Pacific Northwest Research Station

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Ecological Process and Function Program

Beatrice Van Horne, Program Manager
Forestry Sciences Laboratory
3200 SW Jefferson Way
Corvallis, OR 97331
Phone: (541) 750-7357

Our Mission

The Ecological Process and Function Program advances and communicates knowledge of fundamental ecological processes and their interactions at multiple scales and develops applications that enable improved management of ecosystems and resources. Program Charter

About Us

Scientists in the Ecological Process and Function Program’s five teams work from central Alaska to southern Oregon, from the coast to the interior. We improve understanding of the influences of biophysical environment and natural and human-caused disturbances on fundamental ecological processes and functions. We also identify, assess, and determine the causes of changes in ecosystem attributes, processes, and functions over time.

Research Areas

Our work addresses four key research questions:

• How does the biophysical environment influence the function and properties of ecosystems, ecological communities, species, populations, and organisms?
• What are the potential influences of climate change on ecosystem attributes, patterns, ecological processes, and their interactions?
• How do disturbances influence ecological patterns and processes, and how do disturbances and ecological processes interact to determine the overall function, attributes, and dynamics of ecosystems?
• What are the determinants of ecological status and trends of biota and ecosystems?
  

Highlights of our recent research:

2011 Science Accomplishments

2010 Science Accomplishments

2009 Science Accomplishments

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