Shawnee National Forest


	Appeal Information
	Contracting
	ILICC
	Natural Resources
	Non-Native Invasive Species
	River to River CWMA
	Urban Connections

	The transportation of invasive insects & diseases through firewood is destroying trees in urban, suburban & forest areas. See what you can do.
	Research Natural Areas Program Research Natural Areas (RNAs) are established by the USDA Forest Service as representative examples of minimally disturbed natural ecosystems.
	Eastern Area Coordination Center (EACC) EACC monitors wildfire potential, weather, and wildland fire use within the Eastern Region.
	Evaluate Our Service We need your comments to help provide the best service
	Other Recreation Related Links

Shawnee National Forest
50 Hwy. 145 South
Harrisburg, IL 62946
Phone: 618-253-7114 or 1-800-MY-WOODS (699-6637)
TTY: 618-253-1070 (TTY users may also use the toll-free number for the Illinois Relay Service: 1-800-526-0844)
FAX: (618) 253-1060

About Us

The origin of the Shawnee National Forest is closely linked to the economic calamity of the Great Depression. The southern Illinois economy was on the skids well before the stock market crash of 1929. Decades of timber exploitation, subsistence farming, and man-caused wildfires resulted in massive erosion, declining soil fertility and a downward spiral in crop production. Non-agricultural jobs were centered in the timber and mining industries, both of which experienced significant market downturns throughout the 1920s. Upstate newspapers, principally the Chicago Tribune, began campaigning for the establishment of a national forest in Illinois. By 1931, the Illinois Department of Conservation and the Illinois Natural History Survey had pushed consent language (required by Article 1, Section 8, Clause 17 of the U.S. Constitution) through the State Legislature. This provided broad authority to the United States to establish, consolidate, and extend national forests within the state without any limitation of acreage or approval by local or State agencies.

OUR VISION
In 2005, the U.S. Forest Service celebrated the legacy of its first century of service. At that time, leaders in the Eastern Region asked "what will our legacy for the next century be?" This led to the development of a vision for the Region, which is "Courageous Conservation," a sustainable future, a legacy of restoration. Our vision has five audacious goals:

Protect ecosystems across boundaries
Connect citizens to the land
Walk the talk for sustainability
Revolutionize effectiveness and efficiency
Be an employer of choice

The vision is being incorporated into the Eastern Region's program of work and will shape our practices and the way we complete work on-the-ground now and into the future.

HISTORY
The idea of a national forest in Southern Illinois had no doubt been thought of and discussed haphazardly by state, county and municipal officials and public-spirited citizens of the region for many years before a movement to establish such an area actually came from ....

NICHE STATEMENT
The State of Illinois claims the Shawnee National Forest as its number-one outdoor recreation tourist attraction. The Shawnee National Forest has the largest public forested area in the state, and is uniquely positioned to provide visitors with a wide range of outdoor recreation opportunities....

POINTS OF PRIDE
The Shawnee National Forest associates are extremely proud of our dedication and commitment to . . .

FOREST FACTS
Statistical information about the forest ....

ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW
The Forest is made up of the following staff areas ...

CONTRACTING WITH REGION 9
This page provides information and guidance to help assist the small business to participate in the USDA Forest Service procurement activities.

Photo Galleries

Driving Directions

FAQ's

LOCATION INFORMATION

USDA Forest Service - Eastern Region
Last modified: Friday, 26 January 2007