Policy Tools » Policy Action for Ecological Scientists: USFS
Date, 2007
The Honorable (first and last name of Senator)
United States Senate
Washington, DC 20510
Dear Senator (last name of Senator):
(OR FOR LETTERS TO REPRESENTATIVES):
The Honorable (full name of Congressperson)
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515
Dear Representative (LAST NAME OF CONGRESSMAN):
As a constituent, I write to express my deep concern about the continuing downward spiral of research capacity within the U.S. Forest Service. Again this year, the Administration proposes a $17 million decrease in the Forest and Rangeland Research budget. Fire suppression costs have been increasing and are contributing to the agency's shrinking research portfolio.
Research and Development at the Forest Service has been eroding for years and it is now less than 6 percent of the entire agency's budget compared to 11 percent ten years ago. As a result, the agency is losing its internal scientists and is struggling to maintain its experimental forest stations. This is contrary to the critical importance of good stewardship and sustainable management of the nation's forests.
[IF YOU HAVE SOME EXAMPLES DRAWN FROM YOUR REGION OR STATE ADD THEM HERE]
I ask for your support in stemming the decline of Forest Service research capacity. Thank you for consideration of this request.
Sincerely,
Your name and home mailing address
