2008 

Strategic Framework 

Update

Rocky Mountain Research Station
Contents

| Executive Summary.............................................................................................1

| Purpose....................................................................................................................2

| Background ..........................................................................................................2

| Values ......................................................................................................................3

Quality Science: objective, unbiased, credible, independent ....................................... 3

Quality Service: responsive, timely, relevant, customer-focused .................................. 3

Quality Relationships: trusting, dependable, conversational......................................... 3

| Mission....................................................................................................................3

| Vision.......................................................................................................................3

| Who Are Our Stakeholders? ..........................................................................4

| Overarching Issues ............................................................................................5

Climate Change ............................................................................................................ 5

Human Connections..................................................................................................... 5

| Our Approach ......................................................................................................7

Integrated Framework ................................................................................................... 7

| Research Emphasis Areas .................................................................................8

Terrestrial Ecosystems................................................................................................... 8

Wildland Fire ................................................................................................................ 9

Water Supply and Quality...........................................................................................11

| Science Applications and Communication............................................ 12

| Strategic Guidelines........................................................................................ 14

| Summary.............................................................................................................. 16

Rocky

 Mountain

 Research Station

Rocky

 Mountain

 Research Station

http://www.fs.fed.us/rmrs/

2008 Strategic Framework Update 1

| Executive Summary

The Rocky Mountain Research Station’s 2008 Strategic 

Framework Update is an addendum to the 2003 RMRS 

Strategic Framework. It focuses on critical natural 

resources research topics over the next five to 10 

years when we will see continued, if not accelerated, 

socioeconomic and environmental changes. These 

include the effects of climate change and human 

connections on three areas of research emphasis: 

terrestrial ecosystems, wildland fire, and water 

supply and quality.

Climate change for the Western United States includes 

shifts in temperature and precipitation patterns. These 

shifts may have profound effects on the three research 

emphasis areas above and the ability of terrestrial 

systems to provide the ecosystem services that society 

has come to expect.

Human connections to Interior West landscapes 

have increased dramatically. Growing and shifting 

populations result in exurban sprawl, potentially 

affecting all western terrestrial ecosystems, impacting 

wildlands, and contributing to the spread of invasive 

species. More people occupying a fixed amount of land 

reduces the availability of, and increases the demand 

for, the aesthetic and economic commodities they 

desire.

• Terrestrial ecosystems of the Interior West are 

composed of forests, woodlands, rangelands, 

grasslands, and deserts. We study the interacting 

components of these systems and the processes that 

control them. Climate change and invasive species 

are dramatically impacting some ecosystems that 

provide the goods and services that humans desire, 

ranging from timber, minerals, and grazing lands 

to hunting, wildlife viewing, and other recreational 

uses.

• Fire is a key process in landscapes of the Interior 

West. We must understand and assess its role and 

help ecosystems maintain their natural functions 

through designing treatments that increase ecosystem 

resilience. We have strong ongoing lines of research 

in fundamental fire physics, fire ecology, wildland 

fuel science, smoke emissions, and fire economics.

• Water is a precious resource in the dry Western 

United States and is critical to sustaining populations 

and ecosystems. Our mountains are the “water 

tower of the West.” National Forests and Grasslands 

provide 33 percent of the West’s water, mainly 

from winter snowpack. The rapidly increasing 

gap between water supply and demand creates 

management challenges and research opportunities.

Transferring technology and communicating knowledge 

are critical to helping our stakeholders apply our 

research on the ground. Our product is credible, clear 

scientific information that helps stakeholders make 

informed decisions.

This Update will be used to guide discretionary research 

funding decisions. It may also be considered when 

seeking new funding or filling research positions.

G. Sam Foster

Station Director
2 2008 Strategic Framework Update

| Purpose

The Rocky Mountain Research Station (RMRS) is part 

of USDA Forest Service Research and Development 

(R&D). As one of seven Research Stations across 

the country, we conduct most of our research in the 

Interior West and help support national programs. The 

Forest Service Research and Development’s mission 

is to provide knowledge and innovative technology 

to improve the nation’s forests and rangelands, both 

public and private. To accomplish this, the RMRS must 

account for emerging drivers of change—primarily 

climate and human activities. The work we do, studies 

we conduct, and technologies we develop are a direct 

response to these and other drivers. The current changes 

resulting from this work will influence our mission well 

into the 21st Century, so we must focus on how to help 

human communities adjust and sustain natural systems. 

This 2008 Strategic Framework Update, which refreshes 

the 2003 RMRS Strategic Framework document, seeks 

to chart our direction for meeting these needs.

The research emphasis areas presented here explain 

what science we will do to address Forest Service 

direction and why this science is important. The 

Update does not offer excessive details: it is designed 

to provide a general overview and direction for our 

work. Important administrative considerations, such 

as business practices and workforce diversity, will be 

addressed elsewhere.

| Background

Within the Forest Service, the overarching 

responsibility of R&D is to improve the scientific 

basis and science applications for sustainable natural 

resources management. The USDA Forest Service 

Strategic Plan FY 2007-2012, Goal 7, calls for 

increased use of science-based applications and tools for 

sustainable natural resources management. The USDA 

Forest Service Research and Development Strategic 

Plan 2008-2012 lists six important driving forces for 

the next five to 25 years: urbanization, globalization, 

climate change and variability, alternative energy 

sources, rapid technological and information changes, 

and accountability. Climate change and shifting human 

populations represent known and potential impacts on 

our natural systems. Many relationships that RMRS 

has studied over the last century—those that form the 

basis for management decisions today—are affected by 

significant, accelerating changes in climate and human 

population. As a result, past knowledge alone may be 

inadequate to support future management decisions. The 

rules have changed.

Physical scientist monitors radiant heat flux 

and temperatures within Rapid Response 

research plots in Arizona. Photo by Colin 

Hardy.
2008 Strategic Framework Update 3

 Values

We are a science first organization.

Quality Science: objective, unbiased, credible, independent.

Quality science is the foundation of the Research Station’s credibility, integrity, and reputation. We 

are a productive, effective, and multidisciplinary research organization, committed to staying at 

the forefront of science and safeguarding its integrity and objectivity. New knowledge is provided 

through a balance of basic and applied research and short- and long-term studies at various spatial 

scales. To assure public confidence, the Station utilizes statistical, technical, editorial, and peer 

reviews of our programs, study plans, and publications. Our scientists and their colleagues adhere 

to a Forest Service Research and Development Code of Scientific Ethics.

Quality Service: responsive, timely, relevant, customer-focused.

We focus our research and development activities on questions and issues that are relevant and of 

concern to our stakeholders. We provide integrated, scientific, cost effective, and legally defensible 

information for making wise decisions on sustaining ecosystems. We look for better ways to share 

state-of-the-art knowledge that stakeholders can understand and apply. We seek high levels of 

effectiveness and accountability.

Quality Relationships: trusting, dependable, conversational.

We recognize that discussions with our stakeholders result in quality relationships that help us meet 

the expectations of our stakeholders and the public at-large. We focus on providing a broad-based 

science and professional infrastructure through a high-quality, diverse workforce that builds strong, 

trusting working relationships and partnerships with people inside and outside our organization. 

User feedback assures that our work remains relevant and evolves appropriately for the future.

| Mission

Our mission is to develop and deliver scientific 

knowledge and technology that will help sustain our 

forests and rangelands.

| Vision

Our science and technology provide society with options 

on the sustainable management, use, and appreciation of 

forests and rangelands.
4 2008 Strategic Framework Update

 Who Are Our Stakeholders?

Our stakeholders have a voice in determining what research we conduct. Anyone 

potentially using our research products is a stakeholder, such as:

• The general public

• National Forest System, State & Private Forestry, International Forestry, and Research & 

Development

• Natural resource scientists, managers, and policymakers

• The international scientific community

• The Administration and Congress of the United States

• Tribal, state, county, and local governments

• Private landowners in forest, rangeland, agricultural, and urban settings

• Industry such as timber, mining, ranching, recreation, tourism, and farming

• Colleges, universities, and high schools

• Environmental and commodity non-government organizations

• Bureau of Land Management

• National Park Service

• U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

• U.S. Geological Survey

• National Aeronautics and Space Administration

• Environmental Protection Agency

• Department of Energy

• Department of Defense

• Agricultural Research Service

• Natural Resources Conservation Service

• Cooperative States’ Research, Education, and Extension Service

• National Laboratories

• National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration

• Professional societies

• The media
2008 Strategic Framework Update 5

| Overarching Issues

Two primary issues cut across all three research 

emphasis areas: climate change and human connections. 

These issues and the bases for our roles in addressing 

them are briefly described here.

Climate Change

Terrestrial ecosystems of the Interior West provide 

water storage and flood prevention, biological carbon 

sequestration, recreational opportunities, food and fiber 

production, and many other commodities and amenities, 

commonly called “ecosystem services.” Climate change 

shifts temperature and precipitation patterns, which 

may alter ecosystem function. As a result, the ability of 

terrestrial systems to provide the ecosystem services that 

society has come to expect from them will change.

Shifting ecological 

regimes may increase 

vulnerability to insects, 

diseases, and invasive 

species outbreaks. If 

climates shift, some 

Interior West forests may 

be unable to regenerate. 

In addition, more people 

may seek refuge in the 

cooler, higher elevation 

climates or where water 

is more abundant. As 

the snow melts earlier 

and animals migrate in 

different patterns, people 

may have to travel to 

different locations for 

recreation activities 

such as hunting and 

skiing. As climate 

change alters ecosystem 

services, we may see 

shifts in ecologic, 

social, economic, and demographic patterns in the 

Interior West.

The U.S. Forest Service Research and Development 

Strategic Framework (2006) has identified two main 

approaches for addressing climate change: 

(1) adaptation science and (2) mitigation science 

and technology.

Adaptation Science addresses how ecosystems will 

respond under different climate scenarios in various 

geographies and how land managers can prepare for an 

uncertain future influenced by changes in climate. This 

includes research on potential habitat shifts, what that 

might mean for vegetation, wildlife, and hydrologic 

regimes, and how technology can ameliorate the shifts.

Mitigation Science addresses ways that forests, 

woodlands, and grasslands can sequester carbon and 

how we calculate this carbon. It looks at minimizing 

carbon loss and providing renewable energy from woody 

biomass to offset fossil 

fuel consumption. It 

also identifies ways the 

Agency can reduce its 

environmental footprint 

(such as carbon, energy, 

and pollution) and lead by 

example by greening our 

practices.

Human Connections

Human populations and 

their use of Interior West 

landscapes are increasing 

dramatically. A growing 

population is leading to 

exurban sprawl, which 

threatens and fragments 

forests, woodlands, 

deserts, grasslands, and 

shrublands. More people 

occupying a fixed amount 

These two photos of the same landscape show an expansion of growth in 

pinyon-juniper woodlands over a period of 34 years, perhaps due to a 

warmer climate and elevated CO2 since the end of the Little Ice Age in 

the late 1800s. Photos by Robin Tausch.

1973

2007
6 2008 Strategic Framework Update

of land reduces available habitat for wildlife, fish, 

and plants and introduces more invasive species. 

Increasing populations and their recreational use 

of western landscapes create a greater demand for 

both aesthetic and economic commodities. People 

care about preserving old growth forests, clean air 

and water, threatened, sensitive and endangered 

species, and scenic vistas. Wilderness and other 

protected areas are an important source of these 

amenity values. People also want commodities 

such as timber products, fuel wood, grazing lands, 

and recreational opportunities.

Demographic changes, human desires, and human 

activities have profound interactions with fire, 

water systems, and terrestrial ecosystems in the 

Interior West. Our social scientist researchers 

and economists 

research how 

potential climate 

scenarios 

could impact 

demographics, 

communities, 

and economies. 

They also develop 

new ideas on 

institutional arrangements for dealing with climate 

change effects.

RMRS is uniquely positioned to provide relevant 

interdisciplinary research on human dimensions because 

of our ability to conduct both basic and applied research 

on use, values, and attitudes across a large geographic 

area. Facilities for short-term and long-term research 

are in place on a variety of fire-prone landscapes, 

ecosystems, and watersheds. We work in urban, 

exurban, wild, and rural areas with the ability to gather 

information on uses, desired conditions, amenities, and 

products. The Station has the expertise to examine the 

impacts of this growing human use and interaction with 

Researchers are comparing the effectiveness of postfire treatments the landscapes of the region.

for reducing erosion and regenerating vegetation. The first step 

is digging a trench on a slope’s contour after a wildfire and then 

installing a silt fence to capture sediment (Umatilla National 

Forest).

Water within the Station’s boundaries provides for a variety of 

human connections. Photo by John Toliver.

Sawtooth Wilderness, Idaho. Photo by Aldo Leopold Wilderness 

Research Institute.

The Station’s conservation education 

efforts help children explore invertebrates. Photo by Michael Schwartz.
2008 Strategic Framework Update 7

| Our Approach

Solutions to complex resource management problems 

require knowledge and multidisciplinary approaches 

spanning scientific disciplines and organizational units. 

Station scientists contribute individually to solving 

problems through basic and applied studies. As an 

organization, the Rocky Mountain Research Station 

brings diverse disciplines and science teams together 

using an integrated framework. Through this process, 

the Station can direct its unique knowledge and expertise 

to the most critical science questions, with the goal of 

finding answers to important problems. By understanding 

the linkages among research emphasis areas, we can 

provide managers and citizens with tools for managing 

whole systems—not just system parts.

Integrated Framework

Complex ecological and social systems can be viewed 

as interactions of change drivers, stressors/mitigators 

(disturbance agents and management activities), and 

values at risk (benefits derived from goods and services 

that flow from system processes). We apply 

this basic framework to the Interior 

West (Figure 1) by focusing on climate 

change and human demographic 

changes as key drivers influencing 

changes on the landscapes. These 

effects are further compounded by 

ecological stressors (for example, 

drought, bark beetles, diseases, or 

invasive species) and ameliorated by 

mitigators (management activities). 

As landscapes are modified, so 

are their capabilities to provide the 

goods and services. Water (including 

water-based recreation and water 

consumption) and human connections 

(traditional recreation, wildland experiences, and 

residence) are among the most important values at risk.

The interactions in this framework present critical 

opportunities for science and tool development. 

Interacting stressors such as fire and invasive species 

become more influential under extreme conditions. The 

timing and potential severity of these interactions become 

critical factors in designing management interventions. 

Water is a limiting resource in the Interior West. It is 

pivotal in protecting native vegetation, wildlife habitat, 

and fish habitat and as a basis for recreation, aesthetic, 

spiritual, and economic development. Landscape and 

watershed condition profoundly affect water supply and 

influence human use and migration patterns.

The diagram here does not depict all possible 

relationships, and neither does this Update document. 

This document concentrates on three research emphasis 

areas: terrestrial ecosystems, fire, and water. For each 

area, we list examples of research questions that might 

address interactions with the overarching issues of 

climate change and human connections. The questions 

we pose are not all-inclusive. Actual research questions 

are integral to charters and study plans for the RMRS 

Research Programs. Our work involves developing 

mitigation and adaptation strategies to protect values at 

risk. The very large investment by RMRS in extensive 

long-term inventory and monitoring data should 

be recognized. This infrastructure is an important 

foundation resource that RMRS uses in research 

endeavors.

Figure 1. Future changes include the effects of climate 

change and human connections on terrestrial ecosystems, 

wildland fire, and water supply and quality in Interior 

West landscapes. These effects can be compounded by 

ecological stressors, or ameliorated by mitigators.
8 2008 Strategic Framework Update

| Research Emphasis 

Areas

Here we describe the following research emphasis 

areas, as well as the questions that the Station will 

devote itself to in the next five to 10 years to address 

climate change and human connections:

• Terrestrial Ecosystems

• Wildland Fire

• Water Supply and Quality

Terrestrial Ecosystems

Terrestrial ecosystems are composed of forests, 

woodlands, rangelands, grasslands, and deserts. We 

study the interacting components of these systems 

and the processes that control them. Climate change 

and invasive species are dramatically impacting 

some ecosystems that provide the goods and services 

that humans desire, ranging from timber, minerals, 

and grazing lands to hunting, wildlife viewing, and 

recreational uses. In addition, the Interior West is 

seeing a continuous influx of people from other parts of 

the nation and the world, which often places traditional 

activities such as logging and ranching at odds with 

the aesthetic goals of many newcomers. Such landuse conflicts challenge land managers attempting to 

accomplish their mission of caring for the land and 

serving people. Our goal is to answer questions such 

as those 

seen below 

to help land 

managers and 

others sustain 

or restore 

terrestrial 

ecosystems 

and to 

understand 

the conditions 

we wish to 

restore.

Terrestrial 

ecosystems 

encompassed 

by RMRS stretch from Mexico to Canada and from near 

sea level to high mountain peaks. In the Interior West, 

wildlands are a critical component of the landscape. 

With all the associated flora and fauna in these systems, 

both broad and narrow studies will be needed to capture 

and understand the impacts of climate change and 

human connections.

Climate change research questions:

• How will species and populations adapt to new 

climates or new locations for known climatic 

regimes? How will climate change alter the 

ecological role of species?

• Can management systems exploit genetic variation 

within native species to better adapt to climate 

change?

• What key species and populations should be targeted 

for management and conservation?

• What is climate’s role (if any) in the major 

disturbances we are seeing now, specifically in 

sudden aspen decline, pinyon loss in pinyon-juniper 

ecosystems, and lodgepole pine mortality?

• How can carbon sequestration rates be increased in 

forested lands?

• How will climate change affect invasive species?

• What insights do our historic and paleoclimatic 

records of terrestrial ecosystem dynamics provide 

us about what the future holds?

Field assistants band nestling Lewis’s woodpeckers 

in a recently burned forest. Photo by Vicki 

Saab.

Big Sagebrush ecosystem.

Boreal toad ecology 

and detection 

research provides 

insight into climate 

change. Photo by 

Michael Young.
2008 Strategic Framework Update 9

• What does climate change mean for “natural” 

ecosystems, such as wilderness areas protected for 

their natural values?

• How does climate change influence insect and 

disease (for example, bark beetles, white pine 

blister rust) dynamics, expansion, and adaptation? 

How do management responses and habitat 

fragmentation influence the genetic adaptation of 

such organisms?

• What are the cumulative effects of lodgepole pine 

mortality due to the mountain pine beetle epidemic?

• How should landscape models of vegetation and 

habitat link to wildlife models?

• How does climate change directly influence species 

such as lynx, wolverine, wolf, spotted owl, and 

grizzly bear?

Human connection research questions:

• What are the effects of recreation, urbanization, 

energy development, ATVs, and other human 

activities on wildlife, soils, and water?

• How can we identify desirable future conditions of 

terrestrial ecosystems that sustain our needs?

• What is the feasibility of various biomass energy 

technologies?

• How does landscape fragmentation influence 

ecosystem dynamics?

• How do wilderness and other wildlands contribute to 

society in an increasingly urbanized landscape?

• What methods for managing visitor use can be used 

to reduce recreation impacts?

• What methods can we use to assess the 

effectiveness of restoration options?

• What are the social and economic 

effects of reductions in traditional 

products (such as timber) in rural 

communities?

• What are the demographic and 

economic impacts of human migration 

and settlement patterns and their 

implications for natural resource 

management?

These questions will change and become 

more urgent as climate affects landscapes.

Wildland Fire

Fire is an important process on landscapes of the 

Interior West. We must understand the fundamentals 

of this process to project its future role and to help 

managers design treatments to increase ecosystem 

resilience. We have strong ongoing lines of research in 

fundamental fire physics, fire ecology, fire chemistry, 

wildland fuel science, smoke emissions, fire economics, 

and fuels treatment economics. We provide support to 

property owners, land managers, and policy makers 

through decision-support tools for predicting fire 

behavior, smoke emissions, air quality, and fire effects. 

We assist in developing fuel treatment alternatives and 

data products such as spatially explicit fuels maps, 

fire weather/danger forecasts, and real-time smoke 

emissions estimates.

Today, we manage more wildland fire than ever as 

fire seasons lengthen, fire behavior intensifies, and the 

wildland-urban interface expands. At the same time, 

due to limited resources, suppression strategies focus 

more on point protection than full perimeter control. 

In addition, more fires are being allowed to burn for 

their resource benefits. To effectively use fire as a 

tool to achieve land management objectives while 

protecting values-at-risk, managers need to understand 

the consequences of fire management decisions on a full 

suite of resource and societal values.

Burned aspen stands are inventoried by Forest Inventory & 

Analysis crews in Colorado as part of the North American 

Forest Dynamics project, which uses data for maps that help 

communicate the timing, area, and intensity of fires, harvests, 

and other disturbances.
10 2008 Strategic Framework Update

Climate change research questions:

• How will changing climate alter fire intensity, 

severity, and frequency?

• How does fire impact climate change mitigation 

strategies such as the use of vegetation management 

as a carbon sequestration tool?

• How will an increase in fire affect the quality, 

quantity, and distribution of aquatic and terrestrial 

habitat?

• Will an increase in burned area increase the need or 

desire for post-fire management activities?

• Could fire have synergistic effects with drought, 

climate change, insect outbreaks, disease, and 

nonnative plant invasions?

• Can restoring fire to landscapes reduce adverse 

impacts from climate change?

• What is the optimal amount and type of fuel treatment 

to apply to a landscape?

Human connections research questions:

• How do homeowners’ risk-perceptions affect their 

willingness to take action in reducing fire hazards on 

their properties?

• What are the tradeoffs and costs of protecting 

important values at risk, such as old growth forests, 

endangered species, communities, and watersheds?

• How can human safety and public health be ensured 

through air quality protection and behavioral studies?

• What science information will managers need, 

particularly as they allow more fires to burn longer?

• How can our fire and land management 

organizations most effectively adjust to the changing 

decisionmaking environment?

• How do we best evaluate consequences of fire and 

fuels management decisions and assess tradeoffs 

among multiple resources and across multiple land 

ownerships? How are the current approaches to 

modeling fire behavior limiting our ability to plan, 

predict, or assess fire behavior?

• Can we build trust in our organization’s decisions 

through more mindful application of high reliability 

organizing principles in collaborative planning for 

fire and fuel management activities?

• How do smoke emissions affect air quality?

• Do public perceptions of the benefits of wildland fire 

affect acceptance of smoke?

• Are wildland fire protection services distributed 

equitably across our society?

• Are there effective incentives (or disincentives) for 

managers to adequately consider costs and resource 

benefits in their fire management decisions? Stream temperatures in these riparian communities that burned in 

the same fire 10 years ago are very different today. The creek at 

top shows sparse revegetation because nutrients necessary for 

regrowth were swept away by a major debris flow shortly after 

the fire. Photos by Jason Dunham.

Map shows burned area within the Station’s boundaries and beyond 

in 2007. The Station validated a satellite-based fire detection 

and smoke forecasting system that closely matches observations 

reported at ground level.
2008 Strategic Framework Update 11

Water Supply and Quality

Water is a precious resource in the dry Western United 

States and is critical to sustaining populations and 

ecosystems. Our mountains are the “water tower of 

the West.” National Forests and Grasslands provide 

33 percent of the West’s water, flowing mainly from 

mountain snowpack. The rapidly increasing gap 

between water supply and demand creates numerous 

management challenges. Research is underway to 

understand watershed systems and the effects of use 

and management. Erosion calculation tools and water 

supply-and-demand maps are being developed. RMRS 

is committed not only to providing research on water, 

watersheds, and aquatic ecosystems but to reconnecting 

people to the landscape by helping them understand 

where their water comes from and providing them tools 

to manage it in a more sustainable manner.

Climate change research questions:

• How will water supply be affected by changes in 

temporal and spatial distribution of precipitation and 

snowmelt runoff? What are the ancillary ecosystem 

effects?

• What are the effects of increased incidence of fire at 

higher elevations on erosion potential, siltation, and 

water quality?

• How is water supply affected by mountain pine 

beetle-caused lodgepole pine mortality?

• How can we design and monitor multi-scale 

management actions to protect, maintain, and 

restore stream-riparian habitats and understand the 

conditions we wish to restore? How will changes 

in timing and/or duration of runoff affect riparian 

vegetation?

• How will changing water systems affect the 

distribution, abundance, and quality of habitats for 

riparian-dependent species?

• How can fish species’ habitat and survival 

requirements be improved to conserve, restore, and 

monitor populations?

Human connections research questions:

• What is the potential for water supply to limit 

demographic changes in the future?

• What are the effects of water diversions for urban 

uses on downstream riparian vegetation, species, and 

channel morphology?

• Will wildfire and/or atmospheric deposition 

significantly impact potable water?

• How will terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems respond 

to atmospheric deposition including nitrogen, sulfur, 

ozone, and heavy metals such as mercury?

• As recreation increases, what will be the effect on 

water quality?

• As water becomes more scarce, what are the tradeoffs 

of alternative uses?

Researchers study the effectiveness of streamside buffers and 

water quality. Photo by Jim McKean.

A researcher monitors declining vertebrate 

species in key habitat. Photo by Michael 

Young.
12 2008 Strategic Framework Update

| Science Applications 

and Communication

Technology transfer and communicating research 

findings are critical to keeping partners, cooperators, 

and the public, as well as our co-workers, informed 

about how our products can be applied to make a 

difference on the ground. Credible scientific information 

that helps our stakeholders make informed decisions is 

our product. As we disseminate information, we will 

solicit feedback on its relevance and adapt as needed 

(Figure 2).

We will tailor practical information products to a range 

of audiences. RMRS will provide a scientific foundation 

for making decisions through knowledge application, 

integration, and delivery; and through effective 

communication.

Knowledge application:

• Measurement methodology for ecosystem status, 

dynamics, and monitoring;

• Techniques for adaptive management, resource 

monitoring, inventory, and analysis;

• Predictive models for disturbances such as fire and 

insect/disease outbreaks; and

• Quantitative tools and technologies that address the 

consequences of alternative management strategies.

Knowledge integration:

• Criteria and indicators of sustainability;

• Assessments for national, regional, and state strategic 

planning;

Figure 2. We will use a variety of media to cummunicate our 

research findings.

• Assessments at the watershed and landscape level;

• Risk and trade-off analyses; and

• Methods to assist the National Forest and Rangeland 

planning process.

Knowledge delivery:

• Peer-reviewed publications and reports;

• Reports for managers that synthesize information we 

acquire;

• Participation at meetings to connect researchers with 

resource managers; 

• Diverse ways to reach new audiences who can benefit 

from our research; and

• Refined communication and technology transfer tools.

Our communication strategy will:

• Ensure public confidence in the quality of our 

products through statistical, technical, editorial, and 

peer reviews of our study plans and manuscripts;

• Package, promote, and deliver scientific information 

so that our stakeholders can understand it and use it 

effectively;

Station scientists transfer knowledge through 

various gatherings, such as this training 

session with NFS soil scientists on 

how to use the Forest Soil Disturbance 

Monitoring Protocol. Photo by Debbie 

Page-Dumroese.
2008 Strategic Framework Update 13

The Station uses various media such as Station series publications, journals, DVDs, and the internet to communicate with stakeholders.

• Make our products easy to find and readily obtainable 

by all stakeholders and, in particular, our Forest 

Service manager counterparts;

• Disseminate our research through a host of 

opportunities including websites, newsletters, media, 

alliances, online forums, professional contacts, 

scientific panel discussions, collaboration and more;

• Promote awareness of what the Station is doing and 

how it benefits society;

• Produce more ecosystem-based state-of-knowledge 

summaries and syntheses of research findings to 

facilitate integrating science into natural resource 

management and policy;

• Build linkages between researchers and natural 

resource managers to ensure the implementation of 

science findings;

• Use strategic partnerships with the National Service 

Centers (such as Forest Management Service 

Center in Fort Collins, Missoula Technology 

and Development Center, and Remote Sensing 

Applications Center in Salt Lake City) for technology 

transfer; and

• Maintain the independence and credibility of 

each scientist as a neutral and objective source of 

scientific information providing facts, options, and 

consequences, rather than advocating positions or 

recommending specific management actions.
14 2008 Strategic Framework Update

Through many group discussions at 

various locations, Station employees 

and stakeholders provide input for 

developing our research. They help 

us shape our approaches to achieve 

our research goals and appraise 

new opportunities. The following 

guidelines will help us reach 

success.

Integrated Research

The Station encourages an integrated 

research approach whenever 

the scope of a problem requires 

interdisciplinary collaboration 

of scientists. Integrated research 

can begin with a unified, 

coordinated approach, or it can 

focus, synthesize, and/or combine 

disciplinary studies to achieve or 

reveal synergy in complex problem 

solving. A unified approach is often 

best done in the project-planning 

phase. Interdisciplinary research can 

be supported by funding coordinated 

and collaborative projects, 

reducing institutional barriers, and 

demonstrating the strategic agility 

to adapt to the needs of complex 

research problems.

Long-Term Research at Various 

Spatial Scales

Long-term studies are often the 

key to addressing natural resource 

issues. They are a unique strength 

within U.S. Forest Service 

Research and Development. We 

will strengthen our commitment 

to specific long-term research by 

using and maintaining selected 

Experimental Forests and Ranges, 

watersheds, experimental sites, 

Research Natural Areas, and data 

sets collected from them. We will 

build and maintain the necessary 

infrastructure and data management 

systems for relevant long-term 

studies on National Forests and 

Grasslands. The scale of a research 

effort depends on the organism 

or process being studied. Large 

scale, long-term studies may 

require a significant and/or longterm investment and collaboration. 

As such, the Station will maintain 

flexibility to conduct research at 

appropriate spatial scales.

Collaboration

We work collaboratively to 

accomplish our research. 

Collaboration across Research 

Programs and with universities, 

agencies, other research stations, 

National Forest Systems Regions, 

and non-traditional stakeholders 

is often cited as an area of 

opportunity. Collaboration is a 

mutually beneficial and well-defined 

relationship entered into by two or 

more organizations or individuals 

to achieve common goals. Major 

research projects cannot be 

accomplished in isolation. Expertise 

and funding from several sources 

is often required to accomplish 

common goals.

Through collaboration, the 

following opportunities will 

contribute to our success:

• Access to expertise, equipment, 

and land.

• Integrated approaches to research 

problems across Research 

Programs and scientists at 

universities and other institutions.

 STRATEGIC GUIDELINES

Researcher in the Missoula genetics lab uses 

DNA to study forest carnivore ecology. 

Photo by Michael Schwartz.
2008 Strategic Framework Update 15

• Additional research capacity 

through use of graduate students 

on priority projects.

• Sharing of Experimental Forests, 

Ranges, Research Natural 

Areas, and other sites with other 

researchers.

• Engaging in research and 

administrative studies with 

our National Forest System 

counterparts.

• Engaging in research activities 

with tribal land managers.

• Collaboration with other units 

within the Forest Service, such 

as the Inventory & Monitoring 

Institute and the Forest Health 

Technology Enterprise Team.

• Interagency leadership from 

the Aldo Leopold Wilderness 

Research Institute in Missoula, 

MT.

• Engaging in research with state 

organizations and other federal 

agencies such as the Bureau 

of Land Management (BLM), 

National Park Service (NPS), 

U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), 

and U.S. Fish and Wildlife 

Service (USFWS).

• Strategic alliances with 

organizations that have skills 

needed to address our mission. 

Examples include, but are not 

limited to: Sandia National 

Lab, NM; Los Alamos National 

Lab, NM; Idaho National 

Engineering Lab, ID; Lawrence 

Livermore National Lab, CA; 

Earth Resources Observation 

System Data Center, SD; 

National Aeronautics & Space 

Administration, MD; and 

National Oceanic & Atmospheric 

Administration, CO.

• Cooperative Ecosystem Study 

Units (CESUs). This network 

of inter-university and interagency cooperative units provides 

collaborative opportunities 

that no unit alone can address. 

CESU partners share several 

science-based goals in the 21st 

century: high-quality science, 

usable knowledge for resource 

managers, responsive technical 

assistance, continuing education, 

and cost-effective research 

programs. A network of CESUs 

has been established to achieve 

these goals. RMRS is a member 

of five CESUs:

◊ Rocky Mountain (hosted by 

University of Montana)

◊ Great Plains (hosted by 

University of Nebraska)

◊ Desert Southwest (hosted by 

University of Arizona)

◊ Colorado Plateau (hosted by 

Northern Arizona University)

◊ Great Basin (hosted by 

University of Nevada–Reno)

• RMRS also supports inter-agency 

cooperative efforts on:

◊ Fire Sciences (Joint Fire 

Science Plan and National Fire 

Plan)

◊ Forest Inventory and Analysis, 

and Forest Health Monitoring

◊ Global Climate Change

◊ Wilderness Stewardship 

Research

• Collaborative research with 

international groups is also 

essential to address critical 

research issues, such as invasive 

species and climate change.

Rocky Mountain Bighorn sheep. Photo by 

Lane Eskew.
16 2008 Strategic Framework Update

| SUMMARY

This 2008 Strategic Framework Update, 

which refreshes the 2003 RMRS Strategic 

Framework document, discusses RMRS 

research priorities and research directions for 

the coming five to 10 years. Focusing on the 

effects of currently emerging change drivers, 

primarily climate and human activities, this 

Update presents our research emphasis areas. 

These are terrestrial ecosystems, wildland 

fire, and water supply and quality. Our 

research informs natural resource managers, 

the research community, and the public. 

Using integrated approaches, long-term 

studies, specialized studies, and collaboration 

among scientists across programs, agencies, 

and universities, RMRS will accomplish 

its mission of providing knowledge and 

innovative technology to improve the nation’s 

forests and rangelands, both public and 

private.
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programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, 

and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, 

sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or 

part of an individual’s income is derived from any public assistance program. (Not 

all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require 

alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, 

audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and 

TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination, write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil 

Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, DC 20250-9410, or call (800) 

795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider 

and employer.
United States Department of Agriculture

Forest Service

Rocky Mountain Research Station

http://www.fs.fed.us/rmrs/

Rocky

 Mountain

 Research Station

Rocky

 Mountain

 Research Station