Much of the field research in the Forest Ecosystem Dynamics project has been conducted at the International Paper Northern Experimental Forest near Howland, Maine, USA. The site is located at approximately 45o 15' N latitude and 68o 45' W longitude and was the location of the NASA Forest Ecosystem Dynamics Multi-sensor Aircraft Campaign (see Smith et al., 1990). The area comprises approximately 7000 ha containing several intensive experimental sites, where detailed ecological and mensuration measurements have been obtained. It contains an assortment of small plantations, multi-generation clearings, and large natural forest stands. Because of distinct management programs and the record-keeping appropriate to a research forest, useful historical background information on specific areas is available.

The natural stands in this boreal--northern hardwood transitional forest consist of hemlock-spruce-fir, aspen-birch, and hemlock-hardwood mixtures. Topographically, the region varies from flat to gently rolling, with a maximum elevation change of less than 135 m within a 10 by 10 km study area. Due to the region's glacial history, soil drainage classes within a small area may vary widely, from excessively drained to poorly drained. Consequently, an elaborate patchwork of forest communities has developed, supporting exceptional diversity in forest structure.

The view of the Northern Experimental Forest (NEF) from the top of the flux tower (shown above) is slightly northwest towards Mt. Katahdin. The 25m walk-up tower is located within the NEF and supports meteorlogical instruments.

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EOS Land Validation Core Site: Howland, ME.