University of Georgia-Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources Proposal for Participation in the NSF Center for Advanced Forestry Systems

University Of Georgia Research Foundation Inc, Athens GA

Investigators

Abstract

IIP 0855776 University of Georgia Kane University of Georgia (UGA) will join the existing multi-university Industry/University Cooperative Research Center (I/UCRC) entitled "The Center for Advanced Forestry Systems"(CAFS) which was established in 2007 with four member institutions: North Carolina State University (lead university), Oregon State University, Purdue University and Virginia Tech. The proposed site will expand CAFS efforts by providing additional and specialized expertise and research platforms in the areas of silviculture, biometrics and wood quality. The proposed activities at UGA will augment and complement current CAFS projects, and will more fully address the needs for scientific and technological advances for enhancing the competitiveness of the US forestry sector. UGA has a long history of research on commercial forestry plantations, and proposes to develop research projects focused on understanding productivity drivers in thinned stands and integrating wood quality predictions into growth and yield models. The effort at UGA has the potential to improve the competitiveness of the forest products industry and forest land owners. The expected new developments in technical capabilities will have broad applications and benefits beyond just the US. The emphasis on inclusion of both graduate and undergraduate students in research will enhance the number of trained experts to work in this important field. UGA plans to address all issues related to diversity and to commit to the inclusion of under-represented groups.