The Intermountain Forestry Cooperative (IFC), based at the University of Idaho, plays a pivotal role in advancing sustainable forest management across the United States Intermountain West
It brings together industry professionals, academic researchers, and land managers to address challenges and opportunities in forestry. With a focus on practical, science-driven solutions, IFC’s efforts span areas such as nutrient management, forest productivity, and innovative forest monitoring techniques.
Mission and vision of IFC
IFC aims to enhance sustainable forestry practices by providing its members with cutting-edge research and tools. It emphasizes collaborative approaches to ensure forests remain productive while maintaining ecological balance. The IFC focuses on optimizing forest growth, managing biodiversity, and mitigating the impacts of climate change on forest ecosystems through proven silviculture management strategies informed through field-based research and advanced machine learning analytics.
Core research areas
- Nutrient Management: Research examines the effects of geology and soil parent material across climatic gradients on forest health and growth. Long-term experiments compare the outcomes of silvicultural effects (fertilization, slash management) on forest health and growth, providing guidelines for nutrient management to ensure forest productivity over time.
- Site Type Classification: IFC utilizes advanced geospatial mapping techniques to classify forest sites based on ecological factors like precipitation, soil quality, and heat load. This helps land managers tailor practices to local conditions for optimal forest yield.
- Forest Carrying Capacity and Density Management: A key initiative involves creating density management models and conducting field trials to develop thinning guidelines that maximize forest growth while maintaining ecosystem health.
- Seed and Genetic Research: The IFC also focuses on improving seed stock quality through trials that evaluate the performance of different tree genotypes under varying environmental conditions.
Services for IFC members
IFC offers its members access to exclusive resources, including detailed research findings, management guidelines, and tools like the IFC Cloud Services portal. Workshops, annual meetings, and networking events foster collaboration among stakeholders, ensuring that research is effectively translated into practical applications.
Leadership and collaboration
IFC is led by experts in forestry and natural resource management, including faculty members from the University of Idaho. It partners with federal agencies, private forestry companies, and other academic institutions to expand its impact. This collaborative framework allows for the integration of diverse perspectives and expertise, making IFC a leader in forestry research across the Intermountain West.
Ongoing impact of IFC’s work
IFC’s work is crucial for addressing the complex challenges of forestry in the region, from optimizing harvest strategies to developing climate-resilient forests. By leveraging innovative technology and long-term research, the cooperative ensures its member organizations are well-equipped to manage forests sustainably while achieving economic goals.
