The benefits of being able to see what is currently available instead of reinventing
the wheel or starting from scratch are immeasurable. Downloading these materials will allow the information to be at your fingertips when you need it.

National Forests provide some of the finest nature viewing opportunities in the world. Wildlife, fish, and wildflower viewing has become the second most popular outdoor activity in the United States, second only to gardening. Nature-based tourism is a booming worldwide industry that is growing daily. Although it is encouraging to see this growing interest, we have a responsibility to ensure that nature viewing on public lands does not impair the protection and conservation of our natural resources. We also have the responsibility to raise the level of public awareness and appreciation so future generations can experience the wonders of nature, be responsible for their actions, and become advocates of proper and ethical behavior. Blending these two responsibilities is the challenge we all share.

I would personally like to thank everyone from the Forest Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, Natural Resources Conservation Service, state government agencies, partners, educators, and individuals who contributed materials for the development of this project. I hope this helps you do the work you love.

Don Virgovic
National NatureWatch Program Leader
USDA Forest Service