GUIDELINES FOR RESEARCH

CHMF seeks to promote conservation by increasing public awareness of the aesthetic, recreational and economic importance of Kentucky's forests. CHMF is committed to the proposition that forests can be managed in ways that will allow their sustained use for all those values man derives from them. We believe that our best hope to achieve sustainability lies in inclusive education supported by a strong foundation of research. So we welcome inquiries concerning the use of CHMF for educational or research purposes.

GENERAL

CHMF was established in 1996 to "promote environmental education on all levels, to foster opportunities for research, and to preserve a valuable natural heritage". The Forest is divided into two management areas (see site map). The Joan White Howell Nature Preserve is preserved in perpetuity and is managed for minimal environmental impact (i.e., no timber harvests). The James Sanders White Forest Management Woodland is managed as a demonstration forest under a stewardship plan developed by the Kentucky Division of Forestry with direction from the CHMF Board of Advisors. The managed forest seeks to demonstrate the use of sustainable forestry techniques for small-scale, non-industrial harvests of large timber.  
 

RESEARCH EMPHASES AT CHMF

All research should relate to the mission statement of CHMF.  We encourage research in either the Joan White Howell Nature Preserve, the James Sanders White Forest Management Woodland, or in both areas of CHMF.  Projects should be compatible with the designated land-use of the area in which the research is to be conducted. Where appropriate, studies may be conducted at the population, community, or ecosystem level.  We are particularly interested in studies which address biological inventory, long-term biomonitoring, and ecological studies including community analyses and comparative studies between the managed woodland and preserved forest.  Projects deemed appropriate by the Research Committee of the CHMF Board of Advisors will be approved on a "first come/first serve" basis.

RESTRICTIONS

Collections of organisms from the nature preserve portions of CHMF must be approved by the Research Committee and may not be approved unless similar research cannot be conducted in the managed area.  Use of toxicants (pesticides, herbicides) is prohibited except for specimen preservatives.

RESEARCH PROPOSALS

Researchers must submit a formal research proposal by December 15 of the year preceding the planned research. Proposals will be accepted at any time prior to this and will be reviewed as they are received.   Proposals should be submitted electronically, preferably in Word, TXT, or RTF format.  Proposals should be no longer than two typewritten pages and should include the following:

1. A project summary including a clear description of the project, project goals and objectives, and how the research relates to the mission of CHMF.

2. A brief description of methods and materials to be used including a project time frame, number and location of sample sites (a map may be included), collecting techniques, equipment used, etc.  Plans for the disposition of collected specimens and treatment of voucher specimens should be clearly indicated.

3. A summary of expected outcomes.

All proposals should be sent to: Richard K. Kessler.  Questions related to the property or the proposal process should be addressed to Gordon K. Weddle