B.A., University of Montana, Botany, 1981; M.F., Duke University, School of Forestry and Environmental Studies, Resource Systems Science, 1983; Ph.D., University of Montana, Forest management and Economics, 1987 |
1. Forest Investment, Productivity, and Sustainability. Research foci include (1) studying the factors that motivate forest investments, (2) linking investment to timber supply in a common analytical framework, (3) comparing production behavior across ownership types and subregions, and (4) developing measures for evaluating forest productivity and sustainability in terms of forest value.The overall objective of this research area is to develop tools for assessing changes in forest productivity and inventories, and forecasting potential production and inventory changes in specific places. 2. Multiple Scale Analysis of Land Use.I conduct research to identify how topography, resource and agricultural markets, and demographic factors organize land use across specific landscapes.Major objectives are to (1) test hypotheses regarding the relative influences of market value, population growth, and other factors on land use decisions, (2) develop models of land use change, (3) test the predictive performance of models using historical data, and (4) develop forecasts of future land uses.Research is needed to support (1) regional assessments of ongoing development and (2) fine scale analysis of the ecological implications of land use changes. 3. Distributional Effects of Forest Policies.I conduct research to identify how forest policies in both the public and private sectors may influence timber markets and the distribution of costs and benefits.In particular, the incumbent is investigating how structural changed in production from national forests has affected regional timber and wood products markets in the U.S., focusing especially on the South.Previous research by the incumbent indicated that structural change in the market position of southern lumber has occurred.Ongoing research is measuring the market mechanisms behind these changes and the distribution of effects between timber owners, wood products manufacturers, and consumers across regions. |