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Christopher W. Woodall

Christopher W. Woodall
Research Forester
Northern Research Station
Forest Inventory & Analysis
271 Mast Rd
Durham, NH 03824
United States
Phone
603-868-7638
Email
Current Research

As a Research Forester within the Forest Inventory and Analysis program I assist with implementing various aspects of regional/national forest inventories ranging from inventory design and field techniques to value-added analyses and scientific exploration of emerging forest trends.  In addition to my lines of science, I coordinate a regional research cooperative (Northeastern States Research Cooperative) that brings together federal, state, local, and private entities to advance forest science for the well being of forests and communities in the Northern Forest.

Research Interest

In addition to my coordination of a regional research cooperative and national inventory initiatives, impactful research assigned to me includes refining our quantification and understanding of the role of forest dead wood in forest stand dynamics, production, and carbon cycles.  In addition to dead wood exploration, I investigate the refinement of forest stand dynamics metrics, such as stocking indices, based on emerging theories of ecology and the availability of big data. Finally, I examine trends in tree regeneration coupled with assessments of tree range dynamics.  Taken together, I operate at the intersection of applied forest ecology and big data (i.e., forest inventories) to enable US forests and associated communities/economies to be resilient and adaptable during a period of increasing global change.

Why This Research Is Important
My research, leadership, and analyses fill critical information needs regarding forest ecosystems to the general public, resource managers, scientists, policy makers, economists, and a wide range of other natural resource specialists. Success in this mission is crucial to assessing the sustainability of not only forest ecosystems in the northern United States, but also the health of our Nation's forests. Research outputs provide Forest Service customers and clients with crucial information and provide improved techniques for data application to a range of resource inventory and monitoring needs (e.g., national carbon stock assessment and national forest stand relative density).
Education
  • University of Montana, Ph.D., Silviculture, 2000
  • University of Montana, M.S., Silviculture, 1997
  • Clemson University, B.S., Forestry, 1995
Professional Experience
  • Adjunct Professor of Forestry,  University of Minnesota,  2008 - Current
Professional Organizations
  • Associate Editor,  Forest Science,  2010 - Current
  • Affiliate Member,  Society of American Foresters (SAF),  1991 - Current
Featured Publications
Other Publications
https://www.fs.usda.gov/research/about/people/woodall