Forest Genetics Team

The Forest Genetics Team and the Silviculture Team have been combined into the

Genetic and Silvicultural Foundations for Management Team.

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About Us

The mission of the Forest Genetics Team is to develop new knowledge of genetic structure and processes of plant populations, and explore options for the sustainable management of genetic resources including maintaining or enhancing ecosystem health and productivity while conserving genetic and species diversity.

The Forest Genetics Team has been in existence since 1954 when Roy Silen was hired as the Station’s first geneticist. Genetics research at the Station, however, dates as far back as 1912 with the establishment of the Douglas-Fir Heredity Study, a study comparing seed sources from several locations planted at several locations in western Oregon and Washington. Despite statistical limitations of this study, it demonstrates the value of long-term research, including the facts that a long time span may be required to express suitability of seed sources, and occasional or rare extreme weather events or seasons may be particularly important in determining adaptation. The Team expanded in the 1960s concomitant with increased interest in plantations and tree improvement. During that time, three additional scientists were hired: Frank Sorensen, Don Copes and Bob Campbell. Research during the next few decades focused primarily on tree improvement and seed movement guidelines for commercially important conifers. Roy Silen was instrumental in leading and developing strategies for applied tree improvement programs in the region (e.g., Silen 1966). Research by Don Copes in seed orchard technology and solving graft incompatibility problems with Douglas-fir greatly advanced the ability of managers to deliver genetic gain from tree improvement programs (e.g., Copes 1999). The genecological research of Frank Sorensen and Bob Campbell was critical to the development of seed movement guidelines and understanding how conifer species are adapted to their environments (e.g., Campbell 1986, Sorensen 1994).

A new cohort of geneticists was hired in the last decade as the older cohort began to retire (although three of them continue aspects of their research as volunteers). Brad St.Clair and Randy Johnson were hired to continue the strength of the Team in quantitative genetics, genecology, and tree breeding. Recently, Richard Cronn was hired to bring strength to the Team in the areas of molecular genetics, population genetics and botany. Research directions of the Team continue along the lines of tree breeding and genecology, but have broadened, generally reflecting an interest in a wider range of values desired from our forests, new problems that have arisen, and the new tools of molecular biology. New lines of inquiry include looking at a wider range of species, gene conservations, the genetic implications of a range of silvicultural options, and genetic solutions to increased pressure from pests such as Swiss needle cast. The Team currently consists of 3 Research Geneticists, a Mathematical Statistician, a Plant Geneticist, and 2 Forestry Technicians.

The team specializes in three areas of research:

1 Genetic structure and processes of plant populations
2 Management and conservation of genetic resources
3 Integration of genetics and silviculture

Team Members and Contact Information

US Forest Service - Pacific Northwest Research Station
Last Modified:  Wednesday, 12 January 2011 at 01:34:39 EST