College of Natural Resources News Central

Media Contact: Jose Luiz Stape, 919.513.4041

The Forest Nutrition Cooperative (FNC) celebrated its 40th anniversary October 6-8, 2009, at its Annual Meeting hosted by North Carolina State University (NCSU) and held in Chapel Hill, NC. The meeting concluded another successful year for the Cooperative. A new Strategic Plan was completed to guide research efforts during 2010-2015. The 70 participants enjoyed scientific reporting on studies ranging from thinning and fertilization of loblolly pine to water use efficiency of Eucalyptus. A poster session highlighted Cooperative graduate student efforts, and Lee Allen, former FNC co-director, provided a historical overview of the Cooperative, with special recognition of Weyerhaeuser’s Robert Campbell for his long-term support for the forest sector.

Founded by T.E. Maki, C.B. Davey and J. Cantrell, the Cooperative began in 1969 with 16 members to study the feasibility of forest fertilization for loblolly pine in southeastern United States. Now 43 members strong, FNC is an international partnership committed to creating innovative solutions to enhance forest productivity and value through the sustainable management of site resources. The Cooperative is led by three universities and co-directed by Jose Luiz Stape (NCSU), Tom Fox (Virginia Tech), and Rafael Rubilar (Universidad de Concepción). The team has expertise in silviculture of both tropical and temperate forests.

During its 40 years of operation, FNC has helped support 115 students who have conducted their graduate research on issues important to the Cooperative. In 2008 alone, FNC personnel published 18 peer reviewed manuscripts and there are already 20 publications in 2009.

The future looks promising for FNC. Building on the successes of the 60 on-going study sites in North and South America, new initiatives have been approved by FNC members that will provide answers to the potential productivity of planted forests. With the willingness of members to support these projects, the Cooperative looks forward to celebrating its next milestone.

For more information concerning the Forest Nutrition Cooperative, including membership, current research, or graduate education programs, visit www.forestnutrition.org.