Overview

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Forests are economically, socially, and ecologically important to individuals, communities, and the nation. A third of the U.S. is covered by forestland, and 10 million private individuals and families own nearly half of it. These private lands provide 60 percent of the wood fiber to the forest products industry, which supports 1.6 million workers and their families with $50 billion of income annually. CSREES/land-grant partnership activities expand the growing knowledge of forest ecosystems, train future forestry professionals, and put research-based management practices into action through extension to landowners.

In Focus

• CSREES requested Renewable Resources Extension Act-National Focus Fund projects to develop eXtension Communities of Practice and projects to be replicated.
• CSREES and partners promote sustainable outdoor recreation environments to connect people with nature, leading to healthier people, resources, and communities.
• CSREES supports a variety of woody biomass utilization programs and projects across the country.
• CSREES begins strategic planning process to strengthen outdoor recreation research, education, and extension programs.
• CSREES supports national learning center for private forest and range landowners and natural resources professionals.
• The CSREES-supported Renewable Resources Extension Act program reports national impacts and implementation status.


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Partnerships

• The USDA Secretary's Forestry Research Advisory Council provides recommendations to the Department and CSREES on forestry research.
• CSREES supports the Sustainable Forests Partnership, which documents and promotes innovation, and integrates it into policy and practice.
• The ECOP Forestry and Natural Resources Task Force supports the Renewable Resources Extension Act (RREA), a formula-funded program administered by CSREES.

Events

• Competitive Grants Grantsmanship Workshops, Washington, DC/Salt Lake City, UT, September/October, 2008.
• Galaxy III Conference: "Celebrating the Extension System: Strengths, Diversity, and Unique Qualities," Indianapolis, IN, September 15-19, 2008.
• Forestry in a Climate of Change, Society of American Foresters 2008 National Convention, Reno, NV, November 5-9, 2008.


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Selected Results and Impacts

• With a CSREES small business grant, a Washington company created an environmentally-friendly solution to the problem of soil erosion.
• Researchers use CSREES funds to combat exotic forest insect pests.
• A Cornell online resource center, funded by CSREES, is helping forest owners learn about the benefits of cultivating crops other than timber.


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Resources

• Healthy Forests and Rangelands. Federal government portal to information on land management, National Fire Plan, and the Healthy Forests Initiative.
• Forestry and Forest Products Extension Directory. A national list of forestry and forest products extension professionals.
• Renewable Resources Extension Act (RREA) Directory. A national list of natural resources extension professionals.


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Contacts

Eric Norland

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