An integrated approach, drawing from many disciplines, guides research that addresses major issues and supports learning and dialogue about Vermont's forests and our relationships with them. Results of research are clearly and regularly disseminated and citizens are actively involved in community-based monitoring.
Research is an important function in natural resource management.
Often the department is the driving force behind recommending research, and integrating research activities throughout all natural resource disciplines is an important department role. A centralized data management system allows shared data to be formatted into a common system, archived so that data is maintained for the long term, and accessed by any interested individual. Annual data summary reports are printed and distributed to a wide variety of organizations in the state and region. A web site allows access to reports and data, and provides a forum for disseminating information to a broader audience. Monitoring and research address current issues and provide high-quality baseline information for applications over the long term.