Natural Disturbance Program - Foothills Research Institute

The Natural Disturbance Program was formed by Foothills Research Institute in 1996. A collaborative program between industry and government, it was developed to understand and describe how natural forces like fire, insects, disease, flooding, wind, and plant-eating animals have created historical patterns in the Foothills Research Institute land base. It is an extensive effort that entails many studies, some of which extend well beyond the Foothill Research Institute’s borders.

To understand how natural disturbances have shaped historical patterns, we must understand the processes causing natural disturbances. Understanding these processes is well beyond the ability of one study; it requires examination of many research topics at various times and spaces. For example, the Natural Disturbance Program has completed studies of natural disturbance patterns at very broad scales (like disturbance cycles and sizes) and now explores questions at intermediate scales (like residual patterns) and fine scales (like disturbance edge architecture). Additionally, in the past seven years, the Natural Disturbance Program has identified and prioritized research projects by using a long-term research plan that dovetails project data, results, and conclusions. For instance, the final report on disturbance in riparian zones involved data from four individual projects at four different scales. This holistic approach to studying natural disturbance patterns has proven a powerful technique.

An understanding of natural disturbance processes at different times and scales can help researchers, resource managers, and land managers better assess forest activities in relation to natural ranges of variability (timber harvesting or fire management, for example). Their more informed assessments can increase the opportunities for biological diversity. Further, a thorough understanding of natural disturbance processes can provide support for ecologically sound local, regional, and provincial forest management guidelines and policies.

What Are Its Tasks?

Conducting research is just one of the Natural Disturbance Program’s many tasks. Other tasks involve testing and applying this new knowledge to practical problems. Projects like the “Fire Effects Research Study” and the “FireSmart: ForestWise Communities in the Foothills Research Institute teach the practical costs and benefits of applying research results to management applications. Moreover, numerous communications and extension projects deliver key messages and develop tools. Ultimately, they help partners apply new information and thus better manage, plan and monitor forests.

What Lies Ahead?

The Natural Disturbance Program will continue its many projects. Although research will remain its focus, it will also intensify implementation and communication efforts. It will demonstrate its work in demonstration and experimental areas and will design user-specific extension tools. In addition, the Natural Disturbance Program will seek research opportunities for and questions about ecological, social and economic issues from Foothills Research Institute partners. Overall, its aim will be to guide all levels of decision-making toward more ecologically sound policy and practices.