Forestry Research 

 Is Moving Ahead 



The aim of research is to produce bene- 

 ficial change. The mission of the Research 

 Branch of the Forest Service is to supply 

 the knowledge needed to improve man- 

 agement and use on all U.S. forests and 

 rangelands — their products and recrea- 

 tional and esthetic benefits — whether 

 public or private. 



During the past 40 years, research has 

 served the Nation well by keeping forestry 

 abreast of the people's needs. Now, 

 though, with the national population grow- 

 ing rapidly and altering its living habits 

 just as fast, we are looking more for ways 

 to meet the needs of the future. Research 

 itself is changing. Many of today's prob- 

 lems require sophisticated techniques and 

 complicated equipment. In many lines, de- 

 tailed analysis must precede any attempt 

 at synthesis. These shifts demand new 

 skills in research personnel. Until about a 

 decade ago, most Forest Service research- 

 ers were graduates of forestry schools. 

 Today most of those coming on the job 

 have specialized training in a basic science 

 or in engineering. 



To illustrate the nature of the tasks and 

 the skills required, here is a partial list of 

 what Forest Service Research hopes to 

 achieve in coming years: 



Increase the growth efficiency of individ- 

 ual trees and forage plants by applying the 

 principles of genetics and physiology. 



Through weather modification, prevent 

 lightning-caused forest fires and increase 

 the productivity of forests and ranges. 



Improve techniques and reduce costs of 

 "remote sensing" the presence, character- 

 istics, and damage of forest fires, pests, 

 and other destructive agents. 



Develop improved techniques for rehabili- 

 tating eroding land, preventing floods, 

 improving aquatic habitats and water sup- 

 plies, and restoring landscape beauty. 



Provide technical information that will 

 help rural communities develop and com- 

 pete for forestry-based jobs and industries. 

 By economic analyses and forest resource 

 surveys, support programs to improve 

 rural housing. 



Provide knowledge for protecting and im- 

 proving forest and range watersheds to 

 assure abundant water of high quality, in 

 combination with increased opportunities 



