Laboratory Information:
FS - Missoula Technology and Development Center
5785 Hwy 10 W
Missoula, MT 59808
Website: http://www.fs.fed.us/eng/techdev/mtdc.htm
Agency/Department: Dept. of Agriculture
Region: Mid-Continent
FLC Laboratory Representative:
Mr. David Aicher
Phone: 406-329-3900
Fax: 406-329-3719
Email: daicher@fs.fed.us
Background/History of the Laboratory:
The Missoula Technology and Development
Center (MTDC) began as the support facility for Forest Service fire
management in the late 1940s, when a small group started developing techniques for parachuting men and
cargo. In the early 1960s, the center's role was expanded to a Service-wide technical center with a
nationwide
program that now encompasses all Forest Service equipment needs. Today, MTDC works with Federal and
State
agencies, universities, private firms, and research groups to meet its responsibilities to resource
managers.
Mission of the Laboratory:
-
To systematically apply scientific knowledge
and advanced technology to create new or substantially
improved equipment, systems, material, processes, techniques, and procedures to meet the challenges
and objectives of sustainable forest ecosystem management practices.
- Purpose: To assist our customers, all Forest Service
employees and cooperators with technical solutions
to natural resource issues through the application of advanced technologies.
Technology Areas of Expertise:
- Atmospheric sciences
- Microbiology
- Social Science
- Soil Quality
- Aquatic Habitat
- Urban Forestry
- Vegetation Management and Protection
- Watershed Research
- Wilderness Research
- Wildlife Habitat
- Wildlife, Fish, Water and Air
- Entomology
- Fire Ecology
- Fire Systems
- Forest Operations
- Forest Pathology
- Forest Products Utilization and Processing
- Global Change
- Pools and Movement in Soils and Ground Water
- Products Safety and Human Health
- Quantitative Ecology
- Rangeland Ecology
- Renewable energy technology
- Resource, Valuation, and Use
- Silviculture and Plant Genetics
