Research Use

MANAGEMENT

Responsibility for management of Forest Service RNAs in Washington and Oregon is shared between the National Forests and the Pacific Northwest Research Station. The Regional Forester, with concurrence of the Research Station Director, has the authority to establish RNAs. In consultation with Forest Supervisors and District Rangers, the Research Station Director approves research and monitoring activities and management plans for RNAs. However, if the RNA is located within a Congressionally designated area such as a Wilderness or National Recreation Area, the Regional Forester approves these activities. The National Forest where the RNA is located has direct responsibility for day-to-day administration and management of the RNA. Management area direction for RNAs is contained within individual National Forest Land Resource Management Plans.

The State Director of the BLM has signature authority to establish RNAs in Oregon and Washington, but responsibility for management is at the District Office level. Requests for using or doing research in BLM RNAs need to be submitted to the appropriate district office. It is important for BLM to make a user aware if the RNA falls within a national historic site or contains threatened or endangered species. Further, while most BLM lands have adequate legal access, many parcels of land are physically isolated, or access may require permission from adjacent landowners for use of their roads, trails or land.

The overall goal of RNA management for both agencies in Washington and Oregon is to maintain the full suite of ecological processes associated with the natural communities and conditions for which the RNA was designed to protect. Until recently, the primary course of action was to leave RNAs alone. However, with increased understanding of the interactions of humans and ecosystems, more attention is being placed on restoration of natural processes such as fire, and control of invasive alien species that alter the composition and functioning of natural communities.

APPLYING TO USE RESEARCH NATURAL AREAS

The Forest Service and the BLM establish Research Natural Areas (RNAs) as representative examples of minimally disturbed natural ecosystems for non-manipulative research activities, monitoring, and the protection of biological diversity. Both agencies encourage research and monitoring studies in RNAs. In general, non-manipulative research that does not significantly impact the ecological composition, structure, or function of the area is appropriate for RNAs. The level of acceptable use varies by RNA, depending on the rarity of taxa, fragility or resilience of the ecosystems, and cumulative impacts of use.

Both agencies have an approval process for gaining permission to do research and monitoring on RNAs.

The purposes of the approval process for research and monitoring on RNAs are:

· To insure that the ecological integrity of the RNA or other purposes for which the RNA was designated are not damaged by research or related activities.

· To provide information to scientists about other research occurring on the RNA so that potential collaborations may be fostered and conflicts avoided.

· To insure that protection and site integrity for the individual scientific study, especially permanent plots, are maintained.

· To maintain records of research activities and research results to benefit the BLM, the Forest Service and future researchers.

APPROVAL OF PROJECTS

Forest Service:

All research and monitoring use (including use by Forest Service scientists and managers) of RNAs on National Forest System land in Oregon and Washington requires a Research Approval Request Form approved by the Director of the Pacific Northwest Research Station (PNW) and the appropriate District Ranger. When proposed research will involve several Research Natural Areas, only one research request form is required with an attached list with the name and location of each RNA.

For RNAs within Wilderness or other Congressionally designated areas, Regional Foresters have authority for approving research projects in coordination with Station Directors. Before applying, those planning activities are encouraged to discuss their projects with the Regional RNA coordinator, a Forest Service scientist, and/or the local District Ranger.

Download the RNA Research Approval Request Form.

Please send the completed request form to:
Todd M. Wilson, RNA Coordinator
Corvallis Forestry Sciences Laboratory
3200 Jefferson Way SW
Corvallis, OR 97331
twilson@fs.fed.us
541-750-7288

Bureau of Land Management:

To do research on BLM RNAs, contact the local district botanist on which the RNA resides.

OPPORTUNITIES TO PARTICIPATE IN THE OREGON AND WASHINGTON RNA PROGRAM

The Forest Service and the BLM invite interested individuals and organizations to participate in the RNA Program. The traditional focus of involvement has been conducting scientific studies and inventories in RNAs or using these areas for educational activities (see Using RNAs page for details).

However, there are many more opportunities to participate and the need is great. Both agencies often allocate minimal resources to stewardship of RNAs and could use assistance with the following types of activities:

· Site visits to document current RNA conditions (stewardship monitoring)

· Monitoring and control of aggressive alien plant species in RNAs

· Inventory birds, wildflowers, butterflies and other natural features of RNAs

· Assist with RNA educational activities (e.g. lead a field trip)

If you are interested in pursuing any of these activities or others in Research Natural Areas, please contact:

Forest Service - Pacific Northwest Research Station

BLM - State Office