U.S. Forest Service News

The following information has been provided by Angie Evenden ((435) 719-2342):

A new website has just been completed for Forest Service Research Natural Areas (RNAs) in twelve western states.  The website was developed as a cooperative project between the Montana Natural Heritage Program and the Rocky Mountain Research Station of the Forest Service.  The site provides an excellent overview of the Research Natural Area Program within four regions of the Forest Service (R1, R2, R3 and R4).  Detailed descriptive information (with photographs) for 263 established and 55 proposed RNAs is easily accessed through interactive maps and tables.  The site also provides information on the purpose, management and use of RNAs, and on Forest Service RNA contacts.  Please check out the site at http://rna.nris.state.mt.us/.  It is our hope that information provided on this new website will help increase awareness and appreciation for the role of RNAs in maintaining biological diversity and in serving as reference and study sites for natural resource monitoring, research and education.