2. Where can I get tips on how to explore this website?
For more in-depth inquiry into International Programs, visit our site map or our main search page.

3. Why is the Forest Service working internationally?
We work internationally to:

• Improve management in some of the world's most threatened forests including forests in the Amazon Basin, the Congo, Russia and Indonesia;
  
  
• Protect U.S. forests from invasive species that are damaging or could damage our forests;
  
  
• Recover the habitat of the world's endangered species-including the Siberian Tiger, the Monarch butterfly and the Panda;
  
  
• Develop policies wordwide to promote forest sustainability;
  
  
• Level the playing field in international trade through reducing the amount of underpriced timber on the world market,
  
  
• Bring important research knowledge and technology gained overseas back to the U.S., and
  
  
• Provide humanitarian response support to disasters around the world. Past responses include support to disasters in Kosovo, the Rwanda genocide and current teams in Iraq.
  

4. I am interested in current forest related activities in China. Does this website offer information about USDA Forest Service work in that region?
The USDA Forest Service lends its expertise on projects across several countries in North America, Latin America and the Caribbean, Asia and the Pacific, Africa, and Europe, Eurasia, Russia and the Middle East. From the homepage, simply navigate your way through the Around the Globe section until you reach the specific country page, where current activities are listed. In order to access the China country page, select the Asia & Pacific region from the Around the Globe page and then choose China.

5. My forestry project in Bolivia needs technical assistance in watershed assessment; can International Programs help me locate expertise in this area or just in forestry?
International Programs collaborates on overseas projects, which already have funding, on an array of topics that involve natural resources and forest management, such as: watershed management, fire management, forest monitoring, invasive species, etc. International Programs regularly taps into the agency's wide range of expertise. Wildlife biologists, forest economists, hydrologists, disaster and fire management specialists, and policy makers are among those who comprise the staff of over thirty thousand employees. For a detailed list of topics and related activities within a specific country, visit Program Topics. Select the topic, followed by the country, in which you are interested. A list of specific activities related to the topic (i.e. fire) appears under that country. If you have more questions, contact the specific regional program staff member.

6. Disasters, such as wars and earthquakes, have devastating effects on a region's population and natural surroundings. Has the USDA Forest Service ever been involved in disaster relief efforts overseas?
Due to its extensive emergency response capabilities and experience in wild land and forest firefighting, the USDA Forest Service was recognized as having unique skills and resources that were suited to respond to any type of disaster. International Programs' Disaster Assistance Support Program (DASP), with funding from the US Agency for International Development's Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance, provides disaster prevention, preparedness, and response expertise to U.S. relief efforts overseas.

7. Does the USDA Forest Service have a role among international forest policy makers?
We work with forest industry, State foresters, environmental non-governmental organizations, and others to ensure that the U.S. positions on forestry matters have the advantage of the best technical input and prevent the U.S. from entering into international agreements, which would be impossible or costly to implement domestically. The policy staff of International Programs works to ensure that the U.S. position on international forest policies and agreements reflects the best interests of the United States. The USDA Forest Service collaborates with the State Department, other government agencies, private industry, and non-government organizations and participates in international fora to promote sustainable forest management. For more information, visit the Policy section of the website.

8. I'm a natural resource manager from Namibia and am very interested in learning about forest planning and protected area management in the U.S. Does International Programs offer any workshops or seminars on this topic?
Every year International Programs and its partners invite natural resources managers from around the world to participate in two different international seminars: natural resources management, protected area management, watershed management, and a field course on wildlands and protected area management. For more information, visit International Seminars, where you can find brochures, application forms, and discussion boards.

10. I am working on developing an ecotourism site that needs additional funding; how can your office help me?
While International Programs does not fund work, we can provide assessments for project development or technical support to existing projects. We have collaborated on projects funded by the World Bank, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, United Nations Development Program, U.S. Agency for International Development, and others in every region of the world. If your project has funding but needs technical assistance, contact us to explore collaboration possibilities. We can provide cost effective assistance with the possibility of in-kind contributions. To find out more, go to Cooperate With Us.

11. Are there any opportunities or scholarships to study international natural resource management?
International Programs does not provide any scholarships directly; however, the website does offer a list of funding resources to individuals . A Guide to Grants, Fellowships and scholarships in International Forestry and Natural Resources is available under Student Resources within the Learning Zone.

12. My teacher assigned our class a project on the different forests of the world. Can you help me find some information please?
If you need help with your class project, you've come to the right place. Just visit the Learning Zone and head to the Kid's Treehouse, where you'll find so many interesting facts about the world's forest. Learn about the temperate, tropical and coniferous forests as well the animals and plants found there. Test your skills with our fun games and quizzes!

13. Where can I find past issues of the IP newsletter?
First, visit the recent edition of our Newsletter, where you will find a hyperlink to Past Issues. You will have access to issues concerning watershed management, invasive species, and disaster assistance.

14. I have so many specific questions, which are not addressed in this website, about country activities. What should I do?
For further information on a specific program topic, country activities, or general questions on International Programs, contact one of our Staff members, who will be glad to help you.

15. Does International Programs have a mailing list, and how can I join?
International Programs sends out announcements about our newsletter and seminar information to our electronic network. To be a part of our mailing list, please send us your contact information via our Feedback page.