Murlyn B. Dickerman, Former Deputy Chief of Research and Development
1973-1975
USDA Forest Service
Research & Development Milestones under Murlyn Dickerman's Leadership
Forest Service Research and Development worked with Project FIRESCOPE in California following a disastrous wildland fire season. One result was the development of the Incident Command System (ICS) for improving incident response. Today, the ICS is a part of the U.S. National Incident Management System. This system is a model for incident management systems worldwide.
The Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974 (RPA) authorized Forest Service long-range planning and research assessment to ensure the future supply of forest resources while maintaining environmental quality.
RPA required the preparation of a renewable resource assessment and plan every 10 years with an update at 5 years. The RPA Assessment continues to be a major research contribution of Forest Service Research and Development, and provides a scientific basis for natural resource planning into the future.
Three entomology research programs were particularly supported during Dickerman’s tenure. The spongy moth (formerly known as the gypsy moth), Southern pine beetle, and tussock moth were causing natural resource problems, and Dickerman was able to generate significant funding for research to address these problems.
