Forest Schematic

Our nation’s forests serve many purposes including source of timber, habitat for wildlife, and a place for people to recreate. Our scientists seek to understand how forests can serve all these functions by answering such questions as, “How do forests managed for timber harvest and bird habitat affect the bat populations of the forest?” and “How can hiking trails be designed to minimize impacts on...

The impacts of a changing climate on wildlife and associated ecosystems have yet to be fully determined but changes are clearly underway as are a variety of investigations to assess how we can best preserve key resources while effectively managing others. Using a variety of tools and a combination of studies including adaptive management, long-term monitoring, mathematical modeling, and...

Coastal areas and estuaries contain a variety of habitats that serve many purposes including protecting other lands from flooding and storms, habitats important to commercially harvested fish and shellfish, recreational uses, and habitat for wildlife. We work with U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, National Park Service and other federal and state land managers that are charged with managing our nation...

The high winds and storm surge associated with hurricanes impacted coastal wetlands from Virginia to Maine. Understanding the ecological and geological impacts of hurricanes on coastal wetlands and both resident and migratory wildlife populations is fundamental to helping rebuild and maintain these unique ecosystems.