Major Areas of Research

School of Renewable Natural Resources
Louisiana State University

Jim Chambers' Current Research Focus

Ecology and Sustainability of Coastal Wetland Forests:

Coastal Forest Wetlands, their deterioration and potential demise are important issues in the state of Louisiana. Changes in subsidence and hydrological regimes caused by levee construction, oil and gas exploration, construction of navigation canals, and alterations in drainage when combined with global climate change have led to this decline and deterioration. Additional stress has been caused by saltwater intrusion, insects and tropical storms.

Research is focused on tree and forest responses to environmental change and forest practices. Of particular interest are issues concerning forest health, sustainability and productivity, especially those related to regeneration and restoration of the coastal wetland forests. Goals include:

	Characterizing cypress-tupelo site conditions along gradients in flooding and salinity
	Developing indices that allow identification of Regeneration Condition Classes
	Enhanced methods of regeneration for Condition Class I and Class II cypress-tupelo stands
	Reliable establishment through enhanced growth of natural seedling regeneration
	Techniques for sustainable management and protection of wetland forests

Baldcypress-Tupelo Forest in Louisiana

Other Recent Research

	Coastal Forest Health and Sustainability
	Cherrybark Oak Acorn Production and Leaf Area Responses to Thinning
	Understanding Bottomland Hardwood Responses to Thinning
	Ecology and Physiology of Wetland Forest Species Subjected to Salinity and Flooding
	Water Flux in Florida Mangrove
	Bottomland Oak Competition and Growth.

PICTURE IT: Be a part of Forestry Research. Understanding forest sustainability and regeneration helps assure the future of forest ecosystems.

Surviving the Environmental Challenges	Cypress-Tupelo with Invading Floating Aquatic Plants
Old Growth Cypress	Measuring Whole-Tree Water Flux
Restoring Baldcypress Freshwater Wetland	Understanding Bottomland Hardwood Growth

The ability to regenerate is the first key to sustainable forests!

Want to Make a Difference? Want to be a part of our program in Renewable Natural Resources?
Want to be involved in Coastal Wetland Forest research?

To request more information or
e-mail Dr. Jim Chambers at jchamb@lsu.edu

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