SAFL is in the U.S. Geological Survey’s Biological Resources Division and is located on the campus at the University of Tennessee. Research at the SAFL is directed toward solving natural resource management problems faced by the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI), with particular emphasis on the southern Appalachian region. This area is rich in biological diversity but threatened with some severe environmental problems. These include air and water pollution, exotic pests, human use and abuse, and urban and agricultural development. The central focus of SAFL is to provide technical assistance and to facilitate cooperative research in the biological, geophysical, and social sciences with emphasis on upland ecosystems in the southern Appalachian highlands. We believe the role of the SAFL is best expressed with an emphasis on experimental research; long-term or regional, national, or even global issues; and a holistic perspective of problem solving directed toward entire ecosystems. Our function is to conduct sound scientific research to be effected by in-house studies, hold cooperative studies with colleges and universities, and serve as a broker for research work through cooperative agreements. Dr. Joseph Clark serves as Branch Chief (Research Ecologist) whose interests include ecology of large mammals, population demographics, and habitat relationships.
The Southern Appalachian Field Laboratory
