Luquillo Experimental Forest
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Luquillo Experimental Forest (LEF) (Bosque experimental de Luquillo) is a protected area of tropical rainforest in northeastern Puerto Rico. The experimental forest is located in the Sierra de Luquillo some 50 km (30 mi) east of San Juan, the capital of the island. It is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and is used for research into silviculture, forest regeneration, and other purposes.
The Tropical Forest Research Station was founded in 1940 and became a center for ecosystem research.[1] It was designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1976 with the objective of understanding "the long-term dynamics of tropical forest ecosystems characterized by large-scale, infrequent disturbance, rapid processing of organic material, and high habitat and species diversity".[2]
Although the experimental forest is located within El Yunque National Forest, the two have different objectives. In a forest management plan drawn up in 1956, approximately 6,700 hectares (17,000 acres) were to be used for commercial timber production, mostly the lower, flatter part of the site. The remaining 4,630 hectares (11,400 acres), largely mountain peaks and steep slopes, were considered non-commercial and were set aside for research and other purposes. Much of the experimental area is used for silviculture and reforestation research, however certain areas have been left completely unmanaged, and are of global importance for use in long term ecological studies.[3]
The experimental forest is one of 26 sites run by the Long Term Ecological Research Network, a group of international scientists studying ecological processes over long time scales.[4] The facility was established in 1988 to study the "long-term effects of natural and human disturbances on tropical forests and streams in the Luquillo mountains". The aspects studied include how hurricanes and droughts have affected the environment, and the effects of changes in agricultural practices and increased urbanization. A central database is maintained, collaboration between scientists, students and volunteers is encouraged, and efforts are made to involve the local community.[5]
