Natural Resources Faculty Members

Jonathan Martin

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Title: Assistant Professor of Forestry
Office Location: CSE 129
Phone: 715-682-1270
Email: jmartin@northland.edu

Education

• PhD. Forestry, University of MN

• B.S. Forestry, University of WI- Madison

Profile

• Researcher, Coweeta Hydrologic Laboratory, NC

• Research Associate, Oregon State University

As a nomad who was born in Appalachia, raised in the Lakes States, and lived and worked in the boreal forests of Canada, the hardwood mountains of western North Carolina, the arid range of central Montana, and the cool wet forests of Oregon, I have cherished and continue to treasure all the cultural, recreational and natural wonders of the north woods environment that Northland provides. Among my travels, I have developed an understanding of the diversity, the importance, and the dangers facing our forested environments, all the while my appreciation has grown for what is unique in the environments of the Lake States.

Forestry at Northland:

The discipline of forestry is unique in that it lies at the intersection of the biological, ecological, social and economic worlds. Studying in the this field provides opportunities to:

1. Discover how trees and forested ecosystems work, and how forests interact with other earth systems

2. Experience the interconnectedness of forests, human society and culture from a historic to modern land ethic view point

3. Explore the past, present and future role of forests as a human centered commodity that can provide potentially renewable and sustainable raw materials, fuels, sources for recreation, clean water, diverse habitat, carbon sequestration, and more.

Forest ecosystems and forest resources are becoming more and more critical to the sustainability of human populations with each passing year. Unfortunately, these environments and resources are becoming less globally abundant and are facing an uncertain future in a world where the climate is changing rapidly and demands of these sensitive resources are ever growing.

Not only can a degree in forestry open many exciting doors to futures in ecological restoration, scientific monitoring, wild land fire, private or governmental land management, environmental policy and law, traditional and alternative timber products, or preparation for postgraduate degrees; but a degree in forestry can also give you the skills to make a difference. The future of all our forests depends on you.

Research

In addition to sharing my appreciation of the forestry field with the Northland community, I conduct research that is centered on understanding how trees and forests function and what influences their current health and their future survival. This bridges many fields and topics, and ranges from plant physiology to ecology, hydrology and soil science to atmospheric science, wildfire and disturbance to climate change, and natural resource policy to ecosystem management. If you are interested in learning more about these topics please contact me. Your involvement in the field of forestry can help us understand the fate of forests in a changing world and plan for a more sustainable relationships with forested lands.  

Link to publications:

http://scholar.google.com/citations?user=0nhMb8EAAAAJ&hl=en

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