Forest Ecology & Management
FER Home : Forest Ecology & Management
The Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources is respected worldwide for a forest ecology and management program that calls on a complete spectrum of environmental and forestry specialties to further both the art and the science of managing forest resources for the benefit of humanity.
The Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources (FER) has been active in forest ecology and management since it first evolved at the start of the 20th Century as an extension of basic forestry. Today, our forest ecology and management program involves the overlapping efforts of many different environmental and forestry disciplines, with the science behind these areas constituting the ecology portion of the equation and the application of these sciences serving as the management component.
We maintain expertise in all the biological, physical and social sciences that affect forest ecosystems, and we promote excellence in teaching, research, and outreach by fostering a multidisciplinary understanding of forest ecosystems and the application of management systems within them. Our approach is based on a strong ethical foundation that advocates good stewardship of our planet’s forest resources.
We conduct extensive original research in forest ecology and management, using our Forests & Facilities as living laboratories for our work and collaborating with government and private sector partners on important basic and applied questions. We also sponsor numerous outreach programs to bring new knowledge in this field to the attention of public and private landowners in a variety of ways.
Goals
All of our forest ecology and management activities are based on one or more of the following goals:
- Understanding the the interaction of forest organisms and their relationship to the surrounding environment.
- Tracking the effects of environmental changes and human behavior on forest ecosystems.
- Successfully managing and protecting forests in various stages of health.
- Developing silviculture systems to improve the health and production of forest stands.
- Managing forests as a renewable resource for energy, recreation, economic development, cultural practices and a better quality of life.
- Preserving the biodiversity of various forest environments.
A Broad-Based Approach
Our forest ecology and management initiatives often involve faculty and resources from other NC State departments and such disciplines as wildlife management, botany, soil sciences, economics, computer technology, engineering, statistics, public administration, parks and recreation, agriculture and more. The breadth of our expertise is matched by the depth of our approach to forest ecology and management: topics are often addressed on a domestic and international scale, include theoretical and practical considerations, involve both basic and applied research, and emphasize the need to balance the environmental needs of a forest ecosystem with the needs of the community surrounding it.
Impact
When it comes to serving North Carolina and its public and private forests, FER works regularly with various North Carolina forestry services and the US Forest Service, as well as many local agencies and non-profit environmental organizations. Together, we continue to further the cause of sound forest ecology and management through education, research and outreach.
Internationally, we are known for our expertise in forest soils, genetics, pine management and species conservation. Our faculty’s international experience is extensive and covers many diverse subspecialties, including biodiversity, forest economics, restoration and management, tree improvement, conservation and more.
For more information on how we contribute to the field of forest ecology and management, please click on the links to the left.
