I/UCRC Phase II: Center For Advanced Forestry Systems

University Of Washington, Seattle WA

Investigators

Abstract

The IUCRC for Advanced Forestry Systems (CAFS) site at the University of Washington (UW) proposes renewal for Phase II operation. CAFS and its sites address the problems and opportunities facing forestry that bridge disciplinary and regional boundaries, and require a broader and interdisciplinary approach that is the hallmark of universities. The center and its sites approach research questions on multiple spatial and temporal scales, including the molecular, cellular, individual-tree, stand, and ecosystem levels. The UW site will advance research in Phase II consistent with member needs such as it has done in Phase I in areas including 1) regional fertilization response of Douglas-fir, 2) growth and yield of improved Douglas-fir stock, and 3) use remote sensing to describe leaf area and root biomass of Douglas-fir plantations. Forests are vital to global ecological, social, and economic health. The research conducted by CAFS increases the competitiveness of forest products industries and forest landowners by solving problems on multiple temporal and spatial scales and determining fundamental solutions that transcend traditional species, regional, and disciplinary boundaries. Student training continues to be an important feature in Center research and technology transfer. These students are unique in the forestry sciences because of their problem-solving skills using interdisciplinary techniques across multiple scales. Recruiting for students among under-represented groups will be conducted, increasing the diversity of the workforce for both academia and industry in this traditionally diversity-deficient discipline.