Each month College of Natural Resources faculty receive awards and grants from various federal, state, and nongovernmental agencies in support of their research. This report recognizes the faculty who received funding in June 2025.

Increasing Coordination and Capacity for Prescribed Burning Across the Southern Region

• PI: Bardon, Robert
• Direct Sponsor Name: National Fish and Wildlife Foundation
• Awarded Amount: $10,000 
• Abstract:  This proposal is a continuation and expansion of work conducted by North Carolina State University (NCSU) since 2012 in its role as a leading partner in the Southeast Regional Partnership for Planning and Sustainability (SERPPAS) Southern Prescribed Fire Initiative. NCSU Extension Forestry will continue to coordinate the SERPPAS Prescribed Fire Working Group and will implement activities to meet the goals of strategies such as the SERPPAS Prescribed Fire Strategy and the Rangewide Conservation Plan for Longleaf Pine in partnership with key stakeholders. These activities will increase prescribed burning capacity in the Southeast through coordination, education, and outreach. Adapting to current priorities identified by key partners, this proposal introduces pilot projects related to increased support of Prescribed Burn Associations (PBAs) and historically underserved landowners.

Increasing Coordination and Capacity for Prescribed Burning Across the Southern Region

• PI: Bardon, Robert
• Direct Sponsor Name: National Fish and Wildlife Foundation
• Amount Awarded: $50,000 
• Abstract: This proposal is a continuation and expansion of work conducted by North Carolina State University (NCSU) since 2012 in its role as a leading partner in the Southeast Regional Partnership for Planning and Sustainability (SERPPAS) Southern Prescribed Fire Initiative. NCSU Extension Forestry will continue to coordinate the SERPPAS Prescribed Fire Working Group and will implement activities to meet the goals of strategies such as the SERPPAS Prescribed Fire Strategy and the Rangewide Conservation Plan for Longleaf Pine in partnership with key stakeholders. These activities will increase prescribed burning capacity in the Southeast through coordination, education, and outreach. Adapting to current priorities identified by key partners, this proposal introduces pilot projects related to increased support of Prescribed Burn Associations (PBAs) and historically underserved landowners.

Post-Helene Assessment of Structure and Composition in Upland Oak Hickory Forests in the Southern Appalachians

• PI: Forrester, Jodi
• Direct Sponsor Name: US Forest Service
• Awarded Amount: $599,268 

Abstract: Hurricane Helene caused substantial damage to oak-hickory forests in western North Carolina. The variability of damage and the large amount of downed woody materials are significant barriers to oak regeneration/restoration. The primary purpose of this agreement is to re-measure a vegetation inventory and develop the best available science related to improving oak regeneration and post hurricane restoration through use of active forest management activities, including prescribed fire, to aid establishment of oak species and maintain oak supply chain for industry.