Welcome

The Department of Ecosystem and Conservation Sciences (DECS) provides students with instruction and expertise in a diverse array of ecological and biophysical sciences. The Department of Ecosystem and Conservation Sciences draws from its strength as a multidisciplinary department to pursue and disseminate knowledge in an array of biophysical and ecological sciences. DECS brings together faculty with academic training in fire science, watershed hydrology, insects and diseases, soil science, plant physiology, and wildlife biology. The department strives to create a rigorous, stimulating, and inspirational environment for undergraduate through doctoral students facilitating knowledge of ecosystem processes and ecological function in a biologically diverse and scenic setting.

DECS is also the home unit for the Wildlife Biology Faculty whose FTE are in the College of Forestry and Conservation (CFC). The Wildlife Biology program, with many FTE in the Division of Biological Sciences, has its curricula jointly administered.

DECS has just received approval to offer a degree program in Wildland Restoration. This program focuses on the integrative issues of restoration ecology, particularly in forest, river, mountain, and other wildland settings. Students pursuing this degree will develop knowledge and skills needed to apply a broad spectrum of biological, physical, and social sciences to restoration issues.