resources and provide conservation technologies which improve their use, increase their reuse and recycling, and reduce the environmental impacts of human activities on them.

Importance of Forest and Rangeland Research

The 20th Century has seen major changes in how Americans use their natural resources and their perception of how forests and rangelands should be managed. For almost 100 years, Forest Service scientists have provided new knowledge and technology essential to manage, protect, use, and sustain our Nation's forests and rangelands--both public and private. Every day, foresters, land managers, farmers, ranchers, mill operators, urban foresters, and many other people apply the know-how developed by Forest Service scientists and their cooperators. Applying this knowledge has been instrumental in sustaining a quality environment while developing a strong and sound economy. As we enter the 21st century, America's need for natural resources will not diminish. In fact, demands will increase and change will accelerate; thus, new knowledge will be essential to address the issues that arise.

Why are sustained investments in Forest Service Research essential? Three compelling

reasons are:

1998 Explan

Notes

USDA, Forest Service

· Scientific information and technological advances provide the only feasible basis for sustaining America's environmental health and economic growth as the land base shrinks and the population increases;

• Research is a primary source of credible, state-of-the-art, objective information which provides the consequences of long-term management and policy choices faced by policy makers, managers, and the public. These choices are complex and difficult; thus, people must be as informed as possible. Research is essential to make informed decisions and understand consequences of the trade-offs, now and for future generations; and

Research reveals nonexistent or unforeseen opportunities. These opportunities provide for greater compatibility between differing societal goals, such as ecological preservation versus resource use.

Just as our fiscal discipline to balance the budget is rooted in our obligation to future generations; so too do we owe them assurance that our Nation's capacity to shape the future of its forests and rangelands through scientific research and technological innovation is maintained.

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At a time when forest health problems appear to be at an all time high; at a time when the Administration is proposing to issue environmental report card for the Nation that will feature forests and research; at a time when the Department of Agriculture is actively aligned with the goals of "Sustainable Development;" and at a time when the demands for natural resources are increasing, it is important to maintain a strong forest and rangeland science program. Forest Service Research serves as one of the foremost forestry research organizations in the world. However, we have pared our scientific capacity from over 700 scientists in 1987 to less than 550 today and our scientific equipment and facilities are deteriorating.

Maintaining the capacity of Forest Service Research is like insurance policy

maintaining a national on the health and

sustainability of our forests and rangelands. Our scientists seek to prevent potential problems by providing early warnings and solutions. Important questions asked by society today, can be answered because long-term, peer-reviewed scientific research is available from past research investments; therefore, investing in Forest Service scientists now is essential to create the information and technology needed to answer society's questions and natural resource needs in the future.

The President's Council on Sustainable Development (PCSD) report is predicated upon the need to integrate economic development with environmental quality. Forest Service Research is a cornerstone of support for the Administration's "Technology for a Sustainable Future" initiative which emphasizes the need to support Research and Development that will "maintain world leadership in basic science, mathematics, and engineering." The scientific capacity and infrastructure of Forest Service Research must remain strong if our Nation is to achieve its goals of sustainable development and fulfill its commitment to become a Sustainable America.

The Forest and Rangeland Research science program is organized under four broad areas: Vegetation Management and Protection Research; Wildlife, Fish, Watershed, and Atmospheric Sciences Research; Resource Valuation and Use Research; and Forest Resources Inventory and Monitoring.

Research activities within these areas are further described below. However, it is important to understand that the complexity of today's natural resource issues requires a highly integrated approach when implementing studies in the field. Thus, much of our work is multi-disciplinary and integrated across the program areas and research activities described below.

Vegetation Management and Protection Research

A forest without trees is not a forest. A grassland without grass is not a grassland. Vegetation is the foundation of complex forest and rangeland ecosystems. A significant research effort improves the science base to