Results of more than 50 years of scientific investigation at the Coweeta Hydrologic Laboratory have established the site as a national and international center for forest ecosystem and hydrology research. The 2185-ha Laboratory, located in the Southern Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina, is a USDA Forest Service property where cooperative research is jointly administered by the Southeastern Forest Experiment Station and the University of Georgia. In 1986 the research program included more than 50 senior investigators and over 50 graduate students and technicians from 19 different universities and agencies. Although current research use of the site is high, lack of adequate overnight facilities has significantly restricted use by important segments of the scientific community. One house trailer with accommodations for eight persons is the only on-site facility currently available for overnight occupancy. This project provides support to renovate and refurbish an existing building for dormitory, living and work space to accommodate up to 30 investigators. Funds are also provided for a microcomputer to be placed in the facility and a four-wheel-drive vehicle for shared investigator use. Support for these items will substantially enhance the value of the site for environmental and hydrologic research.
