How to Submit a FOIA Request

In accordance with the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and USDA regulations at 7 CFR, any person can request access to USDA Forest Service records. The FOIA requires the Forest Service to allow the public access unless the information is exempt under the FOIA from mandatory disclosure (e.g., classified national security, business proprietary, personal privacy, investigative).

  1. Send a written request for the records directly to the FOIA/PA Coordinator responsible for the records sought.
  2. Describe the requested records clearly.
  3. Consider including time frames, names of authors and recipients, and subject matter in the description of the records requested.
  4. State your willingness to pay the fees associated with processing the request or seek a fee waiver.
  5. If you seek a fee waiver, address specifically the criteria articulated in Section 6 (a)(1) of 7 CFR Part 1, Appendix A.
  6. If you do not know and cannot determine which coordinator is responsible for the records you seek, you may address your request to the Forest Service FOIA Officer. Please know that failure to send your request to the responsible agency results in delay in proper receipt and processing of your request.

The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) was passed by Congress in 1966 and became effective on July 4, 1967. Congress wanted to ensure that the people have access the records of the Executive Branch of the United States Government. Before the FOIA, the burden was on the individual to establish a right to examine government records.

With the passage of the FOIA, the burden of proof shifted from the individual to the government. Those seeking information are no longer required to show a need for information. The government now has to justify its need for not releasing records.

The FOIA sets standards for determining which records must be made available to a requester and which records can be withheld. The law also provides administrative and judicial remedies for those denied access to records. Above all, the statute requires federal agencies to provide the fullest possible disclosure of information to the public.

FOIA Requests

Under the Freedom on Information Act (FOIA), any person may obtain records from any Federal agency, subject to the exemptions enacted by Congress to protect information that must be held in confidence for the Government to function effectively or for other purposes.

If you know which National Forest maintains the agency records you are requesting, you should direct your FOIA request to that forest. If you do not know which forest maintains the agency records you are requesting or if you know the Pacific Southwest Region's Regional Office maintains the records, you should direct your FOIA request to the Pacific Southwest Region FOIA Service Center. If you know the records you are requesting are maintained by another Forest Service Region or Station, you should direct your FOIA request to the appropriate FOIA Service Center.

Persons with disabilities or persons needing additional assistance with a FOIA request may contact the Pacific Southwest Region FOIA Public Liaison at 707-562-9193.