Current Research

I am engaged in a variety of projects that integrate research from diverse fields of science to help land managers address important challenges, especially restoring forest and meadow ecosystems in the Western U.S. For these projects, I work with teams of scientists from the Forest Service, universities, and other organizations. I also remain committed to collaborative research with tribes, and I have continued my long-standing collaborative research with the White Mountain Apache Tribe and the Cibecue Community School on restoring wetlands in their mountain homeland in Arizona.

Research Interests

Restoration of wetlands, especially wet meadows, springs, and other headwater systems of ecological and cultural importance.

Post-wildfire impacts and restoration.

Forest restoration and use of fire.

Participatory research and traditional ecological knowledge with tribes and indigenous communities.

Public participation in scientific research.

Ecological monitoring and data management.

Past Research

My cooperative research with the White Mountain Apache Tribe has focused on the design and evaluation of restoration treatments for streams and wetlands. I examined how traditional Apache landcare practices and mindsets provide cultural foundations for present-day techniques and philosophies of ecological restoration. Through my work with the Rocky Mountain Research Station, we established a network of 43 monitoring sites on Apache trout streams on the Reservation and the adjacent National Forest. My research has focused on temporal changes in riparian ecosystems, due to both management actions and climatic cycles, including examining inter-related changes in stream morphology, vegetation, fish populations, and hydrology on Southwestern streams. I also authored several papers that explain how habitats for rare species are linked to geologic variation across the Colorado Plateau.

Why This Research is Important

Springs and wetlands in the Southwest support are critically important to native peoples and to native plants and wildlife. The long-term network of monitoring sites helps to evaluate impacts of large fires such as the Wallow fire of 2011. Being able to understand landscape and temporal variation improves plans to conserve rare species and restore valuable wetlands. The findings from our research are used in education programs on the Reservation to reinforce traditional ecological knowledge among tribal youth and to prepare them for careers in natural resource management.

Education

• Northern Arizona University, Doctor Of Forest Science Ecological economics, plant ecology, watershed restoration, aerial photo interpretation, environmental hydrology, Quaternary pedology, forest soils, and experimental design. 2002
• Harvard University (John F. Kennedy School of Government), Master Of Public Policy Environment and Natural Resources Policy 1994
• The College of William and Mary, B.A. Public policy, including economic, government, and ethics 1992

Professional Experience

Awards & Recognition

Featured Publications & Products

• Long, Jonathan W.; Lake, Frank K. 2018. Escaping social-ecological traps through tribal stewardship on national forest lands in the Pacific Northwest, United States of America.
• Long, Jonathan W.; Anderson, M. Kat; Quinn-Davidson, Lenya; Goode, Ron W.; Lake, Frank K.; Skinner, Carl N. 2016. Restoring California black oak ecosystems to promote tribal values and wildlife.
• Spies, Thomas ; Long, Jonathan ; Charnley, Susan ; Hessburg, Paul ; Marcot, Bruce ; Reeves, Gordon ; Lesmeister, Damon ; Reilly, Matthew ; Cerveny, Lee ; Stine, Peter ; Raphael, Martin G. 2019. Twenty five years of the Northwest Forest Plan: what have we learned.
• Spies, Thomas A.; Stine, Peter A.; Gravenmier, Rebecca A.; Long, Jonathan W.; Reilly, Matthew J., tech. coords. 2018. Synthesis of science to inform land management within the Northwest Forest Plan area.
• Long, Jonathan W.; Quinn-Davidson, Lenya; Skinner, Carl N. 2014. Science synthesis to support socioecological resilience in the Sierra Nevada and southern Cascade Range.
• Long, Jonathan; Davis, Javis. 2016. Erosion and restoration of two headwater wetlands following an extreme wildfire.
• North, Malcolm P.; Brough, April; Long, Jonathan W.; Collins, Brandon M.; Bowden, Phil; Yasuda, Don; Miller, Jay; Suighara, Neil. 2015. Constraints on mechanized treatment significantly limit mechanical fuels reduction extent in the Sierra Nevada.
• Long, Jonathan W.; Medina, Alvin L. 2006. Consequences of ignoring geologic variation in evaluating grazing impacts.
• Medina, A.L.; Long, Jonathan. 2004. Placing riffle formations to restore stream functions in a wet meadow.

Publications

• Meyer, M.D. ; Long, J.W. ; Safford, H.D. . 2021. Postfire restoration framework for national forests in California.
• Long, Jonathan W.; Lake, Frank K.; Goode, Ron W.; Burnette, Benrita Mae. 2020. How traditional tribal perspectives influence ecosystem restoration.
• Long, Jonathan W.; Goode, Ron W.; Lake, Frank K. 2020. Recentering ecological restoration with tribal perspectives.
• Long, Jonathan W.; Steel, E. Ashley. 2020. Shifting perspectives in assessing socio-environmental vulnerability.
• Ziegler, Justin P.; Hoffman, Chad M.; Collins, Brandon M.; Long, Jonathan W.; Dagley, Christa M.; Mell, William . 2020. Simulated fire behavior and fine-scale forest structure following conifer removal in aspen-conifer forests in the Lake Tahoe Basin, USA.
• North, Malcolm P.; Stevens, Jens T.; Greene, David F.; Coppoletta, Michelle ; Knapp, Eric E.; Latimer, Andrew M.; Restaino, Christina M.; Tompkins, Ryan E.; Welch, Kevin R.; York, Rob A.; Young, Derek J.N.; Axelson, Jodi N.; Buckley, Tom N.; Estes, Becky L.; Hager, Rachel N.; Long, Jonathan W.; Meyer, Marc D.; Ostoja, Steven M.; Safford, Hugh D.; Shive, Kristen L.; Tubbesing, Carmen L.; Vice, Heather ; Walsh, Dana ; Werner, Chhaya M.; Wyrsch, Peter . 2019. Tamm Review: Reforestation for resilience in dry western U.S. forests.
• White, Angela M.; Long, Jonathan W. 2019. Understanding ecological contexts for active reforestation following wildfires.
• Long, Jonathan ; Lake, Frank K.; Lynn, Kathy ; Viles, Carson . 2018. Chapter 11: Tribal ecocultural resources and engagement.
• Spies, Thomas A.; Long, Jonathan W.; Stine, Peter ; Charnley, Susan ; Cerveny, Lee ; Marcot, Bruce G.; Reeves, Gordon ; Hessburg, Paul F.; Lesmeister, Damon ; Reilly, Matthew J.; Raphael, Martin G.; Davis, Raymond J. 2018. Chapter 12: Integrating ecological and social science to inform land management in the area of the northwest forest plan.
• Spies, Thomas A.; Hessburg, Paul F.; Skinner, Carl N.; Puettmann, Klaus J.; Reilly, Matthew J.; Davis, Raymond J.; Kertis, Jane A.; Long, Jonathan W.; Shaw, David C. . 2018. Chapter 3: Old growth, disturbance, forest succession, and management in the area of the Northwest Forest Plan.
• Reeves, Gordon H.; Olson, Deanna H.; Wondzell, Steven M.; Bisson, Peter A.; Gordon, Sean ; Miller, Stephanie A.; Long, Jonathan W.; Furniss, Michael J. 2018. Chapter 7: The aquatic conservation strategy of the northwest forest plan A review of the relevant science after 23 years.
• Long, Jonathan ; Gray, Andrew ; Lake, Frank . 2018. Recent trends in large hardwoods in the Pacific Northwest, USA.
• Spies, Thomas A.; Stine, Peter A.; Gravenmier, Rebecca ; Long, Jonathan W.; Reilly, Matthew J.; Mazza, Rhonda . 2018. Synthesis of science to inform land management within the Northwest Forest Plan area: executive summary.
• Spies, Thomas A.; Stine, Peter A.; Gravenmier, Rebecca A.; Long, Jonathan W.; Reilly, Matthew J., tech. coords. 2018. Volume 1 Synthesis of science to inform land management within the Northwest Forest Plan area.
• Spies, Thomas A.; Stine, Peter A.; Gravenmier, Rebecca A.; Long, Jonathan W.; Reilly, Matthew J., tech. coords. 2018. Volume 2 Synthesis of science to inform land management within the Northwest Forest Plan area.
• Spies, Thomas A.; Stine, Peter A.; Gravenmier, Rebecca A.; Long, Jonathan W.; Reilly, Matthew J., tech. coords. 2018. Volume 3 Synthesis of science to inform land management within the Northwest Forest Plan area.
• Long, Jonathan W.; Goode, Ron W. 2017. A mono harvest of California black oak acorns.
• Long, Jonathan W.; Tarnay, Leland W.; North, Malcolm P. 2017. Aligning smoke management with ecological and public health goals.
• Long, Jonathan W.; Goode, Ron W.; Gutteriez, Raymond J.; Lackey, Jessica J.; Anderson, M. Kat. 2017. Managing California black oak for tribal ecocultural restoration.
• Gervais, Breanna; Voirin, Chase R.; Beatty, Chris; Bulltail, Grace; Cowherd, Stephanie; Defrance, Shawn; Dorame, Breana; Gutteriez, Raymond; Lackey, Jessica; Lupe, Candy; Negrette, April B.; Robbins Sherman, Natalya C.; Swaney, Ruth; Tso, Kevin; Victor, Marvin; Wilson, Royale; Yazzie, Kimberly; Long, Jonathan W.; Hoagland, Serra J. 2017. Native American student perspectives of challenges in natural resource higher education.
• Stevens, Jens T.; Collins, Brandon M.; Long, Jonathan W.; North, Malcolm P.; Prichard, Susan J.; Tarnay, Leland W.; White, Angela M. 2016. Evaluating potential trade-offs among fuel treatment strategies in mixed-conifer forests of the Sierra Nevada.
• Soleri, Daniela; Long, Jonathan W.; Ramirez-Andreotta, Monica D.; Eitemiller, Ruth; Pandyaǁ, Rajul. 2016. Finding pathways to more equitable and meaningful public-scientist partnerships.
• Long, Jonathan W.; Ballard, Heidi L.; Fisher, Larry A.; Belsky, Jill M. 2016. Questions That Won't Go Away in Participatory Research.
• Patterson, Trista; Nicholls, David; Long, Jonathan. 2015. Research and development portfolio of the sustainability science team national sustainable operations USDA Forest Service.
• Long, Jonathan W.; Quinn-Davidson, Lenya; Goode, Ron W.; Lake, Frank K.; Skinner, Carl N. 2015. Restoring California black oak to support tribal values and wildlife.
• Bytnerowicz, Andrzej; Fenn, Mark; Long, Jonathan W. 2014. Air quality.
• Winter, Patricia L.; Long, Jonathan W.; Lake, Frank K.; Charnley, Susan. 2014. Broader context for social, economic, and cultural components.
• Charnley, Susan; Long, Jonathan W.; Lake, Frank K. 2014. Collaboration in national forest management.
• Lake, Frank K.; Long, Jonathan W. 2014. Fire and tribal cultural resources.
• Hunsaker, Carolyn T.; Long, Jonathan W. 2014. Forested riparian areas.
• Long, J.W.; Skinner, Carl; North, M.; Hunsaker, C.T.; Quinn-Davidson, L. 2014. Integrative approaches: promoting socioecological resilience.
• Long, Jonathan W.; Skinner, Carl; Safford, Hugh; Charnley, Susan; Winter, Patricia. 2014. Introduction.
• Pope, Karen L.; Long, Jonathan W. 2014. Lakes: recent research and restoration strategies.
• Charnley, Susan; Long, Jonathan W. 2014. Managing forest products for community benefit.
• Long, Jonathan W.; Skinner, Carl; Charnley, Susan; Hubbert, Ken; Quinn-Davidson, Lenya; Meyer, Marc. 2014. Post-wildfire management.
• Long, Jonathan. 2014. Research Brief: Impacts of Extreme Fires in the Sierra Nevada.
• Long, Jonathan W.; Skinner, Carl; North, Malcolm; Quinn-Davidson, Lenya. 2014. Research gaps: adaptive management to cross-cutting issues.
• Winter, Patricia L.; Long, Jonathan W.; Charnley, Susan. 2014. Social/economic/cultural components.
• Winter, Patricia L.; Long, Jonathan W.; Lake, Frank K. 2014. Sociocultural perspectives on threats, risks, and health.
• Jardine, Angela; Long, Jonathan. 2014. Synopsis of climate change.
• North, Malcolm; Collins, Brandon; Keane, John; Long, Jonathan W.; Skinner, Carl; Zielinski, Bill. 2014. Synopsis of emergent approaches.
• Hunsaker, Carolyn T.; Long, Jonathan W.; Herbst, David B. 2014. Watershed and stream ecosystems.
• Long, Jonathan W.; Pope, Karen. 2014. Wet meadows.
• Long, Jonathan W.; Medina, Alvin L.; Neary, Daniel G. 2012. Channel morphology Chapter 5.
• Medina, Alvin L.; Long, Jonathan W. 2012. Spatial and temporal variation In streamside herbaceous vegetation of the Upper Verde River: 1996-2001 Chapter 7.
• Neary, Daniel G.; Long, Jonathan W.; Baker, Malchus B., Jr. 2012. Watershed condition Chapter 4.
• Long, J.W. 2008. Persistence of Apache trout following wildfires in the White Mountains of Arizona.
• Long, Jonathan W.; Medina, Alvin L. 2007. Geologic associations of Arizona willow in the White Mountains, Arizona.
• Long, Jonathan W. 2007. Relationships between rare plants of the White Mountains and the late Cenozoic geology of the Colorado Plateau.
• Long, Jonathan W.; Medina, Alvin L. 2006. Geologic influences on Apache trout habitat in the White Mountains of Arizona.
• Long, J.W.; Burnette, M.; Lupe, C.S. 2005. Fire and springs: reestablishing the balance on the White Mountain Apache Reservation.
• Long, Jonathan W.; Burnette, B. Mae. 2004. Effects of wildfires on riparian restoration sites, electronic resource.
• Long, Jonathan W.; Burnette, B. Mae; Medina, Alvin L.; Parker, Joshua L. 2004. Restoration of Soldier Spring: an isolated habitat for native Apache trout.
• Long, Jonathan W.; Burnette, B. Mae; Medina, Alvin L. 2004. Restoring wetlands after the Rodeo-Chediski Wildfire.
• Long, Jonathan W. 2000. Cibecue watershed projects: Then, now, and in the future.
• Long, Jonathan W. 2000. Restoration of Gooseberry Creek.
• Long, Jonathan W.; Burnette, Benrita M. 2000. Restoration of Soldier Spring.
• Long, Jonathan W.; Endfield, Delbin. 2000. Restoration of White Springs.

Research Highlights

Highlight	Title	Year
PSW-2017-246	Forest Service scientists develop strategies to restore fire while protecting air quality Forest Service scientists demonstrated that by using fire under favorable weather and fuel conditions, large areas of forest can be treated whil ...	2017
PNW-2017-237	Forest Service team proposes strategies to restore forest health with fire while protecting air quality in nearby communities A team of Forest Service scientists delivered research that demonstrates using fire under favorable weather and fuel conditions, large areas of ...	2017
PSW-2015-93	Opportunities to Wield the Saw and the Flame to Restore California Forests Researchers analyzed how different kinds of constraints on forest thinning influence opportunities to reduce wildfire risks across the Sierra Ne ...	2015
PSW-2016-243	Restoring California Black Oaks Sustains Cultural and Ecological Values California black oaks are a treasured food source for many Native Americans, while also providing sustenance and habitat for numerous wildlife s ...	2016