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Forestry - Forestry was founded on the basis of getting the wood out, not on understanding the tree. The focus of the Forest Products Laboratory that started in 1907 was on products, not on biology. The Mississippi Valley Laboratory in St. Louis was established in 1899. Dr. Herman von Schrenk was the director. Studies on wood decay and discoloration were done mostly. In time, the studies drifted toward wood products. In 1907 the lab was discontinued and the Forest Products Laboratory at Madison, Wisconsin took over. The major focus of the lab was on wood products decay. Tree biology never had a chance. Note: The United States Fish and Wildlife Services do not make management decisions on the Allegheny National Forest (Source: Leon F. Blashock - District Ranger?) Click here for some pertinent pictures.