Experimental Forests and Ranges

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The USDA Forest Service Experimental Forest and Range (EFR) network comprises approximately 80 dedicated research sites that are spread out across the U.S. and its territories. Fourteen of these Experimental Forest and Ranges, established progressively from 1908 to 1987, are administered by the Rocky Mountain Research Station. Rocky Mountain Research Station Experimental Forest and Ranges collectively cover over 150,000 acres in seven states, and they represent the wide range of Rocky Mountain ecosystems, including alpine, grassland, shrubland systems, and montane and subalpine forest and woodland systems.

Rocky Mountain Research Station Experimental Forest and Ranges offer scientists both within and outside the Forest Service unique opportunities to conduct long-term research into the functioning of our nation’s cherished wildlands and offer critical insight into how best to manage them to be healthy and resilient. Recent stressors, including drought, wildfire, and insect and disease outbreaks, increase the value of long-term research due to the insights it provides into resultant changes. Rocky Mountain Research Station Experimental Forest and Ranges also serve as demonstration and training sites for cooperators, stakeholders, and future generations of scientists.

The Experimental Forests and Ranges: 2020 Data Status Survey data tables give managers and researchers access to data provided by the USDA Forest Service Experimental Forest and Ranges based on a survey conducted in early 2020. The entries provide insight on the types and extent of data being collected across the Experimental Forest and Range network, as well as guides to online data archives. Available information includes location, contact, size, and details on data collections and availability on a number of research themes including hydrology, meteorology, water chemistry, wildlife, vegetation, fire, soil, remote sensing, socioeconomic, and technology.