Implementation Guidelines for 

Executive Order 13728 

Wildland-Urban Interface Federal Risk 

Management
i 

Table of Contents

Section 1 Overview ............................................................................................................................1

1.1 INTRODUCTION................................................................................................................................... 1

1.2 SCOPE OF EXECUTIVE ORDER........................................................................................................... 2

1.3 AGENCIES AFFECTED BY EXECUTIVE ORDER ................................................................................... 2

1.4 DEVELOPMENT OF IMPLEMENTATION GUIDELINES ...................................................................... 3

Section 2 Implementation Guidelines.................................................................................................3

2.1 GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS.......................................................................................................... 3

2.2 DETAILED RECOMMENDATIONS......................................................................................................... 4

2.2.1 Commentary on Section 1............................................................................................................ 4

2.2.2 Commentary on Sections 2(a)...................................................................................................... 5

2.2.3 Commentary on Sections 2(b) ..................................................................................................... 6

2.2.4 Commentary on Section 2(c), 2(d), 2(e), and 2(f)........................................................................ 7

2.2.5 Commentary on Section 2(g) ....................................................................................................... 9

2.2.6 Commentary on Section 2(h)....................................................................................................... 9

2.2.7 Commentary on Section 2(i) ......................................................................................................10

2.2.8 Commentary on Section 3(a) .....................................................................................................11

2.2.9 Commentary on Section 3(b).....................................................................................................11

2.2.10 Commentary on Section 3(c) ...................................................................................................12

2.2.11 Commentary on Section 3(d)...................................................................................................13

2.2.12 Commentary on Section 4........................................................................................................15

2.2.13 Commentary on Section 5........................................................................................................16

Appendix A: Executive Order............................................................................................................17

Appendix B: IWUIC Comparison Table ..............................................................................................21

Appendix C: Tools and Methods to Assess Wildfire Hazard Risk.........................................................23

Appendix D: Contacts.......................................................................................................................25
1 

Section 1

Overview 

1.1 INTRODUCTION 

The Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Federal Risk Mitigation Executive Order 13728 (EO) 

released on May 18, 2016 aims to mitigate wildfire risks to Federal buildings located in the 

WUI, reduce risks to people, and help minimize property loss to wildfire. In 2015 alone, 

more than 10 million acres of wildlands burned, requiring the service of more than 27,000 

firefighters and resulting in $2.1 billion spent by the U.S. Forest Service1 (USFS) and the 

Department of the Interior (DOI) to suppress the fires—a record amount. Over the last 

decade, the fire season has become 2.5 months longer, and fires covering more than 10,000 

acres increased, with the average area burned by wildland fires doubling in the last three 

decades to an estimated seven million acres per year. As climate change impacts, and in 

particular, drought conditions, become more common place, the risk due to wildfire is 

expected to increase.

Over 46 million homes in 70,000 communities are at risk of WUI fires, which have destroyed 

an average of 3,000 structures annually over the last decade. WUI fires are a rapidly growing 2

threat with an annual loss of over $14 billion3. Within the last 100 years in the U.S., six of 

the top 10 most damaging single fire events involving structures were WUI fires and the 

WUI is continuing to grow at approximately 2 million acres per year. According to the USFS, 

32% of housing units in the United States and one-tenth of all land with housing are situated

in the WUI. Protection of public and private property in the WUI is also the largest cost 

driver for both Federal and State wildfire suppression operations.

Loss of Federal investments due to wildfires can be reduced if appropriate design and site 

considerations are employed. These typically add little or no additional cost. Such 

preparedness is also consistent with agencies’ climate change adaptation plans. Through 

implementation of this EO, the Federal Government is taking proactive steps to enhance 

the resilience of buildings that are owned by the Federal Government and are located on 

Federal land from the threats of a wildfire. 

The EO states that for new Federal buildings, and alterations to existing Federal buildings 

greater than 5,000 square feet, within the WUI and at moderate or greater risk to wildfire, 

Federal agencies should apply the wildfire-resistant design provisions outlined in the most 

current edition of the International Wildland-Urban Interface Code (IWUIC) promulgated 

by the International Code Council (ICC), or an equivalent nationally recognized code. The 

 

1 National Interagency Fire Center, 2016.

2 http://www.fs.fed.us/rm/pubs_journals/2016/rmrs_2016_cooke_b002.pdf. 3 Hall, J.R. 2009. The Total Cost of Fire in the United States. NFPA. Quincy, MA.
2 

EO and this implementation guide are intended to prepare the impacted Federal agencies 

with guidance to protect their facilities from the risks of wildfires. 

1.2 SCOPE OF EXECUTIVE ORDER 

The Wildland-Urban Interface Federal Risk Mitigation EO provides the basis for policy to 

strengthen the security and resilience of the Nation against wildfire, and to promote public 

safety, economic strength, and national security. In addition to the increased risk of wildfire 

due to the changing climate, the wildland-urban interface is growing as the number of houses 

and communities built in the WUI has steadily increased. The term WUI refers to the line, 

area, or zone where structures or development meet or intermingle with undeveloped 

wildland or vegetative fuels4

. Even without direct contact from a fire, wind-blown embers 

from wildfires can travel over a mile and ignite building components and debris on and 

around a structure.

As directed by the EO, these implementation guidelines shall be developed by January 18, 

2017 (within 240 days of the date of this order). The implementation guidelines support the 

Mitigation Framework Leadership Group (MitFLG) goals of providing assistance to the 

agencies in interpreting the code requirements as outlined in the executive order.

1.3 AGENCIES AFFECTED BY EXECUTIVE ORDER 

The WUI EO applies to all Federal agencies that are responsible for:

• Designing and constructing new Federally-owned buildings greater than 5,000 square feet 

on Federal land within a WUI area designated as presenting moderate or greater wildfire 

risk;

• Owning existing Federal buildings greater than 5,000 square feet on Federal land within a 

WUI area as designated as presenting moderate or greater wildfire risk, including

performing activities to alter and/or maintain those buildings; 

• Leasing space in newly constructed buildings for the predominant use of the Federal 

Government, greater than 5,000 rentable square feet within a WUI area designated as 

greater than moderate wildfire risk; and/or

• Assisting in the financing, through grants or loans, or guaranteeing the financing through 

loan or mortgage insurance of newly constructed buildings or of alterations to existing 

buildings greater than 5,000 square feet on land within a WUI area designated as 

moderate or greater wildfire risk. 

 

4 International Wildland Urban Interface Code, 2015 Edition. International Code Council. 
3 

1.4 DEVELOPMENT OF IMPLEMENTATION GUIDELINES 

The MitFLG, coordinated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), has 

been charged with issuing these guidelines for implementing the EO. The Guidelines 

contained in this document represent recommendations formulated by Federal agencies 

that have responsibility for wildfire, facility, and real property management policy and 

procedures.

The Guidelines presented in this document are advisory only. They do not create any right 

or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against 

the United States. The use of any mandatory language in these Guidelines is intended only 

to summarize elements of this EO. The Guidelines provide broad assistance to Federal 

agencies on implementing the EO, and offer broad common information for use by all 

Federal agencies, so that each agency can establish its EO implementation policies and 

procedures that are both consistent with the EO and with statutory agency-specific 

requirements.

Each affected Federal agency is given the responsibility for developing andimplementing its

own WUI-related measures to fulfill the requirements of this EO, commensurate with its 

specific responsibilities. 

Section 2

Implementation Guidelines

2.1 GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS 

• Implementation policy development should be at the agency level. 

• The provisions of the EO apply to new and existing Federally-owned buildings 

located in a WUI area designated as moderate or greater wildfire risk, as well as 

buildings leased by Federal agencies located in a WUI area designated as greater than 

moderate wildfire risk. 

• Agencies with unique missions requiring WUI safety measures above those covered 

directly in the EO should establish and promulgate appropriate implementation and

enforcement policies and procedures that include the minimum acceptable 

standards specified in the EO. Absent such unique agency mission requirements,

implementation is to be in compliance with the minimum acceptable standards listed 

in the EO.
4 

• Each agency should develop and implement procedures for reviewing and revising 

its WUI program periodically, to ensure that the agency is complying with the 

provisions of this EO. 

• Heads of each agency are responsible for reporting once every two years to the 

Chair of the MitFLG, commencing May 18, 2018 (2 years from the date of the EO). 

2.2 DETAILED RECOMMENDATIONS

The following pages provide section-by-section explanation and interpretation of the EO. 

The EO language is provided in shaded text boxes, followed by commentary, all of which 

is advisory in nature.

EO 13728 Section 1

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of 

America, and to improve the Nation's resilience to wildfire, I hereby direct the following:

Section 1. Policy. It is the policy of the United States to strengthen the security and resilience of the 

Nation against the impacts of wildfire. The annual estimates on structure loss due to wildfire have 

increased dramatically over the past six decades as a result of multi-year drought conditions in 

combination with accumulated fuel loads, growing populations residing in the wildland-urban interface, 

and associated increases in the exposure of built environments. As such, we must continue to ensure our 

Nation is resilient to wildfire in order to promote public safety, economic strength, and national security.

The Federal Government must continue to take proactive steps to enhance the resilience of buildings that 

are owned by the Federal Government and are located on Federal land. Each executive department and 

agency (agency) responsible for implementing this order shall seek to enhance the resilience of its buildings 

when making investment decisions to ensure continued performance of essential functions and to reduce 

risks to its buildings' occupants in the event of a wildfire.

2.2.1 Commentary on Section 1 

The Federal Government has the responsibility to protect the safety of its workers and the 

public in or near its buildings and the capital investments that utilize federal funds. 

Specifically, with respect to this EO, adequate protection from wildfires must be provided. 

The EO supports enhanced resilience in emergencies by providing buildings, both new and 

existing, with levels of protection that meet the level of safety provided by existing codes, 

helping to ensure that buildings can continue to perform their essential functions after a 

wildfire event.
5 

 

EO 13728 Section 2(a)

Section 2. Codes and Concurrent Requirements. (a) Commencing within 90 days of the completion 

of the implementing guidelines as described in section 3(b)(i) of this order, each agency shall ensure that 

every new Federal building above 5,000 gross square feet on Federal land within the wildland-urban 

interface at moderate or greater wildfire risk for which the agency has not completed design is in 

compliance with the 2015 edition of the International Wildland-Urban Interface Code (IWUIC) 

promulgated by the International Code Council (ICC), or an equivalent code, consistent with the 

provisions of and to the extent required by 40 U.S.C. 3312. When the ICC releases a new version of 

the IWUIC, a determination shall be made whether the new version is a nationally recognized code for 

the purposes of 40 U.S.C. 3312(b), as expeditiously as practicable, but not later than 2 years after the 

release of the new version. If a determination is made that a new version is a nationally recognized code, 

agencies shall ensure that any Federal building covered by this section for which the agency has not 

completed design is in compliance with that new version, or an equivalent code, consistent with the 

provisions of and to the extent required by 40 U.S.C. 3312.

2.2.2 Commentary on Sections 2(a) 

Section 2 of the EO provides requirements to ensure wildfire resilience in the design and 

construction of new buildings that are Federally-owned or regulated, existing Federally-owned 

buildings that are altered, new buildings that are leased for Federal occupancy. The EO also 

strongly encourages agencies that assist in financing, through Federal grants or loans, or 

guaranteeing of financing, to ensure consideration of wildfire resilience in the design and 

construction of certain new buildings or alterations to certain existing buildings. 

This EO stipulates that each agency shall determine if an updated edition of the IWUIC is a 

nationally recognized code within two years of its release by the ICC and subsequently adopt it for 

design and construction of any building that the agency has not yet programmed for construction 

(i.e., entered the program development phase where the following occurs: Finalize & Prioritize 

Requirements, Acquisition Planning, Validate cost estimates and availability of funding, and 

Establish program management baseline). Section 2h details minimum criteria for what may be an 

equivalent nationally recognized code to the IWUIC. Currently, other than the 2015 edition of the 

IWUIC, there is no other nationally recognized code that protects buildings from loss from wildfire. 

However, there are other methods for assessing wildfire risk (see Section 2h). Any department or 

agency who has questions on making the determination if an updated edition of the IWUIC is a 

nationally recognized code may contact the MitFLG (see Appendix D for contact information). 

Detailed discussion on the definition of a building and associated terms is provided in Section 4. 
6 

EO 13728 Section 2(b)

Section 2b. Commencing within 90 days of the completion of the implementing guidelines as described 

in section 3(b)(i) of this order, each agency responsible for the alteration of an existing Federal building 

above 5,000 gross square feet on Federal land within the wildland-urban interface at moderate or greater 

wildfire risk for which the agency has not completed design shall ensure that the alteration is effectuated 

in compliance with the IWUIC, or an equivalent code, consistent with the provisions of and to the extent 

required by 40 U.S.C. 3312. When the ICC releases a new version of the IWUIC, a determination 

shall be made whether the new version is a nationally recognized code for the purposes of 40 U.S.C. 

3312(b), as expeditiously as practicable, but not later than 2 years after the release of the new version. 

If a determination is made that a new version is a nationally recognized code, agencies shall ensure that 

any Federal building covered by this section for which the agency has not completed design is in compliance 

with that new version, or an equivalent code, consistent with the provisions of and to the extent required 

by 40 U.S.C. 3312.

2.2.3 Commentary on Sections 2(b) 

Commencing 90 days following completion of this implementing guideline, each agency shall ensure 

that any alteration of an existing Federal Building (where the building is above 5,000 gross square 

feet and is located on Federal land) comply with the following: If the Federal Building is within a 

WUI designated as presenting moderate or greater wildfire risk, prior to the completion of design, 

the alteration shall be in compliance with the 2015 edition of the IWUIC or an equivalent nationally 

recognized code. 

Alterations to an existing building fall within the scope of IWUIC, Chapter 1 Scope and General 

Requirements, Section 101.5 Additions or alterations. According to this section of IWUIC, additions 

or alterations are permitted to be made to any building or structure without requiring the existing 

building or structure to comply with all the requirements of the IWUIC, provided the addition or 

alteration conforms to that required for a new building or structure. Exceptions are 1) when 

provisions of the IWUIC that specifically apply to existing conditions are retroactive, and 2) when 

additions or alterations will cause the existing building or structure to become unsafe. 
7 

Section 2. (c) Each agency that owns an existing Federal building above 5,000 gross square feet on 

Federal land within the wildland-urban interface at moderate or greater wildfire risk is strongly 

encouraged to ensure that such existing buildings are in compliance with the IWUIC, or an equivalent 

code.

(d) The heads of agencies whose activities are covered by sections 2(a) and 2(b) of this order shall complete 

a wildfire risk assessment of their existing Federal buildings above 5,000 gross square feet within the 

wildland-urban interface and are strongly encouraged to consider creating and maintaining a defensible 

space in compliance with the IWUIC, or an equivalent code, for each of those buildings they determine to 

be at highest risk.

(e) Each agency that leases space in a building to be constructed for the predominant use of an agency 

above 5,000 rentable square feet in the wildland-urban interface in an area of greater than moderate 

wildfire risk is strongly encouraged to ensure that the building is designed and constructed in accord with 

the IWUIC, or an equivalent code.

(f) Each agency assisting in the financing, through Federal grants or loans, or guaranteeing the financing, 

through loan or mortgage insurance premiums, of a newly constructed building or of an alteration of an 

existing building above 5,000 gross square feet within the wildland-urban interface at moderate or greater 

wildfire risk shall consider updating its procedures for providing the assistance to be consistent with 

sections 2(a) and 2(b) of this order, to ensure appropriate consideration of wildfire-resistant design and 

construction.

EO 13728 Sections 2(c), 2(d), 2(e), and 2(f)

2.2.4 Commentary on Section 2(c), 2(d), 2(e), and 2(f)

Section 2c of the EO provides guidance for all agencies that own: 

• existing Federal buildings greater than 5,000 gross square feet, 

• located within the WUI, and

• on a site designated as having a fire hazard severity of moderate or greater wildfire risk.

Agencies are strongly encouraged to ensure these buildings meet the requirements in the IWUIC, or 

an equivalent nationally recognized code. 
8 

Section 2d of the EO requires the heads of Federal agencies whose design and construction 

activities are covered by Sections 2(a) and 2(b) of the EO, to complete a wildfire risk assessment of 

all existing Federal buildings (see Appendix C for additional information): 

• greater than 5,000 gross square feet, and 

• located within a wildland-urban interface area.

In addition, heads of Federal agencies are strongly encouraged to evaluate wildland fire ignition 

hazards surrounding each respective building based on wildfire risk exposures and to create and 

maintain a defensible space in accordance with the requirements in the IWUIC, or an equivalent 

nationally recognized code.

A defensible space is considered the cleared or modified area surrounding a building where 

combustible materials and vegetation have been removed or modified to mitigate the risk to life and 

property from wildland fire exposures, exposures from adjacent buildings, and to reduce the 

potential for a building fire to spread to nearby wildland fuels. Special attention should be taken to 

remove or reduce any combustible materials (e.g., plants, outdoor furnishings, litter, dead vegetation, 

construction materials, non-residential structures) to slow the rate and intensity of an advancing 

wildfire, which in turn could ignite a building on the property. 

Additional information for determining the required distance for a defensible space from the 

perimeter or projection of a building located in a wildland-urban interface area can be found in the 

IWUIC. 

Section 2e provides guidance when any agency is planning to lease space, that:

• is greater than 5,000 rentable square feet, 

• is to be new construction, 

• is predominantly occupied by Federal agencies,

• is located in the WUI, and

• is on a site designated as having a fire hazard severity of greater than moderate wildfire 

risk. 

The EO encourages the agency to ensure that the building is in compliance with the requirements 

in the IWUIC, or an equivalent nationally recognized code. 

Section 2f of the EO provides guidance for agencies providing financing, through Federal grants or 

loans, loan or mortgage insurance premiums, of newly constructed buildings or alterations to: 

• buildings above 5,000 square feet,

• in a WUI area, and 

• at moderate or greater wildfire risk. 

These agencies shall consider updating their procedures for providing assistance congruent with 

Sections 2a and 2b of this EO. 
9 

 

EO 13728 Section 2(g)

Section 2. (g) To the extent permitted by law, the heads of all agencies may:

(i) require higher performance levels than exist in the codes described in section 2(a) of this order;

(ii) apply the requirements within section 2(a) of this order to new buildings less than 5,000 gross 

square feet on Federal land within the wildland-urban interface at moderate or greater wildfire 

risk; and

(iii) apply the requirements within section 2(b) of this order to existing buildings less than 5,000 

gross square feet on Federal land within the wildland-urban interface at moderate or greater 

wildfire risk.

2.2.5 Commentary on Section 2(g)

The EO allows the agencies to provide more stringent requirements for their Federally owned or 

leased structures than those outlined in EO. The heads of agencies may choose to apply the 

requirements of the EO to new or existing structures less than 5,000 square feet.

EO 13728 Section 2(h)

Section 2h. When calculating whether a building is at moderate or greater wildfire risk, agencies 

should act in accordance with the methods described in the 2015 edition of the IWUIC, or any 

subsequent version that is determined to be a nationally recognized code for the purposes of 40 U.S.C. 

3312(b), or an equivalent code, or in accordance with an equivalent method.

2.2.6 Commentary on Section 2(h) 

Wildfire risk can be estimated using a range of existing assessment tools. These include, but are not 

limited to, a Wildfire Hazard Potential Map developed by the U.S. Forest Service, a Fire Hazard 

Severity Form provided by IWUIC, and various assessment tools within the WUI Toolkit assembled 

by the U.S. Fire Administration. The WUI Toolkit 5

 provides a compilation of recognized 

assessment tools available to the public. Additional information on tools to estimate wildfire risk 

can be found in Appendix C. 

 

5 https://www.usfa.fema.gov/wui_toolkit/
10

IWUIC Chapter 5, Special Building Construction Regulations, establishes minimum standards to 

locate, design and construct buildings and structures based on the various levels of hazards. Chapter 

6, Fire Protection Requirements, establishes the minimum requirements to mitigate the risk of 

wildfire. 

Whether a building is at moderate or greater wildfire risk can also be assessed using equivalent 

methods or nationally recognized codes. Equivalent tools to assess wildfire risk must, at a 

minimum, incorporate 1) vegetative fuel type and loading, 2) frequency of critical fire weather, 3) 

defensible space, 4) terrain, 5) existing building construction materials, and 6) availability of water 

supply. 

An equivalent nationally recognized code for determining wildfire risk or providing structural 

resilience to a wildfire, should address the following criteria and, at a minimum: 

• Be consensus based, 

• Be open to stakeholders for comment and development, 

• Provide a transparent process for development and appeals, 

• Calculate the wildfire risk, 

• Provide minimum requirements for emergency vehicle access, water supply, and ignition 

resistant construction & materials, 

• Address topics such as, but not limited to, fire-resistance rated construction, automatic 

sprinkler protection, and 

• Include defensible space. 

EO 13728 Section 2(i)

2.2.7 Commentary on Section 2(i) 

The head of the Federal agency determines the degree of compliance that represents the “maximum 

extent feasible” for their organization. As an agency considers resource availability, budget priorities, 

and other extenuating circumstances that might result in less than full compliance with this executive 

order, the impact of not complying fully also needs to be considered. Complete adherence to the 

IWUIC or an equivalent nationally recognized code will increase the resilience of structures in the 

WUI. For a WUI fire, increased resilience translates into reducing the initial fire losses as well as 

minimizing recovery time and costs to return to pre-fire levels of service.

Section 2i. Each building constructed or altered in accordance with section 2(a) or (b) of this order 

shall comply with the IWUIC, or an equivalent code, only to the maximum extent feasible as determined 

by the head of an agency. 
11

EO 13728 Section 3(a)

Section 3. Agencies Responsibilities. 

(a) The heads of all agencies that own Federal buildings above 5,000 gross square feet on Federal land 

within the wildland-urban interface at moderate or greater wildfire risk shall determine the appropriate 

process within their respective agencies to ensure compliance with this order.

2.2.8 Commentary on Section 3(a)

This section of the EO directs agencies that own buildings, greater than 5,000 gross square feet 

within the WUI at moderate or greater wildfire risk, to develop processes to ensure their agencies 

are in compliance with the requirements of this order; and also to ensure, at a minimum, compliance 

with the IWUIC. Additional methods can be found in Appendix C. 

EO 13728 Section 3(b)

Section 3b. 

(b) The Mitigation Framework Leadership Group (MitFLG) shall:

(i) create implementing guidelines to advise and assist agency compliance with the code 

requirements within 240 days of the date of this order;

(ii) provide assistance to the agencies in interpreting the implementing guidelines

2.2.9 Commentary on Section 3(b) 

Section 3b of the EO details the responsibility of the MitFLG in regards to these guidelines 

and the EO. The MitFLG, through these guidelines, will provide assistance and guidance for 

implementing this EO. Agency heads should identify the process to receive assistance and 

implement the guidelines. 
12

EO 13728 Section 3(c)

Section 3c. 

(c) When determining whether buildings are located within the wildland-urban interface, agencies shall 

use the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service's, "The 2010 Wildland-Urban Interface of the 

Conterminous United States," or an equivalent tool. The Secretary of Agriculture shall provide 

assistance to the agencies in determining whether buildings are located within the wildland-urban 

interface.

2.2.10 Commentary on Section 3(c) 

Section 3c of the EO details how the WUI is determined for this EO. When determining 

whether buildings are located within the WUI, agencies shall use the U.S. Department of 

Agriculture (USDA) USFS’, The 2010 Wildland-Urban Interface of the Conterminous United States, 

or an equivalent tool. The 2010 Wildland-Urban Interface of the Conterminous United States report 

provides a spatially-detailed assessment of the WUI across the conterminous United States, 

to inform both national and local land management agencies about the WUI and associated 

issues. Note that similar data, which is needed for Alaska based on the significant wildfire 

risk that exists there, is currently under development by the State. All maps, graphics, and 

statistics are available for public use, as is the associated 2015 data, and may be used within 

a geospatial information system (GIS) for WUI mapping and analysis at national, state, and 

local levels. The report, data, and contacts for assistance are available at 

www.nrs.fs.fed.us/pubs/48642.

Figure 1. The 2010 Wildland-Urban Interface of the Conterminous United States
13

 

EO 13728 Section 3(d) 

Section 3d. 

(d) The heads of agencies whose activities are covered by sections 2(a) and 2(b) of this order shall submit 

a report once every 2 years to the Chair of the MitFLG on their progress in implementing the order, 

commencing 2 years from the date of this order.

2.2.11 Commentary on Section 3(d)

Section 3(d) of the EO directs all agencies with activities covered by sections 2(a) and 2(b) 

of the EO to submit biennial reports covering their progress in implementing the order, 

commencing two years after it was issued. The first biennial report must be submitted no 

later than May 18, 2018, to the Chair of the MitFLG. This report may follow a format 

determined by the agency.

The report should include the following information, at a minimum, from each agency that 

is in any way covered by sections 2(a) and 2(b) of the EO6

: 

• For agencies engaged in the design and construction of new buildings above 5,000 

gross square feet on Federal land within the WUI: Each agency should describe its

efforts over the previous two years to develop, adopt, and implement policies that 

require the use of the 2015 edition of the IWUIC, or an equivalent nationally 

recognized code (see Section 2h); 

• For agencies engaged in performing alterations in existing, owned buildings that are 

above 5,000 gross square feet on Federal land within the WUI at moderate or 

greater risk to wildfire: Each agency should describe its efforts over the previous 

two years to develop, adopt, and implement policies that require the use of the 2015 

edition of the IWUIC, or an equivalent nationally recognized code;

• For agencies that lease space in a building to be constructed for the predominant 

use of an agency above 5,000 rentable square feet in the WUI in an areas of greater 

than moderate wildfire risk: Each agency should provide a brief summary of any 

new buildings that were designed and constructed in accordance with the IWUIC, 

or equivalent code; and 

• For agencies that assist in the financing, through Federal grants or loans, or 

guaranteeing of financing, though loan or mortgage insurance premiums, of a newly 

constructed building or of an alteration of an existing building above 5,000 gross 

square feet within the WUI: Each agency should describe changes to procedures for 

providing assistance to be consistent with sections 2(a) and 2(b) of the EO, to 

ensure appropriate consideration of wildfire-resistant design and construction.

In addition to the above information, the report should include:

6 Agencies that are covered by sections other than 2(a) and 2(b) are not required to submit an annual report.
• Date of submission, 

• Agency Name, and

• Time Period covered by report. 

For new Federally-owned buildings that fall within the parameters of 2(a) of the EO, the 

report should include: 

• Number and location of new buildings constructed (completed) that fall within the 

parameters of 2(a) of the EO during the two-year reporting time period7

• Listing of the nationally recognized code, or equivalent nationally recognized code 

(see Section 2h), used in the design of the Federally-owned building located within 

the WUI, including the edition of each code listed 

• Number of buildings constructed (completed) during the two-year period that 

exceed minimum requirements of the IWUIC (or an equivalent nationally 

recognized code)

• Brief description of agency procedures for establishing and applying building 

performance objectives that meet or exceed minimum requirements of the IWUIC 

(or an equivalent nationally recognized code)

• Wildfire risk assessment results

• Agency justification in the case(s) where agencies did not apply the IWUIC, or an 

equivalent nationally recognized code, as per section 2(a) of the EO

For alterations to existing buildings that fall within the parameters of 2(b) of the EO, the 

report should include: 

• Number and location of existing Federal buildings that fall within the parameters of

2(b) of the EO during the two-year reporting time period

• Listing of the nationally recognized codes used in the alteration of the Federallyowned building located within the WUI, including the edition of each code listed

• Number of buildings altered during the two-year period that exceed minimum 

requirements of the IWUIC (or an equivalent nationally recognized code)

• Brief description of agency procedures for establishing and applying building 

performance objectives that meet or exceed minimum requirements of the IWUIC 

(or an equivalent nationally recognized code) 

• Wildfire risk assessment results

• Agency justification in the case(s) where agencies did not apply the IWUIC, or an 

equivalent nationally recognized code, as per section 2(b) of the EO

14

 

7 Agencies with facilities whose locations are protected for national security reasons need not provide the locations of those 

facilities. 
15

Section 4. Definition. As used in this order, "building" means a constructed asset that is enclosed 

with walls and a roof that provides space for agencies to perform activities or store materials as well as 

provides spaces for people to live or work.

EO 13728 Section 4

2.2.12 Commentary on Section 4

The definition of a building is provided in the IWUIC as any structure used or intended for 

supporting or sheltering any use or occupancy, however, for the purpose of this EO, a building is 

defined as a “constructed asset that is enclosed with walls and a roof that provides space for agencies to 

perform activities or store materials as well as provides spaces for people to live or work”. 

Additional terms that may be applicable are provided below. The family of international 

codes that includes the IWUIC contains definitions for various terms. The definitions 

below are applicable for this guidance and EO.

Addition: Per the 2015 IBC, Chapter 2, an addition is an extension or increase in floor 

area, number of stories, or height of a building or structure.

Alteration: Per the 2015 IBC, Chapter 2, an alteration is any construction or renovation to 

an existing structure other than a repair or addition. 

Defensible Space: Per the 2015 IWUIC, Chapter 2, an area, either natural or man-made, 

where material capable of allowing a fire to spread unchecked has been treated, cleared or 

modified to slow the rate and intensity of an advancing wildfire and to create an area for 

fire suppression operations to occur.

Dwelling: Per the 2015 IWUIC, Chapter 2, a dwelling is a building that contains one or 

two dwelling units used, intended or designed to be used, rented, leased, let or hired out to 

be occupied for living purposes.

Existing Structure: Per the 2015 IBC, Chapter 2, a structure erected prior to the date of 

adoption of the appropriate code, or one for which a legal building permit has been issued. 

Temporary Structures: Per the 2015 IBC, 3103.1. Temporary Structures are structures 

erected for a period of less than 180 days. Tents and other membrane structures erected for 

a period of less than 180 days shall comply with the International Fire Code. 

Wildland Urban Interface Area: Per the 2015 IWUIC, Chapter 2, the geographical area 

where structures and other human development meets or intermingles with wildland or 

vegetative fuels
16

EO 13728 Section 5

Section 5. General Provisions. 

(a) Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:

(i) the authority granted by law to an executive department, agency, or the head thereof; or

(ii) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, 

administrative, or legislative proposals.

(b) This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law, including the National Historic 

Preservation Act of 1966, and subject to the availability of appropriations.

(c) This order applies only to buildings within the United States and its territories and possessions.

(d) This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, 

enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or 

entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.

2.2.13 Commentary on Section 5 

Section 5 provides several general provisions clarifying the scope of the EO. Section 5(a) 

stipulates that the EO does not impair or conflict with other authorities granted by law to 

Federal agencies or to the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). 

Section 5(b) makes clear that the order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law

and subject to availability of appropriations. Section 5(c) stipulates that the EO applies to 

buildings in the United States and its territories only. Section 5(d) explains that the EO 

does not create any legal right or action against the Federal Government, its subdivisions, 

officers, employees, agents, or against any other person. 
17

Appendix A: Executive Order

Administration of Barack Obama, 2016 

Executive Order 13728—Wildland-Urban Interface Federal Risk Mitigation 

May 18, 2016 

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the 

United States of America, and to improve the Nation's resilience to wildfire, I hereby 

direct the following: 

Section 1. Policy. It is the policy of the United States to strengthen the security and 

resilience of the Nation against the impacts of wildfire. The annual estimates on 

structure loss due to wildfire have increased dramatically over the past six decades as 

a result of multi-year drought conditions in combination with accumulated fuel loads, 

growing populations residing in the wildland-urban interface, and associated increases 

in the exposure of built environments. As such, we must continue to ensure our Nation 

is resilient to wildfire in order to promote public safety, economic strength, and 

national security. 

The Federal Government must continue to take proactive steps to enhance the 

resilience of buildings that are owned by the Federal Government and are located on 

Federal land. Each executive department and agency (agency) responsible for 

implementing this order shall seek to enhance the resilience of its buildings when 

making investment decisions to ensure continued performance of essential functions 

and to reduce risks to its buildings’ occupants in the event of a wildfire. 

Sec. 2. Codes and Concurrent Requirements. (a) Commencing within 90 days of the 

completion of the implementing guidelines as described in section 3(b)(i) of this 

order, each agency shall ensure that every new Federal building above 5,000 gross 

square feet on Federal land within the wildland-urban interface at moderate or greater 

wildfire risk for which the agency has not completed design is in compliance with the 

2015 edition of the International Wildland-Urban Interface Code (IWUIC) 

promulgated by the International Code Council (ICC), or an equivalent code, 

consistent with the provisions of and to the extent required by 40 U.S.C. 3312. When 

the ICC releases a new version of the IWUIC, a determination shall be made whether 

the new version is a nationally recognized code for the purposes of 40 U.S.C. 3312(b),

as expeditiously as practicable, but not later than 2 years after the release of the new 

version. If a determination is made that a new version is a nationally recognized code, 

agencies shall ensure that any Federal building covered by this section for which the 

agency has not completed design is in compliance with that new version, or an 
18

equivalent code, consistent with the provisions of and to the extent required by 40 

U.S.C. 3312. 

(b) Commencing within 90 days of the completion of the implementing guidelines as 

described in section 3(b)(i) of this order, each agency responsible for the alteration of 

an existing Federal building above 5,000 gross square feet on Federal land within the 

wildland-urban interface at moderate or greater wildfire risk for which the agency has 

not completed design shall ensure that the alteration is effectuated in compliance with 

the IWUIC, or an equivalent code, consistent with the provisions of and to the extent 

required by 40 U.S.C. 3312. When the ICC releases a new version of the IWUIC, a 

determination shall be made whether the new version is a nationally recognized code 

for the purposes of 40 U.S.C. 3312(b), as expeditiously as practicable, but not later 

than 2 years after the release of the new version. If a determination is made that a new 

version is a nationally recognized code, agencies shall ensure that any Federal 

building covered by this section for which the agency has not completed design is in 

compliance with that new version, or an equivalent code, consistent with the 

provisions of and to the extent required by 40 U.S.C. 3312. 

(c) Each agency that owns an existing Federal building above 5,000 gross square feet 

on Federal land within the wildland-urban interface at moderate or greater wildfire 

risk is strongly encouraged to ensure that such existing buildings are in compliance 

with the IWUIC, or an equivalent code. 

(d) The heads of agencies whose activities are covered by sections 2(a) and 2(b) of 

this order shall complete a wildfire risk assessment of their existing Federal buildings 

above 5,000 gross square feet within the wildland-urban interface and are strongly 

encouraged to consider creating and maintaining a defensible space in compliance 

with the IWUIC, or an equivalent code, for each of those buildings they determine to 

be at highest risk. 

(e) Each agency that leases space in a building to be constructed for the predominant 

use of an agency above 5,000 rentable square feet in the wildland-urban interface in 

an area of greater than moderate wildfire risk is strongly encouraged to ensure that the 

building is designed and constructed in accord with the IWUIC, or an equivalent code. 

(f) Each agency assisting in the financing, through Federal grants or loans, or 

guaranteeing the financing, through loan or mortgage insurance premiums, of a newly 

constructed building or of an alteration of an existing building above 5,000 gross 

square feet within the wildland-urban interface at moderate or greater wildfire risk 

shall consider updating its procedures for providing the assistance to be consistent 

with sections 2(a) and 2(b) of this order, to ensure appropriate consideration of 

wildfire-resistant design and construction. 
19

(g) To the extent permitted by law, the heads of all agencies may: 

(i) require higher performance levels than exist in the codes described in section 2(a) 

of this order; 

(ii) apply the requirements within section 2(a) of this order to new buildings less than 

5,000 gross square feet on Federal land within the wildland-urban interface at 

moderate or greater wildfire risk; and 

(iii) apply the requirements within section 2(b) of this order to existing buildings less 

than 5,000 gross square feet on Federal land within the wildland-urban interface at 

moderate or greater wildfire risk. 

(h) When calculating whether a building is at moderate or greater wildfire risk, 

agencies should act in accordance with the methods described in the 2015 edition of 

the IWUIC, or any subsequent version that is determined to be a nationally recognized 

code for the purposes of 40 U.S.C. 3312(b), or an equivalent code, or in accordance 

with an equivalent method. 

(i) Each building constructed or altered in accordance with section 2(a) or (b) of this 

order shall comply with the IWUIC, or an equivalent code, only to the maximum 

extent feasible as determined by the head of an agency. 

Sec. 3. Agency Responsibilities. (a) The heads of all agencies that own Federal 

buildings above 5,000 gross square feet on Federal land within the wildland-urban 

interface at moderate or greater wildfire risk shall determine the appropriate process 

within their respective agencies to ensure compliance with this order. 

(b) The Mitigation Framework Leadership Group (MitFLG) shall: (i) create 

implementing guidelines to advise and assist agency compliance with the code 

requirements within 240 days of the date of this order; 

(ii) provide assistance to the agencies in interpreting the implementing guidelines. 

(c) When determining whether buildings are located within the wildland-urban 

interface, agencies shall use the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service's, “The 

2010 Wildland-Urban Interface of the Conterminous United States,” or an equivalent 

tool. The Secretary of Agriculture shall provide assistance to the agencies in

determining whether buildings are located within the wildland-urban interface. 
20

(d) The heads of agencies whose activities are covered by sections 2(a) and 2(b) of 

this order shall submit a report once every 2 years to the Chair of the MitFLG on their 

progress in implementing the order, commencing 2 years from the date of this order. 

Sec. 4. Definition. As used in this order, “building” means a constructed asset that is 

enclosed with walls and a roof that provides space for agencies to perform activities or 

store materials as well as provides spaces for people to live or work. 

Sec. 5. General Provisions. (a) Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or 

otherwise affect: 

(i) the authority granted by law to an executive department, agency, or the head 

thereof; or 

(ii) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to 

budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals. 

(b) This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law, including the 

National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, and subject to the availability of 

appropriations. 

(c) This order applies only to buildings within the United States and its territories and 

possessions. 

(d) This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive 

or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, 

its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other 

person. 

BARACK OBAMA 

The White House, 

May 18, 2016. 
21

Appendix B: IWUIC Comparison Table 

A general summary of the compliance of various structures to the 2015 IWUIC is provided 

below. §101.2 – Scope: “The provisions of this code shall apply to the construction, 

alteration, movement, repair, maintenance and use of any building, structure or premises 

within the wildland-urban interface areas”. 

Table B-1. Requirements for Existing and New Buildings

Requirement

(IWUIC Code Section)

Existing 

Structure

/Building

New 

Structure

/Building

Specific Requirement and / or Comments

Chapter 1 Scope and Administration

Additions or 

Alterations (§101.5) 

Additions or alternations are allowed to existing buildings without 

requiring the entire building to comply with the entire code, provided 

the addition or alteration complies with the requirements for a new 

building or structure. 

Practical Difficulties

(§105.1)

  Allows an agency to grant modifications for individual cases where 

application of the code is impractical.

Alternative materials 

or Methods (§105.3) 

  Allows an agency to use alternate materials or methods to achieve a 

result as long as it complies with the intent of the code. 

Chapter 4 Wildland-Urban Interface Area Requirements

Driveways (§403.2)  For fire apparatus access, driveway requirements are outlined and 

dimensioned for driveways, turnarounds, turnouts and bridges. 

Marking of Roads

(§403.4)

 Identify access roads via approved signs. 

Marking of Fire 

Protection Equipment

(§403.5)

 

Identify and mark fire protection equipment and fire hydrants. 

Address Markers

(§403.6)

  Building shall have a permanently posted address. 

Water Supply (§404 )



Approved water source shall have adequate water supply. Water 

source locations not more than 1,000 feet from building. Approved 

draft sites shall be provided at natural water sources. Hydrants shall

be designed and constructed in accordance with nationally 

recognized standards. Adequate water supply required. Access to 

water supply shall be unobstructed and approved by fire department 

rated Class 9 or better. Shall be subject to periodic tests and be 

reliable. Defensible space required around water supply pumps and 

pump houses. Standby power provided. 

Chapter 5 Fire Hazard Severity

Fire Hazard Severity

(§502) Partial 

Check



Establish fire hazard severity of building sites using critical fire 

weather frequency and fuel model. Includes modifications to existing 

buildings.

Ignition-Resistant 

Construction 

(Table 503.1)

Partial 

Check



New buildings shall meet these construction requirements. Ignition 

resistant building materials (includes modifications to existing 

buildings).
22

Requirement

(IWUIC Code Section)

Existing 

Structure

/Building

New 

Structure

/Building

Specific Requirement and / or Comments

Class 1 Ignitionresistant construction

(§504.2 – 504.11) 



Discusses roof coverings, protection of eaves, gutters and 

downspouts, exterior walls, underfloor enclosures, appendages and 

projections, exterior glazing, exterior doors, vents, detached 

accessory structures.

Class 2 Ignitionresistant construction

(§505) 



Discusses roof coverings, protection of eaves, gutters and 

downspouts, exterior walls, underfloor enclosures, appendages and 

projections, exterior glazing, exterior doors, vents, detached 

accessory structures.

Class 3 Ignitionresistant construction

(§506)



Roof coverings, underfloor enclosures, gutters and downspouts.

Roof covering repair 

(§507) 

Roof coverings that are replaced or have 25% or more replaced in a 

12-month period shall be replaced with a roof covering required for 

new construction based on the type of ignition-resistant construction 

specified in accordance with Section 503.

Chapter 6 Fire Protection Requirements

Approved automatic 

sprinkler system

(§602)

Partial 

check for 

additions



Only for Class 1 ignition-resistant construction. For a new buildings 

shall install approved automatic sprinklers to meet requirements of 

Class 1 Ignition-resistant construction. 

Defensible Space

(§603)

  Modify the fuel load in areas adjacent to structures to create a 

defensible space. 

Maintenance of 

Defensible Space

(§604)

 

Areas adjacent to structures will be kept clear of nonfire-resistive 

vegetation or growth. 

Spark Arresters (§605)   Chimneys shall be provided with spark arresters

Liquefied petroleum 

gas installations (§606)

  Storage of LPG shall be within the defensible space in accordance 

with International Fire code. 

Storage of firewood 

and other combustible 

materials (§607)

 

Shall not be stored in unenclosed spaces, beneath buildings, on 

decks, under eaves, projections, and/or overhangs.
23

Appendix C: Tools and Methods to Assess Wildfire Hazard Risk

The EO details how the WUI is determined for this EO, but it does not speak to the 

determination of the wildfire hazard potential for those buildings. In an attempt to offer 

resources for assessing the wildfire hazard potential we offer the following tools: 

• The Wildfire Hazard Potential (WHP) map 

• Fire Hazard Severity Table 502.1 (IWUIC)

• Fire Hazard Severity Form

• The U.S. Fire Administration’s WUI Toolkit 

Additional assistance in estimating wildfire hazard risk can be accessed through local 

offices of the Federal agencies, such as Department of the Interior or United States Forest 

Service, or State Forestry Agencies (Appendix D).

Wildfire Hazard Potential Map

The wildfire hazard potential (WHP) map is a raster geospatial product produced by the 

USDA’s U.S. Forest Service’s Fire Modeling Institute that can help to inform evaluations 

of wildfire risk or prioritization of fuels management needs across very large landscapes 

(millions of acres). The specific objective with the WHP map is to depict the relative 

potential for wildfire that would be difficult for suppression resources to contain. With 

datasets as inputs, an index of WHP for all of the conterminous United States at a 

270-meter resolution was produced. The WHP map is presented in two forms: 1) 

continuous integer values, and 2) five WHP classes of very low, low, moderate, high, and 

very high. 

On its own, WHP is not an explicit map of wildfire threat or risk, but when paired with 

spatial data depicting highly valued resources and assets such as communities, structures, or 

powerlines, it can approximate relative wildfire risk to those resources and assets. WHP is 

also not a forecast or wildfire outlook for any particular season, as it does not include any 

information on current or forecasted weather or fuel moisture conditions. It is instead 

intended for long-term strategic planning and fuels management. The WHP is located at 

http://firelab.org/project/wildfire-hazard-potential.

According to the USFS, the data is not an explicit map of wildfire threat or risk; nor is it a 

forecast or outlook model for any particular season. When paired with spatial data 

depicting resources and assets such as communities, structures, or power lines, it can 

approximate relative wildfire risk to those resources and assets. It is instead intended for 

long-term strategic planning and fuels management

Fire Hazard Severity Table 502.1 (IWUIC)

The IWUIC provides guidance on defining or calculating the fire hazard severity of 

buildings sites and buildings. Chapter 5, Special Building Construction Regulations, Section

502 (IWUIC 2015) incorporates fuels, slope, and critical fire weather frequency (Table 

502.1) to provide an assessment of fire hazard severity. When used to estimate fire hazard 

severity, Table 502.1 may be used in place of the Fire Hazard Severity Form.
24

Fire Hazard Severity Form

Fire Hazard Severity Form is a checklist provided in Appendix C of the 2015 IWUIC. 

When utilized, this form is used in place of Table 502.1 to determine fire hazard severity. 

Checklist elements are assigned between 1 and 20 points depending on different attributes 

of a structure. Cumulative point totals of 40-59 points result in a Moderate Hazard, 60-74 

points indicate a High Hazard, and accumulated points higher than 75 denote an Extreme 

Hazard. A read-only version of the 2015 International Wildland Urban Interface Code- 

(IWUIC) can be accessed at http://codes.iccsafe.org/app/book/toc/2015/ICodes/2015%20IWUIC%20HTML/index.html. 

Wildland Urban Interface Toolkit

A number of WUI fire related resources can be accessed on the WUI Toolkit website 

maintained by the U.S. Fire Administration. Resources include outreach programs 

including Firewise, Ready, Set, Go!, and other general awareness and outreach information. 

The site also provides the Fire Adapted Communities Self-Assessment Tool, resources on 

Fire Adapted Communities and Fire Safe Councils, Codes & Standards including IWUIC 

and National Fire, and the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety Assessment 

Checklist. The U.S. Fire Administration WUI Toolkit resources can be accessed at 

https://www.usfa.fema.gov/wui_toolkit/
Appendix D: Contacts 

Additional information can be obtained from the following groups or agencies:

Department of the Interior: 

• Office of the Secretary, Office of Wildland Fire https://www.doi.gov/wildlandfire

USDA, Forest Service: 

• Fire and Aviation Management http://www.fs.fed.us/fire/

Mitigation Framework Leadership Group: https://www.fema.gov/national-mitigationframework

National Interagency Fire Center: https://www.nifc.gov/index.html

State Forestry Agencies: 

• Alabama Forestry Commission: www.forestry.state.al.us

• Alaska Division of Forestry: www.forestry.alaska.gov

• Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management: www.azsf.az.gov

• Arkansas Forestry Commission: www.forestry.arkansas.gov 

• California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE): 

www.fire.ca.gov

• Colorado State Forest Service: www.csfs.colostate.edu

• Connecticut Division of Forestry: www.ct.gov/deep

• Delaware Forest Service: www.dda.delaware.gov/forestry

• Florida Forest Service: www.freshfromflorida.com/Divisions-Offices/FloridaForest-Service

• Georgia Forestry Commission: www.gfc.state.ga.us

• Hawaii Division of Forestry and Wildlife: www.dlnr.hawaii.gov/dofaw

• Idaho Department of Lands: www.idl.idaho.gov

• Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Division of Forest Resources: 

http://www.dnr.illinois.gov/conservation/Forestry/Pages/default.aspx

• Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Division of Forestry: 

www.in.gov/dnr/forestry

• Iowa Department of Natural Resources: www.iowadnr.gov/Environment/Forestry

• Kansas Forest Service: www.kansasforests.org

• Kentucky Division of Forestry: www.forestry.ky.gov

• Louisiana Office of Forestry: http://www.ldaf.state.la.us/forestry/

• Maine Forest Service: www.maine.gov/dacf/forestry

• Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Forest Service: 

www.dnr.state.md.us/forests

25
26

• Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, Bureau of Forest Fire 

Control and Forestry: www.mass.gov/eea/agencies/dcr

• Michigan Forest Management Division: www.michigan.gov/forestry

• Minnesota Division of Forestry: www.dnr.state.mn.us/forestry

• Mississippi Forestry Commission: www.mfc.ms.gov

• Missouri Department of Conservation: www.mdc.mo.gov

• Montana Department of Natural Resources & Conservation Forestry Division: 

http://dnrc.mt.gov/divisions/forestry

• Nebraska Forest Service: www.nfs.unl.edu

• Nevada Division of Forestry: www.forestry.nv.gov

• New Hampshire Division of Forests and Lands: www.nhdfl.org

• New Jersey State Forest Service: www.forestry.nj.gov

• New Mexico State Forestry Division: www.emnrd.state.nm.us/SFD

• New York State Department of Environmental Conservation: 

www.dec.ny.gov/lands/309.html

• North Carolina Forest Service: www.ncforestservice.gov

• North Dakota Forest Service: www.ndsu.edu/ndfs

• Ohio Division of Natural Resources, Division of Forestry: forestry.ohiodnr.gov

• Oklahoma Forestry Services: www.forestry.ok.gov

• Oregon Department of Forestry: www.oregon.gov/ODF

• Pennsylvania Bureau of Forestry: www.dcnr.state.pa.us/forestry

• Rhode Island Division of Forest Environment: 

http://www.dem.ri.gov/programs/forestry/

• South Carolina Forestry Commission: www.state.sc.us/forest/

• South Dakota Department of Agriculture, Conservation & Forestry: 

https://sdda.sd.gov/conservation-forestry

• Tennessee Department of Agriculture, Division of Forestry: 

www.tn.gov/agriculture/forestry

• Texas A&M Forest Service: http://txforestservice.tamu.edu

• Utah Department of Natural Resources, Division of Forestry, Fire, and State Lands: 

www.ffsl.utah.gov

• Vermont Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation: www.vtfpr.org

• Virginia Department of Forestry: www.dof.virginia.gov

• Washington State Department of Natural Resources, Forestry Division: 

http://www.dnr.wa.gov/page/forest-resources-0 

• West Virginia Division of Forestry: www.wvforestry.com

• Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Division of Forestry: 

http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/forestry.html

• Wyoming State Forestry Division: www.wsfd.wyo.gov
27

Territories and the District of Columbia

• American Samoa Community College, Division of Community and Natural 

Resources: http://www.amsamoa.edu/institution/cnr.html

• District of Columbia Urban Forestry Administration: www.ddot.dc.gov/page/ddoturban-forestry-administration-ufa

• Federated States of Micronesia Department of Resources & Development: 

http://www.fsmgov.org/index.html

• Guam Department of Agriculture Forestry & Soil Resources Division: 

http://www.forestactionplans.org/states/guam

• Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands Department of Lands & Natural 

Resources: http://www.cnmiforestry.com/

• Republic of Palau Bureau of Agriculture, Forestry Section: 

www.palaugov.org/executive-branch/ministries/natural-resources

• Commonwealth of Puerto Rico Department of Natural and Environmental 

Resources: www.drna.gobierno.pr

• Republic of the Marshall Islands Ministry of Resources & Development: 

http://www.forestactionplans.org/states/republic-of-the-marshall-islands

• Virgin Islands' Department of Agriculture: www.vifresh.com/forestry.php