Message from the Research Director

By Ron Masters, Ph.D.

Ron Masters, Research Director

Tall Timbers is where the science of Fire Ecology began. That is part of our history and indeed is our legacy. This underlying theme of fire ecology permeates our research focus throughout all units in research. A large part of our heritage at Tall Timbers is rooted in our strong ties with the land. Research at Tall Timbers has long been recognized as having direct land management application. We understand and embrace a stewardship land ethic yet we recognize that wise consumptive use of natural resources is a reality of our world today. While applied research is a hallmark of what we do, basic research is not neglected as it forms the building blocks of knowledge that will form a basis for land management in the future. The goal of our research program is to better understand the ecology of the ecosystems of which we are a part and apply that understanding to the end of becoming better land stewards. Fire on the land is essential for the ecological health and well being for many species.

Our Fire Ecology Program provides an important link with our past and our future. It continues long-term research established by Herbert Stoddard, Sr. and underpins all our programs. Fire researchers come from all over the world to view the long-term Fire Ecology Plots. They are just beginning to reveal new knowledge about fires role in carbon sequestration. The Game Bird Program continues to set the national standard for Northern bobwhite management and is also internationally recognized. Our research has been important for establishment of the Upland Ecosystem Restoration Program. In similar fashion the Vertebrate Ecology Program has worked with pioneering programs such as Safe Harbor and private lands management for the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker. This program has set the national standard for management of the red-cockaded woodpecker on private lands. We have recently hired an Ecological Forestry Research Scientist. Our developing focus for forestry will be refinement and development of silvicultural systems that are ecologically sound and sustainable. Our Land Management Program oversees implementation of the latest research results and is actively engaged in the research process. We embrace the idea of land management as research, thus turning this program into an important contributor for research development and testing of ideas to share with not only landowners and managers but also the ecological community. Each of our programs has developed innovative research thrusts that will continue to keep Tall Timbers in the forefront in ecological thinking and in making a difference on the land.

I encourage you to visit other areas on our web site and learn about the scientists, land managers, conservationists and staff that contribute so much to the Tall Timbers legacy.

Ron Masters, Research Director