While many scientists conduct research relevant to wilderness, the Leopold Institute is the only Federal research group entirely focused on wilderness. We are dedicated to the following goals:

• To develop the scientific knowledge and tools needed to protect and preserve wilderness and the ecological and social values derived from wilderness and similarly managed lands, and

• To communicate and facilitate the application of this knowledge to the wilderness management agencies and other user groups.

The Institute's priorities and programs are guided by our updated 2008 Program Charter.

The Leopold Institute operates under an agreement with the U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Geological Survey, Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, and the National Park Service. The Institute is administered by the Rocky Mountain Research Station of the U.S. Forest Service.

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