GEORGE HENRY HEPTING: Pioneer Leader in Forest Pathology.

Abstract

George Henry Hepting grew up in the city environment of Brooklyn, but early in his life developed a deep love and scientific interest in forestry. He became America's most skilled scientist in the theory and practice of forest pathology. He studied how long-lived forest trees, unlike most plants, cope with the long-term changes in their biological, physical, and chemical environments. He devoted his remarkably energetic life to learning, understanding, and teaching how trees survive disease stresses induced by biotic and abiotic agents—in forest nurseries, as individual trees, in young sapling stands, in naturally regenerated and planted stands, in old-growth forests, and in landscapes and watersheds. He focused his innovative spirit, curiosity, and high intelligence on seeking ways to use this un- derstanding to develop practical guidelines for management that can be used to decrease or minimize disease losses and deterioration of wood in service. From the research that he and his close co-workers completed have come many tangible benefits. Throughout his life, Hepting was devoted to maintaining the rich biolog- ical heritage of this country in its forests and wildlife resources, in national, state, and city parks, and trees in residential, commercial, and recreational landscapes— resources that are important, not only to the economic vitality, but also for the spirit and aesthetic quality of life in the United States.