About the USDA Forest Service

The Forest Service is a part of the United States government. The United States government is often called the federal government. The federal government is made up of many departments and agencies. Each department addresses different types of needs on behalf of the Nation's citizens. You might be familiar with some of these department names, such as the Department of Education, the Department of Labor, and the Department of Defense. The Forest Service is a part of the Department of Agriculture. As an agency of the Department of Agriculture, the Forest Service is concerned with the Nation's forests and grasslands.

You can learn more about the federal government by visiting www.usa.gov. You can also check out the Department of Agriculture's Kid's Page. To learn more about the Forest Service, keep reading!

The Forest Service has three main branches. The largest branch consists of people who care for 155 national forests and 20 grasslands. National forests and grasslands are very large natural areas that are owned by the public, including you! This largest branch is called the National Forest System. The second branch works with your State government and people and businesses that are concerned with forests in your area. This branch is called State and Private Forestry. The third branch of the Forest Service consists of scientists and others who conduct research to discover new things about our natural environment. This branch is called Research and Development. The Natural Inquirer describes the work of scientists in this branch of the Forest Service. Learn more about the Forest Service.

The Forest Service also has an Office of International Programs. Through this office, the Forest Service works in 59 countries around the globe. When working internationally, the Forest Service works with foreign governments, universities, non-profits organizations, and businesses. Their goal is to help forests around the world become and stay as healthy as possible while providing forest products to improve the lives of people.

The Forest Service is led by an individual who is called the Chief of the Forest Service. Chief Gail Kimbell leads the Forest Service today. She wants everyone to learn about the Forest Service!