Pacific Southwest Research Station

Our scientists develop knowledge and tools that support conservation and restoration of biological diversity across all lands, including the identification of current and future conservation challenges and climate adaptation approaches. Current research seeks to:

• Understand invasive species impacts on forest biodiversity
• Identify biocontrol of invasive plant species that impact native ecosystems
• Investigate restoration techniques for tropical ecosystems
• Assess sea-level rise impacts on coastal/mangrove forests and Pacific Island communities.

Our scientists lead the development and communication of knowledge and technology required to sustain, enhance, and restore the function, health, and productivity of ecological, hydrological, and atmospheric systems, and associated benefits to society. Current research seeks to:

• Understand climate change impacts on tropical ecosystem form and function
• Assess landscape carbon/water levels and their responses to management and climate change
• Identify optimal approaches for forest management, silviculture, tree improvement, and conservation genetics
• Utilize forest monitoring, inventory, and assessment tools and techniques, including remote sensing and plot- based applications.

Our scientists provide scientific findings that will improve management actions intended to enhance resiliency and sustainability of wildland ecosystems affected by fire and reduce the potential for adverse effects resulting from wildland fire, including loss of life and property. Current research seeks to:

• Model and forecast global change impacts and restoration benefits on fire risk and behavior
• Investigate fire threats to Pacific Island communities and native ecosystems altered by exotic fire regimes.

Our scientists conduct research and communicate science needed to understand and enhance the interconnections among ecosystems, people, and societies to resolve issues identified by stakeholders. Current research seeks to:

• Investigate coupled human and natural system dynamics
• Build local capacity through technical transfer, education, and demonstration
• Understand and enhance locally relevant and sustainable agro-forest and bio-energy production systems.