Dick Lugar: “I appreciate the previous support the subcommittee has granted to the Fine Hardwoods Tree Improvement and Regeneration…”

“I appreciate the previous support the subcommittee has granted to the Fine Hardwoods Tree Improvement and Regeneration Center at Purdue University. The HTIRC is engaged in research problems and technology transfer related to the regeneration of fine hardwoods. It is a regional center emphasizing not only genetic improvements and silvicultural goals, but addressing wildlife and riparian buffer issues and providing information and outreach to forest landowners. In establishing the center, I worked with Dr. Robert Lewis of the Forest Service. The project has widespread support and is financially supported not only by the Forest Service and Purdue University, but by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources and by a very wide variety of forest landowner, industry groups and foundations. It is designed to improve the quality of hardwood tree seedlings and to address the annual shortage of hardwood tree seedlings in the midwest. The Forest Service and the Department of Agriculture view the center as an excellent example of cooperation between government, academia, and industry in addressing important issues concerning the regeneration of hardwoods.”