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About
Since 1937, the School of Forest, Fisheries, & Geomatics Sciences (FFGS) has been developing new knowledge and educating students and citizens about the sustainable management and conservation of natural resources. FFGS programs and faculty members can be found across the UF campus, and throughout the State of Florida.
The School also maintains a 2,080-acre teaching and research forest northeast of Gainesville.
Program Areas
Our programs provide: a rich personal educational experience for students; new discoveries and applications that enrich lives, communities and natural resources; and lifelong learning opportunities for professionals, policy makers, landowners, youth and the general public.
We emphasize integrative, interdisciplinary approaches spanning three main programs:
- Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences emphasizes sustainable fisheries, aquaculture and aquatic ecology and health
- Forest Resources and Conservation includes the biology, ecology, economics, policy and human dimensions associated with sustainable management and conservation of forests
- Geomatics specializes in modern geospatial sciences such as surveying, mapping, remote sensing, satellite imagery, GIS and GPS
Mission Areas
FFGS is part of the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS). We have four missions:
Here you can learn more about our people (students, faculty, and staff), and the wide variety of teaching, research, and Extension programs we're engaged in.
Critical Relevance
Forests cover one third of the world’s land area, and half of Florida. They impact the lives of all people through the products and services they provide. Florida’s forests support a $12 billion industry - larger than any single agricultural crop. In addition, these forests provide non-timber products, clean water, wildlife habitat, carbon sequestration, climate stabilization, recreation, hunting, fishing, tourism, biodiversity, medicinals, and aesthetic beauty. The demand for these goods and services is increasing every year, yet the forested land to meet these needs is decreasing.
Similarly, our marine and freshwater resources are critical for their economic values, recreational opportunities, biodiversity and ecological services. One third of the world’s population depends on fish protein in their diet every day, and yet the world’s fisheries are being challenged from overfishing. Further, the world’s waters are being impacted by human influences such as pollution, nutrient discharge, and climate change.