STEPHEN F. AUSTIN STATE UNIVERSITY
Using Mammals to Inform Forest Management
Project Description
Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA) will receive $70,268 over two years from the SFI Conservation and Community Partnerships Grant program to study the impact of forest practices on ecosystem processes and biodiversity. Historically, bordering forest types were blended gradually at their meeting edge, forming a unique transition area called an “ecotone”. The study provides insight to the relevance of the ecotone between managed pine plantations and native forest through the study of forest mammals, improving knowledge relevant to landscape management of pine plantations and native forest. Results will provide forest managers with tools to make decisions regarding the development and implementation of ecological networks, and implementation of management plans based on both production and conservation goals. The work will have broad utility to the management of the “forest matrix” in mixed forest landscapes, and particularly those that include southern pines. The project includes elements of outreach to SFI Program Participants, fulfilling SFI certification standard requirements related to education and research, as well as conservation of biological diversity.
Project Partners
Stephen F. Austin State University will partner with The Campbell Group for this project.
Project Resources
About Stephen F. Austin State University
Stephen F. Austin State University is a comprehensive, regional institution located in Nacogdoches, Texas. The university enrolls approximately 13,000 students and offers 83 undergraduate majors and 120 areas of study within six academic colleges – business, education, fine arts, forestry and agriculture, sciences and mathematics, and liberal and applied arts. SFA offers degree programs both online and on its beautifully wooded campus nestled in the heart of Texas Forest Country.
Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, SFA is ranked a Tier 1 Regional University by U.S. News and World Report. SFA provides the academic breadth of a state university with the personalized attention of a private school. With a student-to-faculty ration of 19:1 and an average class size of 26, professors get to know their students and provide classroom instruction tailored to each student’s needs and goals. Smaller classes combined with hands-on study, internships and research opportunities give students valuable experience that translates to their chosen career paths.
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COPY LINK: https://forests.org/grantsfastate/