Anu Kramer

RESEARCH

I am broadly interested in the intersection of remote sensing, wildfire, and the California Spotted Owl. Many Sierra Nevada forests historically experienced frequent wildfire that promoted heterogeneous forest structure, yet the California Spotted Owl (Strix occidentalis) prefers dense forests for nesting.  Maintaining large patches of dense forests can lead to a greater danger of stand-replacing wildfire, juxtaposing owl protection in the short vs. long term.  Managers struggle with how to balance conservation of this key species with forest restoration. My research uses advances in GPS technology and LiDAR to expand our understanding of spotted owl behavior and habitat preferences so managers and policymakers can make more informed decisions on forest management in the Sierra Nevada.

EDUCATION

Postdoctoral Research Associate |  U. of Wisconsin – Madison, 2016-2019
PhD Env. Science, Policy, and Management  |  U.C. Berkeley, 2016
B.A. Biology & Anthropology |  Grinnell College, 2009