The Rocky Mountain Research Station is one of six regional units that make up the USDA Forest Service Research and Development organization-the most extensive natural resources research organization in the world. We maintain 12 field laboratories throughout a 14-state territory encompassing the Great Basin, Southwest, Rocky Mountains and parts of the Great Plains. The Station employs 443 permanent full-time employees, of which 112 are scientists. We administer and conduct research on 14 experimental forests, ranges and watersheds while maintaining long-term databases for these areas. We also oversee activities on more than 260 Research Natural Areas (http://rna.nris.state.mt.us) and lead five ecosystem management and research partnership projects in Arizona, Colorado, Montana, New Mexico and Nevada. Our research program serves the Forest Service as well as other federal agencies, state agencies, international organizations, private groups and individuals. Research results are made available through a variety of technical reports, journals, publications, seminars, symposia, demonstrations, exhibits and personal consultations. These help resource managers and planners balance economic and environmental demands for forest and rangeland resources worldwide.