The Department of Forest and Rangeland Stewardship at Colorado State University advances the science and practice of sustainable natural resource management. Through education, research, and outreach, we prepare future leaders to address today’s environmental challenges, including wildfire, forest health, rangeland conservation, climate resilience, watershed management, and ecosystem restoration.
Education that connects science and practice
Students gain hands-on experience through field courses, research opportunities, internships, and partnerships with public agencies, nonprofit organizations, and private industry. Our undergraduate and graduate programs prepare graduates for careers in forestry, restoration ecology, natural resource management, rangeland ecology, conservation, policy, and environmental research.
-
Research with real-world impact
Our faculty and students conduct research that helps communities manage forests and rangelands for future generations. Projects span forest ecology, wildfire resilience, restoration, wildlife habitat, ecosystem services, economics, social science, climate adaptation, forest products, and sustainable land management throughout Colorado and around the world.
-
Serving Colorado and beyond
As part of Colorado State University's land-grant mission, we work closely with landowners, Indigenous communities, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and industry partners to develop science-based solutions that improve the health and resilience of forests, rangelands, and watersheds.
-
Why forest and rangeland stewardship?
Healthy forests and rangelands provide clean water, wildlife habitat, recreation, renewable resources, carbon storage, and resilient communities. Our department equips students and professionals with the knowledge and skills to steward these landscapes in a changing world.
Faculty who care
Our faculty are leaders in their fields, bringing award-winning research, professional recognition, and expertise in forest health, wildfire, rangeland ecology, and natural resource management to their work. Beyond their accolades, they’re passionate mentors and collaborators helping students connect classroom learning with hands-on experiences.
FRS headlines
-
CSU Society of American Foresters student chapter earns second place in national award
November 2, 2026The national award recognizes student chapters for achievements in membership, service, outreach, chapter management and engagement with the forestry profession.
-
Fat Squirrel Week 2026: Big personalities, bushy tails and the power of voting
October 14, 2026Colorado State University’s favorite furry competitors returned to the spotlight Oct. 6-13 for Warner College of Natural Resources’ third annual Fat Squirrel Week, where eight campus squirrels competed for the coveted title of CSU’s fattest squirrel.
-
Science Magazine features CFRI research in article “Future Forests”
October 6, 2026As the climate warms, the future of western forests is increasingly uncertain. CSU forest ecologists Marin Chambers and Camille Stevens-Rumann are studying assisted migration to understand how seedlings from different elevations respond to changing conditions and how their findings could inform future forest management.
-
Opinion: Wildfire strategy doesn’t need a winner
October 6, 2026CSU researchers Tony Cheng and Matt Thompson argue that tackling the nation’s growing wildfire risk requires moving beyond competing approaches to fire management. Instead, they call for a coordinated strategy that connects fire suppression, forest and fuels management, managed wildfire and community preparedness.
-
Yosemite’s meadows can be restored, but it will take time and effort
October 6, 2026Researchers at Colorado State University are leading an attempt to restore Yosemite National Park’s iconic meadows before it’s too late by reintroducing native plants that once covered the landscape.