Emerging Issues Along Urban-Rural Interfaces Conference

Auburn University’s Center for Forest Sustainability will be hosting its 3rd interdisciplinary conference, “Emerging Issues Along Urban-Rural Interfaces: Linking Science and Society” at the Sheraton Atlanta, April 11-14, 2010. The overarching theme and goal of the conference is linking human dimensions aspects of urban/rural interfaces with ecological aspects of urban/rural interfaces. The Center believes that such linkages offer the promise of new, powerful insights for understanding the forces that shape, and are shaped by, urbanization and offer more encompassing and compelling understanding of the causes and consequences of urbanization-related policies. They seek to bring together researchers, practitioners, and policy makers to share current research results and implementation strategies, and to identify knowledge gaps, challenges, and opportunities regarding the interaction between urbanization and natural resources. In particular, approaches that focus on integrating socioeconomic and ecological research will be highlighted. It is anticipated that this conference to be a vehicle for not only providing conceptual frameworks for accomplishing integrated research,but also an outlet for sharing of case studies, as well as showcasing the benefits integrated research can provide scientists, land-use planners, policy makers, and society.

Confirmed keynote speakers are:

  • Dr. Marina Alberti, University of Washington
  • Dr. Ted Gragson, University of Georgia and Coweta LTER
  • Dr. Steward Pickett, Cary Institute of Ecosystem Study and Baltimore LTER
  • Dr. Rich Pouyat, USDA Forest Service
  • Dr. Charles Redmon, Arizona State University and Phoenix LTER

There is a limited pool of funds to provide support for students.

For additional information contact David N. Laband, Forest Policy Center, School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences, 334-844-1074 (voice) or 334-844-1084 fax.