U.S. Forest Service

Forest Service Waives Day-use Fees for National Get Outdoors Day

June 6, 2017 - The National Forests and Grasslands in Texas is waiving fees at day-use recreation sites June 10 for National Get Outdoors Day.

“We hope this free day offers an incentive to all people to experience the great outdoors in our forests and grasslands,” Forest Supervisor Eddie Taylor said.

Camping fees remain in effect, but day-use fees will be waived on Saturday, June 10 at these recreation areas and trails:

Red Hill Lake Recreation Area Opens for the Season; Vandalism Delayed Opening

May 22, 2017 - Red Hill Lake Recreation Area will be open Thursday, May 25 through Oct. 1 for the summer season.

The delayed opening of Red Hill Lake Recreation Area is a result of vandalism to the electric hookups in January. As a result of the vandalism, electricity will not be available at campsites, according to Kimpton Cooper, Sabine National Forest Ranger.

“If anyone has information related to this crime, please call our office at 409-625-1940,” Cooper said.

Sabine National Forest Public Notifications Boles Field South Burn

April 23, 2017 - Officials with the National Forests and Grasslands in Texas, Sabine National Forest, have advised a prescribed burn involving approximately 3,636 acres located, on the North end of Sabine National Forest (Boles Field North RX Burn), Compartments 15 and 16, (Block C,D,). Winds are predicted from the North 7-9 mph and long range drift may affect some of the areas.

Forest Service Offering Student Internships

April 6, 2017 - The USDA Forest Service is offering paid student internships throughout the country. Students currently enrolled in high school through post-graduate level programs are eligible to apply.

Applicants must be at least 16 years old. Internships are for the summer of 2017 and may last up to one year. Government housing may be available at a cost to the intern.

Forest Service Controlled Burns Create Temporary Smoke, Long-term Benefits

April 6, 2017 - Since the first of the year, U.S. Forest Service fire personnel on the four National Forests have treated more than 84,000 acres with controlled burns.

“These controlled burns dramatically reduce the chances of potential wildfires spreading out of control and ultimately improve overall grassland vegetative health,” said Peter Goetzinger, Fire Management Officer for the National Forests and Grasslands in Texas.

National Forests, Grasslands in Texas to Begin Forest Plan Revision Process; Public Meeting Schedule

March 8, 2017 - The National Forests and Grasslands in Texas is beginning a process to revise its Land and Resource Management Plan that will provides direction for managing recreation, forest vegetation, rivers and tributaries, fish and wildlife and cultural and heritage assets.

“The National Forests and Grasslands in Texas play a unique role in Texas’ landscape,” said Forest Supervisor Eddie Taylor. “A revised forest plan will further enhance the national forest’s contribution to the state’s ecological, social, and economic sustainability.”

Forest Service Offering Temporary Jobs to Qualified Veterans

March 2, 2017 - The U.S. Forest Service is seeking qualified veterans for paid training in prescribed burns and wildland fire suppression for temporary positions.

Veterans selected for the eight-week program must be 18 years or older with an honorable military discharge and would complete a two-week basic firefighter training course on the Ocala National Forest in Florida. Including training, the program runs from May 14, 2017 through July 22, 2017, and possibly longer. Positions are available in Yellowpine, Zavalla, Decatur, Ratcliff and New Waverly.

U.S. Forest Service Waives Day-Use Fees for Presidents’ Day

February 13, 2017 - The National Forests and Grasslands in Texas is waiving day-use fees at recreation sites February 20 for Presidents’ Day.

“Our public lands are open to everyone, and we hope these free days offer an incentive to all people to visit any of the 193 million acres of land held in trust for their enjoyment and use,” U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell said.

U.S. Forest Service Warns Drone Users to Steer Away from Fire

February 17, 2017 - Flying drones is a fast-growing hobby, but Forest Service officials are warning that drones are becoming a fast-growing problem for firefighters doing their job.

While unmanned aerial vehicles, or drones, may be flown in many places in the National Forests and Grasslands in Texas (NFGT), there are areas where they can’t be flown by federal law and in accordance with FAA guidelines.

Forest Service Plans Controlled Burns to Reduce Fire Risk, Improve Forest Health

January 11, 2017 - U.S. Forest Service fire personnel will soon begin controlled burns in the national forests and will continue the burns during the next few months.

Despite recent rainfall, the forest is still recovering from the summer dry spell and controlled burning dramatically reduces the chances of a wildfire spreading out of control.

Shelby County Today

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