AFS joined with a number of organizations and professional societies in calling for support of the Forest Service’s Research and Development (R&D) program to improve the future health and sustainability of the nation’s forests and grasslands for the benefits to forests, wildlife, and fish. In a letter to Chairman Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) and Ranking Member Tom Udall (D-N.M.) of the Appropriations Committee’s Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies, the organizations and professional societies urged Congress to increase funding forallForest Service R&D to a minimum of $307 million in FY 2019.
Forest Service R&D programs inform policy and land-management decisions that improve health and use of the nation’s forests and rangelands, including aquatic systems. Using stream temperature and fish data, Forest Service R&D scientists are developing important tools to inform and enhance management and conservation of aquatic resources. Projects likeClimate Shieldproduce spatially-precise and user-friendly digital maps to guide conservation efforts in key watersheds. This tool forecasts specific locations that are most likely to continue supporting native cutthroat trout and ESA-listed bull trout based on future temperature scenarios.
AFS is proud to support the important work of fisheries scientists in the Forest Service’s Research and Development program.