Dr. Charles D. Canham

Forest Ecologist | PhD, Cornell University

Expertise
forest ecology and management

845 266-3471

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Charles Canham studies the dynamics of forest ecosystems and how they respond to a wide range of human impacts. Using field research, novel statistical methods, and computer models, Canham predicts forest response to factors including climate change, introduced pests and pathogens, logging regimes, and air pollution.  

Northeastern forests have been a critical source of carbon sequestration to combat climate change, and can also potentially provide a renewable energy source. Canham and his collaborators have developed methods to assess the tradeoffs between managing forests for carbon sequestration versus biomass energy production to ensure that forest biomass energy is truly carbon neutral.

All of Canham’s work builds on a neighborhood theory of forest dynamics he has developed through research in forests around the world. The theory, and the computer model that encapsulates it (SORTIE-ND), are particularly valuable in his work to explore the development of new forestry that can simultaneously maximize the ecological benefits of species diversity and carbon sequestration and the production of high-value forest products.

In 2020 he published a book, Forests Adrift: Currents Shaping the Future of Northeastern Trees (Yale University Press), which focuses on the future of northeastern forests. His next book will focus on the role of forests in a carbon-neutral, sustainable world.

Classification and gradient analysis of right-of-way vegetation in the Mid-Hudson Valley
Canham, Charles D., and J. S. Kays. 1993. “Classification And Gradient Analysis Of Right-Of-Way Vegetation In The Mid-Hudson Valley”. C. D. Canham Et Al. (Eds.). Vegetation Dynamics Along Utility Rights-Of-Way: Factors Affecting The Ability Of Shrub And Herbaceous Communities To Resist Invasion By Trees. Final Technical Report to Central Hudson Gas and Electric Corporation and the Empire State Electric Energy Research Corporation.
Resource heterogeneity in rights-of-way
Kelly, Victoria R., and Charles D. Canham. 1993. “Resource Heterogeneity In Rights-Of-Way”. C. D. Canham Et Al. (Eds.). Vegetation Dynamics Along Utility Rights-Of-Way: Factors Affecting The Ability Of Shrub And Herbaceous Communities To Resist Invasion By Trees. Final Technical Report to Central Hudson Gas and Electric Corporation and the Empire State Electric Energy Research Corporation.
The component communities of vegetation mosaics along rights-of-way
Canham, Charles D., and D. M. Wood. 1993. “The Component Communities Of Vegetation Mosaics Along Rights-Of-Way”. C. D. Canham Et Al. (Eds.). Vegetation Dynamics Along Utility Rights-Of-Way: Factors Affecting The Ability Of Shrub And Herbaceous Communities To Resist Invasion By Trees. Final Technical Report to Central Hudson Gas and Electric Corporation and the Empire State Electric Energy Research Corporation.
Root foraging efficiences of trees and shrubs
Putz, F. E., Charles D. Canham, and S. V. Ollinger. 1993. “Root Foraging Efficiences Of Trees And Shrubs”. C. D. Canham Et Al. (Eds.). Vegetation Dynamics Along Utility Rights-Of-Way: Factors Affecting The Ability Of Shrub And Herbaceous Communities To Resist Invasion By Trees. Final Technical Report to Central Hudson Gas and Electric Corporation and the Empire State Electric Energy Research Corporation.
Demography of tree seedling invasion in rights-of-way
Canham, Charles D., J. D. Hill, and D. M. Wood. 1993. “Demography Of Tree Seedling Invasion In Rights-Of-Way”. C. D. Canham Et Al. (Eds.). Vegetation Dynamics Along Utility Rights-Of-Way: Factors Affecting The Ability Of Shrub And Herbaceous Communities To Resist Invasion By Trees. Final Technical Report to Central Hudson Gas and Electric Corporation and the Empire State Electric Energy Research Corporation.
Vegetation dynamics and factors regulating tree invasion along utility rights-of-way
Canham, Charles D. 1993. “Vegetation Dynamics And Factors Regulating Tree Invasion Along Utility Rights-Of-Way”. C. D. Canham Et Al. (Eds.). Vegetation Dynamics Along Utility Rights-Of-Way: Factors Affecting The Ability Of Shrub And Herbaceous Communities To Resist Invasion By Trees. Final Technical Report to Central Hudson Gas and Electric Corporation and the Empire State Electric Energy Research Corporation.
Dynamics of gray dogwood (Cornus racemosa) thickets
Boeken, B., and Charles D. Canham. 1993. “Dynamics Of Gray Dogwood (Cornus Racemosa) Thickets”. C. D. Canham (Ed.). Vegetation Dynamics Along Utility Rights-Of-Way: Factors Affecting The Ability Of Shrub And Herbaceous Communities To Resist Invasion By Trees. Final Technical Report to Central Hudson Gas and Electric Corporation and the Empire State Electric Energy Research Corporation.
The dynamics of resource supply and depletion in right-of-way vegetation
Canham, Charles D., and Victoria R. Kelly. 1993. “The Dynamics Of Resource Supply And Depletion In Right-Of-Way Vegetation”. C. D. Canham Et Al. (Eds.). Vegetation Dynamics Along Utility Rights-Of-Way: Factors Affecting The Ability Of Shrub And Herbaceous Communities To Resist Invasion By Trees. Final Technical Report to Central Hudson Gas and Electric Corporation and the Empire State Electric Energy Research Corporation.
Canopy gap closure in the thickets of the clonal shrub, Cornus racemosa
Dickinson, M., F. E. Putz, and Charles D. Canham. 1993. “Canopy Gap Closure In The Thickets Of The Clonal Shrub, Cornus Racemosa”. Bull. Torrey Bot. Club 120: 439-444. http://www.caryinstitute.org/reprints/Dickinson_et_al_1993_Bull_Torrey_Bot_Club_120_439-444.pdf.
Ecological approaches to vegetation management along utility rights-of-way
Canham, Charles D. 1993. “Ecological Approaches To Vegetation Management Along Utility Rights-Of-Way”. C. D. Canham Et Al. (Eds.). Vegetation Dynamics Along Utility Rights-Of-Way: Factors Affecting The Ability Of Shrub And Herbaceous Communities To Resist Invasion By Trees. Final Technical Report to Central Hudson Gas and Electric Corporation and the Empire State Electric Energy Research Corporation.
Effects of meadow vole population density on tree seedling survival in old fields
Ostfeld, Richard S., and Charles D. Canham. 1993. “Effects Of Meadow Vole Population Density On Tree Seedling Survival In Old Fields”. Ecology 74: 1792-1801. http://www.caryinstitute.org/reprints/Ostfeld_and_Canham_1993_Ecology_74_1792-1801.pdf.
Effects of biomass allocation and resource-use efficiency on multiple resource limitation in tree seedlings
Canham, Charles D., Alan R. Berkowitz, Victoria R. Kelly, Gary M. Lovett, and S. V. Ollinger. 1993. “Effects Of Biomass Allocation And Resource-Use Efficiency On Multiple Resource Limitation In Tree Seedlings”. C. D. Canham Et Al. (Eds.). Vegetation Dynamics Along Utility Rights-Of-Way: Factors Affecting The Ability Of Shrub And Herbaceous Communities To Resist Invasion By Trees. Final Technical Report to Central Hudson Gas and Electric Corporation and the Empire State Electric Energy Research Corporation.
Forest models defined by field measurements: I. The design of a northeastern forest simulator
Pacala, S. W., Charles D. Canham, and J.A. Silander Jr. 1993. “Forest Models Defined By Field Measurements: I. The Design Of A Northeastern Forest Simulator”. Can. J. For. Res. 23: 1980-1988. http://www.caryinstitute.org/reprints/Pacala_et_al_1993_Can_J_For_Res_23_1980-1988.pdf.
Effects of meadow vole population density on tree seedling survival in rights-of-way
Ostfeld, Richard S., and Charles D. Canham. 1993. “Effects Of Meadow Vole Population Density On Tree Seedling Survival In Rights-Of-Way”. C. D. Canham Et Al. (Eds.). Vegetation Dynamics Along Utility Rights-Of-Way: Factors Affecting The Ability Of Shrub And Herbaceous Communities To Resist Invasion By Trees. Final Technical Report to Central Hudson Gas and Electric Corporation and the Empire State Electric Energy Research Corporation.
Intrinsic density-dependent regulation of vole populations
Ostfeld, Richard S., Charles D. Canham, and S.R. Pugh. 1993. “Intrinsic Density-Dependent Regulation Of Vole Populations”. Nature 366: 259-261. http://www.caryinstitute.org/reprints/Ostfeld_et_al_1993_Nature_366_259-261.pdf.
Effects of simulated browsing on growth and mortality of tree seedlings
Canham, Charles D., J. B. McAninch, and D. M. Wood. 1993. “Effects Of Simulated Browsing On Growth And Mortality Of Tree Seedlings”. C. D. Canham Et Al. (Eds.). Vegetation Dynamics Along Utility Rights-Of-Way: Factors Affecting The Ability Of Shrub And Herbaceous Communities To Resist Invasion By Trees. Final Technical Report to Central Hudson Gas and Electric Corporation and the Empire State Electric Energy Research Corporation.
Mechanisms of arrested succession in rights-of-way: Root and shoot competition between shrubs and tree seedlings
Putz, F. E., and Charles D. Canham. 1993. “Mechanisms Of Arrested Succession In Rights-Of-Way: Root And Shoot Competition Between Shrubs And Tree Seedlings”. C. D. Canham Et Al. (Eds.). Vegetation Dynamics Along Utility Rights-Of-Way: Factors Affecting The Ability Of Shrub And Herbaceous Communities To Resist Invasion By Trees. Final Technical Report to Central Hudson Gas and Electric Corporation and the Empire State Electric Energy Research Corporation.
Canopy gap closure in gray dogwood thickets
Dickinson, M., F. E. Putz, and Charles D. Canham. 1993. “Canopy Gap Closure In Gray Dogwood Thickets”. C. D. Canham Et Al. (Eds.). Vegetation Dynamics Along Utility Rights-Of-Way: Factors Affecting The Ability Of Shrub And Herbaceous Communities To Resist Invasion By Trees. Final Technical Report to Central Hudson Gas and Electric Corporation and the Empire State Electric Energy Research Corporation.
Net effects of right-of-way communities on tree seedling growth and survival
Berkowitz, Alan R., Charles D. Canham, and Victoria R. Kelly. 1993. “Net Effects Of Right-Of-Way Communities On Tree Seedling Growth And Survival”. C. D. Canham (Ed.). Vegetation Dynamics Along Utility Rights-Of-Way: Factors Affecting The Ability Of Shrub And Herbaceous Communities To Resist Invasion By Trees. Final Technical Report to Central Hudson Gas and Electric Corporation and the Empire State Electric Energy Research Corporation.
Permanent plots: a directory of long-term studies of vegetation
Canham, Charles D., G.G. Parker, and T.G. Siccama. 1992. “Permanent Plots: A Directory Of Long-Term Studies Of Vegetation”. Occasional Publication Of The Institute Of Ecosystem Studies. Millbrook, NY: Institute of Ecosystem Studies.
forests adrift


Forests Adrift : Currents Shaping the Future of Northeastern Trees

Yale University Press, 2020

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