Research
Research in our lab group is motivated by a fundamental need to better understand the ecology of forests and resource management for approaches to enhance forest resilience and resistance to global change. To address this research need we merge techniques from ecology (e.g., field surveys, experiments, and simulation modeling) and geography (e.g., GIS, remote sensing, and dendrochronology) and work across spatial scales from the individual to the globe.
Causes and consequences of bark beetle outbreaks
Across western North America, abundant susceptible tree hosts and suitable climate during the early 21st century have promoted widespread bark beetle outbreaks, leading to tree mortality across western North America. Recent projects have highlighted the importance of drought in initiating spruce beetle outbreaks. Ongoing work is aimed at using remote sensing to understand variability in mortality and post-outbreak regeneration across the Southern Rockies.
Disturbance interactions
Prior disturbance can strongly affect ecosystem resistance and resilience to subsequent disturbance. However, little is known about where and when a disturbance will attenuate or amplify the effects of a subsequent disturbance, particularly under changing climates. Recent projects have examined interactions between bark beetle outbreaks and wildfire. We are currently examining interactions between irruptive insects.
Forest regeneration
Central to understanding how disturbances will impact forest ecosystems is predicting post-disturbance recovery rates and trajectories. Recent projects have examined the drivers of post-fire regeneration.
Invasive species in forest ecosystems
Invasive species are key drivers of ecosystem change. In North America, the emerald ash borer (EAB; Agrilus planipennis) is leading to extensive mortality of native ash trees. To better understand the ecosystem consequences of this infestation, we have established long-term monitoring sites in collaboration with scientists from the USFS, Stockbridge-Munsee Community, and Menominee Indian Tribe. We are using pre-infestation data to quantify the ecohydrological function of black ash and identify management strategies for maintaining ecosystem function following EAB .
