Message from the Forest Service R&D Deputy Chief |
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Deputy Chief Alexander L. Friend |
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A Fond Farewell to the Forest Service
It has been a privilege to help support Forest Service Research over the past 20 years. So much progress has been made in the discovery, application and organization of science. For me, the most rewarding moments have been “stretch” times when we have extended extra effort to build new connections or seize opportunity in unfamiliar territory.
In all cases, though, the joy was in working together with a higher purpose and pausing for moments of camaraderie and celebration to energize us along the way.
Read the full farewell message here.
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Tree Migration Tracks Climate
in the West, but Lags in the East
Predicting how different tree species and communities will shift as the climate changes has proven difficult. Forest Service scientists were part of a large team of researchers studying tree migration across the U.S. The team found that northern tree species are already shifting poleward, and that spread in the East is more limited than in the West. This knowledge can inform conservation and management planning.
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How has the COVID-19 Pandemic Affected Use of Public Lands?
The pandemic has inspired more outdoor recreation and use of greenspaces. Forest Service scientists and partners examined how social resources can help communities bounce back from multiple and compounding crises: the pandemic, the ongoing reckoning with racial injustice and climate change. They also explored how to promote equitable, safe and welcoming outdoor recreation opportunities for all. With greater campground use, resource managers also face challenges to respond to rising demand while minimizing the associated impacts to ecosystem health.
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Does Fire Variety Promote Biodiversity?
Forest Service researchers and partners searched for evidence that variation in fire severity over space and time enhances diversity of local flora and fauna. They found only mixed support. For some species, such as black-backed woodpeckers and spotted owls, severe fire provided both benefits and drawbacks. Inconsistent support for the theory was complicated by different natural fire patterns, studies conducted at different scales and several other factors.
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A Rare Success in Conservation
Invasive species threaten biodiversity and can be difficult to manage once they are established. Forest Service scientists were co-authors on a study that successfully removed an invasive competitor, the barred owl, to benefit the spotted owl in California. The authors attribute their success to technological advances in owl monitoring, early intervention, targeting isolated owl habitats and fostering partnerships across different land ownerships.
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Managing Bark Beetles
in a Changing Climate
Several Forest Service scientists contributed to a new book* that synthesizes the most recent and comprehensive knowledge on how forest disturbances and environmental changes alter relationships between bark beetles and their host trees. This book is a resource for managers, policymakers and conservationists concerned about managing these economically and ecologically important forest insects.
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Building a New Prescribed Fire Science Hub
Joseph O’Brien, a career Forest Service research ecologist, studies the interactions between wildland fuel, fire behavior and fire effects on landscapes across the globe. “Ultimately, fire is not an enemy, but a powerful natural force to be reckoned with. We need to re-learn how to live with fire. "For my part, I believe that researching how low to moderate intensity fire burns and its subsequent effects will help us better utilize fire’s immense power for the good of the land,” says O’Brien. In his newest project, O’Brien is building a hub for advancing prescribed fire science and technology, which will bring together top thinkers in fire science and ecology from across the country. Read the full story here.
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Joseph O’Brien walks the fire line after a burn on the Osceola National Forest in Florida.
USDA Forest Service photo by James Furman.
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Scientists from the International Institute of Tropical Forestry studied food insecurity in Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria to help farmers and vulnerable populations.
Scientists from the Forest Products Lab worked with engineers from the Veteran's Administration to inspect a 134-year old Milwaukee Medical Center Building.
The Northern Research Station is featuring a round-up of science on how carbon can help mitigate climate change.
The Pacific Northwest Research Station has a new story map that celebrates the utility of long-term research.
Scientists from the Pacific Southwest Research Station explain the research behind why thinned forests are healthy forests.
A scientist from the Rocky Mountain Research Station co-authored a synthesis on how land management affects pollinators across the U.S.
A scientist from the Southern Research Station joins the Natural Resources University podcast* to talk about knowledge from long-term studies of fire in forests.
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Upcoming Webinars & Events |
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The Urban Forest Connections series brings together experts to discuss the latest science, practice and policy on urban forestry and the environment.
The Rocky Mountain Research Station hosts Science You Can Use, which features the station's latest research, including wildland fire, forest restoration, rangeland management and wildlife conservation. Webinars are held twice a month.
The Rocky Mountain Research Station will co-host a Science for Managers Webinar on May 5, 2022, 10-11:30 AM MT, on regeneration in western fire-adapted forests.
Reading the Tea Leaves is a monthly recorded series on current rangeland fuel conditions across the west with Rocky Mountain Research Station scientist Matt Reeves.
The Northern Research Station hosts Rooted in Research, which features the station's latest research with direct land management applications. Webinars are held at 12:30 PM ET on the first Wednesday of each month.
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The Southern Research Station hosts Science in Practice, a series that summarizes recent research with a focus on practical takeaways for land managers and practitioners.
The Pacific Northwest Research Station hosts PNW SciCast, a series that highlights timely station research on topics of current interest to resource managers, ranging from wildfire science to climate change adaptation. Webinars are held on the last Thursday of the month.
The SCIENCEx series explores the latest science and best practices for addressing large natural resource challenges. SCIENCEx Special - Biomass: Fuels Reduction and Supply Chain Management is scheduled for May 17-19, 2022, 2-3 PM ET. Recorded webinars are also available here.
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