Planning Rule

USDA appoints new members to the Forest Resource Coordinating Committee

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

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

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: Neal "Mike" Ward
At 83, Neal “Mike” Ward shows few signs of slowing down. As a full-time employee of the U.S. Forest Service’s Southern Research Station, Ward is part of the team that keeps the building and equipment running. A life-long learner, Ward also enjoys discussing the latest research with scientists.

Orphaned bear cubs return home to the Sierra National Forest

Biologists will monitor the cubs’ movement for about one year by using small GPS tracking devices they attached to each cub before their release.

Forest Service Chief Tidwell tours the District of Columbia’s urban forest

The tour highlighted diverse urban and community forestry projects and partnerships in the city.

Forest Service research indicates yellow-cedar and other trees in Alaska hold biomass and carbon

Significant volumes of carbon and biomass are also stored in snags and dead trees in the state.

Oregon resident honored as Forest Service regional volunteer of the year

The Northwest Region of the Forest Service has named Joel Starr of Philomath, Ore., as their volunteer of the year.  The honor is bestowed upon those individuals who contribute outstanding service to public lands. Starr has worked on a variety of volunteer projects for the Willamette, Deschutes, Siuslaw and Mt. Hood national forests. His contributions to public lands in western Oregon span over 10 years.

US Forest Service trains fire brigades in the Brazilian Amazon

Since 1991, the U.S. Forest Service has worked to develop a program focusing on improving sustainable forest management and administration, fire management and prevention and special uses in protected areas in Brazil.  The emphasis has been on exchanging experiences with a focus on critical issues such as curbing illegal logging and preserving public forests.

California welcomes wild wolf for first time in 87 years

For the first time in almost 90 years, the state of California has become home to a wolf. A few days shy of the new  year, OR7 meandered alone into the Golden State after crossing the state border shared by Oregon. The 2-year-old gray wolf is the first and only documented wolf in California since 1924, and is protected under the Federal Endangered Species Act.

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

The Ski Area Recreational Opportunity Enhancement Act of 2011, signed late this year by President Barack Obama, permits year-round recreation opportunities on U.S. Forest Service ski areas. The change is estimated to sustain up to 600 extra jobs and bring in a total of an additional $40 million to local communities in direct spending. Potential permitted activities may include zip lines, mountain bike terrain parks and trails, Frisbee golf courses, and ropes courses.

America’s national forests and grasslands have a large economic impact

Because of forest activities, thousands of jobs are supported in hundreds of rural communities. A recent survey shows visitors spend $13 billion directly in those communities within 50 miles of the national forests and grasslands.