This project will advance fundamental understanding of how aboveground biomass recovery trajectories vary as a function of fire size and severity, drought, and conifer forest type (1984-present) across the western U.S.

In the face of increasing frequency and severity of disturbances to western U.S. forests, this effort integrates data from individual trees to entire ecoregions to advance understanding of western forest recovery.

Biodiversity sustains life on Earth and is rapidly changing under the sixth mass extinction. While conservation focuses on species- specific management, there is a need for bioindicators to study, monitor, and assess our success at curbing biodiversity loss globally.

Invasive plants change the structure and moisture content of grassland and understory fuel beds (i.e., flammability), but this is not adequately accounted for in wildland fire fuel models used by fire managers. This project will create products to assist land managers and researchers to more accurately assess fire risk and plan for future fires.

Climate change has the potential to alter snow cover in the Rocky Mountains, which will impact alpine species and habitats. Projections of snow distribution, depth, and persistence would provide critical data for assessments under the Endangered Species Act, as well as for federal, state and tribal climate-informed management planning.

Drones are revolutionizing the way natural scientists measure their study systems. We are researching how measurements from small remote sensing drones, aka uncrewed aerial systems (UAS), can complement existing data to answer environmental questions in new ways.