Geospatial analysis and science synthesis support for environmental threat assessment for national forests in the western United States

Project ID: 25-JV-11261999-062

Federal Agency: U.S. Forest Service Pacific Northwest Research Station

Partner Institution: Portland State University

Fiscal Year: 2025

Initial Funding: $279,778

Total Funding: $279,778

Principal Investigator: Gaines, Eleanor

Agreement Technical Representative: Halofsky, Jessica

Agreement Technical Representative: Tarvin, Nick

Abstract: 

Background: National forests in the western United States are exposed to a range of intensifying stressors, including wildfires, droughts, insect outbreaks, and flooding. These environmental threats harm local and regional economies and threaten the wellbeing of communities located near national forests. Increased tree mortality from droughts, insects, and wildfires threatens current and future timber supplies. These extreme events complicate the Forest Service’s ability to provide safe opportunities for outdoor recreation and businesses that rely on recreation and tourism are at risk. Flooding and landslides resulting from periods of intense precipitation and rapid snowmelt damage roads, bridges, and other infrastructure that provide for safe access to national forests for timber management, recreation, and wildfire suppression. Tree growth can decline during drought periods particularly for species and genetic stock that is not well adapted to these conditions.

Preparing for and responding to these stressors is crucial for the Forest Service to deliver its mission and meet its statutory requirements. Forest Service and university scientists have developed spatial datasets, models, tools, and scientific publications that evaluate risks and consequences from these stressors; including many that have been supported by WWETAC However, field-level managers are not able to efficiently and effectively access this information and apply it in on-the-ground decisions and statutorily required National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and National Forest Management Act (NFMA) planning processes.