What are the history, status and projected future of native plant communities in the South?
• Determine and describe the character and distribution of the (major) historic native plant communities in the southern U.S. • Ascertain the historic indigenous structure, composition and functional dynamics of the major native plant communities of the region. • Evaluate how changes in native forest structural attributes, plant species composition, and landscape distribution patterns have changed native plant community dynamics and plant species diversity. • Measure changes in plant biodiversity in various ecological regions. • Evaluate the effects of anthropogenic influences (fire regimes and exotic species) on native plant communities. • Determine the probable future of plant communities in the South if current trends continue. • Evaluate the contributions of cooperative conservation efforts on plant communities. • Address the effects of exotic species on habitats. • Evaluate the role that various forest types and successional stages (including monotypic stands) play in providing na
