Welcome

The Forest Service was established in 1905 and is an agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The Forest Service manages public lands in national forests and grasslands, which encompass 193 million acres. more »

Spotlight

President's FY 2007 Budget Proposal for the Forest Service - Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act Extension

The President’s fiscal year 2007 budget includes a legislative proposal that would grant the Forest Service authority to sell small tracts of forest land that are isolated or inefficient to manage due to their location or other characteristics. The money received from the sales (up to $800 million) would go towards funding states and counties impacted by the loss of receipts associated with lower timber harvests on federal lands. The legislation would amend the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act for an additional five years. more »

Secure Rural Schools Legislative Proposal

Potentially Eligible Land Parcel List & Maps

Proposed "National Forest Land Conveyance for Rural Communities Act" (pdf | 28kb)

Be Bear Aware

May is the time to remind all forest visitors how to enjoy our wildlife treasures, especially bears, safely and responsibly. Spring is when bears and cubs emerge from their winter dens, wildflowers are blooming, songbirds are building nests, and children are exploring the great outdoors. By now families and school teachers are planning outdoor activities. This is also the time when human conflicts with wildlife may increase.

Local events to inform others of the latest safety techniques to use when enjoying wildlife and bears are being held by Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts across the nation.

Educational materials and an instructor's guide to help employees and the public be more bear aware have been sent throughout the Forest Service. Please visit www.BeBearAware.org for more information.

Features

International Migratory Bird Day

National Forest System lands form a critical link in the annual migration of billions of neo-tropical birds; providing places to rest, food to forage, and habitat in which to raise a family. Each year, waves of vibrant and colorful birds depend on the national forests and grasslands to realize one of nature's most astonishing and beautiful phenomena.

On May 13, 2006, the Forest Service will join with other national and international conservation organizations to celebrate International Migratory Bird Day (IMBD). Around the country, agencies and non-governmental organizations will host a variety of celebrations and events in support of bird conservation. Last year, the Forest Service hosted more than 70 events and formed partnerships to support many more. You can learn more about participating in an IMBD celebration in your area at www.birdday.org

Biscuit Fire Recovery

Responses to questions asked by the House and Senate Committee Appropriations concerning the Biscuit Fire in southern Oregon - March 2006. more »

Avalanche Awareness

Did you know that most avalanche accidents are triggered, either by the victim or someone in the victim’s party? Because personal decisions determine whether an individual will be caught in an avalanche or not, learning good avalanche awareness skills can actually eliminate most avalanche accidents! To learn more about avalanche awareness please visit the National Avalanche Center website at www.fsavalanche.org. more »

Four Threats

Fire and fuels, invasive species, loss of open space, and unmanaged recreation are the four threats identified by Forest Service Chief Dale Bosworth as having the greatest impact on the health of our Nation’s forests and grasslands. To learn more about each threat, visit the Four Threats section of our web site. more  »

Website Information

Web Survey

As you leave our site, a pop-up window may ask you to complete a survey that will help us improve the Forest Service website. The survey gathers no personal information about you. We hope you will take time to respond! more »