Four separate problem areas are being addressed by our staff of four scientists and five science support professionals. There are three primary areas of research being conducted at this time: i) Global Change Research, ii) Fire & Fire Surrogates Study, iii) Ecosystem Management Study (Prescribed Fire Study) and the iv) National Fire Plan (Fire behavior and effects).
Research facilities are also maintained at the Vinton Furnace Experimental Forest (VFEF) in McArthur, OH. In addition, a 16,000 acre area surrounding the VFEF, known as the Raccoon Ecological Management Area.

We have investigated
how climate change can
potentially change the
distribution of trees
in the eastern
US by constructing
statistical & cellular
automata models.
The Fire and Fire
Surrogate Study
began in 2000
and attempts to
restore mixed oak
forests in southern
Ohio by combining
selective harvesting
with prescribed fires.
