Ecological Research on the Luquillo Experimental Forest

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The Luquillo Experimental Forest is a National Forest and a Biosphere Reserve and contains several research natural areas within its 11,231 ha. area. The goal of this proposed research is to initiate studies of disturbance regime and forest structure and dynamics in a landscape perspective. Primary research questions address the relative importance of different disturbance types within major life zones and the interactions of the biota in restoring ecosystem productivity after disturbance. Research components comprise the: examination of pattern, frequency, and intensity of disturbance; measurement of environmental properties expected to vary with disturbance size, age, and origin; estimation biological properties expected to vary with environmental properties; and assessment of system properties that emerge from the effects of disturbance pattern and frequency on the interaction of environment and biota. Standard measurements (e.g. meteorology and basic research site description) will be conducted. Existing data sets will be incorporated into a comprehensive data management system to support data reduction and synthesis. Strong institutional commitments exist from the University of Puerto Rico and the Institute of Tropical Forestry, U.S. Forest Service, whose personnel will collaborate in the conduct of the work. Facilities and accommodations provided to the project group are first-rate. The Ecosystem Studies Program recommends that this award be made and expects that excellent results will be achieved.