Increasing population pressure and the increasing associated needs have put the forests under high stress. The habitats for various species are not only being degraded but are also being fragmented and lost. Over exploitation of forests resources coupled with other biotic pressures on the forests generally result in failure of natural regeneration of various species.

Himalayan Forest Research Institute (HFRI), Shimla, Himachal Pradesh was established as High Level Conifer Regeneration Research Centre during May, 1977 for carrying out research on problems associated with natural regeneration of Silver Fir and Spruce.

The institute made its humble beginning by starting functioning from a single room in "Kennedy House" and later, with increased research activities, an independent building "Press Villa" near U.S. club was allotted to it during 1978.

At the time of reorganization forestry research in ICFRE during 1998, Government of India appreciated the problems of Temperate Eco-system and decided to develop this centre into a full-fledged research institute.

The mandate of this centre has also been enlarged to cater to forestry research needs pertaining to eco-rehabilitation of cold deserts, mined areas, and regeneration of coniferous and broad-leaved forests. It also includes management practices such as insect-pests management in temperate forests and alpine areas.

Popularization of agroforestry and other related extension activities have also been included in its mandate.