III. Field Guide to the Forest Service
State and Private Forestry
The State and Private Forestry (S&PF) branch of the Forest Service is a federal leader in the stewardship of non-federal forestland. In this role, State and Private Forestry brings forest management assistance and expertise to a wide spectrum of partners – including state forestry agencies, local governments, nonprofit organizations, landowners, and tribes. Least known of the agency's three branches, State and Private Forestry is involved in many important partnership and capacity-building projects as a result of its unique mission. Its programs employ collaborative partnerships, expert advice, innovative technology, and financial assistance to help people across the country manage and protect their trees and forested landscapes. On average, every $1 of federal investment in State and Private Forestry cooperative programs triggers $10 from non-federal sources to provide environmental, economic and social returns.
The authorities for State and Private Forestry programs provide partners with many opportunities to obtain funds for partnership projects. Since state foresters are the legislated partner for most programs, funds for partnership projects are usually given to and managed by state forestry offices, with direct oversight from Forest Service Regional program coordinators.
State and Private Forestry programs fall under staff areas that include forest health protection, fire and aviation, cooperative forestry, conservation education, and urban and community forestry. These programs help achieve the stewardship and sustainability of the nation's rural and urban forestland resources by:
- Providing cutting-edge technical expertise
- Helping to build strong state and local forestry programs
- Strengthening the environmental, social, and economic health of communities
- Providing financial assistance through a competitive grants process
- Reducing federal expenditures through preventive measures
- Monitoring trends in sustainability on all forest lands
- Serving as an information clearinghouse
- Providing education about the complexities of ecological issues
Most State and Private Forestry staff are located either in the WO, or in Regional Offices. Occasionally, staff work alongside National Forest System staff in National Forest offices. Each Regional Office houses a State and Private Forestry staff with its own director, with the exception of the Northeastern Area. The Northeastern Area, an administrative unit of State and Private Forestry, is headquartered in Newtown Square, PA, and serves the same states as the Region 9 Office in Milwaukee, WI .
The table in Appendix E – State and Private Forestry Programs – provides an overview of many State and Private Forestry programs that work primarily or exclusively through partnerships.
Research and Development
The Research and Development branch of the Forest Service is the largest forestry research organization in the world. Research and Development scientists carry out basic and applied research to study biological, physical, and social sciences related to forests and rangelands. Through their work, they provide the scientific and technical knowledge necessary to protect and sustain the nation's natural resources. The Deputy Chief of Research and Development oversees this branch. In addition to Washington Office employees and federal scientists located at universities across the country, there are six research stations managed by Station Directors and the Forest Products Laboratory which is managed by a Director.
The Research and Development branch is also an expert partner. Forest Service scientists work closely with universities in the United States , the international research community, and other research institutions. They partner with land managers and practitioners to provide scientific information that is relevant and accessible for on-the-ground action.