About the East Texas Pine Plantation Research Project (ETPPRP)

The ETPPRP is a long-term comprehensive research program investigating the factors affecting the management of loblolly and slash pine plantations in East Texas. The Arthur Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture at Stephen F. Austin State University conducts the ETPPRP in coordination with private landowners, primarily Timber Investment Management Organizations (TIMOs) and Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs).

Six integrated forest product companies – Temple-Inland, International Paper, Louisiana Pacific, Champion International, St. Regis Paper Co. and Owens-Illinois, Inc. -- were initial participants prior to merging with other companies and/or selling their land base in East Texas. At present, the ownership is fragmented with mostly TIMOs and REITs managing the properties.

The ETPPRP was initiated in 1982 by Dr. J. David Lenhart. Dr. Lenhart retired in 1999, and the new supervisor of the ETPPRP is Dr. Dean W. Coble, 936-468-2179, dcoble@sfasu.edu.