Forest Planning Laboratory

Background

The Forest Planning Laboratory (FPL) is located within the Forest Resources & Forest Engineering Departments. Its primary purpose is to research and develop simulations as they apply to natural resource management.

The FPL uses computers and plotters to develop and display various land management scenarios under different policy alternatives. Digital mapping and GIS applications are common. The FPL investigates such applications and develops their potential for other scientists, faculty, companies, and state and federal agencies.

The FPL offers perspective and simulation capabilities for landscape analysis. FPL is engaged often to apply these tools and assess the visual impact of management decisions.

Related research applications with the Forest Resources Department:

Ersal Laboratory

The Aspen Project - http://www.forestry.oregonstate.edu/aspen/
An interactive web page designed to examine the decline of Quaking Aspen throughout the western United States.

The Wolves in Nature Project - http://www.forestry.oregonstate.edu/wolves/
The purpose here is to investigate the role of a top predator, the gray wolf (Canis Lupus), in structuring ecological communities.

The Lewis & Clark Project - http://www.forestry.oregonstate.edu/lewis&clark/
Wildlife Along the Lewis & Clark Trail is one of the most frequently visited pages in our College of Forestry.

Dr. Ripple's Homepage - http://www.forestry.oregonstate.edu/cof/fr/facultypages/ripple.php