US Forest Service announces strategy to replace large airtankers for wildfire efforts

WASHINGTON, Feb. 10, 2012—The U.S. Forest Service announced today a strategy, developed with input from the Department of the Interior, to replace the fleet of aging air tankers used to battle wildfires with a next generation of newer, faster, more cost-effective large airtankers.

CEQ and Forest Service announce project to improve efficiency of federal environmental reviews

WASHINGTON, Feb. 9, 2012—The Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) today announced a new National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Pilot project under an initiative launched in March 2011 to increase the quality and efficiency of Federal environmental reviews and reduce costs.  CEQ has selected a U.S. Forest Service proposal to develop NEPA best practices for forest restoration projects using lessons learned from two restoration projects currently being analyzed in Arizona and Oregon.

Restoration and Job Creation

Forest Service highlights funding for Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration projects

WASHINGTON, Feb. 2, 2012—Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced a new report, Increasing the Pace of Restoration and Job Creation on our National Forests, that outlines a strategy and series of actions for management on 193 million acres of national forests and grasslands managed by the U.S. Forest Service.

Planning Rule

New forest planning rule seeks restoration through science, collaboration

WASHINGTON, Jan. 26, 2012—Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today signaled the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s intent to issue a new planning rule for America’s 193-million acre National Forest System that seeks to deliver stronger protections for forests, water, and wildlife while supporting the economic vitality of our rural communities, by releasing online a Final Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (PEIS) for the National Forest System Land Management Planning Rule. Today’s action honors the commitment made by Secretary Vilsack in his 2009 speech on forest management, and by the President in the America’s Great Outdoors Report.

Learn more about the Planning Rule

• Planning Rule teleconference recording (26 January 2012)
• Applications being accepted for members to serve on National Advisory Committee for Implementation of the new planning rule
• Planning Rule 101
• Proposed Rule (PDF) and Draft Environmental Impact Statement
• Frequently Asked Questions
• CEQ Planning Rule Blog

Alaska, California, Idaho, New Mexico and Puerto Rico national forests selected as first to implement a new planning rule

WASHINGTON, Feb. 1, 2012—The U.S. Forest Service today announced eight national forests that will be the first to revise their land management plans using a new National Forest System Planning Rule, after it is finalized in the months ahead.

USDA appoints new members to the Forest Resource Coordinating Committee

WASHINGTON, Jan. 19, 2012—Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today appointed eight members to the Forest Resource Coordinating Committee, which provides advice on private forestry and USDA's programs that assist landowners in managing their forests.

Forest Service grants $52.2M to protect working forests, rural economies

WASHINGTON, Jan. 19, 2012—The U.S. Forest Service announced today that it is granting $52.2 million for 17 conservation and working lands projects across the U.S. in 2012.

Administration continues push to promote outdoor recreation, tourism

WASHINGTON, January 20, 2012—Following on President Obama's announcement yesterday of steps he's taking to help boost U.S. tourism, the Administration today announced an online effort to enhance access to information on public lands and outdoor recreation.

Faces of the Forest: Alex Asai
Alex Asai is a civil engineer on the Gifford Pinchot National Forest in Vancouver, Wash. He is also an avid athlete and took six months off from work to hike the Pacific Crest Trail from Mexico to Canada. It took Asai five months to hike the 2,650 miles, which also included a trek through the Gifford Pinchot National Forest near the end of his excursion.

Wounded warrior finds ‘perfect’ career fit through U.S. Forest Service internship

Jerry Broesch was drawn to the Military time and again for the simple reason that he liked it. It made him feel useful, and like he was part of something.

Featured in Smithsonian Magazine: Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument

Managed by the U.S. Forest Service, the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument provides outstanding recreation, research, and education opportunities — and has a key mission to protect the public in downstream communities.

Volunteers make a difference on the historic Iron Goat Trail

The Iron Goat Trail occupies the upper and lower sections of an abandoned Great Northern Railway grade.  Hikers enjoy the trail today, thanks to the vision of Volunteers for Outdoor Washington and the Forest Service.

Praise for charting a new direction on national forests

Last week, USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack and I announced our intent for finalizing a new planning rule to govern management of the National Forest System. The 193 million acres of national forests and grasslands are critical to President Obama’s vision of an economy built to last, providing clean air, clean water, habitat for wildlife, opportunities for healthy outdoor recreation, jobs and growth in rural communities, and a range of other benefits for all Americans.

Home on the range: What type of livestock graze on national forests, grasslands?

When thinking about national forests and grasslands, your thoughts may at first focus on the incredible abundance of recreation opportunities, wilderness and solitude or perhaps the precious water resources that flow from forest to faucet. But did you know that livestock grazing is also permitted?

Free snowshoe walks on California’s Lassen National Forest offered this winter

Crisp, sunny winter days are an invitation to play in and enjoy the great outdoors and the Lassen National Forest in California has just the ticket for people of all ages to enjoy!

Forest Service partners with world-renowned Missoula Children’s Theatre for performance in Washington, D.C., area

“The Missoula Children’s Theatre and Forest Service partnership is a natural fit because so many of our important initiatives encourage children to discover and understand the natural world while developing healthy lifestyles,” said Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell. 

Local ski communities to get boost in year-round resort use

The Ski Area Recreational Opportunity Enhancement Act