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

Managing Niche Forest Products on Your Land: A Guide for Landowners

Principal Investigator: Jameson Boone
Direct Sponsor: U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service
Awarded Amount: $10,277

Abstract: Development of an extension publication to educate forest landowners about economic opportunities on their existing forest land for niche forest products. The publication will emphasize strategies for managing and marketing niche products as part of forest landowners’ objectives. Landowners will be able to identify management practices they can implement on their property to develop additional economic opportunities for their land. This will be 10-15 pages of content. Niche products may include mushroom production, carbon markets, pine straw markets, conservation easements, mitigation banking, pole timber, hunt/land leasing and firewood harvesting.

Collaborative Research: BoCP-Implementation: Functional Biodiversity on a Changing Planet Through the Lens of Seasonal Camouflage

Principal Investigator: Roland Kays
Direct Sponsor Name: National Science Foundation
Awarded Amount: $436,664

Abstract: We will be studying animal coat color mismatch by developing artificial intelligence to process camera trap photographs. This will be off-campus overhead rate as work will be done at the museum.

Cost and Climate Change Impacts of Waste Valorization Pathways for Decarbonizing the U.S. Municipal Solid Waste Systems

Principal Investigator: Kai Lan
Direct Sponsor Name: Yale University – Environmental Research and Education Foundation
Awarded Amount: $35,939

Abstract: The urgent need to address increasing greenhouse gas emissions and environmental challenges associated with the U.S. municipal solid waste industries requires a holistic approach. Previous life cycle assessment and techno-economic analysis studies on municipal solid waste valorization have focused on process-level individual systems without considering broader municipal solid waste markets, policies and industrial decision-making that are critical to a circular economy. This project aims to fill this gap by developing forward-looking, policy-relevant and market-driven integrated systems analysis models for the U.S. municipal solid waste management systems focusing on energy valorization and material circularization.

Characterizing the Market for Standing Timber Insurance

Principal Investigator: Rajan Parajuli
Direct Sponsor Name: U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service
Awarded Amount: $81,380

Abstract: Timberlands across the globe are exposed to various types of disturbance events such as extreme weather, wildfire and pest and disease outbreaks. Major hurricanes, destructive wildfires and other devastating natural disturbances can lead to tree damage, mortality and poor forest health, which can cause tree crop loss and negative impacts on the forest-based economy and forest ecosystem functions. Past literature suggests that insurance for standing timber in the U.S. exists, but coverage is extremely limited. However, this information is somewhat dated, and no recent study attempts to fully characterize the market. Understanding the scope and characteristics of standing timber insurance will help us better understand landowner behavior before and after disasters and develop tools to better assist them.

Belmont Forum Collaboration Research: Multiscale Approaches and Scalability Within Climate Change-Heritage Risk Assessments (SASCHA)

Principal Investigator: Erin Seekamp
Direct Sponsor Name: National Science Foundation
Awarded Amount: $111,525

Abstract: SASCHA proposes operationalization (a method to provide measurable observation for abstract concepts) for transferable risk assessment and a value-based decision support tool. Supported by this approach, the overarching aim of SASCHA is therefore to develop innovative methods for understanding risks of climate change for heritage that allow for multiscale analysis and scalable approaches bridging the gaps between local knowledge and global data and from local vulnerability to global risks. To this end, SASCHA will: a) develop a set of operationalized indicators/metrics for relevant determinants of climate change; b) develop a locally adaptable protocol for stakeholders’ engagement in the identification of relevant determinants of climate impacts that acknowledge and celebrate diversity in cultural contexts; c) develop a climate adaptation decision support tool to evaluate relevance of assessment approaches for different spatial scales; d) explore the challenges and opportunities of an operationalization approach to climate change–heritage risk. Addressing a complex, wide and research-intensive subject, SASCHA unfolds several organizational, scientific, technical, technological and cultural heritage-oriented elements. SASCHA includes four research partners that bring significant experience in climate change and heritage and requisite expertise in physical sciences (University College London), social sciences and humanities (Norsk Institutt for kulturminneforskning (NIKU), North Carolina State University/Arizona State University) and technology (NHAZCA). The consortium can significantly contribute to safeguarding and protecting their region’s coastal heritage but also to the global discussion of the integration of climate impacts assessment on cultural heritage through the close collaboration with UNESCO’s advisory body, ICCROM, and case study stakeholders. SASCHA will develop methods for assessing, interpreting and communicating climate change risks for heritage while also supporting effective policy development and heritage management. To the best of our knowledge, SASCHA meets the criteria for each annex (financial and in-kind).