Scientist-Manager Partnerships

Rocky Mountain Research Station collaborates with forests and regions to deliver and enhance scientific understanding across our footprint. We have worked closely with our National Forest System partners to provide technical expertise relevant to pressing management issues. And while these opportunities allow researchers to provide new findings to land managers in meaningful ways, it also allows land managers the chance to communicate to researchers about their challenges. Some examples of RMRS science manager partnerships include:

• Region 4 - RMRS Science Partner Program

• Comprehensive fire management plan on the Arapaho Roosevelt

• Restoration of upland habitat in California Park, CO

The new Planning Rule for the Forest Service requires the best available science be considered in all land management activities. RMRS has been at the table, working with land managers to help them establish their scientific documentation on various resource issues. We have partnered closely with the Forest Service Rocky Mountain Region (Region 2) and Intermountain Region (Region 4) on their forest plan revision, specifically with their assessment process. While this opportunity allows RMRS to deliver our research to managers in this meaningful way, it also provides a pathway for conversations about what research land managers need that does not yet exist or that is underinvested.