Forest Genetics
Forestry
The study of forest genetics investigates how genes are passed from parents to offspring and how genetics impact individual and species success in response to environmental conditions. Understanding forest genetics allows us to cultivate trees that are well-adapted and resilient to Wisconsin’s changing climate, resistant to native or introduced pests and pathogens and exhibit increased productivity for use in forest product development and production. Research areas include forest productivity, insect and disease resistance breeding, climate adaption and genetic conservation.
Forest Genetics Studies
Desired Regeneration Through Assisted Migration (DREAM)
Rising temperatures and shifting precipitation patterns resulting from climate change threatens forest health, structure, composition and regeneration success. Current projections indicate these changes will outpace species’ ability to migrate and adapt to more favorable conditions, challenging resource managers as they decide what species to invest resources into during reforestation and restoration projects.
DREAM is an international collaborative study investigating forest assisted migration. The goal of this study is to identify which species and management techniques are most likely to be successful, providing valuable knowledge to land managers as they manage for forests that are more resilient to future climate conditions.