The Consortium for Environmental Forestry Studies

Abstract

The Consortium for Environmental Forestry Studies brought together the U.S. Forest Service and as many as twelve northeastern universities to collaborate on urban forestry research. The Consortium was organized into nine working groups of scientists in the areas of forest amenities, air quality, genetics, insects and disease, planning and management, social and behavioral issues, soils, water resources, and wildlife. Between 1971 -84, the Forest Service awarded these working groups more than $2.8 million in research grants. Their research gave rise to a whole new body of information, several important symposia, and a number of major texts. The Consortium also facilitated communication and interaction in urban forestry. In 1986, the Consortium ceased to function, though not before it had provided a new component of forestry with a strong sense of identity and direction, established a permanent constituency of professional contacts and organizations, and generated a wealth of knowledge about how the urban forest can best meet the demands of urbanite populations.