Mission Statement

American beech (Fagus grandifolia Ehrh.) has been historically important among several hardwood forest community types in northeastern North America. Yet Beech Bark Disease killed or weakened trees of large and medium sizes, altering the structure and composition of these forests, and leaving aftermath stands with increased stocking of the smaller beech in understory and mid-story positions. Where dense, these beech thickets may threaten sustainable forest resources management and ecosystem integrity.

The Beech consortium provides a forum for interested people of share ideas and concerns about the American beech, the aftermath forest, and its management. it also offers opportunities to explore collaboration in research, outreach, and educational programs. Specific purposes include:

1. Sharing Ideas: Seminars and workshops promote dialogue about research and scholarship, and discussion of propositions about American beech biology, ecologic function, management, and other matters of interest.

2. Exchanging Information: A web site and data clearinghouse facilitate communication among participants, and identify available data sets and other information from long-term monitoring and research.

3. Collaborating in Projects: Networking lings ad hoc groups of scientists, managers, policy makers, and other stakeholders who might benefit from collaborative efforts targeted at American beech.

4. Participating in Outreach: Workshops, symposia, consultations, and other outreach opportunities allow participants to more broadly share findings from research and study of American beech, and advise landowners about managing beech in the aftermath forest.

The Beech Working Group welcomes participation by anyone interested in American beech, and who endorses the Beech Working Group's purposes as articulated here. The consortium does not provide financial support or administrative resources to participants. Rather, it promotes collaboration among interested people who may also cooperate in securing funds from a variety of sponsors. The consortium will also serve as a center for outreach by sharing information and offering technical assistance to landowners, agencies, forest specialists, and others having an interest in American beech.

• Beech Bibliography
• Why Beech?

Beech Working Group Participants