Winters, Robert Kirby, 1902-

Specialist in the area of international forestry with the U. S. Forest Service.

Robert K. Winters, born May 11, 1902, in Douglas, Michigan, earned three degrees from the University of Michigan: a Bachelor of Science of Forestry in 1924; a Master of Science of Forestry in 1925; and a Ph.D. in forestry in 1930. Upon completing his education, Winters embarked on a long career with the Forest Service of the United States Department of Agriculture, ending as Director of the International Forestry Division. After his retirement in 1967, Winter's involvement with international forestry did not abate; he continued to serve as international consultant to the Society of American Foresters until 1983.

Winter's career reflected his growing interest in international forestry and his writings reflect his persistent interest in forestry history. As Winter's career unfolded, he filled a variety of positions ranging from Forest Ranger to Regional Director of the Forest Survey, to Director of the International Forestry Division. His positions called on him to fill many roles: liaison between the Forest Service and the War Production Board; researching economic yield and productivity of forests; and training foreign nationals. Winter's service spanned the nation and the world, taking him from New Orleans, to Missoula, to Chittagong, Pakistan, to Washington, D.C. Through it all, Winters saw the importance of sharing knowledge and expertise, hence he devoted much time and energy to international conferences, professional organizations, and education. These interests carried through Winter's retirement, but he also had time to devote to history of forestry. It was at this time Winters researched and wrote The Forest and Man, a history of the world's civilizations and their use of trees.