Ken Stolte is a Research Ecologist with EFETAC’s Forest Health Monitoring Team. His current research includes design and development of forest monitoring systems for unique forest systems such as the Appalachian Trail, urban parks and recreation areas, ecotonal areas, and forests subjected to air pollution, climate change, and other stressors. Other research includes development of indicators to monitor forest health and sustainability; interpretation and modeling of the Montreal Process Criteria and Indicators for sustainable forest management; assessments of forest health and sustainability at multiple spatial scales; developing methods for locating and monitoring exotic invasive plant species in forest interiors and subsequent development of  risk models and maps; and training volunteers or Citizen-Scientists to assist with exotic plant surveys and establishment of modified forest health monitoring plots and associated indicators. Other research interests are developing digital photography to identify forest plants and monitor soil erosion; non-destructive approaches to reducing soil erosion along dirt roads and trails in urban parks; and transfer of forest health monitoring technology to cities, counties, states, and other countries. Ken received his M.S. (botany) and B.S. (biology) degrees from the University of California at Riverside.


Contact Ken Stolte at kstolte@fs.fed.us or 919-549-4022.