WASHINGTON, D.C. – Issued annually by the Forest Service and the Office of the Secretary, the Report on Technology Transfer* synthesizes Research & Development innovations by Forest Service scientists and partners working closely with resource managers to solve natural resource problems, create new tools and disseminate knowledge to stakeholders and the public.

Transfer of new science and technology into the hands of land managers and policymakers is critical to enhancing the rigor and impact of Forest Service R&D. The goal of technology transfer at Forest Service R&D is to deliver science by gathering and synthesizing information from a range of disciplines and packaging it in a clear, accessible format to fit user needs. Research is delivered in many ways, including through marketing efforts at tradeshows or in cooperation with universities, patents, webinars, workshops, partnerships, field visits, coordination and participation in conservation education and citizen science, public outreach and publications. A detailed list of Forest Service patents and technologies is also available.

As the USDA’s only land management agency, the Forest Service has a mission-driven approach to impactful science, effective delivery, and organizational synergy. Research priorities at Forest Service R&D are applied science to support shared stewardship and improve forest conditions, forest inventory and trend analysis, enhancements to the wildland fire system, and forest products development and innovation. This research aims to produce three key deliverables: resource and inventory assessment, decision support, and innovations in practices and utilization.

This report describes programs, organizational structure (p. 1-11), and outcomes linked to the research priorities. Outcomes are listed by program, which are: Washington Office (p. 17-26), Research Stations and Centers (p. 4-5, 12, 27-52), and State & Private Forestry (p. 12-15). Other outcomes include decision-support tools and data archiving (p. 10-11), water (p. 16), and fire & fuels technology (p. 17).

*The USDA Forest Service Annual Report on Technology Transfer is included as Chapter 6 of the larger USDA 2020 Annual Technology Transfer Report.