Biography

Dr. Jerry Franklin is a Professor of Ecosystem Analysis with the College of Forest Resources at the University of Washington. He is sometimes referred to by the media as the "guru of old growth." His mission in life is to "cut the best deal I can for forests and trees in a world that's dominated by humans."

Dr. Franklin's areas of specialization include: 1) Structure and function of natural forest ecosystems, especially old-growth forests; 2) Successional processes and ecosystem recovery following catastrophic disturbances; 3) Effects of changing environmental conditions, such as global change, on forest processes; 4) Application of ecological principles to management of natural resources ("New Forestry," ecosystem management); and 5) Theory and practice of landscape ecology.

Jerry's research and work is credited with modifying the way trees are harvested and helping retain biodiversity in many of the world's forests. Dr. Franklin also currently serves as the Director of the Wind River Canopy Crane Research Facility in SW Washington. Over the years he has served as a leading participant in many major scientific and policy analyses of forestry issues at local, national, and global level. He has also generated over 300 publications.

Dr. Franklin joined the UW faculty after stints with the USDA Forest Service Pacific Northwest Research Station and the National Science Foundation. He earned his B.S. and M.S. in Forest Management at Oregon State University, a Ph.D. in Botany and Soils and Washington State University, and an LLD. at Simon Fraser University.