Forest Service names new director of resource valuation and use research

U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service Chief

Dale Bosworth today announced the selection of David Cleaves as director of resource valuation and use research for the agency.  Forest products, economics, recreation, urban forestry and social science are the focus areas for this research.  Cleaves is currently the national program leader for fire systems research.

“Dave in his current position has provided strategic direction and oversight for the agency’s research and development programs in fire economics, fire behavior and prediction, fuels management, planning and human dimensions,” said Bosworth.  “He has outstanding research credentials that will serve him well in his new position.”

Cleaves specialty is decision science and risk analysis.  He has authored numerous papers and provided extensive consultation in that area.  He was formerly the national decision specialist for the Forest Service and developed methods and tools for improving environmental analysis and decision processes.

“I’m honored to be chosen to lead these critical areas of research and look forward to working with the outstanding scientists with the Forest Service and other institutions,” said Cleaves.

Cleaves has a bachelor’s and master’s in forest management from Michigan State University and a doctorate in economics from Texas A&M University.  He was formerly a Forest Service research project leader in fire economics and management and a professor of forest economics at Oregon State University.  He will assume his new responsibilities immediately.