April 2003, Volume 4, Issue 1

Gold Lake near Forestry Summer Camp in Plumas County

First, we are developing an organizational structure to emphasize the broad-based, multi-disciplinary group working in forestry. We are attempting to bring people together, and to break down barriers between disciplines and research interest. To accomplish this, we will be eliminating the Forest Science Division within ESPM, and strengthening collaboration among the Faculty of Forestry as an overarching group within ESPM and the College with responsibility for leadership in the academic planning for the forestry program on campus.

We have also made a commitment to maintain a strong professional program in forestry, while maintaining a high quality research program in the science of forestry. As part of this effort, we will continue with enhancing the undergraduate forestry program, working with the new accreditation standards under development by the Society of American Foresters. Our goal is to provide a vibrant major that is attractive to students with an interest in sustainable forest management strategies, forest restoration, and policy and social issues of the forest. We are also looking to revitalize our professional master�s program, the Master of Forestry, as part of this effort. We will continue our commitment to train the leading professionals in our forestry program here in CNR.

Spanish Peak, near Foresty Summer in Plumas County

We will continue to build on the success of CNR�s Center for Forestry, as the focal point for coordinating forestry research and extension activities. Projects at CNR�s five research forests, and the large number of interdisciplinary projects developed through the Center, are helping bring forest managers, ecologists, and social scientists together to address important issues. The Center also brings other forestry expertise within UC together. We have identified an additional 30 UC faculty in the county Cooperative Extension offices, other UC campuses, and other units on the Berkeley Campus who participate in our forestry research, teaching, and extension programs.

Forestry in the 21st century requires a strong, multi-disciplinary program that is firmly rooted in the highest quality science. We look forward to meeting the challenge of training forestry students, and developing research-based solutions to forestry issues. We welcome any ideas you might have on how to accomplish these goals.