UMaine secures USDA grant for forest resilience research
CRSF Director Aaron Weiskittel (Co-PI), Dr. Songlin Fein (PI, Purdue University). and Dr. Pete Bettinger (Co-PI, University of Georgia) have been awarded a $10 million USDA-NIFA grant that will use digital technology to improve the health and sustainability of forests. High-accuracy automated measurement will serve as the project core.
“Maine’s landscape has created incredible recreational activities and economic opportunities for our state, but our great outdoors is facing new challenges in light of climate change, evolving markets, and land-use changes,” said Maine Senators Susan Collins and Angus King. “Addressing these challenges isn’t easy, and this new investment for the University of Maine is a positive step to integrate technology in forestry research, education, and outreach — providing significant benefits to the long-term health and sustainability of Maine’s forests. We are grateful to our partners at the U.S. Department of Agriculture for their help in protecting these extraordinary lands for generations to come.”
Funding for this project provided by USDA NIFA SAS (Award #2023-68012-38992)