A variety of information is listed below, but some of the main
topics on this Web site are:
|
|
Is the Nebraska National Forest open all year around? |
Yes, the offices and entire public land acreage are open all
year around. The National Forests and Grasslands are available
for outdoor dispersed recreation. Check with the local Forest
Service office for current information. |
How do I make reservations for campgrounds in Parks
and Forests, or any other public land? |
To make reservations
at any nationally managed facility, visit
recreation.gov online or call Toll Free 1-877-444-6777.
IMPORTANT TIP: It's a good idea to make your reservations well
in advance. It helps to know the name of the campground where
you want to stay before you call the reservation
center. The Recreation.gov
site is a great source of campground information. |
Can I camp anywhere I want to on National Forests and
Grasslands? |
Yes. Camping without developed facilities (dispersed camping)
is allowed on most National Forests and Grasslands. However, some
areas limit camping to designated areas and many areas have travel
restrictions, limiting where you may drive and park your vehicle.
There is a wide variety of sites
and attractions available in the Nebraska & Samuel R.
McKelvie National Forests Buffalo Gap, Fort Pierre, & Oglala
National Grasslands, and Bessey Ranger District.
Please check ahead of time for General
Rules for Visitors.
For a specific area, be sure to check with the local
Ranger District. Also check the updated Nebraska & Samuel
R. McKelvie National Forests Buffalo Gap, Fort Pierre, & Oglala
National Grasslands, and Bessey Ranger District Restrictions
and Closures.
If you need your vehicle to camp, there may be some restrictions
on where you can go. You may not drive or camp where you will
cause resource damage, such as making vehicle ruts off roadways
or damaging trees or streams. We recommend that you camp at least
150 feet from all lakes and streams. The distance you may pull
your vehicle off an established roadway will vary, depending on
the travel management policies of each forest. Generally, you
may not drive more than 300 feet off a roadway to park, but this
distance may be less in some areas. Please contact the local office
near where you want to go.
Additional regulations are also posted at many locations, such
as trail heads. Camping off Forest Service trails, both inside
and outside of Wilderness, is also open with some localized restrictions.
Some general guidelines are to camp at least one hundred feet
from lakes, streams, roads and trails; some Forests require 200
feet. Do not drive more than three hundred feet off the roadway
to park and camp, and you are not allowed to drive where you may
do resource damage, especially through wet areas. There is usually
a fourteen-day limit for camping on most forests. Always remember:
PACK IT IN – PACK IT OUT!
You may not drive nails into trees or damage live trees in any
way. To help protect our forests from invasive pests and diseases,
please get firewood from the same area where it will be used.
Visit dontmovefirewood.org
for more ways you can help protect our forests. |
Do I need a back country permit to camp on National
Forests? |
Not in the National Forests or Grasslands. Regardless of the
area you are traveling through , you should register at the trail
head, be aware of all regulations, camp well off the trail and
away from streams and lakes, use an existing site (if it's a legal
one). |
Is the Scott Fire Lookout Tower on the Bessey Ranger
District open to the public? |
No unaccompanied tours of the Scott Tower until 2009, after
the tower is renovated Scott Lookout National Recreation Trail
winds through a man-made forest for 3 miles. Check with the campground
host or Ranger
District office at 308-533-2257 for schedules. |
Is there a time limit for camping on the Nebraska National
Forest and associated units? |
No. |
Top |
|
Where can I have a campfire in National Forests?
How do I find out about campfire bans before I get to
the forest? |
You may have campfires in developed campgrounds but only in
the metal rings or boxes provided at the site. You may also have
campfires anywhere you are legally camped when you are "dispersed
camping" (camping outside of developed, fee campgrounds) in the
general forest areas. You may collect incidental amounts of dead
and downed wood (sticks) to burn without a permit, but you may
not transport any wood off the forest without a permit.
To help protect our forests from invasive pests and diseases,
please get firewood from the same area where it will be used.
Visit dontmovefirewood.org
for more ways you can help protect our forests.
Please make wise fire choices. In hot, dry seasons, there may
be fire restrictions that prohibit open flames of any kind. This
may include campfires even in developed sites. Please check to
see if any SEASONAL
FIRE RESTRICTIONS or fire bans are in effect for the Nebraska
& Samuel R. McKelvie National Forests Buffalo Gap, Fort Pierre,
& Oglala National Grasslands.
For a listing of other National Forest fire restrictions, visit
the Rocky
Mountain Area Coordination Center page and scroll down to
the area of interest. As you click on each forest listed, you
can read the specifics on their particular fire bans.
Another way to know for sure is to call ahead to the forest
office closest to where you want to visit. You can use the
drop-down menu on the left margin of this Web site to find all
the national forests and grasslands in the Rocky Mt. Region. Their
phone numbers are posted on their Web pages. In addition, once
you get to the forest, if a fire ban is in place, there should
be large yellow signs indicating what is legal and what is not
at all entrances to National Forests, trail heads, campgrounds,
offices and visitor bulletin boards. |
Do I need a permit to cut a Christmas tree on the National
Forest? |
Permits are required to cut and remove a Christmas tree and
other products from the National Forest. You should contact the
individual National
Forest to see if they have Christmas Tree cutting areas and
a permitting process.
Your permit will come with information on the type of tree that
can be cut, as well as a map of locations where trees are available. |
Can I cut firewood in the Nebraska NF? Where? Do I
need a permit? What are the rules? How do I measure a cord of
wood? |
Pine Ridge Rules - Firewood cutting is allowed on the Pine
Ridge RD with a permit. A permit may be obtained at the district
office. Cutting areas are designated but may be subject to change.
A map showing designated areas will be given with each permit.
Rules and conditions are a part of the permit. No hardwoods may
be cut. Permits are $20 which authorizes holder to cut four cords
of wood.
Please be aware of invasive pests and diseases. To help protect
our forests, don't move firewood where it may spread the damage.
Visit dontmovefirewood.org
for more ways you can help protect our forests.
Cords are measured by stacking wood--a pile 4 feet by 4 feet
by 8 feet is a cord. |
Top |
. |
What maps are available for visiting the National Forests
and Grasslands?
Where can I buy them? |
All forest
and district offices carry a map of their Forest for $10 for
plastic (a tear-proof, water-resistant durable map). Some offices
also carry the paper version of the Forest map for $7 and some
offices stock maps of neighboring National Forests.
To purchase a Forest map through the mail,
please visit the map
order form Web site.
Maps can also be ordered with a credit card,
by phone (406-329-3024) or online at http://www.nationalforeststore.com/.
At some offices, 7.5 min. USGS topo maps (quads) of nearby areas
are available for $6 each or topo
maps can be purchased online.
|
How do I purchase maps for forests and grasslands in
South Dakota? |
There are three separate Forest Service maps that cover South
Dakota: the Black Hills National Forest, the Fort Pierre National
Grassland and the Buffalo Gap National Grassland. Recreation/Visitor
maps can be purchased for $10 each by mail
from any Forest
or Grassland office, or by phone (406-329-3024)
or online at http://www.nationalforeststore.com/
They are waterproof, tear-proof plastic map, one inch to the mile
scale. |
How do I purchase maps for forests and grasslands in
Nebraska? |
There are two forest recreation maps that cover the Nebraska
National Forest. One is for both the Samuel R. McKelvie National
Forest and a portion of the Nebraska National Forest (Bessey Ranger
District)located in central Nebraska.
The northwestern portion of the Nebraska NF near Chadron combined
with the Oglala National Grassland is in the Pine Ridge Ranger
District map.
The maps are one inch to the mile scale and made of a durable,
waterproof, tear proof plastic and cost $10 each and are available
from any Forest
or Grassland office.
To purchase a Forest map through the mail, please
visit the map
order form Web site.
Maps can also be ordered with a credit card,
by phone (406-329-3024) or online at http://www.nationalforeststore.com/. |
Top |
. |
Where can I ride my ATV and motorcycle? Can I ride cross-country,
off roads and trails?
|
The Forest Service is in the process of involving the public
to identify routes and areas open for motorized use.
Please check with the Forest
Service office responsible for the area you wish to ride.
|
Where can I ride my ATV in the Buffalo Gap National
Grassland?
Where are the designated trails? |
There are no designated OHV trails on the Buffalo Gap National
Grassland. Currently you can ride anywhere on the Buffalo Gap
National Grassland with the exception of the Indian Creek Proposed
Wilderness Area, where motorized travel is restricted to the numbered
road that bisects the area. Motorized travel is also restricted
within the Redshirt Proposed Wilderness Area.
Be aware of the impact cross-country riding will have to soils
and vegetation. You are encouraged to ride on Forest Service numbered
roads and well established two-tracks. All OHV's are required
to have spark arrestors. |
Where can we take OHV's on the Pine Ridge Ranger District
(Nebraska NF) and the Oglala National Grassland? |
There are no trails on the Pine Ridge Ranger District or Oglala
National Grassland specifically designated for OHV use. You can
currently ride anywhere on the national forest and national grassland
except areas closed to motorized use. To reduce soil erosion,
we recommend using existing roads as much as possible. Soldier
Creek Wilderness, Pine Ridge National Recreation Area, Pine Ridge
Trail, Toadstool Trail and Bison Trail are designated for non-motorized
use only.
Within five years the forest will initiate a public process to
determine which routes or areas will be open for motorized use.
If you are interested in participating in this process, send your
name, phone number and address (including email) to Nebraska National
Forest, 125 North Main Street, Chadron, NE 69337, Attention: Travel
Management.
Be sure your OHV is equipped with spark arrestors. As closures
may occur due to fire danger, be sure to check with the ranger
district for fire danger status. |
Where can we ride OHV's and motorbikes on the Bessey
Ranger District of the Nebraska National Forest?
Are there any rules or regulations? |
Motorized travel is prohibited from September 1 through November
30 inside the area bounded by the Circle Road (FSR 203) and Natick
Road (FSR 212).
The Bessey RD has one developed OHV trail that’s 11 miles long
and extends from the Dismal River Trail Head, 1 ½ miles south
of the recreation complex, to Whitetail Campground. Roads off
limits to OHV and motorbikes are 203, 212, 259, 277and State Spur
86B (the one to Scott Tower.) Cross-country travel is currently
allowed, but not encouraged since the fragile covering of grasses
is easily disturbed, resulting in wind-eroded blowouts.
Within five years the forest will initiate a public process to
determine which routes or areas will be open for motorized use.
If you are interested in participating in this process, send your
name, phone number and address (including email) to Nebraska National
Forest, 125 North Main Street, Chadron, NE 69337, Attention: Travel
Management.
OHV's and motorbike operators must only ride to and from the trail
head and campsites. They may not use the vehicles for motoring
around the campgrounds or going to the bathrooms or swimming pool.
Quiet time is between 10 p.m. and 8 a.m. Helmets and goggles are
strongly encouraged. |
Top |
. |
Where is a good mountain bike or hiking trail in the Pine Ridge
District or the National Grasslands?
|
You may mountain bike anywhere on the national forest or grassland
except in the Soldier Creek Wilderness Area. A good resource for
information on hiking and biking in the Pine Ridge Ranger District
and the general Chadron area is the Pine
Ridge Trails handout. Also visit Panhandle
Trails.
You can hike anyplace on the national grasslands. The 3-mile
Bison Trail connects Toadstool Geological Park and the Hudson-Meng
Bison Kill site. |
What are the rules on geocaching in the Forest? |
While geocaching is NOT an appropriate use of a designated
Wilderness Area, it is increasing in popularity in general forest
areas. You must remember to follow all existing regulations when
placing or looking for caches. This includes understanding and
following all motor vehicle restrictions, avoiding damage to trees
or roots, avoiding impacts to streams, wetlands and lakeshores,
and minimizing your impacts on other forest visitors. Recreational
public use of National Forests is intended to be short-term and
low-impact, so that the many other forest visitors have an opportunity
to enjoy the same lands also. Permanent or long-term structures
or improvements are not allowed. If you are unsure about whether
geocaching is appropriate in a certain area, please contact the
local Forest office and ask. |
Top |
. |
Where can I go horseback riding on the Nebraska National
Forest or the Oglala National Grassland? Are there corrals? |
You can ride anywhere on the Pine Ridge Ranger District and
Oglala National Grassland except in developed campgrounds. Approximately
80 miles of marked trails make up the trail system on the Pine
Ridge Ranger District and the Oglala National Grassland. Maps
are available at Forest Service offices.
Soldier Creek Wilderness Trailhead, west of Ft. Robinson, Roberts
Tract Trailhead, at the north side of the Pine Ridge National
Recreation Area, and Outrider Trailhead, just north of Chadron
State Park, include corrals and are available on a “first come,
first served” basis. Click here for Pine
Ridge Trails, a pamphlet with maps and other information on
horseback riding on the local trails.
Ride the Ridge, an organized trail ride, is held the third weekend
in July. The ride location changes each year, please call Don
Huls at 308-432-3841 for information. |
Where can I get information on camping and horseback riding at
Ft. Robinson State Park?
|
Ft.
Robinson State Park is managed by the Nebraska
Game and Parks Commission, not the Forest Service. You can
contact them and 308-665-2900 or visit their web
site. Find helpful hints
and Horse Sense. |
Where can I ride and/or camp with my horse on National
Forests? |
Horses are allowed anywhere on National Forests unless posted
otherwise. You do not have to ride your horse only on established
trails and roads; you can ride anywhere, however please do not
cut switchbacks. You may take horses into designated wilderness
areas; here are some suggestions on Pine
Ridge Trails. Some of the recreation
areas and campgrounds include facilities for horses. Please
use low impact camping and horse tethering methods. Please
do not tie horses to trees for long periods; use hobbles or high-lines
instead. Avoid wet, muddy trails to minimize damage from horse
traffic.
Certain trails and trail heads may not be well-suited to horse
use or trailer parking. Restrictions: Horses
are NOT allowed in developed campgrounds unless the campgrounds
are specifically established for equestrian use.
|
If you take horses or other livestock into a Wilderness
Area, do you need to bring special feed? |
YES. The spread of noxious weeds is a serious problem, and
we need the help of livestock owners to prevent their spread.
Only certified weed-free forage products or pelletized
feeds less than 1" diameter are allowed.
Please contact the local ranger station for a list of certified
weed-free hay suppliers in your area. If you cannot purchase
certified hay, you may use pelletized feeds. Please click
here for details on forage
restrictions in the Rocky Mountain Region. |
Can I bring my dog to the Forest? Can I have my dog
off leash? |
Yes, you may bring your dog to the Forest, but leashes are
required in some areas, including some designated wilderness areas,
all developed campgrounds, picnic areas, and day-use areas. In
most other areas of a National Forest, including trails, dogs
are not required to be on a leash, but they should be under your
control at all times. We recommend that you keep your dog on a
leash when you are around other forest users, other dogs.
Dog are not allowed to chase wildlife, except where permitted
during hunting seasons.
|
Top |
. |
How do I get a federal access pass? |
Specific details about each pass, the cost, and
instructions are available at INTERAGENCY
RECREATION PASSES, including Annual Pass, Senior Pass, Access
Pass, and Volunteer Pass.
The Golden Age Passports and Golden Access Passports will continue
to be honored for the lifetime of the pass holder, so both passes
will be valid for many years to come.
|
What is the vehicle pass and do we need to have one
on the Nebraska National Forest? |
Check with the facility you intend to use. Take a look at our
Facilities
at a Glance, or contact the one
of the district offices. |
Does the Forest Service give away free
trees? |
The National Forest Service no longer gives away
trees. We recommend you check with your state forestry department
for more information/grants, etc. Find
your state forestry department by state here. |
I have a problem or question about a tree
on my property. Can someone help me? |
The USDA Forest Service does not provide this service,
but many county extension offices and state forestry departments
do. Contact the Nebraska Forest
Service or the South
Dakota Resource Conservation & Forestry. |
Top |
. |
Can I pick berries in the National Forest? Do I need
a permit? |
Yes, you may pick berries for personal use without a permit.
Strawberries, thimbleberries, gooseberries, serviceberries, sand
cherries, wild plums, and chokecherries are all popular berries
to pick. |
Where can I go in the forest to get rocks, pinecones,
pine boughs, logs, posts, etc? |
You have to have a permit to remove any minerals or wood products
from the National Forests. To obtain one of these permits check
with your nearest National
Forest Service office. |
Can I get information about picking mushrooms? Will
there be mushrooms in the forest because of the fires last year? |
There may be mushrooms in some of the areas burned by fires
last year. If you are picking mushrooms just for your personal
use, you will probably not need a permit, but you should still
check with the local forest office near the area you are interested
in to find out about what specific areas are available, what areas
are set aside for commercial harvest, what roads are open, or
any other special restrictions.
If you are interested in any type of commercial harvest and want
to resell your mushrooms to a buyer, you will need a PERMIT
from the Forest Service and will need to contact the local forest
office.
|
Can I collect pinecones on National Forests? |
Yes, you can collect pinecones for personal use. If you want
to resell the pinecones, either wholesale or in items such as
wreaths or other objects, you need to get a special
use permit. Contact the local
forest office for more information. |
Where can I go rockhounding on the Buffalo Gap and
Oglala National Grassland?
Can I collect fossils and rocks on the National Grassland? |
There are several exposed rock beds on Buffalo Gap National
Grassland created by water erosion from the Black Hills. General
locations for rock beds include: Conata Basin, Weta Basin, French
Creek Campground, and near Oelrichs, SD. See the Buffalo Gap Recreation
map for these general locations. Little vegetation covers the
river cobbles making up the rock beds so they are readily visible.
Rock hunting and surface collection of rocks and agates is popular
in many areas on the Oglala National Grassland. They may be collected
for personal use without a permit.
Artifacts, such as projectile points, pottery shards, or any other
archeological resources are protected by law, and collection is
not allowed.
Collection of vertebrate fossils is allowed by permit
only. Please contact the ranger
district office for additional information. |
Can I use a metal detector on Forest Service lands? |
We don’t encourage the use of metal detectors on Forest Service
lands because we are interested in protecting and preserving cultural
and historic artifacts. Also, you should be aware that the National
Historic Preservation Act generally prohibits collecting anything
50 years old or older. |
Top |
. |
Is there a scenic drive/highway in the Buffalo Gap
National Grassland? |
There is not a designated scenic drive through Buffalo Gap
National Grassland. Several state highways go through parts of
the grassland: Interstate 90, South Dakota State Highways 240,
44, 79, and 385. |
What is the Wildflower Viewing Hotline?
|
The Wildflower Hotline provides location and species information
on flowering plants during the spring and summer seasons. The
number is 800-354-4595. |
When is the Hudson-Meng Bison Bonebed open? |
The Visitor Center at Hudson-Meng is open for tours to the
public, May 15 – Sept., 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Special arrangements
can be made for group tours April – October. For more information
please call 308-432-4475. |
I'd like to have my wedding ceremony or reception on
the National Forest. How do I go about it? |
The first thing to do is contact the local
Forest office near where you would like your ceremony. Do
this as early as possible, so the Forest Service has time to work
with you on a location. Some offices require a permit,
but generally you do not need one if you are having a simple ceremony
and your wedding party is fewer than 75 people. Some locations
that are very popular for weddings are also popular with the general
public, or may already have other group activities scheduled.
You cannot "reserve" or "close" your wedding site to the general
public, but by working with the local Forest office, you can avoid
unnecessary user conflicts. You also will have to follow existing
regulations about driving into the site and what is allowed there.
A good option to have a site reserved for your use is to reserve
a Group Campground. You can make a reservation for many of the
group sites in this Region by visiting Recreation.gov
or calling 877-444-6777. |
Can I plant a memorial tree in a National
Forest? |
The Forest Service "Plant-A-Tree" Program permits
individuals and groups to donate money for planting trees on National
Forests. The trees may be planted to memorialize loved ones or
to commemorate special events such as births, weddings, or anniversaries.
For a suggested minimum donation of $10, which pays for 10-15
seedlings, donors receive a certificate acknowledging their gift.
If desired, the name of the person in whose honor the donation
is made will appear on the certificate. The trees, planted mostly
in large plantations, will not be individually identified by donor.
Smaller (or larger) donations will be acceptable in most cases.
Business groups may participate in the program as long as their
participation is non-commercial. Donations may be made in person
and by mail at all Forest Service offices. Forest Service offices
are listed in the telephone directory under "U.S. Government,
Department of Agriculture." There are two other similar programs.
The American Forests group plants memorial trees in national forests
in honor of loved ones. Find out more about the Memorial
Trees campaign and The Arbor Day Foundation's "Trees
in Memory and Trees in Celebration". |
Top |
. |
Where can I get information on hunting?
Where can I get a hunting license?
|
Hunting is allowed on most National Forests and Grasslands,
including designated Wilderness Areas. However, you still need
to be aware of, and follow any existing restrictions for the areas
you wish to hunt. For example, wheeled game carts are not allowed
in Wilderness Areas because they are a mechanical device. Also,
in some Forest areas, certain roads and trails may be seasonally
closed to motorized travel (including ATV's) during the wet fall
months to prevent damage and erosion.
You should contact the local
Forest near the area you wish to hunt to find out about travel
management policies and any restrictions that may affect your
hunting area. They can also provide you with information about
any other activities occurring in your hunting area, such as domestic
livestock (sheep or cows), timber sales, prescribed fires, or
recreation events. Also check out Nebraska
Hunting Brochures and Applications and South
Dakota Game, Fish and Parks for a variety of information. |
Where do you have blinds for viewing sharp-tailed grouse
or greater prairie chickens during the spring courtship displays? |
The Bessey
Ranger District of the Nebraska NF has two blinds, one for
sharp-tailed grouse, and one for greater prairie chicken, available
by reservation. They are set up from March through May. Maps with
directions are available by stopping at the office the day prior
to viewing or by contacting us by mail or phone. We are at State
Spur 86B, PO Box 38, Halsey, NE 69142. Our phone number is 308-533-2257. |
Can I recreationally shoot in National Forests? Where? |
You can target practice in most areas of National Forest, with
some exceptions. No shooting is allowed within 300 feet of a campground,
trail head, residence, or any place people occupy. Additional
areas that do not allow shooting will be posted. You are not allowed
to shoot across or on a National Forest road, trail, or body of
water. You must shoot in a safe manner, know where your round
is going, and have a safe backstop. You cannot place a target
on a live tree.
There are established target ranges on some National Forests. |
Where can I go prairie dog shooting on Buffalo Gap
National Grassland? |
With one exception, anywhere on the Buffalo Gap National Grassland
and all associated units of the Nebraska National Forest that
are open to hunting. The exception is the Conata Basin south of
Wall, SD, which is part of the Buffalo Gap National Grassland
and is the world’s most successful black-footed ferret recovery
site. The black-footed ferret is a federally listed endangered
species and depends almost exclusively upon prairie dogs for its
food and shelter. |
Is prairie dog hunting allowed on the Ft. Pierre National
Grassland? |
Prairie dog shooting is allowed. There are about 750 acres
of prairie dog towns scattered throughout the grassland. Shooting
prairie dogs is closed from March 1st – June 14th on all public
lands in South Dakota. |
Where can I hunt on the Nebraska National Forest or
Oglala National Grassland? |
You can hunt anywhere on the national forest or Oglala National
Grassland unless restricted by state or federal law or regulation.
Public lands are intermingled with private lands. You must obtain
permission to cross private lands to access public lands unless
you are on a public road. State law prohibits hunting within a
200 yard radius of an inhabited dwelling or from a public road
right-of-way. All state laws and regulations for hunting apply
to hunting on public lands. The best way to distinguish public
lands from private is to purchase a forest recreation map at the
nearest Forest Service office.
For more information on hunting regulations and opportunities
in Nebraska, please visit the Nebraska
Game and Parks Web site. |
Where can I hunt coyotes, big game, and upland game
on the Buffalo Gap National Grassland? |
Hunting is allowed anywhere on the Buffalo Gap National Grassland,
as regulated by state laws and regulations. Contact the South
Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Department for license, availability
of tags and other information. |
Are hunting and fishing allowed on Ft. Pierre National
Grassland? |
The national grassland is available for hunting and fishing
as regulated by state law. Public lands are intermingled with
private lands and access across private lands to reach public
lands requires landowner permission.
There are several stock ponds that contain panfish and large mouthed
bass. Upland bird hunting is popular, with sharp-tailed grouse,
greater prairie chicken, and ring-necked pheasant available. Hunters
see some success during early season mourning dove and duck seasons.
Big game hunters can pursue both mule and white-tailed deer and
pronghorn antelope. For application purposes, the Ft. Pierre National
Grassland and intermingled private lands are within one management
unit.
For more information on hunting and fishing regulations in South
Dakota, please visit the Dept. of Game, Fish and Parks. |
Top |
. |
How do I sell products and services to the Forest Service?
Are there contracts on which I can bid? |
If you sell a product or service, the best thing to do is get
in Federal Supply Service Program through the General
Services Administration (GSA). GSA is the business manager
and purchasing agent for the federal government.
To bid on contracts throughout the federal government, start
at FedBizOpps.
|
Top |
. |
How do I find a job with the Forest Service? |
For any questions related to "EMPLOYMENT" please go to our
employment section of the
web site. This includes career advice, fire jobs, and summer
hires. All Forest Service jobs are listed on the USAJOBS
database or to search ONLY
for Forest Service jobs. Also try the USDA
Forest Service site. |
How old do I have to be to get a job with the Forest
Service? How do I apply? |
You have to be at least 18 years old. For any question related
to EMPLOYMENT, including career advice, fire jobs, and summer
hires, please
visit our Web site. |
How do I become a firefighter? |
Seasonal Firefighter - People interested in a job as a seasonal
firefighter (generally from May to September) must apply to the
agency they are interested in working for. Each agency (Bureau
of Land Management, National Park Service, Forest Service, Bureau
of Indian Affairs, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, State of Idaho,
etc.) has its own process for hiring seasonal employees. You may
want to consider applying to more than one agency. To become a
wildland firefighter, you must be between the 18 and 35 years
old and pass a physical fitness test.
Professional Full-time Firefighter - Check with the agency you
are interested in and obtain an information package on how to
apply for these types of jobs.
For Training and Qualifications questions see the National
Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) FAQ Web site. |
How can I volunteer for the Forest Service? How old
do I have to be? |
There are no age limitations. You can visit a local office
to find out what jobs are available and fill out an application.
You can also visit the regional
Web page. |
Top |
. |
Do I need a permit to use the National
Forest? When? How do I get one? |
You do not usually need a permit for general access
or use of National Forest lands for recreation. Some heavily-used
designated wilderness areas may require a permit to monitor and
manage the number of people using the area, but most do not.
You WILL need a permit IF:
- You plan to remove any forest products such as firewood, poles,
ferns, rocks;
- You plan to use the National Forest land for camping for an
extended period of time (usually more than 14 days);
- You plan to use the National Forest for any type of profit or
commercial use, such as outfitting or guiding
Forest product permits include the following: personal-use fuel
wood; commercial-use fuel wood; personal-use transplants; personal-use
boughs; ferns; posts and poles; mushrooms; and Christmas trees.
Special use
permits are issued for the following: outfitting/guiding;
still photography/motion picture permits; special events (such
as weddings, reunions); and recreation residences.
For more information on conducting business on public lands, please
visit the FS
web site for Special Uses. |
When do I need a Special Use authorization
from the Forest Service? What is a Special Use Permit or authorization? |
Generally, you will need Special
Use Permit to do something that is not normally available
to the general public. This may include the following:
1. If you intend to occupy, use, or build on National Forest system
land for personal or business purposes, whether the duration is
temporary or long term.
2. If there is a fee being charged or if income is derived from
the use.
3. If an activity on National Forest system land involves individuals
or organizations with 75 or more participants or spectators. This
includes activities such as a family reunion.
A Special-use
authorization is a legal document such as a permit, lease, or
easement that allows the holder to have certain occupancy, use
rights, or other privileges on public lands. The authorization
is granted for a specific period of time for a specific use. |
How do I know if what I propose to do on
the National Forest is appropriate or consistent with the mission
of the National Forest? |
1. Your request must be consistent with federal,
state, and local laws, regulations, and special orders that apply
to the National Forests.
2. Your request must be consistent with the Forest Plan that established
standards and guidelines for management of the land where the
activity will take place. A copy of the forest plan is available
at your local Forest Service office and in many libraries.
3. Your request must not endanger public health or safety.
4. Your request must not require exclusive or perpetual use or
occupancy.
5. Your request cannot conflict or interfere with administrative
use by the Forest Service, other authorized existing uses, or
uses of adjacent nonfederal lands.
6. The applicant must not owe any fees to the Forest Service from
a prior or existing special-use authorization.
7. No gambling or providing of sexually oriented commercial services
can be authorized on National Forest system land, even if permitted
under state law.
8. No military or paramilitary training or exercises can be authorized
on NATIONAL FOREST SYSTEM land unless the exercises are federally
funded.
9. No disposal of solid waste or storage or disposal of radioactive
or other hazardous substances can be authorized on NATIONAL FOREST
SYSTEM land. |
What are recreation events and who needs
a permit? |
Recreation events are commercial activities requiring
temporary, authorized use of National Forest system land. Examples
of recreation events include, but are not limited to, animal,
bicycle, motocross, or triathlon races; jeep rallies; dog trials;
fishing contests; rendezvous; rodeos; adventure games; youth treks;
wagon trains; concerts; and other similar events. A permit is
required for these type of events, regardless of the number of
people involved in the activity. Permit information is available
at the Special
Uses web site. |
How do I know if my recreation event is
commercial or not? |
A commercial use or activity on NATIONAL FOREST
SYSTEM land occurs when (a) an applicant intends to charge an
entry or participation fee, or (b) the primary purpose is the
sale of a good or service, regardless of the intent to produce
a profit. Money collected may cover expense categories, such as
food, transportation, prizes, advertising, purchase replacement
of equipment, or compensation for the leader of the activity.
Use is considered noncommercial if the fees charged are used only
for the purpose of paying for actual expenses directly related
to operating or staging the activity, with any excess funds returned
to participants. The fees charged should not include costs for
employees or personnel who stage or run the event. |
Is a fee required for a recreation event? |
Yes, land use rental fees are required and there
are two ways to determine the fees: (1) 5% of adjusted gross receipts
for one time events and 3% of adjusted gross receipts for multiple
events under a single permit; or (2) using the minimum fees for
recreation events that have been established, but may vary, by
National Forest.
There may be other costs for which you are responsible as part
of your authorized activity. Liability insurance coverage and
a performance bond to ensure protection of the environment and
site cleanup may be required. Depending on the size and duration
of your activity, costs associated with law enforcement, crowd
control, safety issues, and sanitation may also be required. |
Where can I find further information regarding
special use permits? |
Complete regulations on special use permits and
recreation events on national forests are available at Forest
Service and Bureau of Land Management. You may obtain copies
from your local Forest Service office. |
What are non-commercial group uses? |
Non-commercial group uses are any activity conducted
on National Forest system lands involving 75 or more people, either
as participants or spectators, in which (a) no entry or participation
fee is charged, and (b) the primary purpose of the activity is
not the sale of a good or service. Examples of non-commercial
activities include club or family recreation outings, reunions,
and weddings. No permit fee, bonding, or insurance is required
for non-commercial group uses. |
How do I apply for a non-commercial group
use permit and how long will it take to get the permit? |
To apply:
Contact the ranger district office in the area where you wish
to have your activity. You must complete an application providing
(1) the applicant's name and mailing address; (2) if the applicant
is an organization, the name of an individual authorized to receive
notice of the decision on the application; (3) a description of
the activity; (4) the location and description of the National
Forest system lands and facilities you would like to use; (5)
the estimated number of participants and spectators; (6) the starting
and ending date and time of the activity; and (7) the name of
the person or persons 21 years of age or older who will sign the
permit on behalf of the applicant. The application must be received
by the local ranger district office at least 72 hours in advance
of your activity.
Response:
All applications for noncommercial group uses will be deemed granted
unless denied within 48 hours of receipt. If your application
is granted, a permit will be issued prior to the start of your
activity. |
What is Outfitting and or Guiding and who
needs a permit? |
Outfitting is providing through rental or livery
any saddle or pack animal, vehicle or boat, tents, or camp gear,
or similar supplies or equipment, for pecuniary remuneration or
other gain. The term Outfitter includes the holder's/permittees
employees, agents, and instructors. Guiding is providing services
or assistance (such as supervision, protection, education, training,
packing, touring, subsistence, interpretation, or other assistance
to individuals or groups in their pursuit of a natural resource-based
outdoor activity) for pecuniary remuneration or other gain. The
term "Guide" includes the holder's/permittees employees, agents,
and instructors. A permit is required for these type of events,
regardless of the number of people involved in the activity. |
Is a fee required for Outfitting and Guiding? |
There may be other costs for which you are responsible
as part of your authorized activity. Liability insurance coverage
and a performance bond to ensure protection of the environment
and site cleanup may be required. Depending on the size and duration
of your activity, costs associated with law enforcement, crowd
control, safety issues, and sanitation may also be required. Visit
the web site for more information. Also check the USDA
Forest Service Outfitting and Guide Directory Links. |
What are special-use authorizations? |
A special-use authorization is a legal document
such as a permit, lease, or easement, which allows occupancy,
use, rights, or privileges of National Forest system land. The
authorization is granted for a specific use of the land for a
specific period of time. |
Top |
. |
Many fire related questions?
|
Many fire related questions are answered at the National
Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) FAQ Web site. |
How will an increase in the use of fire
benefit ecosystem health? |
The effects of fire can retard or accelerate the
natural development of plant communities, alter species diversity,
change nutrient flows, and interact with other physical, chemical,
and biological systems. Thus, for most North American ecosystems,
fire sustains functional ecosystems.
|
Throughout history, what are some of the
most memorable fires? |
The National
Interagency Fire Center maintains a FAQ Web site which includes
a great table of fire history. |
What is fire's natural role in ecosystems
and why do we need to be concerned about this? |
More than 100 years of excluding fire, combined
with past land-use practices, have altered the landscape. This
has resulted in changes such as a heavy buildup of dead vegetation,
dense stands of trees, a shift to species that have not evolved
and adapted to fire, and, occasionally, even an increase in non-native
fire-prone plants. Because of these conditions, today's fires
tend to be larger, burn hotter, and spread farther and faster,
making them more severe, more dangerous, and more costly in human,
economic, and ecologic terms.
The goal of the fire policy is to restore the natural balance
by adopting land management practices that integrate fire into
ecosystems as an essential natural process. Fire can be used to
reduce the buildup of dead and downed trees and curb insect and
disease infestations, while releasing and recycling nutrients
essential for the growth and reproduction of many plant species.
Land managers must balance wildland fire suppression with the
use of fire for resource benefit.
|
What is a "prescribed" fire? |
A prescribed fire is any fire intentionally ignited
to meet specific land management objectives (i.e., to reduce flammable
fuels, such as the accumulation of brush, logs, etc. on forest
floors; or to help restore ecosystem health). Prescribed fires
are preplanned ignitions, with predetermined boundaries. They
are conducted only under certain weather conditions (i.e., during
periods of low wind) when flame length and heat can be controlled.
Land managers must obtain approval of prescribed fire plans from
applicable federal or state agencies before conducting planned
burns. In addition, all applicable requirements under the National
Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) must be met on federal lands.
Before federal land management activities (i.e., trail building,
timber harvesting, use of fire, etc.) are conducted, NEPA requires
that the environmental impacts of these activities be analyzed
to assess their impacts on cultural resources, wetlands, soil,
water quality, air quality, visibility, and other resources.
|
What can homeowners do to protect their
homes from wildland fire and ensure their home can be protected
in the event of a fire? |
Use fire resistant building material. The roof
and exterior of homes should be constructed of non-combustible
or fire resistant materials such as fire resistant roofing materials,
tile, slate, sheet iron, aluminum, brick, or stone. Wood siding,
cedar shakes, exterior wood paneling, and other highly combustible
materials should be treated with fire retardant chemicals. If
a fire does occur near a home in the wildlands, homeowners have
the responsibility to create a "defensible space" so that firefighters
may safely protect their homes. Examples of defensible space are:
cleaning roof surfaces and gutters regularly to avoid accumulation
of flammable materials, or Removing portions of any tree extending
within 10 feet of the flue opening of any stove or chimney, maintaining
a fuel break around all structures, etc.
For other fire related questions see the National
Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) FAQ Web site. |