FORKS — The Olympic Natural Resources Center in Forks has a new director.

Bernard Bormann replaced Professor Emeritus David Ford, who retired from the University of Washington earlier this fall.

Bormann took over as director of the center at 1455 S. Forks Ave. on April 1.

He also is a professor of forest ecology and physiology for the School of Environmental and Forest Sciences at UW.

Bormann joined the center after a 34-year career as a scientist with the U.S. Forest Service.

Since 1989, he had led the Long-Term Ecosystem Productivity Program for the Pacific Northwest Research Station.

He has a strong interest in adaptive management, according to a news release.

Hub of research

Bormann said he is looking forward to upholding the original intent of the center to serve as a hub of collaborative research among researchers, students, professionals and the public to solve issues in forestry and marine management throughout the Olympic Peninsula.

He received his bachelor’s degree in plant ecology from Evergreen State College in 1976, his master’s in plant ecology from the University of Washington in 1978 and his doctorate in forest physiology from Oregon State University in 1981.

He can be reached at his office at the center at 206-685-9477 and by email at Bormann@uw.edu.