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Ecology and Management of Invasive Species and Forest Ecosystems

Our Mission

Researchers in this unit provide knowledge and methods for protecting and sustaining healthy forests affected by invasive species and disturbances. Their research focus is concentrated in two major areas:  1) enhancing understanding and managing invasions and invasive species, and 2) sustaining forests through the regeneration and management of oak-dominated forests.  These researchers combine silvicultural and forest management approaches with biological invasion management. 

Our Research Areas

These researchers study a wide range of invasive species at all stages of invasion including arrival, establishment, spread, and impact leading to development of integrated pest management systems. Invasive species include plants, animals, fish, insects, diseases, invertebrates, and others, that are not native to the ecosystem under consideration and whose introduction causes or is likely to cause economic or environmental harm. 

• Tools for Understanding Biological Invasions
• Preventing Introduction of Invasive Species
• Invasive Insects, Plants, and Diseases

This invasive species research also integrates with our work on oak management to provide research that will produce tools for sustaining forests. Oak-dominated forests provide a unique suite of woodland benefits, but oak regeneration is currently inadequate to sustain species composition. Science-based solutions to regeneration problems and biological invasions are critical to sustaining oak forests. 

• Silviculture for Invasive Species
• Oak Regeneration
• Forest Management and Sustainability
• Economics and Engineering

Recent Publications