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Debris management is a critical function of disaster response activities. Debris can represent a serious health hazard in its own right, can hamper emergency response, and, by clogging streams and waterways, promote flooding. During an actual disaster, time is a limiting factor for the formulation and testing of improved debris management approaches. The time to improve management and technical approaches is before disasters strike. This report proposes that research can be effective in improving emergency response regarding debris management. This study investigated three aspects of debris management: debris management in stream beds, hazardous aspects of debris, and the use of geospatial measurements and techniques to improve management. The state of the practice for each was established. Areas of research opportunities were then identified and discussed. This document can serve as a framework for a debris management research focus area, which will provide guidance for emergency management organizations and professionals.