Research at the Center for Forest Assessment and Synthesis (CFAS) improves our understanding of people and how we interact with nature – how we rely on forested watersheds for drinking water, how policies and practices can minimize environmental risks while meeting people’s needs, and how hurricanes, wildfires, and other disturbances affect people and economies.  

Five Research Work Units (RWU) make up this Center:  

• Center for Forest Watershed Research (RWU-4353). Research to restore, protect, and enhance watershed health. 
• Eastern Forest Environmental Threat Assessment Center (RWU-4854). Anticipating and responding to environmental threats. 
• Integrating Human and Natural Systems (RWU-4952). Improving understanding of how people influence and are influenced by natural environments.