SAF and The Wildlife Society Pen Letter Supporting Forest Service R&D
July 14, 2017
SAF and The Wildlife Society led a letter to the House and Senate Appropriations Subcommittees on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies urging the subcommittees to reverse the trend of reductions to the USDA Forest Service Research and Development budget. The letter was also signed by 16 partner organizations.
"Improving the future health and sustainability of the nation’s forests and grasslands requires a strong investment in USDA Forest Service Research and Development (R&D), with forests providing multiple benefits for people and communities as well as wildlife, fish, and our waterways. The undersigned organizations and professional societies urge Congress to increase funding for all Forest Service R&D to a minimum of $303 million in FY 2018, including all necessary increases for the Forest Inventory and Analysis program and at least $220 million for the remaining Forest and Rangeland Research program areas."
The letter highlights notable Forest Service R&D contributions:
• Developing Innovative Solutions to Managing Invasive Species
• Helping to Identify Pragmatic Solutions for Species at Risk
• Improving Smoke and Fire Management Capabilities
• Calculating the Value of Urban Forests and Trees
• Expanding and Protecting US Market Opportunities for Forest Resources
• Using Science to Guide Drought Management Response
• Quantifying the Role of Forests in Providing Clean Air and Water
To access both letters, see below.