Tough Problems, Science Gaps, and Investment Priorities for Forest-Sector Research: Conversations at Seven Dialogues

At seven small-group dialogues held across the United States, field natural-resource professionals were asked to describe the toughest problems facing them over the next 10–15 years. Thirty-five problems were identified, spanning all three components of sustainability—ecological, economic, and social. Most were socioeconomic problems related to people’s choices and values. Key science gaps contributing to the problems’ toughness and top investment priorities to fill critical gaps were described. The problems and priorities identified were then compared to ones identified since 1996 by panels of experts who compiled previous national research reports. Field professionals’ views were consistent with the previous findings and illustrated they have detailed, nuanced understandings of the challenges facing them. Top priorities from the dialogues suggest that socioeconomic forces driving ecological changes are poorly understood. Potential mitigation measures will depend on broader interdisciplinary research delving into sciences beyond ecology, such as demographics, sociology, political science, governance, and economics.