Accomplishment Highlights

The following accomplishments represent progress in threat detection, predictive tools, threat assessment and planning, and synthesis and communication. 
 

Threat Detection

Advanced Technology Monitors Forest Change—Many forest and wildland changes are dispersed over broad areas or occur in remote locations, making it difficult to detect and quantify the extent and magnitude of the disturbance. Eastern and Western Center scientists have teamed up with NASA and other partners to develop an early warning system that uses advanced satellite imagery to detect and characterize changes in vegetation at relatively frequent time intervals. This system will provide a cost-effective, synoptic survey of all lands, which can be used for multiple applications.

Remote Sensing Imagery Detects Fire Fuels—Southeastern landscapes are potentially at high-risk for increased wildfires. Eastern Center researchers are using remote sensing imagery to evaluate, project, and map wildland pre-and post burn forest fuels. Projections will assess impacts of various disturbances, including climate change.

Noxious Weed Studies Broaden Communication—At the county scale, location, climate, roads, and land uses often increase susceptibility to noxious, or harmful, weeds. Western Center scientists are mapping available weed data for Crook County, Oregon, developing land management contacts and encouraging discussions with surrounding counties. Advanced research technology will update weed presence, model future spread, and aid in land management efforts.

U.S. and China Wary of Boomerang Effect—A Western Center project is identifying fungi in western North America and China associated with the red turpentine beetle (Dendroctonus valens). The beetle was introduced into China from the U.S., causing serious concerns in pine plantations. Generally not a threat to the U.S., the beetle could potentially pick-up new, invasive fungi in China which could be inadvertently reintroduced into the U.S. South African scientists are also helping with fungi identification on beetles found in both the U.S. and China.


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Photo by Steven Katovich, USDA Forest Service, www.bugwood.org