Peter Z. Fulé, Ph.D. - Professor
Research Interests
Ecological restoration, fire ecology, Cordilleran forest ecology (southwest U.S.,
northern Mexico)
Overuse of natural resources, fire exclusion, and other human-caused forms of environmental
degradation threaten the sustainability of forest ecosystems. Uncharacteristically
severe wildfires, pathogen outbreaks, and exotic species invasions are signs of
ecological damage in frequent-fire-adapted forests of western North America. Working
with colleagues at Northern Arizona University's School of Forestry and Ecological
Restoration Institute, our research focuses on four areas:
- Measuring the extent and characteristics of ecological degradation, including changes
in forest structure, plant communities, fire behavior, and habitat components.
- Studying relict sites where recent anthropogenic degradation is minimal, such as
remote plateaus in Grand Canyon National Park and isolated sites in northern Mexico.
- Experimentation in alternative methods of restoring natural structure, function,
and process to western long-needled pine forests.
- Modeling of vegetation change and fire behavior and effects across stands and landscapes.
Education
B.A., Vassar College, 1986
M.S., Northern Arizona University, 1990
Ph.D., Northern Arizona University, 1996
Contact Information
Office: Building 82 - Room 246C
Phone: 928.523.1463
Email: Pete.Fule@nau.edu
Selected Publications
Dr. Fulé's publications are listed at Google Scholar.