Ward McCaughey
Rocky Mountain Research Station
Forestry Sciences Laboratory
800 East Beckwith Avenue
Missoula, MT 59801
406-329-2125
wmccaughey@fs.fed.us
Arthur McKee
Flathead Lake Biological Station
32125 Bio Station Lane
Polson, MT 59860
406-982-3301 x 226
Art.McKee@umontana.edu
Coram Experimental Forest (CEF) is located within the Northern Rockies Domain (12), referred to as the Northern Rocky Mountain Ecological Observatory (NoRMEO) by the region’s scientists, and sometimes abbreviated as NRM on NEON-related maps and tables assembled by COREO and 3CS.
The approximate center of CEF is Latitude 48.38, Longitude -113.98 and it is 7,244 acres (2932 ha) in size. A map of the CEF is attached (ESRI shapefile). Locator Map: For a larger image and additional maps go to http://flbs.umt.edu/sitemaps/coram.aspx
CEF is located on the Flathead National Forest and administered by the Rocky Mountain Research Station (RMRS). CEF’s status as an Experimental Forest ensures long-term site integrity and administrative collaboration. It is broadly representative of western larch/Douglas-fir forests and mixed-conifer cover types found along and west of the Continental Divide. CEF includes the Coram Research Natural Area, 340 ha (839 ac) in size, with old-growth larch stands over 300 years old. Access to CEF is good with a well maintained road network. Near the entrance, is a flat to gently sloping area of young forest suitable for a flux tower with easy access to line power. Excellent opportunities exist for NEON facilities development adjacent to the Experimental Forest’s headquarters located in Hungry Horse, Montana. The University of Montana’s Flathead Lake Biological Station is nearby and provides another possible site for NEON facilities.
CEF is central to the Crown-of-the-Continent ecosystem and adjacent to Glacier Park in an area that remains largely intact and still has all native terrestrial vertebrates present, and it is also centrally located along the maritime-to-continental climatic gradient within the Domain. Surrounded by areas protected by wilderness and National Park designation, this large (2900 ha) Experimental Forest is specifically dedicated to research and education. A rich history of research in CEF, Glacier Park, and the surrounding area has produced many long-term studies and legacy data sets that are germane to NEON themes and questions.
CEF was designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in the 1970s for experimental research, paired with nearby Glacier National Park that serves as control-the research link/partnership between the two areas is well established. Other partnerships include the University of Montana, Flathead National Forest, USGS/BRD scientists, Flathead Valley Community College, local high schools, and the entire research arm of the USDA Forest Service. Partnerships with regional tribal colleges are in development.