.

Speaker Bio:

John Willis graduated with a PhD in Forestry and Evolutionary Ecology from Michigan State University. John previously worked as an Assistant Professor of Silviculture and Forest Ecology at Mississippi State University for four years. Currently, John works as a Research Forester with the United States Forest Service in Auburn, Alabama.

• Faculty, students, and the public are invited to attend this free program.
• Complimentary refreshments will be served.
• CFEs are available by request.
• Advanced registration is not required.
• Parking is available on the 3rd and 4th floors of the South Quad parking deck on Duncan Drive, directly across from the SFWS Building. See Parking Services on Level 2 to obtain a visitor pass.