National Forests in California

In The Spotlight

• Archived Stories

Pacific Southwest Regional Strategic Priorities

January 14, 2009

In October 2008, the Regional Leadership Team identified five strategic priorities that will guide the Region through FY 2009 and beyond. These priorities reflect who we are as a Region and where we intend to go in the future. Read more

Forest Service Meets with Representatives from Congressman Herger's Office to Discuss 2008 Fire Season in Northern California

January 13, 2009

Three members from Congressman Wally Herger's staff, members of the Concerned Citizens for Responsible Fire Management, County Supervisors from Butte, Shasta, Trinity and Siskiyou counties and Forest Service personnel attended a roundtable discussion on fire in Northern California on January 7, 2009, in Redding, Calif. Read more

Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management Extend Deadline for California Recreation Resource Advisory Committee Member Applications

January 6, 2009

The deadline for submitting applications for the Pacific Southwest California Recreation Resource Advisory Committee (RRAC) has been extended to February 6, 2009. We are seeking applications for the following three positions on the 11 member RRAC: Winter motorized recreation such as snowmobiling; hunting and fishing; and motorized outfitting and guiding or local environmental groups. Read more

Motor Vehicle Travel on National Forests in California

January 5, 2009

The use of motor vehicles, particularly off–highway vehicles, is one of the fastest growing forms of outdoor recreation on National Forest land in California. This use—and its effects—has largely gone unmanaged until now. Motor–vehicle recreation needs to be balanced with the many different uses of our National Forests, as well as ensure the protection of the land, wildlife and other recreational visitors. Read more

Sustainable Operations Vision Statement

December 17, 2008

We will create within our operations those habits that inspire individual and organizational decisions that lead directly to reducing energy use, water use, and waste production at our buildings and facilities; reducing emissions from transportation and travel; increasing fuel efficiency in our fleet; increasing recycling; and developing and implementing green purchasing practices. Read more

Forest Service Launches Collaborative “Trees and Trails” Approach

December 12, 2008

On December 3, 2008, 15 forest recreation and conservation partners, forest staff officers and Pacific Southwest Region staff gathered to launch a new, unified approach entitled: “Trees and Trails.” The organizing theme will provide focus and energy to connect people with nature, provide green jobs for young adults through hosted programs, improve trails, restore ecosystems and provide meaningful volunteer experiences on the National Forests of California. Read more

Children Outdoors — Building Bridges

November 19, 2008

Concerned that children are less engaged with the outside world today, Region 5's Angeles National Forest and the Southern California Consortium, an environmental education, outreach and recruitment program, are working with other agencies and organizations to change this situation and encourage kids to once again go out and play. Read more

Regional Highlights

• Pacific Southwest Regional Strategic Priorities
• Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management Extend Deadline for California Recreation Resource Advisory Committee Member Applications
• Lebanese Interagency Fire Tour Will Stop in Southern California
• Forest Service Places Emphasis on Fire Investigations
• Transient Who Started 'Day Fire' That Burned 162,000 Acres Sentenced to Nearly Four Years in Prison
• 40th Anniversary of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act
• Region 5 Schedule of Proposed Actions

• R5 News Feed

National Highlights

• Ecosystem Services: The Forest Service is exploring national opportunities to advance markets and payments for ecosystem services. With help from our partners and others, we will encourage broader thinking and collaboration that stimulates market-based conservation and stewardship.
• Climate Change, Water and Kids: Today, three great challenges cut across the conservation work we do: Climate Change, Water and Kids. These are not new topics for us, but they offer a context to build on. The Forest Service is acting on a national scale to meet these challenges.
• Healthy Forests and Rangelands: provides fire, fuels, and land management information to government officials, land and fire management professionals, businesses, communities, and other interested organizations and individuals.
• Fiscal Year 2009 Budget: The fiscal year (FY) 2009 Forest Service budget request totals $4.109 billion in discretionary appropriations, an 8 percent decrease from FY 2008 enacted level and a 5 percent decrease from FY 2007 levels.
• Washington Office Environmental Appeals and Litigation: This site contains information about the Forest Service's environmental appeals and litigation.