Recreational Activities
National Forests and Grasslands offer a diversity of outdoor opportunities. These lands are yours - to visit, to care for, but most of all, to enjoy.
What are you waiting for? Pack up your family and friends and
head for adventure in America's Great Outdoor
Interim Final Directives National
Trail Classification System Available for 60 day Public Comment
On October 16, 2008, Forest Service
published in the Federal Register interim final directives for
the national trails classification system. These interim final directives amend the Forest Service
Manual 2350, Trail, River, and Similar Recreation Opportunities,
and Forest Service Handbook 2309.18,
the Trail Management Handbook, to incorporate revisions to
the agency’s national trail classification system, consisting of the Trail
Classes and Design Parameters. The interim final directives
will be available for public comment for 60 days.
Comments must be received by December 15, 2008. Please send comments
to Jonathan Stephens, National Program Manager for Trails and Congressionally
Designated Areas, US Forest Service, Recreation, Heritage and Volunteer
Resources Staff, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Mail Stop 1125,
Washington, DC 20250; or by facsimile to (202) 205-1145. Comments also
may be submitted
by following the instructions at the Federal rulemaking portal at
http://www.regulations.gov.
Federal Register Notice (11MB) - click
here.
Changes to the Trail Class Matrix & Design Parameters
- click
here.
Excerpted Sections from FSM 2350 - click here.
2309.18 Zero Code Definition - click here.
2309.18 Chapter 10 Trail Planning - click here.
2309.18 Chapter 20 Trail Development - click here.
2007 Recreation Forums Summary Proceedings
In March and April of
2007, the American Recreation Coalition and the National Forest
Foundation teamed up to convene a series of six Recreation Forums
across the nation - five regional sessions followed by a national
gathering in Washington, DC. Over 1200 people from
across the nation with diverse backgrounds participated in the
dialog sessions. To view the 24 page forum summary click here.
Recreation Facilities Review
The review team report on public
participation in the Forest Service's recreation facilities planning
process is available on line for viewing. This report examines
growing public concern over the potential loss of recreation
facilities and the importance people attach to their recreation
places. Recommendations for the continuing improvement of
public participation and opportunities for comment on the
agency's public involvement process are included. To read the
executive summary and complete report
click here.
The
Action Plan (24 kb pdf) derived from the Review Team Report.
"Lifelines"
The USDA Forest Service manages one of the worlds largest road and trail systems
in partnership with FHWA-Federal Lands, States and volunteer groups. In particular the forest road network
provides the American public unprecedented access to a vast array of adventure recreation travel to natures
many special places. They serve as "Lifelines" into and around the National Forest System and for
surrounding gateway communities. Enjoy this short trailer on the full length DVD which is scheduled to be
shipped to all National Forest units in winter 2006. We wish to thank our partners in FHWA Federal Lands
for the generous support to produce this film.
More >>>
New Travel Management Rule
The Forest Service published
a new regulation on November 9, 2005, governing off-highway vehicles
and other motor vehicle use on national forests and grasslands. The
new rule requires each national forest or ranger district to
designate those roads, trails, and areas open to motor vehicle use.
“OHVs are fun and exciting ways to experience national
forests, and we’ve seen dramatic increases in their popularity in the last
decades,” said Forest Service Chief Dale Bosworth. “Land managers, working with states,
counties, motorized sports enthusiasts, conservationists, local communities and
others, will provide sustainable motorized recreation experiences in national
forests and grasslands for the long run.” more
»
National Forest Scenic Byways
National Forests and Grasslands offer a vast network of highways
and roads that access the largest single adventure-travel and nature-based
tourism estate in America. Visit
America’s
Byways to learn about touring America’s National Forest
Scenic Byways this fall.
more
»
Section Features
Activities Recreation.Gov is your one-stop source for finding recreational opportunities on federal lands.
National Forests & Grasslands Find a forest or grassland by Map, Name or State.
Wilderness Places where the imprint of humans is substantially unnoticed.
Outdoor Safety Before you travel check out these safety tips and checklists!
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