• Bullard, Steven H.
  Arthur Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture
  
• Brown, Perry J.
  University of Montana
  
• Blanche, Catalino A.
  National Institute of Food and Agriculture
  
• Brinker, Richard W.
  School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences, Auburn University
  
• Thompson, Don H.
  Forest Technology Program, Northeast MS Community College
  

The McIntire-Stennis (M-S) Cooperative Forestry Research Program has provided fundamental support for creating and strengthening forestry research and graduate training efforts at colleges and universities across the nation for nearly 50 years. M-S funding has helped produce thousands of forestry scientists and other research professionals, and M-S-supported research has provided critical basic understanding and applied solutions to extend the benefits that flow from forests and related rangelands across the nation over time. The 1962 legislation that created the M-S program authorized funding of up to one-half of the funds appropriated for federal forestry research conducted directly by the USDA. Throughout the program's history, however, M-S appropriations have been for below the authorized level. In 2012, the M-S program's 50th anniversary will be celebrated. Congress and the President therefore have a truly significant "golden anniversary" opportunity to strengthen the nation's investment in research and training that represents an essential and powerful "driving force behind progress" in sustaining forests for ecological, economic, and social benefits for present and future generations.