Research and Science Committee

The Board has statutory responsibility for a comprehensive set of Forest Practice Rules (PRC §§ 4551, 4551.5, et al) that govern planning and conduct of timber operations on private timberlands in the State. The Board also has responsibility for determining forestry research needs and a public information program (PRC §745, §4789.6).

The Board established the Research and Science Committee to provide science-based recommendations and technical information to assist the Board in determining if and when it is necessary or advisable to adjust rules and policies for forest and fire management to achieve resource goals and objectives. It will also:

• Review ongoing research programs;
• Advise the Board on research needs, priorities, policy, and such other matters as the Board directs (PRC §4789.6);
• Provide science-based recommendations and technical information to advise and assist the Board in making its determinations on forest practice rules and fire regulations;
• Coordinate reviews of existing science and produce unbiased technical information for consideration by the Board; 
• Provide oversight and coordinate the efforts of the Board’s technical committees, such as the Monitoring Study Group (MSG);
• When funding is available, coordinate research projects at the request of the Board;
• Take the lead role to improve coordination and cooperation of the various industrial, educational, State and Federal agencies involved in research; and
• Recommend a system through which information can be collected, maintained and disseminated on all completed forestry research projects.

The Research and Science Committee (RSC) can include members drawn from the Department, forest user groups, other State and Federal agencies, the University of California, and other educational institutions as may be appropriate. The Board appoints the members and designates the Chair.