CNR research
Leading research in conservation, forestry and environmental sustainability
The College of Natural Resources at University of Idaho conducts pioneering research across the state to address critical environmental and natural resource challenges.
The College of Natural Resources leads solution-focused research that addresses today’s most pressing environmental challenges. We work across disciplines to advance science in forest health, fire ecology, water systems, wildlife conservation and more. Discover how our research fuels sustainable resource management in Idaho and beyond.
Research centers, partnerships and cooperatives
U of I Drone Lab
The U of I Drone Lab serves as a hub for drone-related activities and provides a pool of drones, sensors, equipment, software and knowledge to support the use of drones in high-quality research and teaching across university departments.
Idaho Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Cooperative
The Idaho Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit works closely with state and federal agencies to conduct research that supports management of fish and wildlife in Idaho and throughout the region.
Intermountain Forestry Cooperative
The IFC is a research cooperative with members representing federal, state and private forestry organizations. IFC is committed to developing forest management practices that best meet ecological, economic and regulatory objectives. The cooperative administers, develops and distributes forest management data from over 500 monitoring installations established between the east slope of the Cascades to the west slope of the Rocky Mountains.
Inland Empire Tree Improvement Cooperative
Founded in 1968, the Inland Empire Tree Improvement Cooperative (IETIC) is a diverse group of 19 organizations in eastern Washington, northern Idaho and western Montana that have partnered to apply classical plant breeding techniques to important native conifer species for the purpose of producing genetically improved tree seed for commercial reforestation and ecosystem restoration.
Forest Utilization Research Program
Since 1976, Forest Utilization Research (FUR) has been a state-funded legislative program dedicated to delivering impartial research, outreach and policy analysis to benefit the people of Idaho. This program serves as a cornerstone for the college, supporting five specialized research and outreach initiatives. FUR also provides funding to leverage additional research support from federal agencies and other external partners.
Policy Analysis Group
The Policy Analysis Group (PAG) established by the Idaho State Legislature in 1989, provides data and objective analyses of the impacts of natural resource policy proposals to industry, communities and the legislature.
Rangeland Center
Established by the Idaho State Legislature in 2012, the Rangeland Center combines academic expertise and local knowledge to address challenges facing Idaho rangelands and the communities that rely on them.