EXCELLENCE IN RESEARCH APPLICATIONS AWARD
Wilderness management decisions involve a complex integration of physical, biological, and social
components that may have political consequences. Research projects that specifically address onthe-ground, day-to-day management issues are extremely valuable to line officers and managers
because they help explain components contributing to current issues and provide fresh insight into
strategies and tactics that can be used to implement best management practices.
This award recognizes applied research conducted by an individual or a team. In addition to
wilderness research, nominations may include applied research projects in resource programs
relevant to wilderness management, which have been implemented in the field or used to test a
particular model or scientific concept with applied techniques.
ELIGIBLE CANDIDATES:
• Forest Service employees
• Graduate students working seasonally for the Forest Service, while carrying out
undergraduate or graduate internship research
OBJECTIVE:
1. Recognize applied research by an individual or team that tested or advanced a research
concept with on-the-ground implementation in wilderness.
CRITERIA:
1. Ability to identify management problems and application of applied research to test
improved stewardship or efficiency in management.
2. Creativity and innovation in applied research application.
3. Effectiveness of applied research accomplishment(s) in addressing National Forest
wilderness stewardship issues of critical importance.
4. Effectiveness in communicating research results to management.
5. Where appropriate, demonstrate the interaction and involvement of an interdisciplinary
team approach to applied research that considers the physical, biological, and social
components of the wilderness resource.
FORMAT REQUIREMENTS:
1. Fill out the nomination form.
2. The sponsor may be a supervisor or a person familiar with the nominee’s efforts and is
not required to be an agency employee.
3. Prepare a nomination narrative that describes the research project or series of projects,
addresses each criterion, and does not exceed two pages in length. Supplemental
documentation may be included. Materials will not be returned.
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