USDA - Operationalizing Reforestation for Forest Resilience - MRAS

The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA), on behalf of the Department of Agriculture (USDA), is conducting market research to explore capabilities related to operationalizing reforestation for forest resilience. This initiative is part of a broader effort to address threats such as pests, disease, and changing weather patterns that hinder the natural regeneration of forests. The USDA aims to supplement natural regeneration through tree planting, employing a strategy known as forest assisted migration (FAM). FAM is an emerging practice that researchers are exploring and managers are keen to implement. The goal is to mitigate local threats through strategic tree planting, thereby enhancing forest resilience.

The project titled "Operationalizing Reforestation for Forest Resilience" involves summarizing the experiences and lessons learned from the Desired Regeneration through Assisted Migration (DREAM) project. Initiated in 2020 on four sites within the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest in northern Wisconsin, DREAM represents one of the few operational trials of FAM practices. The implementation phase began in 2022, with site establishment and tree planting completed by 2025-26. This project highlights significant operational challenges encountered during planning and implementation phases, emphasizing the need for concise summaries about practical aspects of FAM projects.

The USDA seeks expert collaboration to develop a comprehensive report that will inform managers about FAM tactics' advantages, disadvantages, and potential applications. The selected Cooperator will be tasked with synthesizing DREAM project experiences alongside existing scientific literature to contextualize successes and failures within FAM practices. Deliverables include summarizing planning complexities, operational challenges, potential explanations behind these challenges, and suggestions for improved tactics.

The Forest Service will provide leadership and access to necessary resources while facilitating coordination with relevant programs. In turn, the Cooperator will conduct literature searches, compile information using Endnote and BOX systems, outline reports including summaries of scientific bases for success or failure in FAM projects, create summary tables/graphics, develop take-home messages for managers based on findings from DREAM experiences along with next steps suggested for scientists working on similar themes.