III Periodic Review of Centers  (Academic Policy 100.o)
        Senate Recommendation
 

        Montana Forest & Conservation Experimentation Station -April 2003

 



A. Written Report Summary:

1.  Purpose:  Scientific investigation of natural resource problems and issues. MFCES seeks to enhance public understanding of forestry and conservation and contribute to the wise use of our nation’s timber, water, range, wildlife and recreation resources.

2.  Objectives: To conduct and disseminate leading-edge research on natural resource topics with emphasis on enhancing natural resource management, natural resource education, and the social and economic development of Montana and the Rocky Mountain West.  The MFCES conducts research in: Modeling and Management Information Systems; Fire Ecology and Management; Ecology and Ecosystems; Silviculture and Stand Management; Wildlife Ecology and Management; Water, Riparian, and Wetland Resources; Recreation, Tourism, and Wilderness; and Economics, Management, and Policy.

3.  Activities:  Continued research in the topics listed above.  The MFCES administers all research funded to the School of Forestry at The University of Montana.
Needs identified:
MFCES is a statutory agency of Montana (created by an act of the Montana Legislature in 1937 and has an obligation to carry out a program of research reviewed and authorized by the Montana Legislature every biennium.

4.  Other organizations involved:  School of Forestry at The University of Montana, The Director of MFCES is also the dean of the School of Forestry.  MFCES has a funding and reporting relationship to the USDA Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service (CSREES) since the MFCES is the recipient of Cooperative Forestry Research Funds.

5.  Reporting line: The Director of the MFCES reports to the Provost of The University of Montana.  The Director also is responsible for reporting activities of the MFCES to the Montana Legislature since the MFCES is budgeted as a line item in the Montana University System allocation from the Montana legislature.

6.  Relationships with academic units:  Most faculty members of the School of Forestry hold joint appointments in the MFCES and all of their research activities are administered by the MFCES. Graduate students are often funded on projects of the NFCES and their thesis and dissertation projects are MFCES products.  Many undergraduate students also receive training and support through MFCES projects.

7.  Similar programs: none in Montana or surrounding region.  There is a Forest Research Laboratory at Oregon State University.

8.  Budget:
a.  1. Current faculty and percentage of time: 16 Professors-5.55 total FTE (.15-.75), 12    Associate Professors- 6.31 total FTE (.33-1.0), Assistant Professor-2.81 total FTE (.33-.50)
         Current graduate Assistants-35.0 FTE; Undergraduate Assistants-10.0 FTE
         Current Staff: Field -7.0 FTE; Research Asst/Assoc10.9FTE; Admin/Acct-6.75.
     2. Need and cost for new faculty: none projected over the next five years
     3. Need for other personnel: Cost of support personnel paid directly by MFCES State Appropriations -$208,000.  Anticipated personnel costs over next five years remain the same with the addition of cost of living and other salary adjustment increases
                                                                 
b. Use of University Resources:         

         1. Library: periodicals, books, monographs, on-line reference services, etc.
2. Technology infrastructure: IT needs are substantial and will continue to expand.  The
MFCES is depended upon an IT backbone provided by IT services on campus and external vendors for field sites.  MFCES has an internal Information Technology Advisory Committee that works in collaboration with campus IT services and CIS.
3. Facility and space:
           
c. Source of Funding:          

Montana Legislature General Fund

$  980,000

12.18%

         Accommodations Tax
Federal Grants and Coops
State Grants and Coops
Private Grants
Foundation Funds
TOTAL

    260,000
 6,000,000
    500,000
    100,000

    200,000
$8,040,000

  3.23%

74.62%

  6.21%

  1.24%
  2.48%

40-50% Increase expected over the next five years

 

 


B. Review and Approval Process

   
2.  The Faculty Senate through its Chair, ECOS, and Committees as appropriate shall recommend continuance or discontinuance by vote.

Review in terms of Scope as stated in academic policy 100.0

To provide instruction, scholarship, or service to the University, state or world by:  (1) focusing attention on an area of strength and/or addressing a critical issue, or (2) facilitating collaborative, multi-disciplinary endeavors to combine resources from several programs or institutions to address issues of common interest.               

 

Review in terms of University’s mission.

 

§          Comments: Important in UM niche area of forest research.

 

§          Does ECOS/Faculty Senate consider this center controversial? No

 

§          Is the relationship with academic units beneficial? Yes. It supports student learning opportunities as well as research.

§          Is the program revenue neutral or does it consume more resources than it generates? If so, is the use of University resources justified? Yes, since funding is primarily from grants and there are broad institutional benefits.

§          Is the entity making progress toward objectives? Yes

 

 

Recommendation: Continue support.

 

Justification: Is fulfilling its role.