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The Pacific Northwest Tree Improvement Research Cooperative (PNWTIRC) was formed in 1983 to conduct research in support of operational tree improvement in the Pacific Northwest. The PNWTIRC is housed in the Department of Forest Science at Oregon State University. Glenn Howe is the Director of the Cooperative, Liz Etherington is the Program Manager, Scott Kolpak is the Research Coordinator, and Lauren Magalska and Oguz Urhan are graduate students.

The purpose of the Pacific Northwest Tree Improvement Research Cooperative is to conduct genetics and breeding research on Pacific Northwest tree species with the goal of providing priority information that will enhance the efficiency of tree improvement efforts. Emphasis is on region-wide problems dealing with major coniferous species. The PNWTIRC is concerned with both tree breeding and mass production of genetically improved materials. The intent is to complement and supplement research by other organizations in the region and to avoid duplication. Another important objective of the Cooperative is to foster communication among tree improvement workers throughout the Pacific Northwest.

• Create a knowledge base concerning genetic improvement and breeding of Pacific Northwest tree species.
• Develop reliable, simple, and cost-effective genetic improvement methods and apply these methods to solve tree-breeding problems.
• Promote effective collaboration and communication among public agencies and private industries engaged in tree improvement in the region.