In 1959, the Department of Agriculture sent to the Congress a 

 "Program for the National Forests." In that program there were 

 included forestry research needs for the National Forests as viewed 

 at that time. Since then there has been a further intensive appraisal 

 of Forest Service research activities. The results of this appraisal are 

 included in the enclosed program, which presents the research needed 

 to adequately support all forestry activities, whether on National 

 Forests, other public forest lands, or private forests and woodlands 

 and the laboratory facilities required to implement an effective re- 

 search program. The appraisal includes all research for which the 

 Forest Service has responsibility. Other major changes from the 

 research needs previously recommended are listed in the preface of 

 the enclosed report. 



Presentation of this forestry research program is timely because on 

 January 31, 1964, President Johnson, in his message on Agriculture 

 outlined to the Congress his views on better use of forest lands and 

 resources as a means of strengthening the Nation's economy. He 

 directed the Department of Agriculture "to accelerate forest research 

 to find new methods of wood utilization, better timber management 

 techniques, improved fire protection, and more effective use of forest 

 ranges." The forestry research program which has been developed 

 will provide the knowledge needed for more efficient and abundant 

 production of products and services from the Nation's forest and 

 related resources. These include 773 million acres of forest land plus 

 additional extensive areas of intermingled and related ranges. 



A sound program of forestry research is essential to full achieve- 

 ment of the long-range program for development and improvement of 

 the National Forests. Research is likewise a key factor in the forestry 

 program needed to develop the resources on some 4!/> million private 

 forest ownerships. In many rural areas, development of the forest 

 resources represents the major long-range hope for permanent relief 

 of underemployment problems. 



The enclosed report should not be regarded as a request for the 

 appropriation of funds, or as a proposed rate at which the program 

 will be implemented with fund requests. The Department intends to 

 carry out, this program in an orderly and balanced manner at a prac- 

 ticable rate within the overall budgetary requirements and financial 

 resources of the Government. The need for funds will be considered 

 each year in the customary way through budget processes. 

 Sincerely yours, 





/^sii*^^^\_ 



Orvtlle L. Freeman, 



Secretary. 



IV 



