Robert E. Buckman, Former Deputy Chief of Research and Development
1975-1986
USDA Forest Service
Research & Development Milestones under Robert Buckman's Leadership
Forest Service scientist Jerry Franklin and seven colleagues published Ecological Characteristics of Old- growth Douglas-fir Forests in 1981. This Pacific Northwest Forest and Range Experiment Station (now the Pacific Northwest Research Station) publication summarized research describing the importance of old-growth forests for a variety of wildlife and plant species and led to a growing recognition of the need for a new type of forest management.
Buckman advocated for international forestry research in developing countries. As vice-president and then president of the International Union of Forest Research Organizations, Buckman elevated Research and Development’s role in international forestry.
Forest Service Research and Development, in collaboration with the U.S. Agency for International Development, created the Forestry Support Program to deliver developmental assistance in forestry and natural resources to more than 50 countries.
Buckman promoted basic research in Research and Development, supported research into the effects of air pollution and forest decline, and improved efforts to evaluate the effectiveness of forest-related research.
