Research Focus
Our research explores silviculture as a tool for forestry problem solving. Broadly, we're interested in management options for forest resilience, natural regeneration dynamics, and long-term outcomes under varying silvicultural systems.
Current Projects
Northern Conifer Silviculture Guide for the Northeastern United States
The new Northern Conifer Silviculture Guide evaluates silvicultural options for spruce-fir-dominated forests. We consider appropriate silvicultural tools to achieve a range of contemporary and evolving forestry objectives. This work is funded by the Northeastern States Research Cooperative and the Cooperative Forestry Research Unit.
Digital Soil and Ecological Site Mapping
A collaborative research project with the Natural Resources Conservation Service, this work explores existing tools for digital soil mapping and ecological site mapping within Maine's working forestlands. Project outcomes will inform silviculture and forest management decision-making.
Rehabilitation and Climate Resilience in Northern Conifer Forests
In partnership with the Appalachian Mountain Club, our team is evaluating common methods of site preparation and planting as a tool to rehabilitate cut-over forestland. Additionally, this work considers how different rehabilitation strategies promote forests more resilient to climate change.
Forest Microclimates, Soils, and Regeneration Response
This work looks at the impact of microclimates on regeneration of key tree species in managed forests of Maine. Our aim is to understand how global climate change alters microclimates and ultimately, quantify the effects of these changes on economically and ecologically valuable tree species. This is collaborative research with the University of Maine Fort Kent funded by the Maine Economic Improvement Fund.
