Forests in the southwest are ecologically important for their watershed, wildlife, and rangeland functions

Economically, forests are valued for the natural resources and recreational opportunities they provide. These functions and values are important to stakeholders who have for several centuries depended on natural resources for food, fiber, and shelter. The mcintire- stennis funding for nmsu college of aces will help to advance the science of forest restoration in harsh environments by examining: 1) nursery cultural practices that enhance outplanting success, 2) genetic selection for harsh planting environments and future climates, and 3) outplanting strategies to improve survival and growth. Additionally, the impacts of this research program on the general public will be seen through improvements to forest watersheds, water quality and quantity, wildlife habitat, recreation, forest industry, and overall forest health. As the southwestern US continues to lose their forests primarily due to fires, planting programs and the associated research are a critical investment for the future forest landscape. The specific research focus of the forestry research programs at nmsu align with 1) the science of integration and 2) technological advancements, productivity, and forest applications. Both are high priority issues connected with the mcintire stennis program. Challenges facing forest health in the southwest also create opportunities for forestry and natural resource management students. Mcintire-stennis funds at nmsu will support multiple research objectives. To develop nursery cultural practices to enhance outplanting success, researchers will apply droughtconditioning and other environmental stresses to seedlings during the initial growth phase to determine differences in plant morphophysiological characteristics that promote vigor and survival in water stressed environments. To advance outplanting strategies to improve survival and growth, researchers will examine the use of a nucleation strategy matched with an improved seedling stocktype as a viable and cost-effective method to successfully establish vegetation on disturbed forest sites. To progress genetic selection for harsh planting environments and future climates, researchers will assess seed sources from a range of ecotypes for post-fire restoration, mine reclamation, and other planting efforts for disturbed sites. Mcintire-stennis funds at nmsu will also support research that quantifies short- and medi UM-term ecological effects of mixed silvicultural treatments on core response variables including under-, mid- and overstory vegetation, fuel loading, potential fire behavior, and soil characteristics. In addition, the funds will support efforts to examine the effects of wildfire and forest management activities on wildlife health and population sustainability. Collectively, this research can be used to develop and refine management recommendations for mixed-conifer forests.