MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING FORCONDUCTING ECOLOGICAL, FOREST MANAGEMENT, AND WILDLIFE RESEARCH ON THE WESTVACO WILDLIFE AND ECOSYSTEM RESEARCH FOREST, THE FERNOW EXPERIMENTAL STATION AND THE MONONGAHELA NATIONAL FOREST

This Memorandum of Understanding is made and entered into by and between NortheastResearch Station, Monongahela National Forest, and Westvaco Corporation. Collectively, theparties to this Memorandum of Understanding will hereafter be referred to as theCooperators.

I. PURPOSE

The purpose of this Memorandum of Understanding is to establish a framework forcollaboration among the Cooperators in working together and with other parties to studythe interactions of forest management activities on ecological processes and ecosystemfunction in the Appalachian region by linking research efforts whenever possible andfeasible between the Cooperators to provide for a common conservation goal of increasedunderstanding of these processes and functions on managed and unmanaged forest communitiesin the Appalachians.

II. STATEMENT OF MUTUAL INTERESTS AND BENEFITS

Westvaco Corporation is a forest products, paper and speciality chemical manufacturerthat owns and manages land in the Appalachians to provide wood fiber in an environmentallyresponsible manner. As a participant in the American Forest and Paper Association’sSustainable Forestry Initiative, Westvaco Corporation is committed to sound forestmanagement and wise stewardship of resources that are held in its trust. WestvacoCorporation has established the Westvaco Wildlife and Ecosystem Research Forest to studythe interactions of industrial forest management with ecological processes and ecosystemfunction. Knowledge gained from the study and research of the interactions of forestmanagement with ecological processes and ecosystem function is expected to provideinsights into ongoing management activities for Westvaco, as well as provide neededinformation to the natural resources community at large.

Northeast Research Station’s Fernow Forest works to develop knowledge aboutforested ecosystems in the Appalachians, to develop technologies and methods, and to makeintegrated management and utilization decisions that are fiber efficient, economicallyviable, and ecologically sustainable.

Monongahela National Forest, which encompasses the Fernow, and shares adjacentlandownership with Westvaco Corporation is a common partner in landscape-level ecosystemfunctions with Westvaco in the Appalachians in terms of providing wood fiber, clean water,wildlife habitat, and recreation.

III. THE COOPERATORS SHALL:

1. Work together and with other parties to identify common research interests andmanagement problems in the Appalachian setting.

2. Seek ways to link current research activities on the Westvaco Wildlife and EcosystemResearch Forest, the Fernow, and the Monongahela National Forest.

3. Seek ways to foster direct research collaboration between each party on the WestvacoWildlife and Ecosystem Research Forest, the Fernow, and the Monongahela National Forestwith an emphasis on the use of the Westvaco Wildlife and Ecosystem Research Forest forstudy areas requiring ongoing and future forest management and younger, newly regeneratingforests and use of the Fernow and the Monongahela National Forest for study areasrequiring older managed forests and as well as unmanaged forests.

4. Share necessary inventory and resource data when appropriate to foster, execute, andsustain collaborative research between the Cooperators.

5. Convene an annual meeting to review ongoing cooperative and future cooperativeactivities.

IV. IT IS MUTUALLY AGREED AND UNDERSTOOD BY AND BETWEEN THE COOPERATORS THAT:

1. This instrument is neither a fiscal nor a funding obligation document. Any endeavorinvolving reimbursement or contribution of funds between the parties to this agreementwill be handled in accordance with applicable laws, and governmental and corporateregulations, and procedures.

2. Each Cooperator retains all rights to manage lands within their ownership as needed,not excluding road construction and maintenance as needed.

3. That research projects as proposed to be carried forth on the Westvaco Wildlife andEcosystem Research Forest will be examined by its Research Forest Steering Committee fortechnical merit and subject appropriateness consistent with the mission of the WestvacoWildlife and Ecosystem Research Forest.

4. That with respect to the publication of any results of the research conducted underthis Agreement, it is agreed that the results may be made known to the public by eitherparty after due notice and submission of the proposed manuscript to the other, with suchcredit or recognition as may be mutually agreed upon: provided, that full responsibilityis assumed by such party for any statements on which there is a difference of opinion.

5. This instrument in no way restricts the Cooperators from participating in similaractivities with other public agencies or private agencies, organizations, and individuals.

6. Pursuant to Section 22, Title 41, United States Code, no member of, or Delegate to,Congress shall be admitted to any share or part of this instrument, or any benefits thatmay arise therefrom.

7. This instrument is executed as of the last date shown below and expires on September30, 2002, at which time it will be subject to review, renewal, or expiration. Either partycan terminate this instrument by giving 60 days written notice to the other parties inwriting.

8. PRINCIPAL CONTACTS. The principal contacts for this instrument are:

Charles L. Myers
Forest Supervisor
Monongahela National Forest
200 Sycamore Street
Elkins, WV 26241
(304) 636-1800

Mary Beth Adams
Project Leader
Northeast Research Station
Box 404
Parsons, WV 26287
(304) 478-2000

Trenor Hypes
Regional Manager
Westvaco Corporation
P.O. Box 577
Rupert, WV 25984
(304) 392-6373