This study examines the spatial distribution of surface charcoal after a managed fire and its relationship to fire intensity and site characteristics. Such studies are lacking for the southern Appalachian Mountains. In April 2010, The Nature Conservancy conducted a ~150ha prescribed burn in pine- and oak-dominated forests on the eastern slope of Middle Mountain in western Virginia. Data were from three randomly located transects totaling 2751m from the base of the slope extending to the highest elevations. At 50m intervals I collected 400cm° surface samples (n=56) down to mineral soil, and recorded the nearest four trees, their diameters and bole char height, and other site and understory characteristics. Charcoal fragments >2mm were wet-sieved from 200mL subsamples of the surface material, dried, and weighed. Charcoal deposition and char heights on trees examined in this study showed high spatial variability in fire intensity. Average charcoal deposition across all samples was 103 kg/ha, with individual samples ranging from 0-884kg/ha, which was in the range of findings from other studies. Char height was weakly correlated with charcoal abundance suggesting a relationship between fire intensity and charcoal production. Slope was moderately correlated with charcoal deposition, with higher deposition on steeper slopes. Average char height for all trees and species was in the range of 1-3m, but char height on pines averaged 7.3m, where fires intensity appeared to increase. This work can inform land managers on fire behavior and carbon flux and has implications for reconstructions of long-term fire history from soil charcoal. / Master of Science

Two distinct forms of Red Crossbill (Loxia curvirostra) bred sympatrically in the southern Appalachians in 1983. The forms differed significantly in vocalizations and bill and body size, and the members of each of 20 male-female pairs were of the same size class. One of the forms from Virginia has been tape recorded in western North America in 1983 and in previous years, showing that vocal classes are not local dialects. Evidence presented here suggests that forms of Red Crossbill are not subspecies as is currently recognized, and that they behave as biological sibling species. / Master of Science

The research purpose was to determine strengths and weaknesses of Appalachian wood products sales in Central America. In the future, there may be a greater need for international forest products in Central America due to increasing population size, tourism, and deforestation. Potential market opportunities for Appalachian forest product companies in Central America were evaluated and strategies were developed to increase exports from Appalachian wood product companies. Interviews of Central American wood products wholesalers and government and non-government officials were conducted to determine the current situation of the forest, the demand for local wood production, and potential for future production of wood products. A survey of wood products retailers and manufacturers was conducted to determine drivers and barriers of the sale of Appalachian wood products in Central America. Models were developed to describe relationships between company performance and suppliers and a series of independent variables (e.g, supplier promotion, product attributes). Results suggested that U.S. wood products companies have not put enough effort into marketing forest products in Central America. Central American wood products consumers lack knowledge of Appalachian wood products and their advantages over wood products currently used. Inconsistencies between Appalachian and Central American wood products industries (e.g., dimensions, species terminology) act as a barrier to efficient exchange of wood products. Models suggest that companies may need to focus on barriers to increase company performance. The best market strategies for Appalachian forest products companies to increase sales into Central America are: partner with local wholesalers, offer higher value-added products, maintain similar pricing with competition, and offer sales and product discounts. / Master of Science

Though research on fathering and fatherhood has grown significantly over the past few decades, a persistent emphasis involves father involvement and its relationship to child outcomes. Far fewer studies have explored the intrapersonal processes of fatherhood, such as what it means to be a father in diverse contexts. Rural contexts, specifically within Appalachia, remain understudied and may present specific challenges or strengths that influence the development of fathering identities. The current study employed interpretive phenomenological analysis to explore the lived experiences of fathers who live and parent in rural Appalachia, an area and identity that is often stereotyped and marginalized, and to highlight these fathers’ strengths despite challenges. Informed by symbolic interactionism, this study sought to examine the social and cultural symbols that shape the meanings Appalachian fathers ascribe to fatherhood and explore how those meanings shape their own perceptions of themselves as fathers. Fathers residing in Appalachia were interviewed to gain insights into the lived experiences, meaning making processes, and strengths of Appalachian fathers. Findings show that Appalachian fathers seek to embody and preserve multigenerational values such as work ethic, community, and providing and protecting, while grappling with tensions between preserving traditions and adapting to change. Appalachian fathers negotiated identities against the backdrop of historical hardship and exploitation, which threatened their internal sense of agency and contributed to their feeling left behind in a changing world. Nonetheless, fathers actively negotiated their sense of self and found creative ways to (re)create Appalachian fathering to fit their unique context and lived experiences. / Master of Science

This research aims to analyze the spatial and temporal characteristics of instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) over the Southern Appalachian Region from 2008 to 2023, utilizing Meteorological Terminal Aerodrome Report (METAR) stations across six USGS-defined physiographical provinces. IMC is defined as visibility less than three statute miles and/or cloud ceiling heights less than 1,000 feet above ground. Percentage of hours reporting IMC are considered on an annual, seasonal, and hourly basis. The greatest increase in IMC over the period occurs in the Piedmont province, and the greatest decrease in the Interior Low Plateaus province. All provinces experience the greatest amount of IMC in wintertime, and the season with the fewest IMC hours varies by province. All provinces see a maximum hour of IMC within three hours following sunrise except summertime in the Interior Low Plateaus, which experiences the highest frequency of IMC within two hours prior to sunset.

In December 1999, a website popular among music fans, mudcat.org, featured a thread that encouraged speculation about “The Essential Folk Recordings.” Thread participants—including prominent promoters of folk music—agreed upon the lasting importance of three collections: Harry Smith’s Anthology of American Folk Music, Alan Lomax’s field recordings, and Ralph Peer’s 1927 Bristol Sessions. Also mentioned by some participants were a few recent compilations, as well as certain albums from major folk and blues musicians. Many participants lamented the dearth of reissued folk music on compact disc from the back-catalog of Elektra Records, a company renowned for its contributions to the genre during the urban folk music revival. And one Elektra release, The Folk Box, received particular praise from a number of people fortunate enough to have heard it.

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Lee Bidgood was joined by Richard Cifersky, Ed Snodderly, Daniel Boner, and Jeff Elkins in performing Czech translations of bluegrass classics, as well as original Czech material in both Czech and English.

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