Figure 5. Estimated Technology Transfer Capability for Forestry in the 
Southern Region. 
500 
400° MMM Federal (USFS) 
Consultants 
300° 
Staff Years 
200 
100 
1375 
1981 1986 
Source: USDA Forest Service, Mr. Harry Murphy (personal communication). 
grams of research and extension and much of the 
expertise in technology transfer. Adequate human 
Capital, skilled in the application of emerging tech- 
nologies to forest resources, will likely become a 
limiting factor in research, extension, and technol- 
ogy transfer over the next decade. Exceptional stu- 
dents must perceive improved career opportunities 
if they are to enter professional forestry programs. 
Likewise, institutions must perceive opportunities in 
forest resources if they are to nourish quality degree 
programs. 
Summary 
Public and privately supported programs in re- 
search, extension, and technology transfer have 
made significant contributions to the third forest. A 
broad-based capability is essential to realize the full 
potential of the fourth forest through the exploitation 
of emerging technologies. However, the declining 
Federal role in technology development and trans- 
fer has important implications for the continued ef- 
fectiveness and coordination of public programs 
and for the capability of addressing regional issues. 
The private-sector role tends to be cyclical and 
lacks the distribution of benefits that are provided 
by public programs. Better mechanisms are needed 
to address regionwide issues, but not at the ex- 
pense of State support, which is currently the princi- 
pal source of funds for public programs. Given 
present enrollment trends, human capital will likely 
become a critical factor in achieving the full potential 
of the South's fourth forest. These issues must be a 
part of any policy discussion that addresses the 
needs and opportunities inherent in the fourth for- 
est. 
Reference Cited 
Southern Forest Resource Analysis Committee. 
1969. 
The South's third forest...how it can meet future 
demands. [Place of publication unknown]: 
Southern Forest Resource Analysis Committee. 
111 p. 
