Chris Forristal
Biological Science Technician/Graduate Student
Phone:406.994.1769
Email:cforristal@montana.edu
Education:
B.A., Biology, The Colorado College
Graduate Student, Ecology, Montana State University
Research interests:
Effects of post-fire timber harvest on sensitive woodpecker nesting attributes.
Abbreviated Vitae
CAREER GOALS
- Complete a Master of Science degree in Biology at Montana State University.
- Continue a career in wildlife research.
- Apply research results to management issues.
CURRENT RESEARCH PROJECTS
- Influences of post-wildfire timber harvest on black-backed, Lewis's, and white-headed woodpeckers (with Dr. Victoria A. Saab).
REALIZED MAJOR RESEARCH OUTPUTS
- Forristal, C.D., Saab, V.A., and J.J. Rotella. 2006. Influence of post-fire logging on black-backed woodpecker nest survival. Oral presentation. Northwest Section of The Wildlife Society Annual Meeting, Boise, ID.
- Forristal, C.D., Saab, V.A., and J.J. Rotella. 2005. Influence of post-fire logging on black-backed woodpecker nest survival. Poster presentation. Cooper Ornithological Society Annual Meeting, Arcata, CA.
OUTCOMES OF PAST RESEARCH, SPECIAL ASSIGNMENTS, AND TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER
- 2005 Annual Progress Report. Birds and Burns Network. Fremont National Forest, Oregon. November 2005. PDF
- 2003/2004 Annual Progress Report. Birds and Burns Network. Fremont National Forest, Oregon. December 2004. PDF
ANTICIPATED OUTCOMES
- Obtain a Master of Science from Montana State University.
- Further elucidate the post-fire habitat requirements of three sensitive woodpecker species.
- Clarify the potential consequences of salvage timber harvest on cavity-nesting bird reproduction.
- Determine the variables important in a predictive model for post-wildfire cavity-nesting bird habitat.
- Provide management recommendations regarding patterns of salvage timber harvest that preserve cavity-nesting bird diversity.