Charlie Crisafulli
Ecologist
Pacific Northwest Research Station
Olympia Forestry Sciences Lab
Contact via email
Phone: (360)449-7834
Fax: (360)449-7801
Statement of Research:
I’m a research ecologist who’s been conducting work at Mount St. Helens since July 1980, just weeks after the catastrophic May 18, 1980, eruption. I’m leading studies that are providing insights into the initial and long-term responses of ecosystems to large, infrequent disturbance. My studies explore the ecology of the volcano’s small mammals, birds, amphibians, insects, and plants. My other research interests include the role of exotic species in montane lakes and the ecology of rare endemic salamanders.
Projects & Activities:
Spirit Lake. Photo by Charlie Crisafulli.
Mount St. Helens Research
On May 18, 1980, after weeks of tremors, Mount St. Helens
erupted spectacularly and profoundly changed a vast area
surrounding the volcano. In the 30 years since the catastrophic
eruption, scientists with the Land and Watershed Management
Program, along with their colleagues, have used the volcano
as a living laboratory for ecological research… read more