New CalFire Research Grant Supports Work at Soquel Demonstration State Forest in Santa Cruz County
The UCCE Santa Cruz Forests Program is partnering with Colorado State University and the University of Maryland on a new CalFire Forest Health Research Grant totaling over $730,000. The project, led by Colorado State University, grew directly out of forest stewardship research needs identified during the UCCE regional forest advisors needs assessment. The research focuses on evaluating the effects of selective harvest on carbon, structure, and fire resilience in southern coast redwood forests.
Using Soquel Demonstration State Forest’s harvest history, the project team will combine field inventory, terrestrial LiDAR, and modeling to better understand carbon dynamics, resilience, and harvested wood product storage. The results will help inform climate-adaptive management and restoration practices across the region.
To learn more or to connect about the research, contact Regional Forest Advisor Brian Woodward, co-PI, at bdwoodward@ucanr.edu.