New paper: Optimizing forest restoration to boost streamflow in Georgia watersheds
Can restoring pine savannas improve water flow? Our lab’s new study, led by Chambers English and Seth Younger, shows how forest restoration can be strategically optimized to meet streamflow goals in Southwest Georgia. Using vegetation and hydrologic modeling, the team identifies the most cost-effective areas for pine savanna restoration to support ecological and economic goals.
New study: Advancing hurricane ecology in endangered systems
Longleaf pine savannas are iconic and endangered ecosystems along the Gulf and Atlantic coasts, but intensifying hurricanes pose a growing threat to their persistence. Our team reviewed storm impacts across the longleaf range and found that 85% of remaining habitat experiences tropical storm-force winds every six years. We identified key risk factors—like fire, insects, and salvage logging—that can compound management challenges and delay recovery. This study, published in the journal BioScience highlights the need for climate-informed management strategies that build resilience in the face of increasingly frequent storms.