Editing United States Forest Service (section)

=== Research and development ===
[[File:USFS PNW lab.jpg|thumb|right|The U.S. Forest Service [[R&D]] lab in [[Olympia, Washington|Olympia]], Washington]]

The [[research and development]] (R&D) arm of the Forest Service works to improve the health and use of the United States' forests and [[grassland]]s. Research has been part of the Forest Service mission since the agency's inception in 1905. Today, Forest Service researchers work in a range of biological, physical, and social science fields to promote sustainable management of United States' diverse forests and rangelands. Research employs about 550 scientists and several hundred technical and support staff, located at 67 sites throughout the United States and in [[Puerto Rico]]. Discovery and technology development and transfer is carried out through seven research stations.

Research focuses on informing policy and land management decisions and includes addressing [[Invasive species|invasive]] insects, degraded [[river ecosystem]]s, or sustainable ways to harvest forest products. The researchers work independently and with a range of partners (formerly through a '''National Partnership Office'''),<ref>{{cite web |title=Partnerships |url=https://www.fs.usda.gov/working-with-us/partnerships |website=US Forest Service |access-date=28 June 2024 |language=en |date=1 February 2016}}</ref> including other agencies, academia, nonprofit groups, and industry. The information and technology produced through basic and applied science programs is available to the public for its benefit and use.

In addition to the Research Stations, the USFS R&D branch also leads several National Centers such as the [[National Genomics Center for Wildlife and Fish Conservation]].