Restoring Oak & Chestnut with USDA’s Dr. Stacy Clark

On this week's show, we'll be discussing the hard work being done to bring back oak and American chestnut to forests with the USDA's Dr. Stacy Clark.

Stacy conducts research on artificial regeneration (i.e., planting) of oak (Quercus) and American chestnut (Castanea dentata) to restore and/or sustain these important species. Her research is unique and innovative because the genetic heritage is known for all material, and seedlings are highly characterized prior to planting. She examines the effects of seedling quality and factors that affect field performance after planting. Stacy also studies the effect of silvicultural treatments, including prescribed burning, herbicide, and commercial timber operations, to develop the most effective and economically efficient prescriptions that can be used to regenerate oak and American chestnut species. Dr. Stacy Clark is a USDA Forest Service Southern Research Station Researcher – Upland Hardwood Ecology & Management Research Work Unit, based in Knoxville, TN. Education includes: Oklahoma State University (Ph.D.) Plant Science, 2003; University of TN (M.S.) Forestry, 1999; & University of TN (B.S.) Forest Resources Management, 1996.