About the Rural Technology Initiative

Mission: Empower the existing infrastructure to use better technology in rural areas for managing forests for increased product and environmental values in support of local communities.

RTI (Rural Technology Initiative) was established in January 2000 by a federal grant as a pilot project to accelerate the implementation of new technologies in rural forest resource-based communities. Increasing complexity from changing environmental regulations, such as the Forest and Fish Agreement in Washington State, and the recognition that new research findings are well ahead of implementation suggested the need for more rapid technology transfer. Efforts to mitigate the substantial widening gap between urban and rural incomes depend upon more successful technology transfer as well. University of Washington (UW) and Washington State University (WSU) Cooperative Extension developed RTI as a cooperative program with the support of a Rural Advisory Board. Funding was made possible by a Congressional Appropriation through USDA - Forest Service Cooperative Programs

For more information about RTI, check out the following pages. RTI Related Events Page: Gives descriptions and links to some of RTI's activities. Rural Advisory Board Page: Lists the current project priorities set by the RTI Advisory Board. Outreach Page: Itemizes a number of ways RTI is attempting to connect with our constituents. Contacts: Bruce Lippke, Director University of Washington blippkeu.washington.edu (206) 616-3218 Don Hanley, Program Developer Extension Forester WSU Cooperative Extension dhanleyu.washington.edu (206) 685-4960 RTIu.washington.edu