Treesearch

Using previously published data from flume studies, we test a new approach for quantifying the effects of sediment supply (i.e., bed material supply) on surface grain size of equilibrium gravel channels. Textural response to sediment supply is evaluated relative to a theoretical prediction of competent median grain size (D’50). We find that surface median grain size (D50) varies inversely with sediment supply rate and systematically approaches the competent value (D’50) at low equilibrium transport rates. Furthermore, equilibrium transport rate is a power function of the difference between...

We report tree seedling (mostly Picea engelmannii, some Abies lasiocarpa, very infrequent Pinus contorta) invasion into meadows at upper timberline in the Snowy Range, Wyoming, from 1994 to 1996. We used gradient analysis to relate this to environmental patterns, particularly plant community structure (as aggregates of plant life-forms) and persistence of snowpack in 1995 and 1996. Tree seedlings established best at sites where snow melted earliest; the site with the shortest growing season had fewest seedlings. Microsites dominated by vascular plants admitted few or no seedlings; seedlings...

Scaling leaf-level measurements to estimate carbon gain of entire leaf crowns or canopies requires an understanding of the distribution of photosynthetic capacity and corresponding light microenvironments within a crown. We have compared changes in the photosynthetic light response and nitrogen (N) content (per unit leaf area) of Pinus contorta Dougl. ssp. latifolia Engelm. (lodgepole pine) leaves in relation to their age and light microenvironment. The vertical gradient in integrated daily photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) from the upper to the lower crown of lodgepole pine was...

The organizers asked me to share with you my experiences in developing and implementing a process for establishing and agreeing on research priorities in a multi-stakeholder research institute such as Forintek. The mechanism we have in place has been well received by Forintek's membership and certain aspects have been adopted by other research organizations. While we are pleased with developments to date and the strong commitment of employees, priority setting has been, and will continue to be, an evolutionary and iterative process with opportunity for future improvement. Also, our...

As our world becomes more complex and diverse, many forestry research organizations are responding by adopting more interdisciplinary and collaborative research programs. Our rapidly increasing knowledge of the ecological, social, and economic factors affecting forestry and natural resource management makes it simply untenable to expect that complex problems can be solved through the expertise and contribution of a single discipline, or with the resources of a single organization. The recent shift to holistic land management approaches such as Ecosystem Based Management acknowledges these...

How do we, as leaders, get people to embrace change rather than resist it. Getting people to embrace change is what psychologists call having a "superordinate goal." In plain English, a superordinate goal is an attainable vision. When psychologists talk about vision, they mean something that is not more than one to three sentences. It is not a silly mission statement that no one reads and nobody remembers. With vision, we are referring in psychology to the power of language. It is a few words to galvanize people and incite them to action. It gives people a cause that they can believe in....

A research finding is of little value until it is known and applied. Hence) communication of results should be regarded as a natural, integrated part of research) and thus addressed in the research plans from the very beginning. A clearly defined information strategy and operational goals for information activities are needed for successful communication. For maximum impact) the information has to be tailored to the needs) interests) and abilities of various tar;get groups. Numerous channels can be used to these ends. Significant resources should be allocated to information services....

For the purpose of this conference, I was asked to discuss partnerships in general. We will first review the reasons that bring organizations to enter into a collaborative agreement, then provide examples of different types of partnerships, discuss some factors that seem to explain the success of partnerships, and review important points to consider before preparing for a partnership.

Competent management of intellectual property is now a key issue for research managers increasingly driven on the one hand by more commercial approaches to research management) and on the other by the need to enter into partnerships where both inputs and outputs are shared. Products of forestry research activities that are relevant to intellectual property discussions include genetic material) computer software) technological systems) and information and data. Relevant legal instruments for the protection of these include plant breeder)s rights) copyright) patents) and confidential...

Continuous improvement is an imperative process for any organization) even in the R&D field) who wants to stay competitive and alive. Our experience is that the most important ingredients in this process are engagement and participation by everybody) shared visions) and a holistic view of the organization. Structural changes and quick fixes cannot accomplish this. It requires cultural changes brought about through a strong and committed leadership that starts) guides) and maintains the speed in the process. We have found the Total Quality Management concept to be a useful guide in our...