Mr Robert G. Shula

Mr Robert G. Shula

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About

Bob Shula specialises in developing individual-tree growth models to support improved decision-making in production forestry. The research efforts of his team enable fuller understanding of tree growth and wood quality. Knowledge and tools arising from this research enable forest managers to make silvicultural decisions that maximise the value of their forests.

Qualifications

MSc (Forest Science),  Oregon State University -1998
BSc (Hons, Forest Management) Oregon State University -1976

Research capabilities

Individual-tree growth modelling for improved decision making in production forestry

Career highlights

  • Administrative manager responsible for 28 staff and 4 sub-team leaders in forest growth, wood quality, forest science, and resource assessment.
  • Science manager of Growth and Quality of Forest Stands (NZD 1.1m) organised in 5 primary areas: wood quality algorithms, environmental drivers in models, integrated growth and quality models, growth and quality database, and tree improvement effects in models. Previously, Programme Manager of the Stand Growth Modelling Cooperative (NZD 250k with 21 industry members).
  • Core research interest and achievement: individual-tree growth modelling for improved decision making in production forestry. My radiata pine individual-tree growth models were developed for the projection of mid-rotation inventory data, and then delivered by Atlas Technology (Scion) for implementation by industry. Previously, my Douglas-fir individual-tree growth model was developed for the projection of young-stands (planting to 20 years), and then delivered by the Department of Forest Science, Oregon State University for implementation by industry.

Selected papers

Shula, B; Fritzsche, M; Kimberley, M. 2009. Comparison of Individual-Tree Growth Models. Future Forests Research Ltd. Report R040.

Hayes, J.D.; Shula, R.G. 2008:Trouble shooting for tree-level models. Stand Growth Modelling Cooperative Report No. 129.

Hayes, J.D; Blomqvist; Shula, R.G. 2007: Performance of Post-Silvicultural Individual-tree Growth Model (ITGM):Stand Growth Modelling Cooperative Report No. 143.

Gordon, A; Shula, R.G. 2000: Validation of the individual-tree growth model (ITGM). Stand Growth Modelling Cooperative Report No. 79.

Shula, R.G. 1998. RVMM - The Regional Vegetation Management Model. Department of Forest Science, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon. Web-Site -- http://www.cof.orst.edu/cof/fr/research/organon/rvmm/rvmm_idx.htm

Shula, R.G. 1998. Database Development and Application to Characterise Juvenile Douglas-fir and Understorey Vegetation in the Oregon and Washington Coast Range Mountains. M.Sc. Department of Forest Science, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon. 101p.

Shula, R.G. 1989. The Upper-Limits of Radiata Pine Stem-Volume Production in New Zealand. New Zealand Forestry 34(2): 19-22.