FOREST INVESTIGATIONS. 



Forest investigations of a thorough and systematic character and 



conducted with scientific accuracy form an important 



part of the work of the Forest Service, both as a means 

 of building up the science of forestry in the United States and of 

 directly assisting and improving the administration of the National 

 Forests. The assistance and cooperation of all members of the Service 

 in conducting investigations are essential. 



As far as practicable the investigative work of the Service will be 



directed by a central committee in the Washington 

 ^service organiza- O ffi c6) to be designated by the Forester, working in 



cooperation with the respective branches. A special- 

 ist in investigative work shall act as chairman of the committee, and 

 shall, subject to its recommendations and the direction of the For- 

 ester, review all plans for investigative work, correlate the projects 

 proposed by the different branches and districts, and exercise general 

 supervision of the work initiated in the districts and under the Wash- 

 ington office. The central committee will take action through recom- 

 mendations submitted to the branch chiefs. Differences in judgment 

 between the committee and the branches will be submitted to the 

 Forester for decision. 



As far as practicable the investigative work in each district will be 



directed by a district committee, to be designated by 

 ^District organiza- ^ district forester, working in cooperation with the 



chiefs of the respective offices. A specialist in inves- 

 tigative work shall act as chairman of the committee, and shall, sub- 

 ject to its recommendations and the approval of the district forester, 

 review and correlate all projects for investigative work in the dis- 

 trict, devise methods for carrying out general plans initiated by the 

 central committee, and exercise general supervision of the work done 

 under the various projects in the district. Action will be taken 

 through recommendations submitted to chiefs of office. 



The general kinds of investigative work which will be conducted 



in the districts are: General silvical studies, experi- 

 gattv n e d wo?k. investi ~ m ent stations, special silvical studies, studies of 



range improvement, studies of insect infestations, 

 studies of tree diseases, investigations of methods and results of 

 wood preservation, of forest products, and studies of general market 

 conditions. 



Before any investigative project, including studies conducted on 



all National Forests, is undertaken a plan of work cov- 



Pr6lunina,ry pl&ns* ' i * 



ering its purpose, 'scope, relative value, approximate 

 cost, and the results of previous studies, which will be utilized, will 

 be prepared and approved with such modifications as may be neces- 

 sary by the district forester or branch chief concerned and by the 

 district or central committee. 



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