How We Do It

Knowing how, when, and where to make investments that will restore healthy watersheds, conserve Oregon’s natural heritage, adapt to changing conditions, and facilitate sustained community and economic health and development is a challenging endeavor. Part of meeting that challenge depends on having and using relevant information to guide planning and management. Part depends on applying technology and information to improve productivity, efficiency, use, and long-term maintenance of our natural resources. And, part depends on having policies that encourage people to make choices that balance the environment, economy, and society.

Located at Oregon State University and Portland State University, the Institute for Natural Resources (ORS 352.808) works to deliver management-relevant information that informs discussions and decisions about the long-term stewardship of Oregon's natural resources, and works to advance centralized, science-based natural resource information for Oregon and the Pacific Northwest.

 

Science & Data Delivery

We do our work through data and science delivery. Specifically, we:

Manage data & information. Compiling and integrating natural resources datasets and socioeconomic datasets; developing tools; providing access; and, complying with federal and state data and metadata standards.

Provide technical assistance & analysis. Developing, adapting, and transferring science-based tools, models, and methods; conducting scientific analyses to evaluate the status and trends of natural resources; and, developing and providing access to natural resource indicator and monitoring tools.

Convene & provide science advisory services. Conducting science syntheses and reviews; and, convening and facilitating science dialogues, joint fact finding, and workshops.

Conduct research. Engaging in field-based research, applied research, and evaluation; and, managing multi-institutional research projects.

In addition to data and science delivery, we also:

Provide training and workforce development opportunities for undergraduate students, graduate students, and early career professionals.

Represent OSU in the Cooperative Ecosystems Study Unit (CESU) for the Pacific Northwest and the Great Basin.