Forests have long been influenced by anthropogenic and natural disturbances. To sustain the variety of ecosystem services generated by healthy forests requires understanding these processes and evaluating different management practices that can restore and sustain multiple values.

Members of FES examine the impact of disturbances such as fire on the age class structure and habitat suitability of forests, with an eye toward understanding how management can be used to restore desired forest conditions. Others are exploring silvicultural practices that maintain ecosystem resilience and adaptability, while providing services such as timber, habitat, and clean water. Another line of research focuses on the biological control of introduced insect pests. Still other research uses spatial statistics for stream networks to understand the factors that affect the spatial distribution of fish in headwater streams.