THE ADMINISTRATION OF A FOREST EXPERIMENT 



STATION. 



By G. a. Pearson. 



The creation of nine forest experiment stations during the past 

 five years has given rise to a new form of administrative work 

 in the Forest Service. The principles and many of the specific 

 regulations laid down in the National Forest Manual apply to 

 experiment stations as well as to National Forests; but the ad- 

 ministration of an experiment station is more specialized, and in 

 many ways quite different from that of a National Forest. While 

 the experiment stations in the various Districts of the Forest 

 Service are affected by different local conditions, it. is believed 

 that the administrative problems have been sufficiently similar 

 to warrant a discussion of the subject on broad lines, with the 

 object of developing policies of general applicability. This ar- 

 ticle is based upon five years' experience as director of the Fort 

 Valley Experiment Station. Undoubtedly many of Hie problems 

 which have arisen here have been met and solved at other sta- 

 tions, perhaps in different ways. It is hoped, therefore, that this 

 article will stimulate discussion from experiment stations and the 

 Service in general. 



The administration of a forest experiment station falls under 

 two general heads: (i) operation, including the establishment 

 and maintenance of the plant; and (2) scientific work. 



Operation. 



Location. The location of the station is' a matter demanding 

 thorough consideration. Ready access to typical stands of ex- 

 ploitable timber is a primary requisite. Both virgin and cut- 

 over stands in different forest types or life zones are desirable. 

 To handle scientific problems bearing on the work of the Service, 

 the station should be located on or near a National Forest on 

 which important forest activities, particularly timber sales, are 

 in progress. There should be facilities at the station headquar- 

 ters for at least a small forest nursery. Proximity to a railroad 



