Darren J. McAvoy

Dr. Darren J. McAvoy serves as an Extension Associate Professor in the Wildland Resources department at Utah State University's College of Natural Resources. With over two decades of experience since joining USU Forestry Extension in 1999, he brings extensive practical knowledge from his previous seven years as a consulting forester in Sandpoint, Idaho. His professional background includes significant wildfire experience as a former Flathead Hotshot firefighter and veteran of the 1988 Yellowstone fires, as well as serving as a prescribed fire Ignition Boss.

Dr. McAvoy specializes in several critical areas of forest management:

• Biomass utilization and biochar production and application
• Cross Laminated Timber promotion
• Wildland fire understanding and fuel management
• Forest restoration practices
• Timber harvesting education for private landowners

His publication record demonstrates consistent productivity across multiple formats, with recent work focusing on aspen forest fuel characteristics, maple sap production, and biochar applications. His research bridges academic inquiry with practical extension applications for landowners and natural resource professionals.

Dr. McAvoy has received numerous professional awards recognizing his extension work, including multiple ANREP Education Materials Awards (both Gold and Silver), the Utah Forest Stewardship Award, and the Communications Award. These honors reflect his commitment to effective knowledge transfer and practical application of forest management principles.

As a key contributor to the Forest Landowner Education Program since 1996, he has developed numerous educational resources including the Utah Forest Webcast Series and the "Considering a Timber Harvest" DVD. He has been instrumental in organizing the annual Restoring the West Conference and managing the Utah Biomass Resources Group, demonstrating his leadership in connecting research with practical forest management challenges.