Research Topics

The Forest Service delivers world-class science and technology to support sustainable land management. Research has been part of the Forest Service mission since the agency's inception in 1905, providing world-class science for the agency and partners. Our work is applied to the sustainable management of the nation’s forest and grasslands. Research across a wide array of disciplines helps manage fire, invasive species, support local economies across the country, and ensure clean water and thriving natural communities. Today the USDA Forest Service is a global leader in a diverse spectrum of biological, physical, and social sciences. The knowledge and tools produced by R&D provide the foundation for science-based and sustainable management of national forests and grasslands. R&D scientists work closely with land managers, scientists from other research entities, tribes, and many other public and private land stakeholders.