As public agency budgets have tightened in recent years, research policymakers and
administrators have recognized the need to improve the planning and evaluation of
research projects and programs. This article describes the current planning and evaluation
process in U.S. Forest Service research. Options for improving this process are then
discussed, including strengthening medium-range research planning, introducing formal
preevaluation, monitoring research progress more closely, and strengthening postevaluation of research investments. Refinements in research planning and evaluation such as
these will help strengthen the case for public support, improve the allocation of scarce
research dollars, and help direct research programs into the most socially profitable areas.
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