Our Research

Our research focus distinguishes us from all other research platforms or systems (public or private). It is operational because we are operational foresters, and it is Integrated, because the forest investment is integrated. And, it is based on Economic Optimization, because you invest to optimize your investments returns.

If any of the following are your investment questions, FORTE participation is for you:

1)What pine species should I plant on my sites and soil types?

2)What seedlings should I plant? Which level of tree improvement? Which specific family or cross or mix? Which stock type?

3)How many seedlings per acre should I plant for my market, climate, soil type, and growth trajectory?

4)How should I best space my rows and seedlings within the row to optimize returns and lower investment risk?

5)How should I best protect my new seedlings to optimize survival and early growth?

6)What intensity of management and investment is optimal and justified in my market and growth climate?

FORTE field research work is based on both an existing Trial Series Platform, with installations of each series established on Participant timberlands across the Southeastern US, and a Custom Participant Platform. Initial FORTE study series were established in 2016 and additional installations are going in annually.