************************************Media Advisory************************************

North Central Research Station Media Advisory

North Central Research Station

TO: News Editors and Directors

FROM: Tim Swedberg Public Information Officer
1992 Folwell Avenue St. Paul, MN 55108
651-649-5257 
tswedberg/nc@fs.fed.us

RE: Scientists Recommend Research Priorities for Boundary Waters Canoe Area Storm Recovery

WHEN: Thursday, March 16, 2000 1:30 - 2:30 PM

WHERE: Earle Brown Continuing Education Center University of Minnesota - St. Paul Campus Corner of Buford Avenue and Gortner Avenue Room 42 (ground floor)

PARK: University of Minnesota Public Lot S104 (see map)

On July 4, 1999 a sudden massive storm damaged almost a half million acres of forest in the heart of northern Minnesota's pristine lakes region. On Tuesday, March 14, scientists will begin 3 days of discussions to identify and prioritize research aimed at storm recovery in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and adjacent lands. -- more -

Scientists will consider issues from 8 areas of concern: * Watershed management and water quality * Silviculture * Atmospheric science * Insects and diseases * Recreation, tourism, and social sciences * Fire behavior, fuels management, and fire ecology * Wildlife * Disturbance ecology

The media is invited to learn first-hand the recommendations and findings of the scientific community and the priority research needed to assist in the storm recovery effort. Scientists will be available for questions.

Topics that may be explored are:

1. Was this an isolated weather event or emerging trend?

2. What baseline data exists and what new data must be gathered?

3. How and will the forest recover from the storm?

4. Can management effect the speed of recovery?

5. What are the near-term implications of the storm?

6. What will the Boundary Waters look like to the next generation?

Cooperators: 
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources 
University of Minnesota College of Natural Resources 
USDA Forest Service, North Central Research Station 
USDA Forest Service, Northeastern Area State & Private Forestry 
USDA Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station