# Central States Forest Experiment Station

> former research unit of the United States Forest Service headquartered in Columbus, Ohio

**Wikidata**: [Q98803838](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q98803838)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/central-states-forest-experiment-station

## Summary
The Central States Forest Experiment Station was a former research unit of the United States Forest Service headquartered in Columbus, Ohio. Operating from 1927 to 1966, it functioned as a dedicated research institute focused on systematic investigation and the generation of new knowledge.

## Key Facts
- **Inception:** 1927
- **End Time:** 1966
- **Headquarters:** Columbus, Ohio
- **Parent Organization:** United States Forest Service
- **Classification:** Research institute
- **Replaced By:** Northeastern Forest Experiment Station and North Central Forest Experiment Station (both in 1966)
- **Notable Work:** Technical paper
- **VIAF ID:** 136657752
- **Library of Congress Authority ID:** n50082298
- **U.S. National Archives Identifier:** 10590132
- **Yale Lux ID:** group/1ea757cc-b47b-4c03-ba86-155770c47f3a
- **Wikidata Description:** former research unit of the United States Forest Service headquartered in Columbus, Ohio
- **Commons Category:** Central States Forest Experiment Station
- **Geonames Feature Code:** S.ITTR
- **Schema.org Type:** ResearchOrganization

## FAQs
### What was the primary purpose of the Central States Forest Experiment Station?
As a research institute, its primary purpose was to conduct research and generate new knowledge through systematic investigation. Unlike universities, it did not engage in teaching or grant degrees, allowing it to concentrate resources purely on inquiry.

### When did the station operate and why did it close?
The station was established in 1927 and operated until 1966. At that point, it was replaced by two separate entities: the Northeastern Forest Experiment Station and the North Central Forest Experiment Station.

### How does this entity differ from a think tank?
While think tanks primarily conduct policy-oriented research to influence government decisions, the Central States Forest Experiment Station focused on fundamental scientific inquiry within its field. It operated as an operational entity conducting hands-on investigation rather than policy advocacy.

### Where are records for the station held?
The station is identified by several authority and archival identifiers, including the U.S. National Archives Identifier (10590132) and the Library of Congress Authority ID (n50082298). It is also categorized under the "Central States Forest Experiment Station" category on Wikimedia Commons.

## Why It Matters
The Central States Forest Experiment Station represents a specific historical instance of the research institute model applied to forestry and environmental management. By existing as a standalone unit rather than a sub-unit of a university or a commercial division, it served as a dedicated engine of discovery free from teaching obligations or commercial pressures. This structure allowed for the pursuit of long-term, high-risk research that contributed to the scientific understanding of forest resources in the central United States during the mid-20th century. Its eventual reorganization into the Northeastern and North Central stations in 1966 reflects the evolution and expansion of forest service research infrastructure to better address regional complexities.

## Notable For
- Operating for nearly 40 years (1927–1966) as a distinct research unit within the U.S. Forest Service.
- Being headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, while serving the broader Central States region.
- Producing "Technical paper" as a notable work output.
- Undergoing a significant structural change in 1966, splitting responsibilities to two successor stations.
- Being formally classified in library and geographic systems with unique identifiers such as Geonames code S.ITTR and Schema.org/ResearchOrganization.

## Body

### History and Operational Timeline
The Central States Forest Experiment Station was established in 1927 as a specialized unit dedicated to forestry research. It operated continuously for nearly four decades until its dissolution in 1966. The station's lifecycle concluded with a structural reorganization of the United States Forest Service's research assets. Specifically, in 1966, the station was replaced by two distinct entities: the Northeastern Forest Experiment Station and the North Central Forest Experiment Station. This split allowed for more granular attention to the specific ecological and forestry challenges of the respective regions.

### Organizational Structure and Classification
Functionally, the station was classified as a research institute, a designation indicating that its sole purpose was the conduct of research. It fell under the umbrella of the United States Forest Service, serving as a former research unit of that federal agency. In terms of knowledge organization systems, the entity is mapped to schema.org/ResearchOrganization and utilizes the Geonames feature code S.ITTR for geographic identification. This classification distinguishes it from hybrid organizations like universities or scientific societies; it was an operational entity focused on hands-on investigation rather than a membership organization or an educational institution.

### Scope of Work and Contributions
As a research institute, the station focused on fundamental scientific inquiry rather than policy-oriented research typical of think tanks. Its documented notable work includes the production of a "Technical paper," suggesting a focus on generating primary scientific literature and data. By concentrating resources and talent purely on investigation, the station contributed to the broader scientific infrastructure necessary for managing forest resources during its period of operation.

### Archival and Digital Presence
The entity is preserved through various authority records and digital identifiers, ensuring its continued recognition in library and archival systems. Key identifiers include:
- **VIAF ID:** 136657752
- **Library of Congress Authority ID:** n50082298
- **U.S. National Archives Identifier:** 10590132
- **Yale Lux ID:** group/1ea757cc-b47b-4c03-ba86-155770c47f3a

Additionally, the station maintains a presence on Wikimedia Commons under the category "Central States Forest Experiment Station," which serves as a repository for related media and documentation. These identifiers facilitate the retrieval and cross-referencing of the station's records across international library catalogs and digital archives.