New Technology Shaping the Future of Forest Management Research

Researchers say new technology will continue to drive innovation in forest operations.

FORT COLLINS, COLORADO (RFD News) — Forest management requires coordinated efforts across teams, but much of that work begins with research.

At the U.S. Forest Service’s Rocky Mountain Research Station, scientists are studying new ways to improve restoration and long-term sustainability.

Research forester Nate Anderson says many of today’s forest management challenges go beyond traditional timber harvesting.

“A lot of the forest management we do in the Western United States and other parts of the country is difficult to implement on the ground,” Anderson said. “When we think about fuel treatments or forest restoration, a lot of the activities we do are outside the sphere of traditional timber harvesting and harvest systems.”

Anderson says new technology is helping move the industry forward.

“We’re seeing a lot of exciting technology come online,” he said. “This is an exciting time to be working in forest operations and bioenergy and biofuels. I’m glad to be a part of the research that’s going on in the Forest Service.”

The U.S. Forest Service is the largest forestry research organization in the world and has made research a core part of its mission since its founding in the early 1900s.

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