What is the USDA Forest Service?
|
The USDA
Forest Service
is the world's largest resource conservation agency. It is directed by
Congress
to manage the national forests, conduct resource science, and assist private landowners and state forestry organizations. |
What does Forest Service Research do?
|
Forest Service Research conducts scientific studies in several areas relevant to natural resource management. Studies are organized around three principal themes: 1) understanding ecosystems, 2) understanding people and natural resource relationships, and 3) understanding and expanding resource options. |
What is the Southern Research Station?
|
Research is managed through regional Research Stations. The
Southern Research Station
is the result of the recent merger of the former Southern and Southeastern Forest Experiment Stations. It encompasses 13 States ranging from Virginia to Florida and west to Oklahoma and Texas. Headquarters for the Southern Research Station is located in Asheville, NC. |
What are Research Work Units?
|
Each Research Station is made up of several Research Work Units (RWU's) located at Forestry Sciences Laboratories or on university campuses. Scientists working in RWU's conduct the actual research studies. Each RWU specializes in a subject area such as soil productivity, forest insects, recreation assessment, or resource economics. A typical RWU has a staff of approximately 10 people, consisting of scientists, technicians, and clerical staff. |
How is work conducted?
|
Each RWU typically conducts studies focused on its area of expertise or through interdisciplinary research projects that address the complex problems of natural resource management and conservation. Interdisciplinary projects typically involve scientists from other work units, other parts of the Forest Service, other agencies, and universities. |
