The Forest Service Manual (FSM) contains legal authorities, objectives, policies, responsibilities, instructions, and guidance needed on a continuing basis by Forest Service line officers and primary staff in more than one unit to plan and execute assigned programs and activities.
Regional Foresters, Forest Supervisors, Research Station Directors, the Northeastern Area Director for State and Private Forestry, and the Director of the International Institute of Tropical Forestry may supplement Service-wide direction. Supplements may be more restrictive than parent material, but cannot expand the authorities or relax restrictions unless approved in writing by the next higher official. District Rangers and Research Project Leaders do not have authority to issue supplements.
