Figure 2. Annual Expenditures for Southern Forest Research 
(not adjusted for inflation). 
40 
30 
207 
Expenditures (million $) 
10 
0 c 
1974 1976 1978 1980 
gq 
\ 
ZEN 
TaN 
©, \ 
Sis 
dashed line denotes estimates 
1982 1984 1986 1988 
Sources: USDA Forest Service, Cooperative State Research Service, Southern Industrial Forest 
Research Council. 
Strategic Issues Affecting 
Future Achievements 
Some of the most pressing research and edu- 
cation issues that must be addressed on behalf of 
the fourth forest are: 
1. Importance of research and education in en- 
hancing the competitiveness of southern 
forestry and forest products; 
2. Public perceptions of forestry, its practices, 
and its economic and social contributions to 
the region; 
3. Improved collaboration within and among 
public and private sectors in addressing re- 
gional issues; 
4. Appropriate balance among Federal, State, 
academic, industry, consultants, and other 
groups in mission and funding; and 
5. Adequacy of expertise available. 
Research, education, and technological inno- 
vation have been important contributors to the third 
40 
forest, the first "managed" southern forest. Its man- 
agement was based largely on empirical data. The 
fourth forest will require a shift to a knowledge- 
based system of deriving the means to improve the 
productivity of the forest and the goods and serv- 
ices it can provide. For example, an understanding 
of soil/tree/water relationships can lead to more 
cost-effective regeneration systems, as well as an 
understanding of the environmental impact of the 
recommended practices. Emerging technologies in 
biology, chemistry, engineering, materials sciences, 
decisionmaking, and telecommunications have 
tremendous potential for application to the forest 
and to forest products. Exploitation of these oppor- 
tunities is essential to the competitiveness of the 
South's fourth forest. Knowledge development, 
transfer, and adoption must be regarded as a step- 
wise process beginning with basic inquiry and cul- 
minating in the widespread use of innovations. 
There is also a need to be more quantitative in 
defining the benefits and beneficiaries of research 
and education programs. Virtually every analysis to 
date indicates substantial underinvestment by both 
the public and private sectors. Solid analytical data 
