Welcome to the Western Forest Ecology lab. Our work develops new scientific understanding of forest ecosystem dynamics in response to changing disturbance regimes and climate. We collaborate closely with managers and community stakeholders to develop and assess management strategies for an era of change. In the process, we provide training to the next generation of researchers, land managers, and ecologically-informed citizens.
ResearchImproving our understanding of changing disturbance regimes and climate and their ecological consequences. |
EDucationTeaching and training the next generation of researchers, land managers, and citizens. |
MAnagementCollaborations with land managers to develop and assess the effectiveness of interventions. |
The Western Forest Ecology lab comprises the research group led by Dr. Jonathan Coop and collaborators and colleagues at Western Colorado University. Lab members include faculty, graduate students in the MS and MEM programs, undergraduate students, and field technicians. Our focus is addressing pressing questions and developing new science to inform land management and conservation of increasingly vulnerable ecological systems. Our home is in the Upper Gunnison Basin, a key watershed of the Colorado River system, but we cover a lot of ground across West. We work across a broad range of ecological systems, from the sagebrush to the alpine tundra, and across scales and methodological approaches, integrating field data, remote sensing, and statistical and mathematical modeling. Based in a small university with a long liberal arts tradition, education and training are also key to our mission. We maintain strong international research collaborations, partnerships with natural resource managers, and connections to community stakeholders.
Recent publications, presentations, and media.
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Who's in the lab, exactly?
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Opportunities and information for prospective students and others.
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