USDA Forest Service

It's still #NationalWildernessMonth and, although #WildernessWednesday was yesterday, we believe visiting the wilderness shouldn't limited to a single day a week. It’s no secret that spending time outdoors promotes psychological well-being and improves physical health. But, did you also know there is a growing body of evidence showing that nature-based therapy can help reduce stress and mitigate trauma symptoms? Might we suggest getting out to the nearest wilderness area for the ultimate reset? Before your excursion, we recommend a bit of prep work. Ensure that you have the appropriate permit (day-use or overnight) and research how to enter these special areas from nearby, reliable parking areas. Learn to use a map and compass so you can travel safely in the backcountry. #Wilderness60 Read more about wilderness areas at https://lnkd.in/gYPwfxbS. ??: Zack Law, USDA Forest Service packer and stock handler, takes other agency employees on a day ride into a wilderness area, May 15, 2024 in the Gila National Forest. The Gila National Forest’s pack mules and horses are an important, yet often under-celebrated resource. Housed at the Wilderness and Glenwood ranger stations, they are indispensable in managing rugged, remote settings, especially on the expansive Gila Wilderness, where work must be completed in a traditional, low-tech fashion in order to maintain the area’s natural state. (USDA/Forest Service photo by Preston Keres)

As we remember the sacrifices of those on 9/11, we honor the partnerships and friendships that rose from tragedy by sharing how firefighters from New York City Fire Department (FDNY) came to support us in responding to wildfires in the Sequoia National Forest. After 9/11, we partnered with the FDNY to train their incident management teams, and they have returned the favor by supporting us with wildfire responses. This summer, they came to help with the Trout and Long Fires that have been burning in Sequoia National Forest. https://lnkd.in/gej5KAHs

The National Forest Foundation (NFF) today announced Dieter Fenkart-Froeschl as its new President and Chief Executive Officer, effective November 4, 2024. He will be based in Washington D.C. Congratulations and welcome National Forest Foundation.

USDA invests $100M to expand work to Confront the Wildfire Crisis USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack announced USDA is investing $100 million to expand work on the Forest Service’s strategy to reduce the risk to communities, critical infrastructure and forests from the nation’s growing wildfire crisis.? “There are 24 states that meet the criteria for this program, including 13 states in the South, Midwest and East,” said Forest Service Chief Randy Moore. “The internal competitive process and collaborative design of these projects allows national forests and partners to demonstrate their ability to move forward quickly on wildfire risk reduction actions to protect lives and livelihoods across vast, shared landscapes.” https://lnkd.in/g54_UkiA

City trees are some of the hardest working trees there are. But, when trees and urban forests thrive, cities are more sustainable, emit less pollution, and are more energy efficient. It's great that we're focusing on getting more trees into the urban areas, but it is important to understand that urban trees need a lifetime of investment to survive and thrive. #urbanforestry

Some places just have a way of drawing you back. For Fuels Technician Doug Phelps, that place is the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area - U.S. Forest Service. Through adventure, loss and growth, he always found himself coming back. From his childhood adventures to one of his first jobs, to the place that gave him solace after he lost his wife to cancer, the Land Between the Lakes is special to Doug. Now, as a fuels technician, he helps care for the recreation area through thinning the forest, coordinating prescribed burns, and fighting wildfires. https://lnkd.in/gCu_zqHX

Make sure your voice is heard. The public comment period for the national old-growth amendment draft environmental impact statement (DEIS) is closing on Sept. 20. Submit your comments at https://lnkd.in/gHCPF5fm

Do you have skills and experience in warehouse management, logistics, large scale packing, or supply movement? What about small engine maintenance and repair? Remember, we’re hiring in support of our National Interagency Fire Cache, and you're invited to attend a virtual information session. Positions include: Supply Management Specialist Equipment Packer Small Engine Mechanic And much more! Join our virtual information session on September 5th, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. MST to learn about the hiring event and get your questions answered by Forest Service Recruiters and HR professionals. Virtual info session link: https://lnkd.in/eie3CHAY

As the world grapples with the escalating effects of climate change, cities are bearing the brunt of an increasingly dire challenge: extreme heat. The combination of dense urban development and a lack of natural vegetation has created what is known as the urban heat island effect, causing cities to be significantly warmer than their rural counterparts. This excess heat not only makes cities uncomfortable but also poses serious health risks, particularly during intense heat waves.

Signed 60 years ago today, the United States’ #Wilderness Act was landmark legislation that set aside 9 million acres of wilderness for the enjoyment of present and future generations and established the National Wilderness Preservation System. Today, 4 federal land management agencies manage more than 111 million acres of designated wilderness. To celebrate #NationalWildernessMonth and the 60th anniversary of the Wilderness Act passage, we will be featuring a series of wilderness posts throughout the month highlighting these wild and wonderful areas. #WildernessAct60