The university of idaho will use the mcintire stennis funding to support competitive research efforts to address critical issues facing forest and rangeland systems of idaho and the inland northwest

These research projects include both basic and applied research focused broadly on the management, utilization, restoration and protection of forests and rangelands. Specific areas of focus include: 1) forest and rangeland management across multiple scales (e.g., tree, stand, landscape) for a variety of ecosystem services, including timber production, water quality and quantity, carbon sequestration, wildlife habitat, and recreation; 2) reforestation and restoration efforts to improve forest and rangeland health and sustainability (particularly in response to increasing wildfires, insect outbreaks, and invasive plant and animal species); 3) development of wood and wood-based products that are renewable and promote sustainable communities and development; and 4) science-based policy analysis and formulation that improves the management of sustainable forests and rangelands in response to the numerous, complex challenges (e.g., increased human development, increasing wildfires, and climate change). Most projects funded within these focus areas are interdisciplinary in nature, bringing together diverse teams of faculty, staff, and students across the college of natural resources and the university of idaho to find solutions to the complex issues facing idaho's forests and rangelands. The next generation of forest and rangeland scientists and professionals are an integral part of these projects. As such, the training and development of graduate and undergraduate students that results from these projects directly contributes to workforce development for state and federal land management agencies, regional native american tribes, private industry and non-profit organizations, and local communities.