Science Accomplishments of the Pacific Northwest Research Station, 2002

摘要

Citizens of many interests seek to understand forests and their many values. Land managers need know-how as they implement public policy or accomplish private or tribal goals for forests. Policymakers require comprehensive yet readily understandable information on forest-related issues. In 2002, the authors renewed their dedication to their varied customers as they implemented a new strategic plan developed with their help. The authors conduct research to help form basic knowledge. For example this year they found, contrary to popular belief, most summer flow out of the high Cascade Range does not come from annual snowmelt but from groundwater that emerges as springs. The authors' description of this water geology provides context for calculating water budgets and allocation among many important uses. The authors' forest and inventory analysis accelerated in the past several years to provide up-to-date information for all ownerships. In 2002, one finding, for example, shows that Oregon's land use program appears successful at containing urban expansion within areas zoned for development.