Forests are major components of the earth's natural resources and they are increasingly critical to the welfare of the U.S. economy, environment, and population. Desires to improve forest management and productivity, preserve biodiversity, maintain ecologic integrity, and provide societal services, such as recreation and tourism, necessitate a strong forestry-research base.


Given the clear importance of forestry research in sustaining forests for the future, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service asked the Board on Agriculture and Natural Resources of the National Academies to undertake a study of the nation's capacity in forestry research. The Committee on National Capacity in Forestry Research was appointed to carry out the study, which was conducted to review the current expertise and status of forestry research and to examine the approaches of natural resources education and forestry-research organizations to meet future needs.


Table of Contents


Front Matter
Executive Summary
1. Need, Context, and Foundation for Forestry Research
2. The Essential Knowledge Base for Forestry Issues
3. Current Forestry-Research Capacity in the United States
4. Preparing Forestry Scientists and Users of Forestry Science
5. Capacity of Forestry-Research Organizations to Meet Future Research Needs
6. Summary and Conclusions
References
Appendix A: Workshop Agenda
Appendix B: Breakout Group Questions
About the Authors