Coweeta is one of the oldest continuously operating laboratories of its type in the world. For the first time, a complete review and summary of more than 50 years study of the hydrological and ecological responses of baseline and managed Southern Appalachian hardwood forests at Coweeta is now supplied by this volume. The long-term research approach represents a continuum of theory, experimentation and application using watersheds as landscape units of investigation. Thus, the information encompasses a wide range of interpretations and interests. In addition to in-depth analyses of terrestrial and stream processes, the breadth of coverage includes historical perspectives and relevance of ecosystem science to management needs. In a broader sense, the Coweeta research effort is considered from a perspective of national and international forest hydrology and ecology programs.

This latest addition to the Long-Term Ecological Research Network series gives an overarching account of the recovery and management of a forest watershed ecosystem. It synthesizes and cross-references important and rare-to find, long-term data in 14 chapters that deal with the hydrologic, biogeochemical, and ecological processes of mixed deciduous forests. The data is representative of the entire U.S., and shows the effects of commercial clearcutting using examples from the Southeastern U.S. and a range of East coast forests. It includes responses of both forest and stream components of the watershed and provides unique insights into the interrelationships between the effects of natural disturbances (floods, droughts, insects, and disease, etc.) versus management disturbances. Clearly illustrating the importance and need for long-term research to evaluate recovery processes of long-lived ecosystems, the work will serve academics, professionals, and students seeking to understand more fully the effects of forest-cutting on forest and stream ecosystems.