The U.S. Forest Service’s plan to close scores of research stations could threaten the nation’s wildfire readiness, many foresters fear, and erode decades of work to understand timber production, soil health, pests and diseases, watersheds and wildlife. Late last month, the Forest Service announced plans to close 57 of its 77 research stations, located across 31 states, merging them into a single organization in Fort Collins, Colorado. The agency described the move as a way to consolidate, not cut, the agency’s scientific work, and “unify research priorities.” … But many longtime foresters fear the closures will threaten vital research that has been the backbone of forest management for state agencies, timber companies and tribes. 

Other forest, watershed and wildfire news:

• High Country News (Paonia, Colo.): Wildfires make soil poisonous
• California Board of Forestry and Fire Protection: News release: California Board of Forestry and Fire Protection releases latest draft of zone 0 defensible space regulations ahead of public workshop in Southern California