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In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and 

policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA 

programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity 

(including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income 

derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in 

any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and 

complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident.

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, 

large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible Agency or USDA's TARGET 

Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. 

Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, 

AD-3027, found online at Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights and at any USDA office or write a letter 

addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the 

complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: (1) mail: U.S. Department 

of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 

20250-9410; (2) fax:(202) 690-7442; or (3) email: Program Intake Email.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.
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COVER PHOTOS FROM LEFT TO RIGHT, TOP TO BOTTOM.

Employees of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest work fires on Mt. Hood National Forest in Oregon, July 22, 2023. 

USDA Forest Service photo by Preston Keres.

Ashley Rutland, a training technician with the National Advanced Fire and Resource Institute, operates a virtual 

reality (VR) headset at the USDA Forest Service CIO display during the Department of Labor Federal Tech Day 2023 

event, which brought together federal agencies to display innovative technology, build interagency partnerships 

and collaboration, and improve staff technology readiness. Interagency wildland firefighters use the VR system for 

wildland fire training immersion. USDA Forest Service photo by Marc Barnes.

Montana State University entomologists and youth employment program partners, from left to right: Abiya Saeed 

(Montana State University), Benny Bevil (Youth Employment Program), Casey Delphia (Montana State University), 

Kaitlyn Bragg (Youth Employment Program), and Bella Glossa (Youth Employment Program). USDA Forest Service 

photo by Jessie Salix.

Akilah Jaramogi, Merikin descendant and CEO of the Merikin Heritage Foundation in Trinidad, honors her 

ancestors and those who lost their lives by intoning their names and acknowledging their struggles while throwing 

cowrie shells into the water at the Prospect Bluff archaeological site. USDA Forest Service photo.

2023 Smokey and Woodsy poster contest national winner: Esther Zhang, 4th grade. USDA Forest Service photo.

Sierra Hotshot crew member lighting a test burn on the "Pit" prescribed fire (RX) unit on Inyo National Forest, 

approximately 1 mile east of the Town of Mammoth Lakes, CA on October 3, 2023. USDA Forest Service photo by 

Lisa Cox.

Hopi youth dancers at Archaeology Discovery Days at V Bar V Heritage Site, Coconino National Forest, AZ, March 

25, 2017. This annual, outdoor event features demonstrations, hands-on activities, displays, and other family fun. 

The V Bar V Heritage Site has over 1,000 petroglyphs and educational information to learn more about the 

Indigenous people who made the markings. Forest Service photo by Deborah Lee Soltesz.

Biologist Melinda Bennion, left, and technicians from the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources count and measure 

fish to collect data on species and habitat on the Virgin River. USDA Forest Service photo by Lindsey Winkel.

Paul Wade, a Forest Service employee with the Pacific Southwest regional office, stands on top of Mokelumne 

Peak on May 13, 2023. Snowshoeing a total of 21.8 miles with 5,100-feet of elevation gain/loss to reach the 9,334-

foot summit, the peak bagging group started at 6 a.m. and returned to their vehicles at 11 p.m. The peak trail is in 

the Eldorado National Forest, CA. USDA Forest Service photo by Paul Wade.

Children learn how to use a saw at the Blackrock Ranger District on the Bridger-Teton National Forest, which 

hosted Eastern Shoshone, Northern Arapaho, and local Moran schools from the Wind River Reservation. 

Participants rotated through field stations and included hands-on learning activities focused on outdoor education. 

USDA Forest Service photo.

Group photo of Forest Service employees who participated in the 2023 Capitol Christmas tree’s journey to 

Washington, D.C. The 63-foot Norway Spruce tree was harvested November 1st and arrived at the Capitol 

November 17th, from Monongahela National Forest, WV. USDA Forest Service photo by Tanya E Flores.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

PREFACE.................................................................................................................................................... 9

AGENCY-WIDE.......................................................................................................................................... 11

BUDGET OVERVIEW.....................................................................................................................11

PURPOSE STATEMENT..................................................................................................................13

OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL AND GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY OFFICE REPORTS ...............................15

LEAD-OFF TABULAR STATEMENTS ...................................................................................................18

SECURE RURAL SCHOOLS REVENUE, RECEIPTS AND TRANSFERS...............................................................20

ORGANIZATION CHART.................................................................................................................21

AVAILABLE FUNDS AND FTES .........................................................................................................22

PERMANENT POSITIONS BY GRADE AND FULL TIME EQUIVALENTS (FTE’S) ................................................24

MOTOR VEHICLE FLEET ................................................................................................................25

SHARED FUNDING PROJECTS..........................................................................................................27

FOREST SERVICE OPERATIONS ...................................................................................................................... 29

LEAD-OFF TABULAR STATEMENT ....................................................................................................29

APPROPRIATIONS LANGUAGE.........................................................................................................29

PROJECT STATEMENTS .................................................................................................................30

FACILITIES MAINTENANCE AND LEASES.............................................................................................31

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND CENTRALIZED PROCESSING................................................................. 34

ORGANIZATIONAL SERVICES ...........................................................................................................36

SALARIES AND EXPENSES...............................................................................................................37

OTHER SUPPLEMENTAL FUNDING ................................................................................................... 38

CLASSIFICATION BY OBJECTS..........................................................................................................39

FOREST AND RANGELAND RESEARCH.............................................................................................................. 43

LEAD-OFF TABULAR STATEMENT ....................................................................................................43

APPROPRIATIONS LANGUAGE.........................................................................................................43

PROJECT STATEMENTS .................................................................................................................44

FOREST INVENTORY AND ANALYSIS..................................................................................................45

FOREST AND RANGELAND RESEARCH ...............................................................................................47

JOINT FIRE SCIENCE .....................................................................................................................51

SALARIES AND EXPENSES...............................................................................................................52

OTHER SUPPLEMENTAL FUNDING ...................................................................................................53

CLASSIFICATION BY OBJECTS..........................................................................................................54

STATE, PRIVATE, AND TRIBAL FORESTRY ......................................................................................................... 55
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LEAD-OFF TABULAR STATEMENT ....................................................................................................55

APPROPRIATIONS LANGUAGE.........................................................................................................55

PROJECT STATEMENTS .................................................................................................................56

LANDSCAPE SCALE RESTORATION....................................................................................................57

FEDERAL LANDS FOREST HEALTH MANAGEMENT ................................................................................58

COOPERATIVE LANDS FOREST HEALTH MANAGEMENT .........................................................................60

STATE FIRE CAPACITY GRANTS (STATE FIRE ASSISTANCE) ......................................................................62

VOLUNTEER FIRE CAPACITY GRANTS (FORMERLY VOLUNTEER FIRE ASSISTANCE) .........................................64

FOREST LEGACY..........................................................................................................................66

FOREST STEWARDSHIP (WORKING FOREST LANDS) ..............................................................................68

COMMUNITY FOREST AND OPEN SPACE CONSERVATION.......................................................................70

URBAN AND COMMUNITY FORESTRY ...............................................................................................72

FOREST RESOURCE INFORMATION AND ANALYSIS................................................................................74

INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS AND TRADE COMPLIANCE.........................................................................75

SALARIES AND EXPENSES...............................................................................................................77

OTHER SUPPLEMENTAL FUNDING ...................................................................................................78

CLASSIFICATION BY OBJECTS..........................................................................................................80

NATIONAL FOREST SYSTEM.......................................................................................................................... 81

LEAD-OFF TABULAR STATEMENT ....................................................................................................81

APPROPRIATIONS LANGUAGE.........................................................................................................81

PROJECT STATEMENTS .................................................................................................................83

LAND MANAGEMENT PLANNING, ASSESSMENT, AND MONITORING.........................................................84

RECREATION, HERITAGE, AND WILDERNESS.......................................................................................86

GRAZING MANAGEMENT..............................................................................................................88

HAZARDOUS FUELS .....................................................................................................................90

FOREST PRODUCTS......................................................................................................................94

VEGETATION AND WATERSHED MANAGEMENT ..................................................................................97

WILDLIFE AND FISH HABITAT MANAGEMENT .....................................................................................99

COLLABORATIVE FOREST LANDSCAPE RESTORATION...........................................................................101

MINERALS AND GEOLOGY MANAGEMENT....................................................................................... 105

LAND USE AUTHORIZATION AND ACCESS ........................................................................................ 107

LAW ENFORCEMENT OPERATIONS................................................................................................. 108

SALARIES AND EXPENSES............................................................................................................. 110

OTHER SUPPLEMENTAL FUNDING ................................................................................................. 111
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CLASSIFICATION BY OBJECTS........................................................................................................ 113

CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT AND MAINTENANCE................................................................................................. 115

LEAD-OFF TABULAR STATEMENT .................................................................................................. 115

APPROPRIATIONS LANGUAGE....................................................................................................... 115

PROJECT STATEMENTS ............................................................................................................... 116

FACILITIES............................................................................................................................... 117

ROADS ................................................................................................................................... 119

TRAILS ................................................................................................................................... 121

LEGACY ROAD REMEDIATION....................................................................................................... 123

CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS........................................................................................................... 124

OTHER SUPPLEMENTAL FUNDING ................................................................................................. 125

CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT AND MAINTENANCE PROJECTS OVER $1 MILLION SELECTED IN 2025................................. 126

CLASSIFICATION BY OBJECTS........................................................................................................ 130

LAND ACQUISITION .................................................................................................................................. 131

LEAD-OFF TABULAR STATEMENT .................................................................................................. 131

APPROPRIATIONS LANGUAGE....................................................................................................... 131

PROJECT STATEMENTS ............................................................................................................... 132

LAND ACQUISITION ................................................................................................................... 133

ACQUISITION OF LANDS FOR NATIONAL FORESTS SPECIAL ACTS ............................................................135

ACQUISITION OF LANDS TO COMPLETE LAND EXCHANGES ...................................................................136

CONVEYANCE OF ADMINISTRATIVE SITES ........................................................................................ 137

SITE SPECIFIC LANDS ACT............................................................................................................ 138

CLASSIFICATION BY OBJECTS ........................................................................................................ 139

OTHER APPROPRIATIONS........................................................................................................................... 141

LEAD-OFF TABULAR STATEMENT .................................................................................................. 141

APPROPRIATIONS LANGUAGE....................................................................................................... 141

PROJECT STATEMENTS ............................................................................................................... 143

RANGE BETTERMENT FUND......................................................................................................... 144

GIFTS, DONATIONS, AND BEQUESTS FOR FOREST AND RANGELAND RESEARCH .........................................145

MANAGEMENT OF NATIONAL FOREST LANDS FOR SUBSISTENCE USE......................................................146

COMMUNICATION SITE ADMINISTRATION ....................................................................................... 148

CLASSIFICATION BY OBJECTS ........................................................................................................ 150

WILDLAND FIRE MANAGEMENT.................................................................................................................. 151

LEAD-OFF TABULAR STATEMENT .................................................................................................. 151
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APPROPRIATIONS LANGUAGE....................................................................................................... 151

PROJECT STATEMENTS ............................................................................................................... 153

PREPAREDNESS ........................................................................................................................ 154

SUPPRESSION OPERATIONS ......................................................................................................... 158

SALARIES AND EXPENSES............................................................................................................. 161

OTHER SUPPLEMENTAL FUNDING ................................................................................................. 163

CLASSIFICATION BY OBJECTS ........................................................................................................ 164

WILDFIRE SUPPRESSION OPERATIONS RESERVE FUND...................................................................................... 165

LEAD-OFF TABULAR STATEMENT .................................................................................................. 165

APPROPRIATIONS LANGUAGE....................................................................................................... 165

PROJECT STATEMENTS ............................................................................................................... 166

WILDFIRE SUPPRESSION OPERATIONS RESERVE FUND ........................................................................167

PERMANENT APPROPRIATIONS ................................................................................................................... 169

LEAD-OFF TABULAR STATEMENT .................................................................................................. 169

PROJECT STATEMENTS ............................................................................................................... 170

NATIONAL PARKS AND PUBLIC LAND LEGACY RESTORATION FUND ........................................................172

BRUSH DISPOSAL ...................................................................................................................... 174

TIMBER SALVAGE SALES ............................................................................................................. 176

TIMBER SALES PIPELINE RESTORATION ........................................................................................... 177

FOREST BOTANICAL PRODUCTS .................................................................................................... 178

STEWARDSHIP CONTRACTING....................................................................................................... 179

RECREATION FEES, FOREST SERVICE (ALSO REFERRED TO AS THE FEDERAL LANDS RECREATION ENHANCEMENT 

FUND) ................................................................................................................................... 180

TIMBER PURCHASER ELECTION ROAD CONSTRUCTION........................................................................182

OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF FOREST SERVICE QUARTERS...........................................................183

ROADS AND TRAILS FOR STATES.................................................................................................... 184

LAND BETWEEN THE LAKES MANAGEMENT ..................................................................................... 185

MIDEWIN NATIONAL TALLGRASS PRAIRIE RESTORATION.....................................................................186

QUINAULT SPECIAL MANAGEMENT AREA........................................................................................ 187

RESTORATION OF FOREST LANDS AND IMPROVEMENTS.......................................................................188

COMMERCIAL FILMING AND STILL PHOTOGRAPHY LAND USE FEE RETENTION...........................................189

ORGANIZATIONAL CAMP PROGRAM .............................................................................................. 190

COST RECOVERY (LAND USES) ...................................................................................................... 191

SMOKEY BEAR OFFICIAL LICENSING PROGRAM ................................................................................. 192
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LICENSEE PROGRAM WOODSY OWL .............................................................................................. 193

FOREST SERVICE GO GREEN PROGRAM (CONSERVATION) ...................................................................194

PAYMENTS TO STATES................................................................................................................ 195

CLASSIFICATION BY OBJECTS ........................................................................................................ 198

TRUST FUNDS ......................................................................................................................................... 199

LEAD-OFF TABULAR STATEMENT .................................................................................................. 199

PROJECT STATEMENTS ............................................................................................................... 200

COOPERATIVE WORK – KNUTSON-VANDENBERG..............................................................................201

COOPERATIVE WORK................................................................................................................. 203

REFORESTATION TRUST FUND...................................................................................................... 205

LAND BETWEEN THE LAKES TRUST FUND ........................................................................................ 207

CLASSIFICATION BY OBJECTS ........................................................................................................ 208

ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS .................................................................................................................... 210

TITLE IV GENERAL PROVISIONS................................................................................................................... 214

AGENCY-WIDE PERFORMANCE AND EVALUATION........................................................................................... 226

INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................ 226

ALIGNMENT TO USDA 2022 – 2026 STRATEGIC PLAN......................................................................226

SUMMARY OF PERFORMANCE ...................................................................................................... 227

SPECIAL EXHIBITS..................................................................................................................................... 232

CARBON ACCOUNTING............................................................................................................... 232

CRITERIA FOR ALLOCATING FUNDING FOR RECREATION ACCESS ............................................................236

EQUAL ACCESS TO JUSTICE ACT (EAJA).......................................................................................... 237

NATIONAL SCENIC AND HISTORIC TRAILS......................................................................................... 240

OFFICE OF GENERAL COUNSEL REIMBURSEMENT ..............................................................................247

PRESCRIBED FIRE ...................................................................................................................... 248

STEWARDSHIP CONTRACTING....................................................................................................... 250

UNLIQUIDATED OBLIGATIONS ...................................................................................................... 253

USDA WORKING CAPITAL FUND, DEPARTMENTAL SHARED COST PROGRAMS, AND E-GOVERNMENT ............256

SPEND PLAN FOR THE INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT AND JOBS ACT, 2022 (P.L. 117-58).........................262

TRANSFERS WITHIN APPROPRIATIONS............................................................................................ 268

APPENDICES ........................................................................................................................................... 270

NATIONAL PARKS AND PUBLIC LAND LEGACY RESTORATION FUND ........................................................270

LAND AND WATER CONSERVATION FUND ....................................................................................... 290
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PREFACE

The budgetary tables throughout this document show actual amounts for Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 and FY 2023, 

estimated levels for FY 2024, and the President’s Budget request for FY 2025. Amounts for FY 2024 estimated 

levels include non-estimated amounts such as Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) levels, fleet levels, information 

technology investment levels, recovery levels, transfers in and out, balances available end of year, and obligation 

levels.

Throughout this publication, the “2018 Farm Bill” is used to refer to the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018. 

Most programs funded by the 2018 Farm Bill are funded through FY 2024, as extended by the Further 

Appropriations and Other Extensions Act, 2024 (P.L. 118-22). Amounts shown in FY 2024 and FY 2025 for most 

2018 Farm Bill programs reflect those confirmed in the baseline.

Pursuant to the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985, sequestration is included in the 

numbers for mandatory programs in 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025. 

In tables throughout this document, amounts equal to zero (0) are displayed as dashes (-). Amounts less than 0.5 

and greater than zero are rounded and shown as a zero (0). This display treatment is used to prevent the masking 

of non-zero amounts that do not round up to one (1).
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AGENCY-WIDE

BUDGET OVERVIEW

Mission

The USDA Forest Service’s mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the nation's forests and 

grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations.

Budget Overview

The Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Forest Service Budget request for discretionary appropriations is $8.9 billion. This is an 

increase of $658.5 million in comparison to the FY 2024 annualized continuing resolution. The FY 2025 Budget 

request includes $2.6 billion for Wildland Fire Management, an increase of $433.5 million1 from the comparable 

funding level in FY 2024; $2 billion for the management of National Forest System lands, an increase of $32.8 

million from FY 2024; $158 million for Capital Improvement and Maintenance, a decrease of $48 thousand2 from 

FY 2024; $316 million for Forest and Rangeland Research, an increase of $8.4 million from FY 2024; $305 million 

for State, Private, and Tribal Forestry, a decrease of $32.4 million3 from FY 2024; and $1.1 billion for Forest Service 

Operations, an increase of $34.3 million from FY 2024. The Forest Service funding from the Wildfire Suppression 

Operations Reserve Fund (“fire funding fix”) is $2.3 billion in FY 2025, an increase of $180 million from FY 2024.

Forest Service Policy Priorities

The FY 2025 Budget request prioritizes critical investments to address threats from wildfire, tackle climate change, 

protect communities, provide economic relief through job creation, reduce deferred maintenance backlog, 

advance racial equity, address environmental injustice, and further improve the Forest Service work environment. 

To respond to these challenges, the Forest Service requests investments for wildfire risk management to 

implement the Administration’s climate innovation agenda and significant investment in our wildland firefighting 

workforce. These investments support permanent firefighter pay reform, firefighter health and wellbeing services, 

expanded firefighter workforce capacity, and facilities maintenance funds to improve conditions of government 

housing for firefighters. In addition, the FY 2025 Budget prioritizes Research and Development efforts to accelerate 

technology transfer that is critical to the success of Wildland Fire Management programs. Wildfire risk 

management actions strengthen the Forest Services’ ability to improve the resilience of forest and rangeland 

ecosystems from multiyear drought conditions and protect watersheds, critical habitats, and communities from 

the negative impacts of wildfires. 

Along with the ongoing investments provided by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (P.L. 117-58)4 and the Inflation 

Reduction Act (P.L. 117-169), the Forest Service will use the FY 2025 Budget to work with States, Tribes, and 

partners to improve the resiliency of landscapes and watersheds across jurisdictional boundaries, reduce wildfire 

risk, restore infrastructure, support outdoor recreation, and invest in reforestation of America’s impacted 

landscapes. 

Wildland Fire Risk Management 

The increasing complexity and duration of wildfires, complicated by a changing climate and other factors, are 

expected to continue to challenge Forest Service administrators and fire managers in FY 2025. Each FY the Forest 

Service responds to around 5,000 to 7,000 fires on National Forest System lands. In addition to the responsibility to 

1 The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 (Public Law 117-328), Division N, provided disaster relief funding that included 

funding previously included in Division G: $160 million for pre-suppression and $1.011 billion for suppression operations. 

Additionally, Division N also provided emergency disaster appropriations of $375 million for suppression activities. 2 Decrease in Capital Improvement and Maintenance is associated with the previous year’s Congressionally Directed Spending 

projects which are not requested by the Forest Service. 3 Decrease in State, Private, and Tribal Forestry is associated with the previous year’s Congressionally Directed Spending 

projects which are not requested by the Forest Service.

4 The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is titled the “Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act” (P.L. 117-58) and will be referenced as 

the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) for the remainder of the document.
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protect life, property, infrastructure, and natural resources on National Forest System lands, the Forest Service

responds to wildland fire incidents on other Federal lands and on an additional 20 million acres of non-Federal

lands under interagency and intergovernmental protection agreements. Wildland fire risk management is an

urgent priority for the Forest Service and aligns with USDA’s Strategic Goal to mitigate wildfire risk. The FY 2025 

Budget dedicates $207 million towards management for hazardous fuels reduction, equal to FY 2024. This will

facilitate the Forest Service's goal to mitigate wildfire risk on 4.0 million acres in high-priority and high-risk areas in 

FY 2025 in continued alignment with the Forest Service Wildfire Crisis Strategy5

. 

Compensation for Wildland Firefighters

The FY 2025 Budget request proposes $2.6 billion for Wildland Fire Management activities which is an increase of

$433 million above the FY 2024 annualized continuing resolution. The FY 2025 Budget includes an increase of $216

million to further build on the base pay increases in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (P.L. 117-58) and a $10

million investment in health and wellbeing services for wildland firefighters. The budget includes an increase of

$69 million to support the anticipated 2024 and 2025 cost of living adjustments and an increase of $136 million for

additional Federal firefighting capacity. This increase will help ensure that the Forest Service can effectively meet 

the demands of wildland fire activity year-round, while also improving the work-life balance of firefighters. This

level of funding reflects the Administration’s ongoing commitment to building and sustaining a robust and resilient

Federal wildland fire management workforce. 

The FY 2025 Budget also includes $25 million to perform critical facility maintenance work to improve the 

conditions of government housing for Forest Service wildland firefighters and other essential employees. This 

critical investment aligns with the finding in the Wildland Fire Mitigation and Management Commission September

2023 report6

that a lack of affordable housing is a significant barrier to the recruitment, hiring, and retention of

employees.

Tackling the Climate Crisis

The FY 2025 Budget complements the investments made in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (P.L. 117-58) to

implement the Administration’s climate plan and to support Executive Order 14008, “Tackling the Climate Crisis at 

Home and Abroad” and Executive Order 13990, “Protecting Public Health and the Environment and Restoring

Science to Tackle the Climate Crisis.” The FY 2025 Budget incorporates investments that allow the Forest Service to

build unfragmented, climate-resilient landscapes while building the framework for economic growth, supporting

good-paying jobs, and prioritizing the extension of benefits from climate investments to disadvantaged and

underserved communities.

The FY 2025 Budget request supports capacity for carbon sequestration through reforestation, mitigation of forest 

pests, and production of sustainable woody biomass for forest products on both public and private lands. The

Forest Service will focus investments on planting the right species, in the right place, under the right conditions to

create resilient and sustainable forests. The Forest Service will leverage partner resources through Shared

Stewardship while making integrated decisions on mutually beneficial projects across all land ownerships.

The FY 2025 Budget supports the success of post-disturbance restoration and nursery capacity to ensure the

availability of genetic resources that optimize existing and future landscape configurations to improve

reforestation outcomes. Benefits of reforestation include the regeneration of forest vegetation in areas impacted

by wildfire, floods, and hurricanes; increased carbon sequestration capacity; establishment of resilient forest

vegetation; and improved habitat diversity for many wildlife species.

Improving Infrastructure, Providing Economic Relief, and Supporting Jobs

The results of the Forest Service’s recent FY 2022 economic analysis show Forest Service programs and work

contributed 410,400 jobs (average of annual full-time, part-time, temporary, and seasonal) and $44.3 billion in

5 Confronting the Wildfire Crisis

6 ON FIRE: The Report of the Wildland Fire Mitigation and Management Commission.
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Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Recreational visitor use, hunting and fishing, energy and minerals development, 

forest products, and livestock grazing generated 69 percent of the economic activity. 

The Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA), 2020 (P.L. 116-152), is allowing the Forest Service to repair and upgrade 

vital infrastructure and facilities in national forests and grasslands through the National Parks and Public Land 

Legacy Restoration Fund (LRF). GAOA also permanently funded the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), 

investing in conservation and recreation opportunities on both Federal and non-Federal forests and grasslands. 

Projects funded through LWCF programs enrich the lives of current and future generations by improving landscape 

resiliency and increasing access. The FY 2025 estimates are 3,200 jobs and $360 million in GDP. The FY 2025 LWCF 

and LRF project lists are included in appendices to the Budget request. The Forest Service has developed these 

projects in accordance with GAOA LRF requirements and LWCF, Forest Service, and Administration priorities. These 

include creating new and enhanced recreation access, funding projects with substantial local community support, 

conserving critical watersheds, and benefiting disadvantaged or underserved communities.

Advancing Racial Equity and Improving the Workplace Environment 

The Forest Service remains unwavering in its commitment to the values of equity, inclusion, and equal 

opportunities for its employees and the public it serves. The Forest Service maintains the intent to focus on 

prioritizing activities that will provide benefits to disadvantaged or underserved communities. The Forest Service 

vows to proactively engage in actions that ensure a safe, resilient, and harassment-free work culture where 

employees are treated with respect and dignity. The USDA is committed to providing equity across its agencies, 

removing barriers to access, and building a workforce more representative of America. Lastly, the Forest Service 

seeks to diagnose and address the root causes and cultural barriers to safety (physical, psychological, and social), 

diversity, equity, and inclusion in the work environment.

PURPOSE STATEMENT

The United States Forest Service is an agency of the Department of Agriculture formed in 1905, pursuant to the 

Transfer Act of 1905 (33 Stat. 628) and the Agricultural Appropriation Act of 1906 (33 Stat.872). The Federal Land 

Policy and Management Act of 1976 (FLPMA), (43 U.S.C. 1701), directs the Forest Service to manage National 

Forest System (NFS) lands on the basis of multiple use, in a manner that “recognizes the Nation’s need for 

domestic sources of minerals, food, timber, and fiber from the public lands” and that will “protect the quality of 

historical resources, and archeological values.” 

The Forest Service is a steward for National Forests and public lands owned by the American people. The Forest 

Service administers 154 national forests and 20 national grasslands that cover more than 193 million acres of 

public land, 84 long-term experimental areas,7 seven research and development laboratories,8 and 24 Job Corps 

Civilian Conservation Centers.9 The Forest Service also reaches across the boundaries of the national forests 

through collaboration and cooperation to States, Tribes, communities, and non-industrial private landowners. 

The mission of the Forest Service is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the Nation’s forests and 

grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations. The Forest Service is committed to fulfilling its 

responsibilities to the American people by maintaining public trust and safety with an emphasis on the 

7 The Forest Service’s long-term experimental areas consist of 76 experimental forests, 4 experimental ranges, and 4

experimental watersheds and are the largest and longest-lived ecological research areas in the United States. Additional 

information on these experimental areas can be found at: Experimental Forests and Ranges. 

8 Forest Service Research and Development manages nearly 80 facilities, organized around five research stations and two

research centers. Research stations include Rocky Mountain Research Station, Pacific Southwest Research Station, Pacific

Northwest Research Station, Southern Research Station, and Northern Research Station. The two research centers are the

Forest Products Laboratory and International Institute of Tropical Forestry. Additional information on these laboratories 

can be found at Research Station. 

9 While the Forest Service provides oversight for the Job Corps program, Job Corps is funded through the Department of Labor. 

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interconnection between people and nature. The Forest Service fulfills its commitment by improving the current 

and future needs of people and nature by: 

• Working in collaboration with communities and agency partners.

• Delivering world-class science, technology, and land management.

• Providing access to resources and experiences that promote economic, ecological, and social vitality.

• Connecting people to the land and one another.

The Forest Service is composed of four Deputy Areas: 1) Business Operations; 2) Forest and Rangeland Research; 3) 

National Forest System; and 4) State, Private, and Tribal Forestry.

Statutory Program Authorization

Forest Service Operations

Forest Service Operations was authorized in the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2020 (P.L. 116-94), 

Division D, Title IV, Section 435(a) (16 U.S.C 579e(a)). The account includes base salary and expenses of employees 

in the Chief’s Office, the Work Environment and Performance Office, the Business Operations Deputy Area, and the 

Chief Financial Officer’s Office. Forest Service Operations also funds the costs of facility maintenance, repairs, and 

leases for buildings and sites where these administrative, general management and other Forest Service support 

functions take place; the costs of all utility and telecommunication expenses, business services, and information 

technology, including cybersecurity requirements; and other administrative support function expenses necessary 

for the operation of the Forest Service.

Forest and Rangeland Research

Forest and Rangeland Research was authorized in the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 

1974 (P.L. 93-378), (16 U.S.C. 1601-1608) and the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Research Act of 

1978 (P.L. 95-307), (16 U.S.C. 1641-1647). Forest and Rangeland Research conducts ecological, material, and social 

science research to understand ecosystems, including human interactions and influences, and improve the health 

and use of our Nation’s forests and grasslands. The Joint Fire Science Program provides funding for the Forest 

Service and the Department of the Interior to address issues associated with managing wildland fuels, fires, and 

fire-impacted ecosystems.

State, Private, and Tribal Private Forestry

State and Private Forestry was authorized in part by the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978 (P.L. 95-313), 

(16 U.S.C. 2101 et seq.). State, Private, and Tribal Forestry provides financial and technical assistance to nonFederal landowners and resource managers to sustain the nation’s forests and grasslands, protect communities 

from wildland fire, and restore fire-adapted ecosystems. These efforts focus on management, protection, 

conservation education, and resource use to help facilitate sound stewardship of lands across multiple jurisdictions 

to produce ecological, social, and economic benefits for the American people.

National Forest System

National Forest System was authorized in part by the Organic Administration Act of 1897 (16 U.S.C. 551), the 

Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974 (16 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.), the National Forest 

Management Act of 1976 (16 U.S.C. 472a), and the Multiple-Use Sustained-Yield Act (16 U.S.C. 528-531). National 

Forest System administers more than 193 million acres of national forests and grasslands. National Forest System 

programs support planning, coordination, implementation, and monitoring of programs, projects, and activities 

that provide a variety of ecosystem services, including water-quality protection, public recreation opportunities, 

energy for the Nation, timber and non-convertible forest products, maintenance of open space, and wildlife 

habitat and habitat connectivity. The National Forest System also supports robust heritage, minerals, geology, and 

law enforcement programs that support ecological programs in their ability to do projects and activities.

Capital Improvement and Maintenance

Capital Improvement and Maintenance was authorized in part by the Forest Roads and Trails Act (16 U.S.C. 532-

538) and 23 U.S.C. 101 et seq. Capital Improvement and Maintenance constructs, maintains, and improves fire and
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

29a-15 

administrative facilities, and sites, roads, and trails on National Forest System lands, and enables the Forest Service 

to meet critical natural resource needs while providing safe access to public lands.

Land Acquisition

Land Acquisition was authorized in part by the Weeks Act (16 U.S.C. 515) and the General Exchange Act of 1922 (16 

U.S.C. 485, 486). Land Acquisition purchases, exchanges, and accepts donations of lands to achieve a desired 

national forest landownership pattern, protect critical resource areas, and provide increased public recreation 

opportunities on National Forest System lands.

Other Appropriations

Other Appropriations includes Range Betterment Fund; Gifts, Donations, and Bequests for Forest and Rangeland 

Research; Management of National Forest Lands for Subsistence Uses; and Communications Site Administration.

Range Betterment Fund is authorized by the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1751). 

Range Betterment Fund provides for the rehabilitation, protection, and improvements of rangelands on National 

Forest System lands maintain healthy, resilient rangeland ecosystems. 

Gifts, Donations, and Bequests for Forest and Rangeland Research was authorized by the Forest and Rangeland 

Renewable Resources Research Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 1641 et seq.). This account accepts gifts, donations, and 

bequests for the establishment or operation of any forest and rangeland research facility.

Management of National Forest Lands for Subsistence Uses is authorized by the Alaska National Interest Lands 

Conservation Act of 1980 (P.L. 96-487), Title VIII (16 U.S.C. 3111-3126). This account provides funding for habitat 

management projects that support subsistence harvesting activities on National Forest System lands in Alaska.

Communications Site Administration was authorized by the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, section 8705. 

This account allows for the collection and retention of administrative fees for communications site use 

authorizations, which are used to cover program administrative costs. 

Wildland Fire Management

Wildland Fire Management is authorized in part by the Organic Administration Act of 1897 (16 U.S.C 551). 

Wildland Fire Management utilizes resources for the protection of life, property, and natural resources in the 

National Forest System and adjacent lands from wildfires. 

Geographic Dispersion of Offices and Employees

The Forest Service Headquarters is located in Washington, DC. The Forest Service is organized under nine Regions, 

and field activities are managed through 154 administrative units10. Northern Region (01) is in Missoula, Montana. 

Rocky Mountain Region (02) is in Lakewood, Colorado. Southwestern Region (03) is in Albuquerque, New Mexico. 

Intermountain Region (04) is in Ogden, Utah. Pacific Southwest Region (05) is in Vallejo, California. Pacific 

Northwest Region (06) is in Portland, Oregon. Southern Region (08) is in Atlanta, Georgia. Eastern Region (09) is in 

Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Alaska Region (10) is in Juneau, Alaska. 

As of September 30, 2023, there were 32,450 permanent full-time employees, 521 in the Headquarters office and 

31,929 in regional and field offices.

OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL AND GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY OFFICE REPORTS

The tables below provide a list of Office of Inspector General (OIG) and Government Accountability Office (GAO) 

reports that were completed during fiscal year 2023 and not previously reported.

10 An administrative unit may include more than one proclaimed forest or grassland. Other non-forest or grassland units include 

national recreation areas, the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit, the 

Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, and the Savannah River Site.
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

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Table FS-1. OIG Reports Completed in FY 2023

ID Date a Title Results

08801-0001-22 5/2/2023 Forest Service's Response to the Coronavirus Pandemic 

at Recreation Sites

No recommendations for Forest 

Service

50503-0011-12 7/28/2023 2023 FISMA No recommendations for Forest 

Service

50801-0006-12 9/29/2023 Security Over USDA Mobile Applications No recommendations for Forest 

Service

a All dates are the audit report issuance date.

Table FS-2. GAO Reports Completed in FY 2023

ID Date a Title Results

GAO-23-106149 06/06/2023 Veterans Employment: GI Bill Benefits Can Help Lead 

to Outdoor Recreation Careers

No recommendations for Forest 

Service

GAO-23-105408 02/13/2023 Abandoned Hardrock Mines: Land Management 

Agencies Should Improve Reporting of Total Cleanup 

Costs

Closed – Implemented

a All dates are the audit report issuance date.
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29a-18 

LEAD-OFF TABULAR STATEMENTS

Table FS-3. Lead-Off Tabular Statement (In Dollars) 

Forest Service Operations

Estimate, 2024.............................................................................................................................. $1,152,744,000 

Change in Appropriation............................................................................................................... + 34,322,000 

Request, 2025............................................................................................................................... 1,187,066,000 

Forest and Rangeland Research

Estimate, 2024.............................................................................................................................. $307,273,000 

Change in Appropriation............................................................................................................... + 8,351,000 

Request, 2025............................................................................................................................... 315,624,000 

State, Private, and Tribal Forestry

Estimate, 2024.............................................................................................................................. $337,758,000 

Change in Appropriation............................................................................................................... -32,350,000 

Request, 2025............................................................................................................................... 305,408,000 

National Forest System

Estimate, 2024.............................................................................................................................. $1,974,388,000 

Change in Appropriation............................................................................................................... + 32,761,000 

Request, 2025............................................................................................................................... 2,007,149,000 

Capital Improvement and Maintenance

Estimate, 2024.............................................................................................................................. $158,048,000 

Change in Appropriation............................................................................................................... -48,000 

Request, 2025............................................................................................................................... 158,000,000 

Land Acquisition

Estimate, 2024.............................................................................................................................. $814,000 

Change in Appropriation............................................................................................................... -

Request, 2025............................................................................................................................... 814,000 

Other Appropriations

Estimate, 2024.............................................................................................................................. $2,863,000 

Change in Appropriation............................................................................................................... +2,000,000 

Request, 2025............................................................................................................................... 4,863,000 

Wildland Fire Management

Estimate, 2024.............................................................................................................................. $2,116,956,000

Change in Appropriation............................................................................................................... + 433,486,000 

Request, 2025 a............................................................................................................................. 2,550,442,000 
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

29a-19 

Wildfire Suppression Operations Reserve Fund

Estimate, 2024.............................................................................................................................. $2,210,000,000 

Change in Appropriation............................................................................................................... + 180,000,000 

Request, 2025............................................................................................................................... 2,390,000,000 

Permanent Appropriations

Estimate, 2024.............................................................................................................................. $643,530,000 

Change in Appropriation............................................................................................................... +2,750,000

Request, 2025............................................................................................................................... 646,280,000 

Trust Funds

Estimate, 2024.............................................................................................................................. $236,578,000 

Change in Appropriation............................................................................................................... -10,000

Request, 2025............................................................................................................................... 226,578,000 

a Wildland Fire Management discretionary appropriations include base recurring discretionary funding designated as emergency 

(i.e., shifted base).
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

29a-20 

SECURE RURAL SCHOOLS REVENUE, RECEIPTS AND TRANSFERS

Table FS-4. 2022 - 2025 National Forest Fund (NFF) Receipts Availability (thousands of dollars)

Receipt Type 2022

Actual

2023

Estimate

2024

Estimate d

2025

Estimate

National Forest Fund Receipts:

Class 1 – Timber................................................................. $5,555 $10,143 $8,374 $8,024

Class 2 - Grazing East............................................................ 183 148 158 163

Class 3 - Land Use................................................................. 25,492 24,944 25,353 25,263

Class 4 - Recreation Special Uses.......................................... 105,740 90,965 102,857 99,854

Class 5 – Power.................................................................... 19,251 14,314 15,433 16,333

Class 6 – Minerals ................................................................ 860 850 919 876

Class 8 - Grazing West.......................................................... 5,092 5,167 5,062 5,107

Class 9 – Quartz Crystals....................................................... - 1 1 1

Subtotal, NFF Receipts...................................................... 162,173 146,532 158,157 155,621

Additions and Reductions other than Payments to States:

DOI:ONRR/MMS Minerals Revenue NFF a ............................. 25,766 17,808 19,449 21,008

Minnesota Boundary Water Canoe Area............................... -6,150 -6,150 -6,150 -6,150

Timber Roads - Purchaser Election Program ........................ -2,000 -2,000 -2,000 -2,000

Acquisition of Lands for National Forest Special Acts............ -664 -664 -664 -664

50% Grazing (Range Betterment Fund)................................. -2,546 -2,556 -1,719 -1,719

10% Roads & Trails............................................................... -20,171 -20,170 -20,700 -20,000

Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie Expansion .................... -937 -794 -1,000 1,050

Other Special Act Payments (Arkansas Quartz and Quinault 

Special Management Area) b............................................... -49 -18 -23 -30

Subtotal, Additions and Reductions other than Payments 

to States......................................................................... -6,751 -14,544 -12,807 -8,505

Payments to States Reductions:

PTS - 25% 7-year Rolling Average of Receipts Payment b, c ...... -13,984 -13,282 -13,559 -13,608

SRS - Title II Allocation - SRS2 ............................................... -23,568 -23,783 -24,370 -23,907

SRS - Failure to Elect Allocation – SRSA................................. -220 -202 -210 -211

SRS - Allocation to Treasury.................................................. -132 -121 -126 -126

Subtotal, Payments to States Reductions.......................... -37,904 -37,388 -38,264 -37,852

Total, Receipts Available for SRS - Title I and III....................... 117,518 94,600 107,085 109,263

a Compensation programs related to energy and mineral development on National Forest System lands are administered by the 

Department of the Interior.

b Revenue-sharing and Secure Rural Schools payments are nonexempt, nondefense mandatory spending; therefore, are subject 

to annual sequestration, if applicable, through 2029 (P.L. 112-25).

c The reauthorization of the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self- Determination Act of 2000 (Secure Rural Schools Act) 

was included in Section 41202 of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (Public Law 117-58), which was signed into law on November 

15, 2021. The reauthorization not only extended payments through 2023, but also reset the full funding amount used to 

calculate the Secure Rural Schools Act formula payments to the 2017 level of funding. S.3706 provided for the application of 

certain provisions. 

d Actual 2023 receipts and payments will not be available until early April 2024. Values shown are estimates. 
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

29a-21 

ORGANIZATION CHART
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

29a-22 

AVAILABLE FUNDS AND FTES

Table FS-5. Available Funds and FTEs (thousands of dollars)

Item 2022 Actual FTEs 2023 Actual FTEs 2024 

Estimated

FTEs 2025 

Request

FTEs

Forest Service Operations:

Discretionary Appropriations....... $1,069,086 2,547 $1,152,744 2,733 $1,152,744 2,678 $1,187,066 2,670

Mandatory Appropriations.......... - - - - - - - -

Supplemental Appropriations a .... 105,000 100 - 368 - 423 - 431

Offsetting Collections.................. 374 - - - - - - -

Forest and Rangeland Research:

Discretionary Appropriations....... 296,616 1,467 307,273 1,550 307,273 1,433 315,624 1,432

Supplemental Appropriations...... 27,000 3 4,000 12 2,000 129 2,000 130

State, Private, and Tribal Forestry:

Discretionary Appropriations....... 315,198 386 337,758 404 337,758 373 305,408 350

Mandatory Appropriations.......... 83,862 18 77,940 21 94,225 37 94,225 21

Supplemental Appropriations...... 3,105,360 4 453,360 43 305,360 58 305,360 97

National Forest System:

Discretionary Appropriations....... 1,866,545 13,298 1,974,388 13,690 1,974,388 12,598 2,007,149 12,434

Supplemental Appropriations...... 1,794,800 303 739,800 947 529,800 2,039 529,800 2,203

Capital Improvement and Maintenance:

Discretionary Appropriations....... 159,049 - 158,048 - 158,048 - 158,000 -

Supplemental Appropriations...... 542,000 11 222,000 17 72,000 5 72,000 -

Land Acquisition:

Discretionary Appropriations....... 814 2 814 2 814 - 814 2

Mandatory Appropriations.......... 126,694 44 128,964 41 127,711 38 127,711 38

Other Appropriations:

Discretionary Appropriations....... 3,573 - 3,645 - 2,863 - 4,863 -

Wildland Fire Management:

Discretionary Appropriations b..... 2,005,106 9,716 2,116,956 9,631 2,116,956 9,974 2,550,442 10,544

Supplemental Appropriations...... 2,352,200 63 411,000 853 36,000 431 36,000 431

Offsetting Collections.................. - - 17,492 - - - - -

Wildfire Suppression Operations:

Discretionary Appropriations....... 2,120,000 - 2,210,000 - 2,210,000 - 2,390,000 -

Permanent Appropriations:

Mandatory Appropriations.......... 575,101 890 731,419 872 643,530 872 646,280 872

Offsetting Collections.................. 113 3 6,239 - - - - -

Trust Funds:

Mandatory Appropriations.......... 332,899 248 246,460 237 236,578 237 226,578 237

Offsetting Collections.................. 25,439 91 35,650 72 36,000 72 36,000 72

Total Discretionary Appropriations . 7,835,987 27,416 8,261,626 28,010 8,260,844 27,056 8,919,366 27,432

Total Mandatory Appropriations..... 1,118,556 1,200 1,184,783 1,171 1,102,044 1,184 1,174,794 1,168

Total Supplemental Appropriations. 7,926,360 484 1,830,160 2,240 945,160 3,085 945,160 3,292

Deferral for Roads and Trails for 

States............................................. -18,888 - -20,171 - -19,000 - - -

Total Appropriations 16,862,015 29,100 11,256,398 31,421 10,289,048 31,325 10,959,320 31,892

Total Offsetting Collections............. 25,926 94 59,381 72 36,000 72 36,000 72

Recoveries ..................................... 342,551 - 284,913 - 301,701 - 279,193 -
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

29a-23 

Item 2022 Actual FTEs 2023 Actual FTEs 2024 

Estimated

FTEs 2025 

Request

FTEs

Total Transfers In ........................... 1,193,100 - 1,565,483 - 476,571 - 340,000 -

Total Transfers Out......................... -922,230 - -1,295,597 - -121,361 - -20,000 -

Total Balance Transfers .................. 591 - 16,309 - 1 - - -

Balance Available, SOY.................... 3,228,652 - 11,029,762 - 10,708,441 - 8,711,853 -

Total Sequestrations....................... -17,057 - -27,713 - -18,959 - -24,678 -

Lapsing Balances............................ -2,852 - -1,369 - -60 - -60 -

Total Available............................... 20,710,273 29,194 22,887,567 31,493 21,671,382 31,397 20,281,628 31,964

Balance Available, EOY ................... -11,029,763 - -10,708,441 - -8,711,853 - -8,079,064 -

Total Obligations ........................... 9,680,510 - 12,179,127 - 12,959,529 - 12,202,564 -

Total Other FTEs b .......................... - 1,953 - 1,887 - 1,887 - 1,887

Total FTEs...................................... - 31,147 - 33,380 - 33,284 - 33,851

a Supplemental appropriations include The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (P.L. 117-58), The Inflation Reduction Act (P.L. 117-

168), disaster relief (P.L. 117-43), and emergency supplemental (P.L. 117-43, Division N). The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law 

provided $1,666,360,000 appropriations in FY 2022 and provided $945,160,000 advance appropriations in FY 2023 and FY 2024.

The Inflation Reduction Act provided $4.9 billion appropriations in FY 2022. FY 2022 disaster relief provisions provided 

$1,360,000,000 for necessary expenses related to wildfires, hurricanes, and other natural disasters that occurred between 

calendar years 2019 through 2021. FY 2023 emergency supplemental provided $885 million for necessary expenses related to 

the consequences of calendar year 2020, 2021, and 2022 wildfires, hurricanes, and other natural disasters. Division N also 

provided $1.171 billion in base recurring funds (i.e., shifted base) for Wildland Fire Suppression and Preparedness. b Wildland Fire Management discretionary appropriations include base recurring discretionary funding designated as emergency 

(i.e., shifted base).

c Funding for Other FTEs is provided through reimbursable funds and the allocation of funds from other agencies. 

The discrepancy between the project statement and Max schedule X is reimbursable funds. 
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

29a-24 

PERMANENT POSITIONS BY GRADE AND FULL TIME EQUIVALENTS (FTE’S) 

Table FS-6. Permanent Positions by Grade and FTE’s 

Item

D.C. Field

2022

Actual 

Total D.C. Field

2023

Actual 

Total D.C. Field

2024

Estimated 

Total D.C. Field

2025 

Estimated 

Total

SES a............. 29 36 65 33 34 67 33 34 67 33 34 67

GS-15........... 87 336 423 83 370 453 83 369 452 83 369 452

GS-14 b......... 159 580 739 136 713 849 135 710 845 136 709 845

GS-13 b......... 145 2237 2382 108 2,820 2,928 108 2,811 2,919 108 2,811 2,919

GS-12........... 67 3213 3280 57 3,915 3,972 55 3,909 3,964 57 3,907 3,964

GS-11........... 73 4154 4581 44 5,131 5,175 44 5,116 5,160 44 5,116 5,160

GS-10........... - 427 427 - 293 293 - 292 292 - 292 292

GS-9 b........... 65 4291 4356 34 4,678 4,712 32 4,664 4,696 34 4,802 4,836

GS-8............. 3 1660 1663 2 1,640 1,642 2 1,635 1,637 2 1,635 1,637

GS-7 b........... 22 3540 3562 14 4,369 4,383 14 4,356 4,370 14 4,481 4,495

GS-6............. 2 1854 1856 1 2,278 2,279 1 2,271 2,272 1 2,271 2,272

GS-5 b........... 2 2915 2917 4 3,060 3,064 4 3,051 3,055 4 3,257 3,261

GS-4............. - 847 847 1 1,384 1,385 1 1,380 1,381 1 1,380 1,381

GS-3............. - 130 130 3 264 267 3 263 266 3 263 266

GS-2............. 2 11 13 1 21 22 1 21 22 1 21 22

GS-1............. - 2 2 - 2 2 - 2 2 - 2 2

Other 

Graded c.... - - - - 957 957 - 954 954 - 954 954

Total 

Permanent 979 26,264 27,243 521 31,929 32,450 516 31,838 32,354 521 32,304 32,825

Unfilled, EOY - - 2,167 - - - - - - - - -

Total Perm. 

FT EOY ...... 979 26,264 29,410 521 31,929 32,450 516 31,838 32,354 521 32,304 32,825

FTE............... 33,380 33,284 33,851

a Includes pay plans ES, SL, and ST.

b Includes pay plan GL. c Includes pay plans WG, WL, and WS

Note: In addition to the numbers above, there are temporary positions as well.
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

29a-25 

MOTOR VEHICLE FLEET

The Forest Service uses a revolving Working Capital Fund (WCF) to finance its fleet operations. A monthly Fixed 

Ownership Rate and a per-mile use rate are assessed for each owned and General Services Administration’s (GSA)-

leased vehicle. These expenses are funded from discretionary programs that are deposited into specific WCF 

accounts that make up the revolving fund. Funds are used to finance fleet operations that include repairs, fuel, 

maintenance, infrastructure support, program management costs, vehicle depreciation, and vehicle replacements.

The Forest Service vehicle fleet supports approximately 33,380 permanent full-time and seasonal employees. 

There are approximately 15,600 fleet vehicles that support year-round missions. An additional 2,400 vehicles are 

retained beyond their minimum replacement standard to support the seasonal workforce. Although these vehicles 

receive lower utilization, they provide a cost-effective alternative to commercial leases or rental options. At any 

given time, there are roughly 1,000 vehicles are in the process of being prepared for service or prepared for 

disposal1

. All vehicles are reported annually through the GSA Federal Automotive Statistical Tool (FAST).

The Forest Service is structured into regions, forests, grasslands, stations, and districts. Line officers at different 

levels of the organization are responsible for determining the composition and quantity of vehicles required to 

meet their mission goals. Fleet composition is facilitated using a Vehicle allocation methodology (VAM) that 

considers how often a vehicle is used, the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) lifecycle analysis, budgetary constraints, 

operating environment, and personnel supported. Line officers are responsible for assigning vehicles to drivers per 

specific mission requirements. Fleet program managers coordinate the certification and authorization of drivers 

with supervisors, monitor fleet composition and utilization rates through the TCO and VAM process, and 

recommend how to optimize fleet size.

The Forest Service aims to manage its fleet program in the most cost-effective way possible, including alternativefueled vehicles to fulfill mission goals. The Forest Service also works to meet or exceed the required annual 

utilization rate benchmarks for vehicles, which can be challenging given the seasonality of work and limited access 

to remote sites or work areas within National Forest System lands. The Forest Service continues to share vehicles 

and explore other opportunities to increase utilization rates. Finally, as oversight of fleet programs increases, the 

Forest Service is aligning and automating data to better respond to oversight and audit requirements efficiently 

and cost-effectively.

Replacement Criteria

Minimum vehicle replacement standards are three years or 60,000 miles. The Forest Service will retain 

Government-owned motor vehicles that exceed minimum vehicle replacement standards if the motor vehicle can 

be operated safely without excessive maintenance costs or substantial reduction in resale value.

Fleet Size

At the end of FY 2023, the Forest Service’s motor vehicle fleet totaled 18,516 of these motor vehicles 17,695 were 

in active inventory and 819 were in the process of being sold. The remaining two are in the process of being 

upfitted for service. The on-hand fleet inventory was higher than anticipated at the end of the FY due to an 

increase in the Forest Service’s mission associated with the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation 

Reduction Act. This legislation is increasing the pace and scale of efforts to mitigate wildfire risk and invest in 

renewal of infrastructure within National Forest System lands. The Forest Service will continue to implement fleet 

telematics in FY 2024 to monitor and manage fleet utilization more effectively.

Price and Cost Increases

For FY 2024 and FY 2025, the Forest Service anticipates that annual operating costs will continue to increase at 

four percent per year. The Forest Service doesn’t anticipate any major changes to fleet size
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

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Table FS-7. Size, Composition, and Annual Costs of Motor Vehicle Fleet

Item

Sedans 

and 

Station 

Wagons Vans SUVs

Light 

Trucks 

4X2

Light 

Trucks 

4X4

Medium 

Duty 

Vehicles Buses

Heavy 

Duty 

Vehicles

Total 

Vehicles

Annual 

Operating 

Costs

2018 End of Year 

Operating Inventory ..... 328 94 2,620 563 6,265 6,867 84 2,073 18,894 $94,303,490

2022 End of Year 

Operating Inventory ..... 198 92 2,474 328 5,811 7,083 81 2,217 18,284 101,696,978

2023 Planned Acquisitions 9 1 241 3 548 578 3 187 1,570

2023 Planned Disposals.... 24 5 199 28 402 486 3 191 1,338

2023 End of Year 

Operating Inventory ..... 183 88 2,516 303 5,957 7,175 81 2,213 18,516 106,297,473

2024 Planned Acquisitions 26 16 244 35 666 751 7 32 1,777

2024 Planned Disposals.... 26 16 244 35 666 751 7 32 1,777

2024 End of Year 

Operating Inventory ..... 183 88 2,516 303 5,957 7,175 81 2,213 18,516 110,549,371

2025 Planned Acquisitions 21 13 196 43 688 748 13 31 1,753

2025 Planned Disposals.... 21 13 196 43 688 748 13 31 1,753

2025 End of Year 

Operating Inventory ..... 183 88 2,516 303 5,957 7,175 81 2,213 18,516 114,971,345

Notes: The number of vehicles by type include agency-owned and leased from commercial sources or GSA. Annual Operating 

Costs excludes acquisition costs and gains from sale of vehicles as shown in FAST.
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

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SHARED FUNDING PROJECTS

Table FS-8. Shared Funding Projects (thousands of dollars)

Item 2022

Actual

2023

Actual

2024

Estimated

2025

Estimated

Working Capital Fund:

Administrative Services:

AskUSDA Contact Center........................................................ - $1,102 $1,904 $1,995

Fleet Charge Card Services...................................................... - - - 1,126

Materiel Management Service................................................ $899 697 1,125 1,050

Mail and Reproduction Services.............................................. 453 562 529 526

Integrated Procurement Systems............................................ 8,637 8,543 9,643 -

Procurement Operations Services........................................... 73 91 92 8,092

Human Resources Enterprise Management Systems............... 1,064 997 1,009 1,035

Subtotal, Administrative Services......................................... 11,126 11,992 14,302 13,824

Communications:

Creative Media and Broadcast Center..................................... 474 462 559 391

Finance and Management:

National Finance Center ......................................................... 8,716 8,874 8,394 8,566

Internal Control Support Services........................................... 382 299 415 397

Financial Management Systems.............................................. 45,733 45,970 47,683 44,781

Personnel and Document Security Program............................ - 1,547 1,781 1,795

Subtotal, Finance and Management..................................... 54,831 56,690 58,273 55,539

Information Technology:

Client Experience Center ........................................................ 56,023 58,096 48,756 50,166

Department Administration Information Technology Office.... 1,111 - - -

Digital Infrastructure Services Center...................................... 51,472 52,928 41,038 38,751

Enterprise Network Services................................................... 14,960 14,443 19,609 20,632

Enterprise Cybersecurity Services........................................... - 8,718 16,991 18,780

Enterprise Data and Analytics Services.................................... - 1,445 1,376 1,306

Subtotal, Information Technology........................................ 123,566 135,630 127,770 129,635

Correspondence Management Services:

Office of the Executive Secretariat.......................................... 401 490 512 510

Total, Working Capital Fund........................................................ 190,398 205,264 201,416 199,899

Department-Wide Shared Cost Programs:

Advisory Committee Liaison Services......................................... 285 261 319 319

Agency Partnership Outreach.................................................... 1,962 2,313 2,351 2,351

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility .............................. - 626 840 840

Intertribal Technical Assistance Network................................... 1,079 1,123 1,123 1,123

Medical Services ....................................................................... 144 202 329 329

National Capital Region Interpreting Services............................ 31 64 133 133

Office of Customer Experience .................................................. 2,708 1,009 1,012 1,012

Personnel and Document Security Program............................... 667 - - -

Physical Security ....................................................................... 1,322 1,423 1,478 1,478

Security Detail........................................................................... 1,400 1,581 1,689 1,689
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

29a-28 

Item 2022

Actual

2023

Actual

2024

Estimated

2025

Estimated

Security Operations................................................................... 1,927 2,190 2,394 2,394

Talent Group............................................................................. - 1,138 1,041 1,041

TARGET Center.......................................................................... 398 521 560 560

USDA Enterprise Data Analytics Services.................................... 1,366 - - -

Employee Experience................................................................ - 1,079 1,176 1,176

Total, Department-Wide Shared Cost Programs.......................... 13,289 13,530 14,445 14,445

E-Gov:

Budget Formulation and Execution Line of Business .................. 37 34 39 41

Disaster Assistance Improvement Plan ...................................... - - - -

Enterprise Human Resources Integration................................... 72 - - -

E-Rulemaking............................................................................ 51 45 36 48

E-Training.................................................................................. - - - -

Financial Management Line of Business..................................... 85 85 81 81

Geospatial Line of Business....................................................... 13 13 13 13

Benefits.gov.............................................................................. - - - -

Grants.gov ................................................................................ 11 9 5 5

Human Resources Line of Business............................................ 90 93 92 92

Integrated Acquisition Environment.......................................... 193 239 323 315

Total, E-Gov................................................................................. 552 518 589 595

Total, Forest Service.................................................................... 204,239 219,312 216,450 214,939
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

29a-29 

FOREST SERVICE OPERATIONS

LEAD-OFF TABULAR STATEMENT

Table FS-9. Lead-Off Tabular Statement (In dollars)

Item Amount

2024 Estimated Budget....................................................................................................... $1,152,744,000

Change in Appropriation..................................................................................................... +34,322,000

2025 Request...................................................................................................................... 1,187,066,000

APPROPRIATIONS LANGUAGE

The appropriations language follows (new language underscored; deleted matter enclosed in brackets):

1 FOREST SERVICE OPERATIONS

2 (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS) 

3 For necessary expenses of the Forest Service, not otherwise provided for, [$1,316,499,000]$1,187,066,000, to 

4 remain available through September 30, [2027]2028: Provided, That a portion of the funds made available under 

5 this heading shall be for the base salary and expenses of employees in the Chief's Office, the Work Environment 

6 and Performance Office, the Business Operations Deputy Area, and the Chief Financial Officer's Office to carry out 

7 administrative and general management support functions[: Provided further, That of the funds provided under 

8 this heading for organizational services, $1,200,000 shall be available for the hire and purchase of zero emission 

9 passenger motor vehicles and supporting charging or fueling infrastructure]: Provided further, That funds provided 

10 under this heading shall be available for the costs of facility maintenance, repairs, and leases for buildings and sites 

11 where these administrative, general management and other Forest Service support functions take place; the costs 

12 of all utility and telecommunication expenses of the Forest Service, as well as business services; and, for 

13 information technology, including cyber security requirements: Provided further, That funds provided under this 

14 heading may be used for necessary expenses to carry out administrative and general management support 

15 functions of the Forest Service not otherwise provided for and necessary for its operation.

Note.--A full-year 2024 appropriation for this account was not enacted at the time the Budget was prepared; 

therefore, the Budget assumes this account is operating under the Continuing Appropriations Act, 2024 and Other 

Extensions Act (Division A of Public Law 118-15, as amended). The amounts included for 2024 reflect the 

annualized level provided by the continuing resolution.

Change Description

The first change (lines 7 through 9 of paragraph 1) removeslanguage for funding provided for zero emission vehicles

and supporting charging or fueling infrastructure. The Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 budget does not request dedicated 

funding for zero emission vehicles. The Forest Service will continue to acquire zero emission vehicles as appropriate 

through its regular fleet management program.
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

29a-30 

PROJECT STATEMENTS

Table FS-10. Appropriations Project Statement (thousands of dollars, FTEs) 

Project Statement 2022

Actual

FTEs 2023 

Actual

FTEs 2024 

Estimated

FTEs 2025 

Request

FTEs Inc. or 

Dec.

FTE 

Inc. or 

Dec.

Forest Service 

Operations:

Discretionary 

Appropriations..... $1,069,086 2,547 $1,152,744 2,733 $1,152,744 2,678 $1,187,066 2,670 +$34,322 -8

Supplemental 

Appropriations..... 105,000 100 - 368 - 423 - 431 - +8

Total 

Appropriations.... 1,174,086 2,647 1,152,744 3,101 1,152,744 3,101 1,187,066 3,101 +34,322 -

Table FS-11. Appropriations Detail Table (thousands of dollars)

Detail Table 2022 

Actual

2023 Actual 2024 

Estimated

2025 

Request

Inc. or Dec.

Forest Service Operations:

Facilities Maintenance and Leases......................... $159,900 $169,900 $169,900 $194,900 +$25,000

Information Technology and Centralized 

Processing ............................................................ 399,228 452,000 450,000 470,000 +20,000

Organizational Services......................................... 146,958 143,438 143,438 122,938 -20,500

Salaries and Expenses........................................... 363,000 387,406 389,406 399,228 +9,822

Disaster Supplemental a ........................................ 105,000 - - - -

Bipartisan Infrastructure Law b.............................. - - - - -

Total, Forest Service Operations........................... 1,174,086 1,152,744 1,152,744 1,187,066 +34,322

a Disaster Supplemental Funding includes remaining, unobligated funds from P.L. 115-123, P.L. 116-20, P.L. 117-43 and P.L.117-

328 for necessary expenses related to wildfires, hurricanes, and other natural disasters that occurred between calendar years

2017 through 2022.

b The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (P.L. 117-58) are advance appropriations each year from 2022 through 2026.

Note: The discrepancy between the project statement and Max schedule X is reimbursable funds.
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

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FACILITIES MAINTENANCE AND LEASES

Table FS-12. Facilities Maintenance and Leases Detail Table (thousands of dollars)

Facilities Maintenance and Leases 2022 

Actual

2023 

Actual

2024 

Estimated

2025 

Request

Inc. or Dec.

Appropriations ..................................................... $159,900 $169,900 $169,900 $194,900 +$25,000

Recoveries............................................................ 775 1,066 1,000 750

Balance Available, SOY ......................................... 9,356 13,534 7,259 8,578

Total Available ..................................................... 170,031 184,500 178,159 204,228

Balance Available, EOY ......................................... -13,534 -7,259 -8,578 -6,142

Total Obligations ................................................. 156,497 177,241 169,581 198,086

Facilities Maintenance and Leases – Justification of Changes

An increase of $25,000,000 in Facilities Maintenance and Leases ($169,900,000 in Fiscal Year (FY) 2024). An 

increase of $25,000,000 to perform critical facility maintenance work to improve condition and availability of 

government housing for Forest Service wildland firefighters and other essential employees will allow for 

maintenance on approximately 100 housing units, benefit over 400 employees, and address $13,000,000 in

deferred maintenance. 

This funding supports the program’s objectives to address facility maintenance backlogs, invest in additional

maintenance for firefighter housing, and fund Forest Service facility leases. Furthermore, it sustains national

forests and grasslands and delivers benefits to the public which are aligned with two of USDA’s priorities;

combatting climate change to support America’s working lands, natural resources, and communities and

attracting, inspiring, and retaining an engaged and motivated workforce proud to represent USDA. The September

2023 final report from the Wildland Fire Mitigation and Management Commission11 identified the lack of

affordable and available housing as a significant barrier to recruitment, hiring, and retention of firefighters. 

Facilities Maintenance and Leases – Status of Programs

Table FS-13. Facilities Maintenance and Leases Appropriation Details Table (thousands of dollars)

Item

2023 

Actual

2024 

Estimated

2025 

Estimated

Appropriation ........................................................................ $169,900 $169,900 $194,900

Annual Leases ..................................................................... 120,553 120,500 126,000

Tenant Improvements ......................................................... 2,097 21,000 a 20,000 a

Fire, Aviation, and Other (FA&O) Facility Maintenance ......... 39,018 23,400 40,800 b

National Asset Management Program (NAMP)..................... 3,586 c 5,000 8,100

a Increase due to renewal of leases that incur a mandated GSA Tenant Improvement cost.

b Includes $25,000,000 dedicated for Forest Service Housing and $15,800,000 for other owned FA&O Facility Maintenance. 

c $4,800,000 approved for NAMP projects, but not all approved projects could be awarded prior to the fiscal year end.

Current Activities

Facilities Maintenance and Leases provides funding for costs associated with facility maintenance and repair for 

more than 16,000 Fire, Administrative, and Other (FA&O) Forest Service-owned facilities. Facility maintenance 

includes preventative, annual, and deferred maintenance activities required to retain fixed assets, but it does not 

include activities meant to upgrade or expand a facility’s capacity. Facility maintenance includes decommissioning 

facilities when warranted. Security equipment and its installation, when associated with a fixed asset, is funded 

through this program. 

11 ON FIRE: The Report of the Wildland Fire Mitigation and Management Commission.
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

29a-32 

This program funds more than 550 long-term Forest Service and General Services Administration leases, security 

costs paid through Federal Protection Services, leases paid to partners through agreements, and the Washington 

Office Headquarters lease and security costs paid through the USDA (referred to as Greenbook charges). Shortterm, emergency, or fire-related incident leases continue to be funded through program funds, including Wildland 

Fire Management Suppression, as appropriate for the lease. 

The Forest Service annual lease costs consumed 72 percent of the Facilities Maintenance and Leases of the Fiscal 

Year (FY) 2023 enacted appropriation. Strategic investments to right-size space needs are critical to ensure the 

maintenance program is not fully consumed by fixed lease costs and investments in owned facilities can continue. 

To address this issue, the Forest Service implemented a National Facility and Lease Strategy (NFLS) which 

established Facility Investment Boards to right-size the facility portfolio to meet Forest Service objectives and 

goals. As part of the NFLS allocation methodology, the Forest Service implemented projects that yield a large 

return on investment and an economically sustainable leased-to-owned facility portfolio.

Selected Examples of Recent Progress

National Facility and Lease Strategy

Strategic decisions made in FY 2023 will have out-year impacts of reducing leased space by 200,000 square feet, 

saving an estimated $5.6 million by FY 2024. This cost saving will help offset the inflationary costs associated with 

facility maintenance and shift nearly $2 million to investments in owned facilities and align funding to support 

critical employee housing needs. NFLS supports USDA’s co-location and consolidation efforts and prioritizes leasing 

and maintenance activities to meet cost goals.

National Asset Management Program (NAMP)

The Forest Service invested $4.8 million in owned FA&O facility maintenance and decommissioning projects 

through the nationally competitive NAMP process. This included 12 decommissioning projects and seven facility 

maintenance projects across the Forest Service. These projects reduced Forest Service deferred maintenance and 

helped right-size the owned facility portfolio. 

Program Objectives for FY 2025

The NFLS will focus on investments to right-size the Forest Service facilities portfolio, support the USDA’s colocation and consolidation efforts, and identify a five-year program of work for owned and leased facilities. 

Funding to support both lease tenant improvements and owned facility improvements is critical to advance the 

Forest Service’s space management efforts and safely maintain owned infrastructure. 

In FY 2025, with the expiration of nine General Services Administration (GSA), administered leases, the Forest 

Service is projected to incur tenant improvement costs exceeding $40 million as these units move to newly leased 

facilities; this sum is equivalent to the Forest Service’s annual facilities maintenance program needs. These 

mandatory fees required as part of the new GSA leases will require further deferment of maintenance on Forest 

Service-owned facilities. While significant, the upfront costs associated with lease tenant improvements allow 

leased space to be used more efficiently and will ultimately reduce the Forest Service’s leased footprint. 

The lease strategy goal is to generate $24 million in lease savings over five years (FY 2022 to FY 2026). As part of 

the NFLS, in FY 2025 the Forest Service is projected to realize additional space reductions in owned and leased 

footprint of 100,000 square feet. In FY 2025, savings are projected to be $3 million; however, with the overall cost 

of leases rising each year, these reductions are quickly consumed by inflation. At FY 2025 funding levels, lease cost 

projections are expected to consume 74 percent of program funds.

Investments in owned FA&O facility maintenance, including decommissioning, are estimated at $40.9 million. Of 

this amount, $8.1 million will be allocated through the competitive NAMP process for national priorities and $15.8 

million will be for regional priorities. $25 million will be invested in the maintenance of Forest Service-owned 

employee housing. Improving the condition and availability of government housing strengthens the Forest 

Service’s ability to recruit and retain qualified personnel. The program aims to provide adequate housing and 

primarily serves Forest Service employees supporting hazardous fuels mitigation and fire suppression efforts. 
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

29a-33 

Many Forest Service duty stations are in areas where housing costs and availability are beyond the economic 

means of many Forest Service employees, leading to higher declination and attrition rates as employees seek other 

employment and housing options. Additionally, in FY 2025 the Forest Service will analyze if adding leased 

Government housing would meet program objectives. Providing well-maintained employee housing mitigates 

significant challenges for the Forest Service in recruiting, hiring, and retaining employees. Insufficient or poorquality housing diminishes the Forest Service’s ability to retain employees needed to suppress fire, provide public 

services, and perform critical restoration work.

Program Evaluations

The Forest Service utilizes the following tools to assess program effectiveness, address performance shortfalls, and 

drive the NFLS:

Owned Facilities:

• Utilizing building condition assessments to identify and record maintenance needs. Building assessments

are conducted on a 5-year cycle and recorded in the Forest Service's corporate database.

Leased Facilities:

• Use the annual leased facilities budget data call to inform out-year planning and identify budget shortfalls

for the Forest Service’s leased space.

• Prioritize funding tenant improvements and ancillary project costs that result in future cost savings.
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

29a-34 

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND CENTRALIZED PROCESSING

Table FS-14. Information Technology and Centralized Processing Detail Table (thousands of dollars)

Information Technology and Centralized 

Processing

2022 

Actual

2023 

Actual

2024 

Estimated

2025 

Request

Inc. or Dec.

Appropriations ..................................................... $399,228 $452,000 $450,000 $470,000 +$20,000

Recoveries ........................................................... 7,472 11,381 5,100 4,800

Transfers In .......................................................... 10,638 4,200 - -

Transfers Out........................................................ -2,175 -2,347 - -

Balance Transfers.................................................. 16,236 13,325 - -

Balance Available, SOY ......................................... 1,029 4,765 30,037 41,520

Total Available ..................................................... 432,428 483,324 485,137 516,320

Balance Available, EOY ......................................... -4,765 -30,037 -41,520 -32,520

Total Obligations ................................................. 427,663 453,287 443,617 483,800

Information Technology and Centralized Processing – Justification of Changes

An increase of $20,000,000 in Information Technology and Centralized Processing ($450,000,000 in Fiscal Year (FY) 

2024). An increase of $20,000,000 brings the Forest Service Information Technology and Centralized Processing 

program will reduce the reliance on prior year, supplemental, and transfers from other programs’ funds to meet 

Information Technology (IT) requirements. The program provides IT services including telecommunications, 

hardware and software acquisitions, and support for every program and employee of the Forest Service. The 

program works with USDA on Shared IT Services, IT Security, centralized data centers, consolidated HR and 

financial systems, and shared networks. A partnership with the Department of the Interior (DOI) allows for the

interconnection of computing services for communication, collaboration, and operations among the Wildland Fire 

Community. This partnership supports the goals of the Service First initiative to provide seamless services and 

improve operational efficiency between DOI and USDA to attain a common national mission of protecting 

resources against wildland fires.

Funding will be used to support the program’s objectives to prioritize investments in IT modernization and support 

the rising costs of IT services with the following outcomes: close the technology gap by meeting the need for new 

technologies, support shared IT services including Working Capital Fund (WCF) and Greenbook expenses, and 

support costs of basic IT services due to new hires and hybrid work environments. Funding allows the program to 

negate significant challenges and risks such as limited foundational services for employees as well as those in rural 

locations and the inability to close the technology gap due to increased IT costs and the need for new technology.

Information Technology and Centralized Processing – Status of Programs

Current Activities

Information Technology (IT) and Centralized Processing provide funding for costs associated with information 

technology, including cybersecurity requirements and telecommunications within the Forest Service portfolio. The 

portfolio includes 17 Enterprise Standard, Major and Non-Major IT investments including a new Human Resource 

Management (HRM) requirement.

The Forest Service’s IT portfolio is centrally managed by the Chief Information Officer (CIO) office. Any information 

technology costs resulting from fire-related incidents are funded by Wildland Fire Management Suppression.

The Forest Service Information Technology investment strategy is driven by USDA’s direction to mitigate wildland 

fires and improve the conditions of national forests and grasslands by using innovative technology modernization. 

The CIO continues to focus on risk mitigation and service delivery by implementing projects to improve cyber 

security, enterprise network infrastructure, modernization of business applications, and migration to approved 

hosting environments. Working with IT governance boards and business stakeholders, the CIO prioritizes 
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

29a-35 

sustainment and identifying cost savings and efficiencies to meet OMB and USDA cost reduction strategies while 

minimizing impact on mission objectives and outcomes.

Selected Examples of Recent Progress 

The Forest Service migrated over 30 crucial fire applications to Amazon Government Cloud Services to date, 

resulting in over $2 million in cost savings and improved dependability. Migration occurred with no downtime 

experienced supporting uninterrupted fire operations.

CIO improved last mile connectivity at 130 rural and remote sites with previously insufficient bandwidth using $3.5 

million of funding from the Inflation Reduction Act for 38 of these sites to additionally support Land Mobile Radios 

and managed enterprise services. Overall, 256 out of 491 identified sites have received infrastructure and 

connectivity improvements.

CIO achieved a 100 percent OMB Circular A-123 testing success rate and is on schedule with the Assessment and 

Authorization plan and no late Authorities To Operate, maintaining a 100 percent on-time completion rate for the 

Forest Service. 

CIO led the development of wildfire.org, a new Fire and Aviation Management website for inter-agency, state, and 

international partner collaboration that consolidates hundreds of data sources into a single portal for firefighters, 

including fire location, wind direction, gear location, incident reporting (InciWeb), and lessons learned.

Program Objectives for FY 2025 

The CIO will work through established IT governance boards to prioritize funding in support of the Wildfire Crisis 

Strategy, USDA IT Strategic Plan goals and objectives, and leverage opportunities to implement cost saving and 

avoidance using new technologies and business governance processes. 

CIO will continue modernization, consolidation, and application migration efforts to approved hosting platforms. 

CIO will also continue prototyping, piloting, and implementing electronic forms, robotic process automation (RPA), 

and artificial intelligence. Lastly, the CIO will continue infrastructure modernization, to include connectivity and 

increased bandwidth projects in rural and geographically isolated locations.
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

29a-36 

ORGANIZATIONAL SERVICES

Table FS-15. Organizational Services Detail Table (thousands of dollars)

Organizational Services 2022 

Actual

2023 

Actual

2024 

Estimated

2025 

Request

Inc. or Dec.

Appropriations...................................................... $146,958 $143,438 $143,438 $122,938 -$20,500

Recoveries............................................................ 1,621 3,006 10,000 6,000

Balance Transfers.................................................. - 725 - -

Balance Available, SOY ......................................... 9,072 7,787 11,936 19,914

Total Available...................................................... 157,651 154,956 165,374 148,852

Balance Available, EOY.......................................... -7,787 -11,936 -19,914 -10,151

Total Obligations ................................................. 149,864 143,020 145,460 138,701

Organizational Services – Justification of Changes

A decrease of $20,500,000 in Organizational Services ($143,438,000 in Fiscal Year (FY) 2024). A decrease of 

$20,500,000 will reduce funding available for administrative fleet. Additionally, it narrows funding available for 

contract support services, including janitorial and groundskeeping services, across all organizations. However, this 

funding level maintains full funding for all ongoing Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility work and the 

Forest Service’s anti-harassment hotline. 

Organizational Services – Status of Programs

Current Activities 

The Forest Service Organizational Services program is a catalyst for mission delivery across the Forest Service. The 

program funds general and administrative support agreements and contracts for much of the Forest Service. This 

program funds work within many offices in USDA; other Federal agencies including DOD, DOI, and the Department 

of Homeland Security; universities and non-governmental organizations that serve tribes, indigenous communities, 

and historically underserved communities; and private sector service providers. Organizational Services addresses 

Forest Service operational needs including janitorial services, utility costs, surge hiring and acquisition support, 

fleet costs, and other miscellaneous expenses that affect the entire Forest Service. The program funds the Forest 

Service-wide anti-harassment hotline, employee assistance program, public communications, human resources 

services, contracting services, and other critical services and acquisitions that benefit every Forest Service 

employee.

Selected Examples of Recent Progress

Forest Service Organizational Services provides program funding for functions such as HRM. The Forest Service 

established ambitious hiring goals for FY 2022-2026 due to expanding mission requirements around enhanced 

national forest management to increase the permanent workforce by approximately 2,500 positions to include 

critical fire and non-fire positions. HRM has utilized contract support funded by Organizational Services to meet 

the evolving and expanding hiring needs of the Forest Service. Contractor’s support capacity at critical steps of the 

hiring process, reducing choke points, specifically around applicant qualifications reviews and pre-employment 

onboarding handling. 

Procurement and Property Services engaged the USDA Intelligent Automation (IA) Center of Excellence (CoE)12 to 

support operations, maintenance, and enhancements for six RPAs vital to the incident contract payment process, 

transacting 44,338 invoices totaling $1.84 billion, with an estimated cost savings of $1.9 million. The CoE assisted 

with Forest Service Procurement Forecast requirements and E-Gov Travel Service 2 Profile Creation. The CoE 

identified several high-impact automations for design and has initiated the transition to a hybrid Federated IA 

12 Intelligent Automation Center of Excellence.
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

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program, awarding a $1 million contract for IA development support to improve IA development efforts for the 

Forest Service.

In addition, the Forest Service’s Chief Financial Officer initiated the IA CoE to leverage automation technology to 

achieve improved financial operations efficiency and enhance accountability. The IA CoE supported operations, 

maintenance, and enhancements for six robots (bots) that processed over $1.5 million in invoices, saving the 

Forest Service $1.9 million in transaction costs. The IA CoE additionally supported the design of two bots for 

procurement forecast requirements and travel system profile creation, providing an approximate annual savings of 

$140,000.

Program Objectives for FY 2025

In FY 2025, the USDA IA CoE of Excellence will continue to expand automation initiatives, to include Intelligent 

Automation and other emerging technologies. The goal of the IA CoE is to be a leader in the Federal Government 

for innovation and process improvement, empowering our employees to focus on other value-added tasks, while 

robotic automation executes repetitive tasks.

Future bot creation will include inter- and intra-agency collaboration, including automating payroll processing with 

the Department of the Interior for our wildland firefighters as well as assisting the Department’s Office of Human 

Resources Management with automating the position description process. Automation will yield both cost savings 

and increased capacity, enabling Forest Service employees to focus on other value-added tasks critical to the 

Forest Service’s ability to support sustainable management of the Nation's diverse forests and rangelands. The 

Forest Service will implement a framework for the use of artificial intelligence following OMB and Executive Order 

guidance, prepare key datasets for use in artificial intelligence, and continue developing analytics products that 

advance evidence-based decision making across the Forest Service. Lastly, the Forest Service seeks to diagnose and 

address the root causes and cultural barriers to safety (physical, psychological, social), diversity, equity, and 

inclusion in the work environment.

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

Table FS-16. Salaries and Expenses Detail Table (thousands of dollars)

Salaries and Expenses 2022 

Actual

2023 

Actual

2024 

Estimated

2025 

Request

Inc. or Dec.

Appropriations...................................................... $363,000 $387,406 $389,406 $399,228 +$9,822

Recoveries............................................................ 67 413 950 800

Offsetting Collections............................................ 374 - - -

Balance Available, SOY ......................................... 10,463 3,709 11,532 1,988

Total Available...................................................... 373,904 391,528 401,888 402,016

Balance Available, EOY ......................................... -3,709 -11,532 -1,988 -1,884

Total Obligations ................................................. 370,195 379,996 399,900 400,132

Salaries and Expenses – Justification of Changes

An increase of $9,822,000 in Salaries and Expenses and a decrease of 8 FTEs ($389,406,000 and 2,678 FTEs in FY 

2024). This increase of $9,822,000 funds part of the anticipated Calendar Year (CY) 2024 and anticipated CY 2025 

employee pay cost increases. The Forest Service will need to rely on other funding sources for Salaries and 

Expenses and balance hiring actions and attrition rates to stay within appropriations in the operational year.
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

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OTHER SUPPLEMENTAL FUNDING

Table FS-17. Disaster Supplemental Detail Table (thousands of dollars)

Disaster Supplemental 2022 

Actual

2023 

Actual

2024 

Estimated

2025 

Estimated

Inc. or 

Dec.

Appropriations ................................................................. $105,000 - - - -

Recoveries ....................................................................... - $3,197 - -

Balance Available, SOY ..................................................... - 56,309 $23,450 $3,450

Total Available ................................................................. 105,000 59,506 23,450 3,450

Balance Available, EOY ..................................................... -56,309 -23,450 -3,450 -

Total Obligations ............................................................. 48,691 36,056 20,000 3,450

Disaster Supplemental

Disaster Supplemental funding supports Forest Service actions, activities, and responses to wildfires, hurricanes, 

and other natural disasters having a direct impact to Forest Service managed lands and assets and the 

communities contiguous to or embedded within those managed lands. 

Table FS-18. Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Detail Table (thousands of dollars)

Bipartisan Infrastructure Law 2022 

Actual

2023 

Actual

2024 

Estimated

2025 

Estimated

Inc. or 

Dec.

Recoveries ....................................................................... - $3,379 - - -

Transfers in ...................................................................... $210,369 71,562 $104,165 -

Balance Available, SOY ..................................................... - 125,248 29,451 $2,616

Total Available ................................................................. 210,369 200,189 133,616 2,616

Balance Available, EOY ..................................................... -125,248 -29,451 -2,616 -

Total Obligations ............................................................. 85,121 170,738 131,000 2,616

Bipartisan Infrastructure Law

In addition to other provisions with the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (P.L. 115-78), also referred to as the 

Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, funds may be transferred and utilized for the administrative purposes necessary to 

carry out the activities authorized within the Act. Forest Service Operations coordinates and houses many of these 

necessary administrative functions and all Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funds are transferred from other Forest 

Service accounts. 
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

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CLASSIFICATION BY OBJECTS

Table FS-19. Classification by Objects (thousands of dollars)

Item 

No.

Item 2022

Actual

2023

Actual

2024

Estimated

2025

Estimated

Personnel Compensation:

Washington D.C................................................ $25,291 $29,589 $31,317 $32,198

Personnel compensation, field .......................... 216,135 252,862 267,625 275,157

11.0 Total personnel compensation............................. 241,426 282,451 298,942 307,355

12.0 Personal benefits.............................................. 90,033 107,893 114,192 117,406

13.0 Benefits for former personnel ........................... 38,475 34,354 36,360 34,277

Total, personnel compensation and benefits.. 369,934 424,698 449,494 459,038

Other Objects:

21.0 Travel and transportation of persons................. 1,984 8,470 4,985 4,450

22.0 Transportation of things.................................... 1,781 698 1,182 1,055

23.1 Rental payments to GSA.................................... 38,680 41,944 38,443 34,317

23.2 Rental payments to others................................ 62,233 66,312 61,293 54,714

23.3 Communications, utilities, and misc. charges..... 98,752 113,434 101,175 90,315

24.0 Printing and reproduction................................. 394 482 418 373

25.1 Advisory and assistance services....................... 5,871 565 3,069 2,739

25.2 Other services from non-Federal sources........... 121,374 150,574 129,671 115,753

25.3 Other goods and services from Federal sources. 445,198 455,856 429,644 383,527

25.4 Operation and maintenance of facilities............ 2,675 3,071 2,740 2,446

25.5 Research and development contracts................ 2,081 2,298 2,088 1,864

25.6 Medical care..................................................... 27 27 26 23

25.7 Operation and maintenance of equipment........ 3,737 2,815 3,124 2,789

26.0 Supplies and materials...................................... 21,404 23,545 21,433 19,132

31.0 Equipment........................................................ 46,729 48,885 45,591 40,697

32.0 Land and structures.......................................... 7,896 8,837 7,979 7,122

41.0 Grants, subsidies, and contributions.................. 6,596 7,707 6,820 6,080

42.0 Insurance claims and indemnities...................... 677 115 363 333

43.0 Interest and dividends ...................................... 4 4 4 3

44.0 Refunds............................................................ -21 -9 - -

91.0 Unvouchered.................................................... -1 - - -

92.0 Undistributed ................................................... 26 9 17 14

Total, other objects........................................ 868,097 935,639 860,064 767,747

99.9 Total, new obligations................................. 1,238,031 1,360,338 1,309,558 1,226,785

Information Technology Investments:

Interagency Resource Ordering Capability (IROC):

External Labor (Contractors) ............................. - - 2,768 2,630

25.2 Outside Services (Consulting)............................ 3,006 4,200 - -

Software........................................................... - - 2,000 1,900

Total, Interagency Resource Ordering Capability 

(IROC)......................................................... 3,006 4,200 4,768 4,530

Mission Support Services:

External Labor (Contractors) ............................. 6,275 10,351 9,497 4,875

25.2 Outside Services (Consulting)............................ 15,554 21,696 7,368 5,874

Hardware ......................................................... 265 1,095 1,095 1,040
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

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Item 

No.

Item 2022

Actual

2023

Actual

2024

Estimated

2025

Estimated

Software........................................................... 2,475 6,089 6,250 5,938

Total, Mission Support Services...................... 24,569 39,231 24,210 17,727

Natural Resource Manager (NRM):

11 Internal Labor................................................... 5,654 4,851 5,393 5,124

External Labor (Contractors) ............................. 18,872 23,265 20,514 23,192

Software........................................................... 507 1,007 2,942 1,155

Other IT............................................................ 5 - - 314

Total, Natural Resource Manager (NRM) ........ 25,038 29,123 28,849 29,785

Human Resource Management (HRM):

External Labor (Contractors) ............................. - - 856 813

25.2 Outside Services (Consulting)............................ - - 11,962 11,398

Software........................................................... - - 5,653 5,370

Total, Human Resource Management (HRM).. - - 18,471 17,581

Recreation.gov:

25.2 Outside Services (Consulting)............................ 17,569 18,200 18,837 18,837

Total, Recreation.gov..................................... 17,569 18,200 18,837 18,837

USDA Public Safety Land Mobile Radio System:

11 Internal Labor................................................... 21,277 22,352 23,529 22,352

External Labor (Contractors) ............................. 1,450 1,671 2,005 1,904

25.2 Outside Services (Consulting)............................ 225 - 677 825

Hardware ......................................................... 36,613 36,051 32,804 30,982

Software........................................................... 20 22 24 23

Other IT............................................................ 1,359 5,940 9,551 9,074

Total, USDA Public Safety Land Mobile Radio 

System ....................................................... 60,944 66,036 68,590 65,160

Wildland Fire and Aviation Management:

External Labor (Contractors) ............................. - 41,746 58,179 55,272

25.2 Outside Services (Consulting)............................ 25,949 8,847 168 160

Hardware ......................................................... 139 6,143 6,018 5,717

Software........................................................... 1,879 1,753 3,465 3,292

Other IT............................................................ - - - 106

Total, Wildland Fire and Aviation Management 27,967 58,489 67,830 64,547

Mission Area Non-Major Investment Totals.......... 17,007 31,311 30,168 28,659

Mission Area Standard Investment Totals............. 147,841 179,209 190,209 182,780

25.3 Mission Area WCF/Type 04 Transfers................... 240,176 287,672 311,130 314,494

Total Non-Major Investment ............................ 405,024 498,192 531,507 525,933

Total IT Investments............................................ 564,117 713,471 763,062 744,100

Cybersecurity

Identify............................................................. N/A $18,000 $17,015 $14,700

Protect............................................................. N/A 3,609 3,763 2,765

Total Cybersecurity ....................................... - 21,609 20,778 17,465

Position Data:

Average Salary (dollars), ES Position.................. $183,027 $195,000 $204,000 $208,080 

Average Salary (dollars), GS Position.................. 89,917 89,982 95,300 98,013
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

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Item 

No.

Item 2022

Actual

2023

Actual

2024

Estimated

2025

Estimated

Average Grade, GS Position............................... 11.7 11.8 11.8 11.9
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FOREST AND RANGELAND RESEARCH

LEAD-OFF TABULAR STATEMENT

Table FS-20. Lead-Off Tabular Statement (In dollars)

Item Amount

2024 Estimated Budget....................................................................................................... $307,273,000

Change in Appropriation..................................................................................................... +8,351,000

2025 Request...................................................................................................................... 315,624,000

APPROPRIATIONS LANGUAGE

The appropriations language follows (new language underscored; deleted matter enclosed in brackets):

1 FOREST AND RANGELAND RESEARCH

2 For necessary expenses of forest and rangeland research as authorized by law, [$349,082,000]$315,624,000, to 

3 remain available through September 30, [2027]2028: Provided, That of the funds provided, 

4 [$30,197,000]$33,697,000 is for the forest inventory and analysis program: Provided further, That of the funds 

5 provided, $4,000,000 is for the Joint Fire Science Program: Provided further, That all authorities for the use of 

6 funds, including the use of contracts, grants, and cooperative agreements, available to execute the Forest and 

7 Rangeland Research appropriation, are also available in the utilization of these funds for Fire Science Research.

Note.--A full-year 2024 appropriation for this account was not enacted at the time the Budget was prepared; 

therefore, the Budget assumes this account is operating under the Continuing Appropriations Act, 2024 and Other 

Extensions Act (Division A of Public Law 118-15, as amended). The amounts included for 2024 reflect the 

annualized level provided by the continuing resolution.

Change Description

Change in amount and years only. 
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PROJECT STATEMENTS

Table FS-21. Appropriations Project Statement (thousands of dollars, FTEs)

Project Statement 2022 

Actual

FTEs 2023 

Actual

FTEs 2024 

Estimated

FTEs 2025 

Request

FTEs Inc. or 

Dec.

FTE 

Inc. or 

Dec.

Forest and 

Rangeland 

Research:

Discretionary 

Appropriations... $296,616 1,467 $307,273 1,550 $307,273 1,433 $315,624 1,432 +$8,351 -1

Supplemental 

Appropriations... 27,000 3 4,000 12 2,000 129 2,000 130 - +1

Total 

Appropriations.. 323,616 1,470 311,273 1,562 309,273 1,562 317,624 1,562 +8,351 -

Table FS-22. Appropriations Detail Table (thousands of dollars)

Detail Table 2022 

Actual

2023 

Actual

2024 

Estimated

2025 

Request

Inc. or Dec.

Forest and Rangeland Research:

Forest Inventory and Analysis ................................... $22,648 $32,197 $32,197 $33,697 +$1,500

Forest and Rangeland Research ................................ 59,888 55,000 55,000 56,500 +1,500

Joint Fire Science ...................................................... 4,000 4,500 4,500 4,000 -500

Salaries and Expenses............................................... 210,080 215,576 215,576 221,427 +5,851

Bipartisan Infrastructure Law a .................................. 2,000 2,000 2,000 2,000 -

Disaster Supplemental b ............................................ 25,000 2,000 - - -

Total, Forest and Rangeland Research...................... 323,616 311,273 309,273 317,624 +8,351

a The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (P.L. 117-58) are advance appropriations each year from 2022 through 2026.

b Disaster Supplemental Funding includes remaining, unobligated funds from P.L. 115-123, P.L. 116-20, P.L. 117-43 and P.L.117-

328 for necessary expenses related to wildfires, hurricanes, and other natural disasters that occurred between calendar years

2017 through 2022.

The discrepancy between the project statement and Max schedule X is reimbursable funds.
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FOREST INVENTORY AND ANALYSIS

Table FS-23. Forest Inventory and Analysis Detail Table (thousands of dollars)

Forest Inventory and Analysis 2022 

Actual

2023 

Actual

2024 

Estimated

2025 

Request

Inc. or Dec.

Appropriations ......................................................... $22,648 $32,197 $32,197 $33,697 +$1,500

Recoveries................................................................ 250 822 430 290

Transfers Out............................................................ -800 - - -

Balance Transfers...................................................... - -96 - -

Balance Available, SOY ............................................. 604 373 646 665

Total Available.......................................................... 22,702 33,296 33,273 34,652

Lapsing Balances....................................................... -6 -7 - -

Balance Available, EOY ............................................. -374 -646 -665 -693

Total Obligations ..................................................... 22,322 32,643 32,608 33,959

Forest Inventory and Analysis – Justification of Changes

An increase of $1,500,000 in Forest Inventory and Analysis, ($32,197,000 in Fiscal Year (FY) 2024). An increase of 

$1,500,000 will accelerate efforts related to integrating remote sensing data, in-situ observations, science, and 

advanced modeling to improve characterization of Green House Gas (GHG) fluxes from forest ecosystems, 

consistent with the goals of the National Strategy to Advance an Integrated U.S. GHG Measurement, Monitoring, 

and Information System. 

Forest Inventory and Analysis – Status of Programs

Current Activities 

Forest Service Research and Development’s (R&D) Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) program is the Nation’s

foremost continuous forest census covering all 50 states, and territories. As directed in legislation, the FIA program 

uses nationwide statistically robust surveys and collects original data that is used to document past and current 

extent of forest area, including increases or decreases in forest land; tree numbers by species; the size and health 

of trees; tree growth, mortality, harvests and removals; the effects of disturbances such as hurricanes and wildland 

fires; wood production and tree utilization; urban forests; and the demographics and management objectives of 

private forest owners. 

The FIA program calculates authoritative estimates of carbon stocks and changes on forest land, forest land 

conversions, trees outside of forests (such as urban forests and agroecosystems) and harvested wood products in 

the U.S. annually. FIA and the Forest Service R&D’s Resources Planning Act Assessment work collaboratively to 

provide carbon stock assessments for the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) U.S. 

Biennial Report. Current research includes advances in carbon estimates in old growth and mature forests and 

incorporating new tree biomass models into authoritative reporting.

Through partnerships and other national and regional efforts, FIA supports Federal, State, local, and private land 

managers with authoritative information to aid in the implementation of the Wildfire Crisis Strategy and support 

management decisions to reduce fire risk, sequester carbon, and mitigate the impacts of climate change. Current 

research includes the use of pre and post fire information to understand how initial forest conditions may affect 

burn severity or to estimate biomass loss due to fire. 

Selected Examples of Recent Progress 

Estimating mature and old-growth forests on National Forest Systems (NFS) and Bureau of Land Management 

(BLM) lands

FIA continued collaboration with the NFS deputy area of the Forest Service and finalized estimates of “Old Forests” 

on NFS and BLM lands, as defined by NFS Land Management Plans, by compiling region-specific NFS old growth 
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

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definitions and having FIA analysts apply the definitions to FIA data. R&D and FIA scientists developed and 

published a methodology for classifying mature forests. FIA is working with NFS to map old forests on public lands 

across the U.S.

Enhancing consistency and accuracy of forest estimates 

FIA released a new modeling system for predicting tree cubic-foot volume, biomass, and carbon attributes, as well 

as updated estimates in the national database, Forest Inventory and Analysis Database (FIADB), and related tools. 

This modeling system, termed ‘National Scale Volume and Biomass Estimators’, provides a more consistent and 

accurate accounting of structural components of trees across the U.S.

Advancing remote sensing in carbon monitoring systems 

In partnership with National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), FIA expertise and data were key to a 

new era of biomass inference from space. The Global Ecosystem Dynamics Investigation was a lidar mission 

launched by NASA to the International Space Station, and FIA expertise was needed for the sample design, FIA data 

was used to fill in areas not sampled by the instrument, and biomass models from FIA were used for biomass 

estimates. The forest industry is interested in this approach, and the mission’s integrated use of formal statistical 

inference points towards the possibility of a new generation of powerful monitoring tools from space.

Program Objectives for FY 2025

In FY 2025, the Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) program will support the completion of national surveys, 

posting of data, and completion of state reports. The FIA program will survey additional urban areas with the 

increase of urban partners. To expand ecosystem services benefits from urban areas, the i-Tree suite of tools will 

be updated. Remote sensing and small area estimation techniques will be advanced to investigate efficiencies and 

increase the production of geospatial products with delivery via online platforms (e.g., ESRI Bigmap Partnership). 

Following the forest carbon monitoring/market standards of transparency and verification, vital data streams, 

improved models, and accounting systems will be relayed to the public and partners via improved delivery of field 

carbon data/estimates (e.g., FIA Datamart and Evalidator), refined carbon dynamics projections (e.g., Forest 

Vegetation Simulator), and carbon project accounting standards (e.g., USDA Greenhouse Gas Entity-Scale for 

forests workbook tool). These tools will help forest owners and managers better understand carbon sequestration, 

forest health, and strategic sustainable timber harvesting, with the overarching goal of making well-informed 

decisions about forest management. 

Program Evaluations 

The FIA program publishes an annual national business report. The report presents program results accomplished 

with the available financial resources, along with plans for the coming year based on budgeted financial resources. 

FIA plans to evaluate and report on progress in implementing its current FIA Strategic Plan. The program works 

with professional societies and non-profits to co-sponsor an annual national user group meeting, during which 

users of FIA data and products provide feedback and recommendations. 
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FOREST AND RANGELAND RESEARCH

Table FS-24. Forest and Rangeland Research Detail Table (thousands of dollars)

Forest and Rangeland Research 2022 

Actual

2023 

Actual

2024 

Estimated

2025 

Request

Inc. or Dec.

Appropriations ......................................................... $59,888 $55,000 $55,000 $56,500 +$1,500

Recoveries ............................................................... 1,792 977 4,500 2,000

Transfers Out............................................................ -790 - - -

Balance Transfers...................................................... - -1,114 - -

Balance Available, SOY ............................................. 3,653 7,283 1,607 6,607

Total Available ......................................................... 64,531 66,146 61,107 65,107

Lapsing Balances....................................................... -16 -36 - -

Balance Available, EOY ............................................. -7,282 -1,607 -6,607 -4,591

Total Obligations ..................................................... 57,233 60,503 54,500 60,516

Research and Development Programs – Justification of Changes

An increase of $1,500,000 in Research and Development Programs, ($59,500,000 in Fiscal Year (FY) 2024). An 

increase of $1,500,000 will accelerate efforts related to the development of the Phase I Land natural capital 

account and the Phase II Forest natural capital account, consistent with the goals of the 2023 National Strategy to 

Develop Statistics for Environmental-Economic Decisions. 

Research and Development Programs – Status of Programs

Current Activities

Forest Service Research and Development (R&D) works at the forefront of science to improve the health and use 

of our Nation's forests and grasslands. Through producing and delivering innovative science and technology, R&D 

creates insight into the ecological, social, and economic values of the nation. R&D explores diverse landscapes, 

seeking ways to enhance these values for the American people; and devises strategies to mitigate threats such as 

catastrophic wildfires and climate change, that diminish the benefit derived from the nation’s lands and waters.

The knowledge developed and disseminated by R&D shapes the Forest Service policy and management in sound, 

unbiased science, and guides actions taken by the Forest Service, States, Tribes, and other land managers to 

sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the Nation's forests and grasslands.

R&D focuses its work on the highest priorities of the Forest Service: understanding and mitigating the wildfire 

threat to the Nation’s communities and ecosystems; understanding, mitigating, and adapting to climate change; 

sustaining and improving water quality and quantity through watershed resilience, risk assessment, and 

restoration; tracking the extent and composition of the Nation’s public and private forests through forest inventory 

and trend analysis; and supporting innovation in wood products and emerging markets.

Wildland Fire 

Forest Service R&D conducts extensive research analysis and develops decision support tools critical to protecting 

communities and human health. This work enhances the Forest Service’s understanding of how wildfire moves 

across the landscape and through communities. It informs decisions about where and how to deploy fuel reduction 

treatments to reduce fire risk and improve predictions of the impacts of wildfire smoke. This research is critical to 

the implementation and success of the Forest Service’s Wildfire Crisis Strategy. R&D is actively engaged with the 

land managers and communities to deliver actionable knowledge that significantly reduces risk and improves 

outcomes. R&D scientists study wildfire to understand its effects on ecosystems, including impacts on wildlife, 

soils, water, and forest regeneration. 
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Climate Change

Forest Service scientists study the effects of changing climate across the U.S. and investigate potential solutions for 

adapting. R&D scientists optimize the success of post-wildfire restoration through the examination of plant species 

ranges, genetic resources, nursery capacity, landscape configurations, and management techniques that improve 

reforestation outcomes. Through the Forest Service led USDA Climate Hubs and National Agroforestry Center, R&D 

leads the development and sharing of information and decision support tools, including planning tools that provide 

climate mitigation and adaptation guidance to forest managers, tribes, urban foresters, and private landowners, 

especially for underserved and socially vulnerable populations. The Forest Service’s R&D is the Nation’s 

authoritative source of data, models, assessments, and trend information about forestland carbon stocks across 

carbon pools, including increases and decreases in carbon storage over time. 

Watershed Resilience and Restoration

R&D’s watershed resilience and restoration program preserves water quality, water quantity, and aquatic 

ecosystems by researching to understand natural processes and provide management decision tools and support. 

Forest Service scientists investigate how hydrologic patterns and processes are shifting across the nation’s forests 

and grasslands in response to increasing water use and a changing climate. R&D is leading soil moisture monitoring 

and modeling efforts across forests to enhance the understanding and prediction of drought and its impacts. R&D 

has developed methods to improve aquatic species detection and monitoring, so restoration can be targeted to 

locations where it will have the greatest benefits over the long term. Forest Service scientists study how resource 

management decisions affecting watershed structure and function intersect with environmental justice and equity.

Wood Product Innovations/Markets

Forest Service scientists and engineers develop new, sustainable processes for using wood and wood components 

to make products ranging from mass timber buildings to nanocellulose coatings. Researchers are developing new 

technologies and processes to enhance the performance and durability of existing wood products while creating 

innovative wood products and markets to utilize residual biomass from hazardous fuel reduction projects 

profitably. Forest Service research on wood product innovations helps create new jobs, boost the economy, 

promote the use of sustainable materials, and capture carbon long-term in various wood products.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

R&D provides not only financial support for The Global Forest AI Project, but also forest inventory data, model 

validation, and development of user interfaces with the expertise of R&D scientists. The Global Forest AI project 

has the potential to revolutionize the effectiveness and efficiency of land management. Working with various 

partners, the project will combine AI with satellite and other geospatial data to provide accurate and up-to-date 

information on carbon stock and accumulation rates, leading to better management in hazardous fuels reductions, 

wildfire management, climate change, invasive species, and watersheds. The AI the Forest Service is leveraging will 

facilitate the gathering and analyzing of strategic information without significantly increasing field sampling as 

traditional approaches of gathering and analyzing data are time-consuming and labor-intensive. The work Forest 

Service R&D does with AI will be advantageous to not only Forest Inventory and Analysis within R&D, but other 

Forest Service program areas and other Federal, State, Tribal Nation, and private sector partners.

Selected Examples of Recent Progress

Analytics for 21 Wildfire Crisis Landscapes

R&D developed the initial fireshed registry, associated datasets, and tools that are foundational to the Forest 

Service’s Wildfire Crisis Strategy fuels reduction work. Forest Service scientists continue to provide invaluable 

analytics for all 21 Wildfire Crisis Strategy landscapes; identifying which landscapes to treat to ensure the Forest 

Service can safeguard our communities and protect human life and property both effectively and efficiently. 

Through these efforts, land managers reduce risk to housing, critical infrastructure, and drinking water, and 

mitigate social and economic impacts. 

Fifth National Climate Assessment 

R&D authored the Forests chapter of this scientific assessment prepared for the President and Congress every four 

years that summarizes the impacts of climate change on the United States, by distilling decades of research on 
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

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climate change and forestry into a clear and concise overview of the current state of knowledge. The National 

Climate Assessment is widely used and informs the public, scientists, policymakers, and managers at all levels 

giving them the tools to make informed decisions to promote our natural resources and sustainability.

Interactive Website Showing the Role of Forests in Drinking Water

R&D released a Forests to Faucets 2.0 Story Map to help land managers and the public understand the role of 

forests in the Nation’s drinking water supply. This interactive website provides an overview of over 170 national 

forests and grasslands in meeting drinking water needs for our Nation.

Advancing Biorefineries to Make Jet Fuel from Woody Biomass

R&D Forest Products Lab has worked with private industry and other Federal agencies, including the Department 

of Energy, to develop new ways to convert waste wood into sustainable aviation fuels and nanocellulose that can 

replace carbon black in tire production, or plastics in packaging. R&D partnered to develop a biorefinery process 

that will produce up to 1.2 million gallons of sustainable aviation fuel and become the largest producer of cellulose 

nanocrystals in the world when it begins operation in 2026. 

Lignin Foam as Structural Insulated Panel Core Material

R&D has developed innovative technologies to produce high strength insulating foam from lignin. Lignin is a 

natural polymer that makes up about one-third of wood and is a byproduct of pulp and paper production which is 

usually burned for power generation. Lignin-based foams are stronger than normal plastic-based foams and could 

make ideal building materials providing both strength and insulation while sequestering carbon. R&D is working 

with private industry to commercialize this innovative material to provide a new and profitable outlet for this 

waste biomass. 

Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with Google Artificial Intelligence (AI)

The Forest Service has a CRADA with Google AI to collaborate on the research and development of artificial AI 

technologies for forestry applications. The CRADA is the first of its kind between the Forest Service and a major 

technology company. With the help of Google AI, the US Forest Service is making the biggest update to our current 

fire spread model in 50 years. The CRADA focuses on three main areas of research: (1) Developing AI tools to 

improve forest management: Which includes using AI to develop new methods for mapping and monitoring 

forests, assessing forest health, and predicting forest disturbances. (2) Using AI to enhance forest resilience: This 

includes developing AI tools to help forest managers mitigate the impacts of climate change, pests, and diseases. 

(3) Improving public access to forest information: This includes developing AI tools to make forest data more

accessible and understandable to the public.

Program Objectives for FY 2025

In FY 2025, the Forest and Rangeland Research program will continue to align its focus to meet the highest priority 

needs of the Forest Service by focusing on R&D information and products critical to the Forest Service’s ability to 

support sustainable management of the Nation's diverse forests and rangelands that are under a wide range of 

threats including wildfire, invasive species, extreme weather, floods, drought, and insects and disease outbreaks.

Wildfire

In FY 2025, R&D will investigate the economic, social, and cultural drivers and impacts of forest management tools 

that are essential to reducing community exposure to wildfire and improving forest health. Improved 

understanding of these factors will enable forest managers to scale up hazardous fuels reduction projects and 

increase the effectiveness of post-fire restoration activities.

Climate Change

R&D will continue to provide critical information regarding the measurement, monitoring, verification, and 

reporting of carbon fluxes and pools. This includes improving predictions and evaluating the consequences of 

climate change on clean water supply, riparian and aquatic habitats, and biota. R&D will deliver a suite of research 

and tools to support tactical and strategic decision making on drought, carbon, and fire and smoke. These tools will 
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enable forest managers to better target prescribed burning, anticipate and manage drought mortality, and inform 

US climate negotiations and climate policies through carbon projections and policy analysis.

Climate Change Mitigation 

R&D has invested in long-term research with university and state partners to advance the science and application 

of assisted migration to adapt to climate change. In FY 2025, R&D will finalize and release the findings of the first 

round of assisted migration field projects. Assisted population migration moves seed sources from populations to a 

new location that represents a different seed zone within the species range.

Watershed Restoration

R&D will continue to advance watershed research to sustain and improve water security in the face of increasingly 

frequent and extreme hydrological events from droughts to floods. This will include strengthening and expanding 

partnerships with Tribes, States, and urban and rural communities to promote ecosystem services, the persistence 

of biological diversity, and aquatic ecosystem function. In FY 2025, R&D will develop new methods for protecting 

water resources from the impacts of climate change, and other stressors, and quantify the economic value of 

water benefits from forests.

Wood Product Innovation and Markets

R&D expects to continue significant effort and resources to invest and improve the use of residual biomass from 

hazardous fuels mitigation projects, including in the production of biochar, cross laminated lumber, and alternate 

fuels. Additionally, R&D collaborates with various partners to find alternative wood products. For example, R&D is 

working with the Department of Defense to develop preliminary design specifications for replacing tropical 

hardwood decking material with hardwoods grown in sustainably managed U.S. forests. These specifications will 

be based on laboratory studies that will be validated through long-term exposure studies.

Artificial Intelligence 

In FY 2025, the focus will be dedicated to delivering and enhancing the data required to meet the high 

expectations of the American public. This means refining our data and collaborating with partners to optimize 

technology and data to adapt to the dynamic technological environment. The Forest Service research serves a clear 

purpose, empowering advanced AI and Machine Learning technologies.
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JOINT FIRE SCIENCE

Table FS-25. Joint Fire Science Detail Table (thousands of dollars)

Joint Fire Science 2022 

Actual

2023 

Actual

2024 

Estimated

2025 

Request

Inc. or Dec.

Appropriations.......................................................... $4,000 $4,500 $4,500 $4,000 -$500

Recoveries ............................................................... 12 - - -

Balance Available, SOY ............................................. 9 21 19 19

Total Available ......................................................... 4,021 4,521 4,519 4,019

Lapsing Balance ........................................................ - -2 - -

Balance Available, EOY ............................................. -21 -19 -19 -19

Total Obligations ..................................................... 4,000 4,500 4,500 4,000

Joint Fire Science – Justification of Changes

A decrease of $500,000 in Joint Fire Science, ($4,500,000 in Fiscal Year (FY) 2024). A decrease of $500,000 in the 

Forest Service’s contribution to Joint Fire Science eliminates a congressional adjustment, which will moderately 

reduce the program’s capacity. 

Joint Fire Science – Status of Programs

Current Activities 

The Joint Fire Science Program (JFSP) provides funding and science delivery for scientific studies associated with 

managing wildland fire, fuels, and fire-impacted ecosystems to respond to emerging needs of wildland fire and 

land managers, practitioners, and policymakers from local to national levels. Forest Service Research and 

Development (R&D) partners with the Department of the Interior to deliver the JFSP. Science delivery is 

accomplished primarily through the JFSP Fire Science Exchange Network (FSEN), which is a national collaboration 

of 15 regional fire science exchanges. The FSEN provides the most relevant, current wildland fire science 

information to Federal, state, local, Tribal Nation, and private stakeholders within ecologically similar regions. 

Selected Examples of Recent Progress

JFSP initiated 28 primary and FSEN projects, funded 21 Graduate Research Innovation projects, completed 20 

research projects, and supported eight refereed publications. These efforts were concentrated on critical research 

areas including the longevity of treatment effectiveness under climate change, fuel management strategies, and 

social factors influencing fire management. GRIN Projects enhanced graduate student research by giving it a 

component that addresses the management and policy relevance, covering areas such as fire behavior and air 

quality. JFSP's commitment to advancing fire science and management was evident in its multifaceted approach 

with a clear emphasis on the projection of people and our Natural resources.

Program Objectives for FY 2025

JFSP will continue to provide and improve high-quality scientific information that is current and credible. The 

United States has a Diverse fire-science need, and the JFSP plays a critical role in delivering practical, science-based 

solutions and knowledge exchange by funding and managing the FSEN. The JFPS is a partnership of six Federal 

agencies, including the Forest Service, which plays a pivotal role in benefiting land managers, wildland fire 

managers, the scientific community, and the American people. With essential funding, the JFSP will serve as a 

primary clearinghouse for fire science information and activities throughout the nation. It will synthesize new 

research, webpages, tools, policy briefs, and science demonstrations; provide opportunities for science transfer 

and communication through partner and GRIN; and collect and analyze multiple web and end-user metrics to 

measure program effectiveness and outcomes, assess relevance, and improve science delivery mechanisms. The 

JFSP and FSEN facilitate and enhance the adoption of new research and technology. The exchange of scientific 

knowledge provides access to the latest publications, webinars, workshops, field tours, and the promotion of one 

of the largest scientific knowledge transfers between managers and researchers.
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

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SALARIES AND EXPENSES

Table FS-26. Forest and Rangeland Salaries and Expense Detail Table (thousands of dollars)

Salaries and Expenses 2022 

Actual

2023 

Actual

2024 

Estimated

2025 

Request

Inc. or Dec.

Appropriations.......................................................... $210,080 $215,576 $215,576 $221,427 +$5,851

Recoveries ............................................................... 118 401 750 550

Balance Transfers...................................................... -3,200 -3,000 - -

Balance Available, SOY ............................................. 5,777 10,982 7,642 4,479

Total Available ......................................................... 212,775 223,959 223,968 226,456

Balance Available, EOY.............................................. -10,982 -7,642 -4,479 -2,282

Total Obligations ..................................................... 201,793 216,317 219,489 224,174

Salaries and Expenses – Justification of Changes

An increase of $5,851,000 in Salaries and Expenses and a decrease of 1 FTEs ($215,576,000 and 1,433 FTEs in FY 

2024). This increase of $5,851,000 funds part of the CY 2024 and anticipated CY 2025 employee pay cost increases. 

The Forest Service will need to rely on other funding sources for Salaries and Expenses and balance hiring actions 

and attrition rates to stay within appropriations in the operational year.
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

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OTHER SUPPLEMENTAL FUNDING

Table FS-27. Disaster Supplemental Detail Table (thousands of dollars)

Disaster Supplemental 2022 

Actual

2023 

Actual

2024 

Estimated

2025 

Estimated

Inc. or 

Dec.

Appropriations ................................................................. $25,000 $2,000 - - -

Recoveries ....................................................................... - 2 - -

Balance Available, SOY ..................................................... - 17,623 $9,834 $2,057

Total Available ................................................................. 25,000 19,625 9,834 2,057

Balance Available, EOY ..................................................... -17,623 -9,834 -2,057 -

Total Obligations ............................................................. 7,377 9,791 7,777 2,057

Disaster Supplemental

Disaster Supplemental funding supports Forest Service actions, activities, and responses to wildfires, hurricanes, 

and other natural disasters having a direct impact to Forest Service managed lands and assets and the 

communities contiguous to or embedded within those managed lands. 

Table FS-28. Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Detail Table (thousands of dollars)

Bipartisan Infrastructure Law 2022 

Actual

2023 

Actual

2024 

Estimated

2025 

Estimated

Inc. or 

Dec.

Appropriations ................................................................. $2,000 $2,000 $2,000 $2,000 -

Transfers In ...................................................................... 66,000 38,450 7,800 -

Transfers Out.................................................................... -1,500 - - -

Balance Transfer .............................................................. - - -54,214 -

Balance Available, SOY ..................................................... - 61,217 77,496 4,000 

Total Available ................................................................. 66,500 101,667 33,082 6,000

Balance Available, EOY ..................................................... -61,217 -77,496 -4,000 -1,135

Total Obligations ............................................................. 5,283 24,171 29,082 4,865

Bipartisan Infrastructure Law

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (P.L. 115-78), also referred to as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, 

broadly supports ecosystem restoration, wildfire risk reduction, wildfire mitigation grants, and other community 

support activities. 
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

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CLASSIFICATION BY OBJECTS

Table FS-29. Classification by Objects (thousands of dollars)

Item 

No.

Item 2022 

Actual

2023 

Actual

2024 

Estimated

2025 

Estimated

Personnel Compensation:

Washington D.C. ............................................................... $5,231 $6,045 $6,448 $6,599

Personnel compensation, field .......................................... 136,784 145,081 154,744 158,381

11.0 Total personnel compensation.......................................... 142,015 151,126 161,191 164,980

12.0 Personal benefits.............................................................. 55,437 59,217 63,161 64,646

13.0 Benefits for former personnel ........................................... - 24 26 26

Total, personnel compensation and benefits..................... 197,452 210,367 224,378 229,652

Other Objects:

21.0 Travel and transportation of persons................................. 5,192 8,261 6,982 5,645

22.0 Transportation of things.................................................... 1,158 179 694 561

23.1 Rental payments to GSA.................................................... 1 - 1 0

23.2 Rental payments to others................................................ 12 8 10 8

23.3 Communications, utilities, and misc. charges..................... 248 227 247 199

24.0 Printing and reproduction ................................................. 68 167 122 99

25.1 Advisory and assistance services....................................... 10 11 11 9

25.2 Other services from non-Federal sources .......................... 8,487 11,743 10,499 8,489

25.3 Other goods and services from Federal sources................. 20,906 23,568 23,082 18,662

25.4 Operation and maintenance of facilities............................ 115 23 72 58

25.5 Research and development contracts................................ 34,551 47,928 42,806 34,610

25.7 Operation and maintenance of equipment........................ 290 343 329 266

26.0 Supplies and materials...................................................... 3,248 4,570 4,057 3,281

31.0 Equipment........................................................................ 3,285 4,087 3,826 3,093

32.0 Land and structures .......................................................... 495 192 357 288

41.0 Grants, subsidies, and contributions.................................. 22,213 36,250 30,342 24,533

42.0 Insurance claims and indemnities...................................... 255 - 132 107

43.0 Interest and dividends....................................................... - 1 1 -

44.0 Refunds............................................................................ - -1 - -

91.0 Unvouchered.................................................................... - - - -

92.0 Undistributed.................................................................... 21 1 11 9

Total, other objects........................................................... 100,555 137,558 123,578 99,919

99.9 Total, new obligations....................................................... 298,008 347,925 347,956 329,571

Position Data:

Average Salary (dollars), ES Position.................................. $183,027 $195,000 $204,000 $208,080 

Average Salary (dollars), GS Position ................................. 91,378 94,564 101,008 103,343

Average Grade, GS Position............................................... 10.8 11.9 12.4 12.5 
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

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STATE, Private, and Tribal Forestry

LEAD-OFF TABULAR STATEMENT

Table FS-30. Lead-Off Tabular Statement (In dollars) 

Item Amount

2024 Estimated Budget....................................................................................................... $337,758,000

Change in Appropriation..................................................................................................... -32,350,000

2025 Request...................................................................................................................... 305,408,000

APPROPRIATIONS LANGUAGE

The appropriations language follows (new language underscored; deleted matter enclosed in brackets):

1 STATE[AND], PRIVATE,AND TRIBAL FORESTRY 

2 For necessary expenses of cooperating with and providing technical and financial assistance to Tribes, States, 

3 territories, possessions, and others, and for forest health management, including for invasive plants, and 

4 conducting an international program and trade compliance activities as authorized,[$327,669,000]$305,408,000, 

5 to remain available through September 30, [2027]2028, as authorized by law. 

Note.--A full-year 2024 appropriation for this account was not enacted at the time the Budget was prepared; 

therefore, the Budget assumes this account is operating under the Continuing Appropriations Act, 2024 and Other 

Extensions Act (Division A of Public Law 118-15, as amended). The amounts included for 2024 reflect the 

annualized level provided by the continuing resolution.

Change Description

The first change (lines 1, title) changes title to include Tribal. 

The second change (lines 2) changes language to include Tribes.
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

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PROJECT STATEMENTS

Table FS-31. Appropriations Project Statement (thousands of dollars, FTEs)

Project Statement 2022 

Actual

FTEs 2023 

Actual

FTEs 2024 

Estimated

FTEs 2025 

Request

FTEs Inc. or 

Dec.

FTE 

Inc. or 

Dec.

State, Private, and 

Tribal Forestry:

Discretionary 

Appropriations..... $315,198 386 $337,758 404 $337,758 373 $305,408 350 -$32,350 -23

Mandatory 

Appropriations..... 83,862 18 77,940 21 94,225 37 94,225 21 - -16

Supplemental 

Appropriations..... 3,105,360 4 453,360 43 305,360 58 305,360 97 - +39

Total 

Appropriations..... 3,504,420 408 869,058 468 737,343 468 704,993 468 -$32,350 -

Table FS-32. Appropriations Detail Table (thousands of dollars)

Detail Table 2022 

Actual

2023 

Actual

2024 

Estimated

2025 

Request

Inc. or 

Dec.

State, Private, and Tribal Forestry:

Landscape Scale Restoration............................................. $14,000 $17,000 $17,000 $17,000 -

Federal Lands Forest Health Management........................ 16,000 17,000 17,000 17,000 -

Cooperative Lands Forest Health Management................. 32,000 33,000 33,000 33,000 -

State Fire Capacity Grants (State Fire Assistance).............. 75,000 76,000 76,000 76,000 -

Volunteer Fire Capacity Grants (Volunteer Fire Assistance) 20,000 21,000 21,000 21,000 -

Forest Stewardship (Working Forest Lands) ...................... 12,000 12,500 12,500 12,500 -

Community Forest and Open Space Conservation............. 5,500 6,000 6,000 6,000 -

Urban and Community Forestry........................................ 36,000 40,000 40,000 40,000 -

Forest Resource Information and Analysis......................... 29,956 30,167 30,167 - -$30,167

International Programs and Trade Compliance.................. 17,000 20,000 20,000 20,000 -

Forest Legacy (Great American Outdoors Act)................... 83,862 77,940 94,225 94,225 -

Salaries and Expenses....................................................... 57,742 65,091 65,091 62,908 -2,183

Disaster Supplemental a ................................................... 50,000 148,000 - - -

Bipartisan Infrastructure Law b ......................................... 305,360 305,360 305,360 305,360 -

Inflation Reduction Act Programs c.................................... 2,750,000 - - - -

Total, State, Private, and Tribal Forestry.......................... 3,504,420 869,058 737,343 704,993 -32,350

a Disaster Supplemental Funding includes remaining, unobligated funds from P.L. 115-123, P.L. 116-20, P.L. 117-43 and P.L.117-328 

for necessary expenses related to wildfires, hurricanes, and other natural disasters that occurred between calendar years 2017 

through 2022.

b The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (P.L. 117-58) are advance appropriations each year from 2022 through 2026.

c The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA)(P.L. 117-169) provided $4.9 billion appropriations in Fiscal Year (FY) 2022. All funds shown for IRA 

are carryover from the original appropriation.

Note: The discrepancy between the project statement and Max schedule X is reimbursable funds.
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

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LANDSCAPE SCALE RESTORATION

Table FS-33. Landscape Scale Restoration Detail Table (thousands of dollars)

Landscape Scale Restoration – Status of Programs

Current Activities 

The Landscape Scale Restoration (LSR) program funds competitive cross-boundary projects in high-priority rural 

landscapes by leveraging Tribal Nation, State, and partner capacity with strategic Federal investments. The 

program helps ensure the Nation’s non-Federal forested lands continue to provide public benefits by supporting 

high-impact landscape-scale projects that focus on priorities identified in State Forest Action Plans and equivalent 

restoration strategies and deliver on-the-ground results. 

Selected Examples of Recent Progress 

Landscape Scale Restoration in Priority Areas

The LSR program restored healthy, resilient landscapes and communities within Tribal Nation and State priority 

areas using $16.2 million in competitive grants to fund 65 projects in 30 states and territories. Many of these 

projects include assistance for underserved landowners and forestry practices that support climate resilience. 

Eleven of the 65 projects have been awarded directly to Tribes to restore priority forest landscapes on both Tribal 

Nation trust land and land held in fee by Tribes and Alaska Native Corporations. In FY 2023, the program received a 

budget increase of $3 million, which resulted in a broader geographic reach than in FY 2022 and is helping to 

advance the Forest Service’s financial commitment to Tribes and underserved communities. 

Equity Considerations for Regional Request for Proposals

The LSR program integrated equity considerations into the regional request for proposals and scoring criteria in 

response to the Forest Service Equity Action Plan13. Projects that showed a direct benefit to or intentional 

engagement of underserved communities received priority consideration. The Forest Service launched the first 

competitive request for proposals for Federally recognized Tribes and Alaska Native Corporations and Villages to 

expand Tribal Nation participation in the LSR program and to restore priority forest landscapes on Tribal Nation 

land, including trust lands. 

Program Objectives for FY 2025 

In FY 2025, the program will continue to prioritize and fund projects that engage, and benefit underserved 

communities by applying the National Equity Guidance and enhance outreach and technical assistance to newly 

eligible Tribal Nation and other applicants to attract proposals from rural communities.

13 Forest Service Equity Action Plan 2022-2024.

Landscape Scale Restoration 2022 

Actual

2023 

Actual

2024 

Estimated

2025 

Request

Inc. or 

Dec.

Appropriations.................................................................. $14,000 $17,000 $17,000 $17,000 -

Recoveries ....................................................................... 147 109 75 75

Transfers Out.................................................................... -423 - - -

Balance Available, SOY ..................................................... 1,013 2,314 2,338 1,553

Total Available ................................................................. 14,737 19,423 19,413 18,628

Lapsing Balances............................................................... - -2 - -

Balance Available, EOY ..................................................... -2,314 -2,338 -1,553 -931

Total Obligations ............................................................. 12,423 17,083 17,860 17,697
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

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FEDERAL LANDS FOREST HEALTH MANAGEMENT

Table FS-34. Federal Lands Forest Health Management Detail Table (thousands of dollars)

Federal Lands Forest Health Management 2022 

Actual

2023 

Actual

2024 

Estimated

2025 

Request

Inc. or 

Dec.

Appropriations ................................................................. $16,000 $17,000 $17,000 $17,000 -

Recoveries ....................................................................... 607 842 435 175

Transfers Out.................................................................... -85 -478 - -

Balance Available, SOY...................................................... 2,013 3,362 4,057 3,869

Total Available ................................................................. 18,535 20,726 21,492 21,044

Lapsing Balances............................................................... -30 - - -

Balance Available, EOY ..................................................... -3,362 -4,057 -3,869 -3,157

Total Obligations ............................................................. 15,143 16,669 17,623 17,887

Federal Lands Forest Health Management – Status of Programs

Current Activities 

The Federal Lands Forest Health Management (FHM-Federal Lands) program helps the National Forest System and 

other actively managed Federal lands to suppress forest insects, diseases, and invasive plants; and provides 

technical assistance, suppression, and prevention efforts, as well as long-term management strategies to reduce 

impacts of forest insects, diseases, and invasive plants. This program provides funds that support forest insect and 

disease detection surveys, and long-term monitoring activities that gather data on forest health conditions to 

inform management activities across Federal forested lands in the United States.

Selected Examples of Recent Progress

Reducing Fire Risk on Western Landscapes

FHM-Federal Lands supported the Forest Service’s Wildfire Crisis Strategy by dedicating the $3.7 million of FY 2023 

Western Bark Beetle treatment funds to forest health work in western landscapes associated with the Strategy’s 

Priority Landscapes. The program worked in an integrated approach with National Forest System partners to target 

technical assistance, surveys, and forest health treatments to reduce forest susceptibility to insects and disease 

pests on National Forest lands and across boundaries. On the Enchanted Circle Priority Landscape, 1.5 million acres 

on the Carson National Forest in northern New Mexico, FHM-Federal Lands contributed treatment funds which 

supported the National Forest’s work with partners to address the recovery of wildfire impacted areas, reduced 

wildfire risk, promoted healthy forests, addressed invasive plants, and protected important cultural landscapes and 

watersheds by bringing a legacy of shared stewardship to this high-profile landscape. 

Table FS-35. List of FY 2023 Forest Health Management Activities on Federal lands and acres treated.

Forest Health Management Activity Acres treated

Native species on Federal lands.............................................................. 242,109

Invasive species on Federal lands........................................................... 280,042

Total, Acres Treated............................................................................... 522,151

Table FS-35 reflects recent progress by illustrating acres treated on Federally owned land for both native and 

invasive species. Federal lands include National Forest System, as well as forested land owned by the Department 

of the Interior, tribal trust lands, the Department of Defense, and other Federal agencies. Treated acres are 

identified by science-based risk maps, risk assessments, forest plans, and other scientific information. Treatments 

include vegetation management, thinning, preventative spraying or applying chemicals, biological control agents, 

and other best management practices.
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

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Tribe Determined Forest Health Projects

FHM-Federal Lands worked with the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and Tribes to directly support access and 

engagement in Forest Health Programs (FHP). FHP provided funding in support of Tribe identified forest health 

needs, co-stewardship of cross-boundary forest resources, and supported Tribes’ Forest health specialist capacity. 

An investment in the Santa Catalina Forest Restoration Thinning project in Coronado National Forest supported 

treatments that helped the ecosystem become more resilient to climate change, reduced wildfire threats to 

communities and landowners, and restored watershed conditions, and native plant communities. This partnership 

provided opportunities for the Tribe to participate in fuels treatment on Forest Service land. The project enhanced 

the economic sustainability of reaching operations and introduced youth to public lands and promoted USDA 

careers through education and outreach provided to local tribes. In the last four years, FHP has provided over $5 

million in funding in support of nearly 100 projects, with 26 Tribes in 13 States.

Program Objectives for FY 2025

The program will continue to support activities that build ecological resilience, reduce wildfire risk, and sustain 

Federal forests to provide timber resources, recreation opportunities, clean water, clean air, and robust 

economies. Threats from insects, diseases, invasive plants, hazard trees, and wildland fires will continue to be 

mitigated through efficient, effective forest health management.
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

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COOPERATIVE LANDS FOREST HEALTH MANAGEMENT

Table FS-36. Cooperative Lands Forest Health Management Detail Table (thousands of dollars)

Cooperative Lands Forest Health Management 2022 

Actual

2023 

Actual

2024 

Estimated

2025 

Request

Inc. or 

Dec.

Appropriations.................................................................. $32,000 $33,000 $33,000 $33,000 -

Recoveries ....................................................................... 273 257 290 255

Transfers Out.................................................................... -250 - - -

Balance Available, SOY ..................................................... 247 4,273 2,387 2,141

Total Available ................................................................. 32,270 37,530 35,677 35,396

Lapsing Balances............................................................... -39 - - -

Balance Available, EOY ..................................................... -4,272 -2,387 -2,141 -708

Total Obligations ............................................................. 27,959 35,143 33,536 34,688

Cooperative Lands Forest Health Management – Status of Programs

Current Activities 

The Cooperative Lands Forest Health Management (FHM-Cooperative Lands) program works with states, the 

District of Columbia, United States territories, Freely Associated States, and other partners to provide technical 

and financial assistance to monitor, assess, and mitigate forest health threats on non-Federal lands. Investments in 

this program are typically matched dollar for dollar by partners. The FHM-Cooperative Lands program works across 

land ownership boundaries to reduce risk and improve forest conditions on landscape and watershed scales. 

Integrated Pest Management is most effective in an all-lands approach. The program produces data, analysis, and 

forest health condition reports to assist active forest management decisions and cross-boundary treatment plans 

with partners. The program fosters collaboration between Tribes, national forests, States, and private interests 

that embody the concepts of shared stewardship and supports its implementation activities, in addition to setting 

priorities and co-managing risk, using science-based tools to target treatment investments, and focusing on 

landscape-scale outcomes using active management tools. In addition, program work includes active coordination 

with USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service on forest pest activities in the form of monthly agency-toagency coordination calls, peer-to-peer cooperation, and thorough collaboration on survey and monitoring efforts 

across the country.

Selected Examples of Recent Progress

Reaching Equity through Partnerships

FHM-Cooperative Lands is advancing racial equity and outreach to underserved communities through several 

initiatives including the Healthy Forest Healthy People project with Corazon Latino. This initiative engages 

underserved communities to connect the public with the effects forest health has on human health. The 

protection and conservation of our nation’s forests and green spaces are critical to improving human health, 

particularly in communities that suffer from health and socio-economic disparities. The partnership expanded 

efforts to reach Latino communities, providing timely, relevant information on topics including human health and 

nature, conservation, environmental education, and citizen science. Since its inception in 2018, the program has 

organized more than 300 grassroots activities and approximately 50 online activities (town halls, online concerts, 

and webinars) that have engaged more than 40,000 members of the public in person and over five million 

participants online in 20 states, Puerto Rico, and in 5 countries. 

Moreover, the program provides financial support for the Nature for All Leadership Academy14 for Tribal Nation 

and Hispanic youth. Nature for All’s mission is to educate, develop, and encourage stewardship of public lands. The 

Leadership Academy engages in long-term training programs that teach advocacy skills, civic engagement, and 

14 Nature For All Leadership Academy
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

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local community action to students in southern California. The initial Academy will sponsor 25 students through 

the program.

Table FS-37. List of FY 2023 Forest Health Management Activities on cooperative lands and acres treated.

Forest Health Management Activity Acres treated

Native species on cooperative lands................................................. 38,189

Invasive species on cooperative lands.............................................. 589,971

Total, Acres Treated......................................................................... 628,160

Table FS-37 reflects recent progress and denotes acres treated on non-Federal lands for both native and invasive 

species. Cooperative lands are defined as State, Tribal or privately owned forested areas. Treated acres are 

identified by science-based risk maps, risk assessments, forest plans, and other scientific information. Treatments 

include vegetation management, thinning, preventative spraying or applying chemicals, biological control agents, 

and other best management practices.

Addressing Emerald Ash Borer in Oregon

This program supported the response efforts to the recent discovery of the emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis) 

in Oregon. The expansion of the emerald ash borer into western forests can lead to devastating community 

impacts. Allocated funding supported an emerald ash borer task force, staff training, field surveys, seed collection, 

preservation, and resistance screening of Oregon ash (Fraxinus latifolia), an important riparian species native to 

the Western United States.

Invasive Species and Biocontrol

The program invested in the development of indigenous cultural and prescribed burning treatments for 

Goldspotted Oak Borer (Agrilus auroguttatus) management to protect and improve California’s native oak 

woodlands under threat from this insect pest, which is responsible for the death of more than 100,000 native oak 

trees in southern California. This project is in partnership with the La Jolla Band of Luiseño Indians which considers 

native California oaks as culturally significant species. 

The program supported efforts to protect important tree species in Guam by funding surveys of potential 

predators and parasitoids that may be present within the Guam National Wildlife Refuge for use in a biological 

control program. The project partnered with approximately 35 stakeholders, including local government, land 

managers, academic and botanical garden researchers, foresters, and entomologists to collaborate on how to 

collectively control pests with integrated pest management using biological control.

Program Objectives for FY 2025

In FY 2025, the program will continue to provide resources and technical assistance to prevent and control invasive 

species across the United States using economically and environmentally sound integrated pest management 

strategies. The program will provide funds to State agencies and expand assistance to Tribes to conduct monitoring 

and treatments on Tribal Nation, State, and private lands in cooperation with national forests across boundaries, 

with focus on building ecological resilience and prioritizing work in underserved communities. 
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

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STATE FIRE CAPACITY GRANTS (STATE FIRE ASSISTANCE) 

Table FS-38. State Fire Capacity Grants Detail Table (thousands of dollars)

State Fire Capacity Grants (State Fire Assistance) 2022 

Actual

2023 

Actual

2024 

Estimated

2025 

Request

Inc. or 

Dec.

Appropriations ................................................................. $75,000 $76,000 $76,000 $76,000 -

Recoveries ....................................................................... 615 59 27 30

Balance Available, SOY ..................................................... 3,196 13,832 7,189 5,825

Total Available ................................................................. 78,811 89,891 83,216 81,855

Lapsing Balances............................................................... -1 -5 - -

Balance Available, EOY ..................................................... -13,832 -7,189 -5,825 -4,093

Total Obligations ............................................................. 64,978 82,697 77,391 77,762

State Fire Capacity Grants (State Fire Assistance) – Status of Programs

Current Activities 

The State Fire Capacity Grants program provides critical financial assistance to states for wildfire preparedness 

activities, including promoting firefighter safety, capability, and capacity, as well as community mitigation and fuels 

reduction activities to reduce risk to communities. States use this funding for myriad purposes to support and 

enhance their ability to respond and to safely suppress wildfires on non-Federal lands. State Fire Capacity Grants 

funding is frequently used for purchasing and maintaining equipment, providing firefighter training, developing fire 

readiness plans, dispatch support, wildfire prevention and detection, community mitigation projects, and the 

development of Community Wildfire Protection Plans. Program funds are distributed in two ways, with 65 percent 

provided to State Foresters or their equivalent by using a formula, and the remaining 35 percent awarded using 

regional competitive grants. The formula used is based on each state’s number of acres of non-Federal lands, the 

number of wildfires reported annually, the average fuel treatment cost per acre, and the percentage of housing 

units and square miles of wildland-urban interface.

While the focus of these funds is on non-Federal lands, the investments benefit all wildland fire management 

partners by enabling states to increase and maintain wildfire suppression capacity, which in turn increases national 

capacity for both fire and non-fire emergencies. Many state and local agencies make their resources available to 

the national response system through regional coordination centers. Each year the funding provides for training 

and workshops to meet national training and safety standards. State Fire Capacity Grant funding has augmented 

state funding to train over 5,000 people in classes ranging from Basic Firefighter to Advanced Incident 

Management.

Selected Examples of Recent Progress

Wood Education and Resource Center (WERC)

Founded through the Omnibus Consolidated and Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act, 1999 (P.L. 105-277) 

Sec. 343(c), WERC programs maintain and improve wood industry productivity and competitiveness sustainably 

across 35 states located in eastern hardwood regions (09). Viable wood products markets enable sustainable forest 

management on Tribal Nation, Federal, State, and private lands. The WERC supports the Forest Service’s National 

Wood Energy Technical Assistance Team,15 a highly effective program that collaborates with local communities 

and public and private sector entities to help them generate renewable energy from forests. 

Fifty percent of the current funding for WERC programs was allocated from the State Fire Capacity Grants 

program, with 25 percent each from Forest Health Management and Urban and Community Forestry. WERC

supported the analysis and feasibility study for 51 projects that considered the conversion from natural gas, fuel 

15 Forest Markets - Wood Energy Technical Assistance Team
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

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oil, or propane systems to wood energy. This work was done to support thermal wood energy and combined heat 

and power systems in every Forest Service region. WERC funded six wood markets and wood energy projects that 

will support wood utilization in the Forest Service’s Eastern Region (09). 

Alaska Division of Forestry and Fire Protection

The State Fire Capacity Grants program provided funding assistance to the Alaska Division of Forestry and Fire 

Protection for delivering coordinated wildfire response compliance with national wildland fire safety and training 

standards. This financial support allowed State, local, and rural emergency firefighting forces to be deployed not 

only on State and Federal fires in Alaska but also provided mutual aid for fires in the lower 48 states. 

Fire in the Root Council, Montana

State Fire Capacity Grants provided funding to support the fire-adapted community’s coordinator who has been 

instrumental in collaborative efforts to convene and facilitate the accomplishments of the Fire in the Root Council 

located in Ravalli County, Montana. The group, composed of representatives from not only local, State, and 

Federal fire protection agencies, concerned residents, realtors, builders, insurance agents, homeowner 

associations, wood products industries, local businesses, and public health, have all been working together to 

create innovative, cross-boundary solutions to reduce wildfire risk throughout the county. The council hosted 

outreach events, home risk assessments, and community workdays, and Ravalli County began updating its 

Community Wildfire Protection Plan. 

Program Objectives for FY 2025

In FY 2025, the Forest Service will continue to work closely with states and other partners to ensure State Fire 

Capacity grant funding is aligned to meet the highest priority needs and areas across the country. This program is 

designed to support each state’s wildfire preparedness and protection programs, so while the Forest Service 

provides program oversight and direction, the specific priorities to be funded are determined on a state-by-state 

level. Ensuring funding is distributed across the Nation in a fair and science-based manner is an ongoing objective. 
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VOLUNTEER FIRE CAPACITY GRANTS (FORMERLY VOLUNTEER FIRE ASSISTANCE) 

Table FS-39. Volunteer Fire Capacity Grants Detail Table (thousands of dollars)

Volunteer Fire Capacity Grants (Volunteer Fire 

Assistance)

2022 

Actual

2023 

Actual

2024 

Estimated

2025 

Request

Inc. or 

Dec.

Appropriations ................................................................. $20,000 $21,000 $21,000 $21,000 -

Recoveries ....................................................................... 920 8 - -

Balance Available, SOY ..................................................... 78 1,994 1,513 901

Total Available ................................................................. 20,998 23,002 22,513 21,901

Lapsing Balances............................................................... -62 -6 - -

Balance Available, EOY ..................................................... -1,994 -1,513 -901 -657

Total Obligations ............................................................. 18,942 21,483 21,612 21,244

Volunteer Fire Capacity Grants (formerly Volunteer Fire Assistance) – Status of Programs

Current Activities 

The Volunteer Fire Capacity (VFC) grant program helps with state efforts to support the many thousands of rural, 

volunteer fire departments across the Nation by improving their wildfire protection capabilities and effectiveness. 

In many rural areas, local volunteer fire departments are the first responders to protect local communities from 

wildfire and actively support community wildfire risk mitigation efforts. This program provides cost-share grants to 

volunteer fire departments for education, planning, training, and the purchase of equipment. Funding can be used 

for the organization of new volunteer fire departments. States may use the funding to support any organized, nonprofit fire protection organization that provides services to a community with a population under 10,000, and 

whose firefighting personnel are at least 80 percent volunteer. Funding is allocated to the states based on a 

formula consisting of the state’s number of communities smaller than 10,000 residents, the number of volunteer 

or mostly volunteer fire departments, and the average number of wildfires each year.

Selected Examples of Recent Progress

Increased Tribal Involvement

The Oregon Department of Forestry observed heightened participation of Tribal Nation firefighting agencies in the 

Volunteer Fire Capacity grant program. The Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde Department of Emergency 

Services, Umatilla Tribal Fire Government, Warm Springs Fire and Safety, and others were awarded Volunteer Fire 

Capacity grant funding for the purchase of fire shelters, training needs, and a variety of other firefighting supplies 

and capacity needs. Support through the Volunteer Fire Capacity grant program is crucial to rural fire fighting 

capacity and is important to Tribal Nation communities’ ability to protect people and infrastructure from fire. A 

focus on Tribal Nation outreach, communication, and relationship building throughout the Oregon Department of 

Forestry staff helped pave the way for better coordination and support. Tribal Nation fire agencies saw some of 

the same challenges in volunteer involvement and administration capacity as their rural counterparts, and the 

financial and technical assistance provided by the Volunteer Fire Capacity grant program helped improve 

coordinated fire response systems in these Tribal communities. 

Personal Protective Equipment for Rural Fire Departments in Nebraska

Recently, the state of Nebraska has experienced increased wildfire activity with uncharacteristic fire behavior. In 

Nebraska, rural fire departments are often the first to respond to these fires; however, many of these departments 

lack appropriate wildland fire personal protective equipment to be able to respond safely. Funding was allocated 

to Nebraska’s volunteer fire capacity to purchase wildland firefighting personal protective equipment for those 

departments in need.

Program Objectives for FY 2025

In FY 2025, the Forest Service will continue to work closely with states and other partners, such as the National 

Volunteer Fire Council, to ensure Volunteer Fire Capacity grant funding is aligned to meet the highest priority 

needs of the volunteer fire departments across the country. The program plans to update its VFC desk guide, which 
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

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was last revised in 1998. This desk guide is a reference document for state and Forest Service VFC Program 

Managers which covers how to administer the program. The desk guide covers topics such as program purpose, 

objectives, legislative authorities, eligibility, uses of funding, granting recommendations, reporting requirements, 

etc.
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FOREST LEGACY

Table FS-40. Forest Legacy Detail Table (thousands of dollars)

Forest Legacy 2022 

Actual

2023 

Actual

2024 

Estimated

2025 

Request

Inc. or 

Dec.

Appropriations.................................................................. $83,862 $77,940 $94,225 $94,225 -

Recoveries........................................................................ 7,578 16,357 14,000 7,600

Sequestrations.................................................................. -49 624 654 -

Balance Available, SOY...................................................... 52,052 31,714 32,149 47,950

Total Available.................................................................. 143,443 126,635 141,028 149,775

Balance Available, EOY...................................................... -31,715 -32,149 -47,950 -50,923

Total Obligations.............................................................. 111,728 94,486 93,078 98,852

Forest Legacy – Status of Programs

Current Activities 

The Forest Legacy Program (FLP) protects critical forest landscapes threatened by land conversion through 

conservation easements and fee-simple purchases in partnership with State agencies and private landowners. The 

program does not add to the Federal estate, rather purchase of conservation easements assist landowners to 

conserve and actively manage private working forests. Fee acquisitions by states create or add to state forests, 

state parks, and state wildlife management areas securing public benefits, including recreational access. To select 

projects for funding, FLP uses a two-tiered competitive process at both the state and national levels. This locally 

driven, nationally scaled program is a key contributor to the Administration’s goal to conserve 30 percent of 

America’s lands and waters by 2030. 

Conservation across landscapes and ownerships is essential to addressing large-scale conservation issues, including 

watershed protection, wildfire risk mitigation, and protection of at-risk species. The FLP tracts share more than 

5,000 miles of boundaries with Tribal Nation, Federal, State, local, and non-profit held conserved lands. More than 

1,000 of those miles are adjacent to National Forest System lands. Intact working forests provide clean drinking 

water, sequester carbon, protect wildlife habitat and biodiversity, and offer recreation access. The FLP legacy 

tracts conserve more than 3,000 miles of streams and rivers and more than 40 square miles of open water. 

Twenty-eight projects totaling more than 440,000 acres are adjacent to or within 1,000 feet of 13 National Scenic 

and Historic Trails. Conserving working lands supports local, regional, and national economies. 

The Forest Service is using new data sets to analyze the benefits Forest Legacy projects provide to underserved 

communities and contribute to climate resilience when reviewing projects. The project review panel considered 

the climate resiliency score, using The Nature Conservancy’s Resilient Land Mapping Tool,16 and the benefits to 

underserved communities using the Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool17 for the location of each 

proposed project when reviewing projects. Sixty-three percent of total acres and 46 percent of total project funds 

have benefitted underserved communities, and more than 65 percent of acres were identified as highly resilient to 

climate change. The FLP received $700 million to be obligated over ten years from the Inflation Reduction Act (P.L. 

117-169). Currently, the Forest Service has used $100 million of these funds to support 19 additional projects in 15

states. The Forest Service will continue adding additional capacity to meet these additional needs and is working

with state partners to build capacity to pursue and acquire interests in lands.

Selected Examples of Recent Progress 

The FLP received $88.8 million of new funding to support 14 projects in 13 states and completed the Congressional 

reprogramming process for $18 million of recovered prior year funding to fund five additional projects in five 

16 Resilient Land Mapping Tool

17 Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

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states. The FLP passed an important milestone, conserving more than three million acres since 1990, including 

46,772 acres in FY 2023. Historically, the FLP leverages more than one dollar in non-Federal funds for every Federal 

dollar spent. 

Spence Mountain, Oregon

Through fee-simple acquisition, the Spence Mountain project conserved 7,589 acres of forested lands that provide 

important wildlife habitat and include a renowned trail network within the Klamath Basin. The property includes 

eight miles of Upper Klamath Lake shoreline and 35 miles of publicly accessible hiking and biking trails adjacent to 

a National Scenic Byway and birding trail. Designed to be a hiking and biking destination, the project will offer 

economic benefits from tourism. In Klamath County, the outdoor recreation economy generates $1.65 billion 

annually and tourism comprises 18 percent of jobs. Spence Mountain contains habitats that support the Federally 

endangered Lost River sucker (Deltistes luxatus) and shortnose sucker (Chasmistes brevirostris), as well as nine 

species of birds listed by the Fish and Wildlife Service as birds of conservation concern. Sustainable management of 

this property will complement adjacent public lands, including the Fremont-Winema National Forest, Rogue RiverSiskiyou National Forest, Crater Lake National Park, and Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuge. The project is 

supported by The Klamath Tribes18 because it will enhance the habitat for spiritually and culturally significant 

wildlife species. The Tribes use Spence Mountain for hunting and gathering, making conservation of this area 

important for exercising their treaty rights.

Sonoita Creek Wildlife Corridor, Arizona

Through a conservation easement, Phase 3 of the Sonoita Creek Wildlife Corridor project conserved 756 acres, 

including significant tracts of riparian habitat and Madrean pine-oak woodlands. Madrean pine-oak woodlands are 

geographically limited and an internationally recognized hotspot for biodiversity. The project builds on prior Forest 

Legacy funded projects (Phases 1 and 2) to conserve land within and buffering a wildlife corridor identified by the 

Arizona Game and Fish Department as vital for the movement of the Federally endangered jaguar (Panthera onca) 

plus 40 additional at-risk wildlife who reside in the isolated mountain ranges throughout southeast Arizona and 

northern Mexico, known as sky islands. The corridor serves as an anchor and catalyst for local conservation efforts 

to restore riparian forests and permanent stream flow in Sonoita Creek, a tributary to the Santa Cruz River, and the 

main water supply to four underserved communities. 

Program Objectives for FY 2025 

The Forest Legacy Program will continue to consider the benefits to underserved communities and environmental 

justice initiatives during project selection. 

Program Evaluations 

The Forest Service is actively working with partners to evaluate the impacts of the program on carbon 

sequestration and climate change resilience. These evaluations involve collaborations with partners using data, 

modeling, and research to evaluate the program’s effectiveness in preserving forests and their carbon 

sequestration capacity. 

18 The Klamath Tribes include the Klamath, Modoc, and Yahooskin.
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FOREST STEWARDSHIP (WORKING FOREST LANDS) 

Table FS-41. Forest Stewardship Detail Table (thousands of dollars)

Forest Stewardship (Working Forest Lands) 2022 

Actual

2023 

Actual

2024 

Estimated

2025 

Request

Inc. or 

Dec.

Appropriations.................................................................. $12,000 $12,500 $12,500 $12,500 -

Recoveries........................................................................ 114 113 489 239

Balance Available, SOY...................................................... -39 2,055 1,445 1,155

Total Available.................................................................. 12,075 14,668 14,434 13,894

Lapsing Balances............................................................... -1 -10 - -

Balance Available, EOY...................................................... -2,055 -1,445 -1,155 -417

Total Obligations.............................................................. 10,019 13,213 13,279 13,477

Forest Stewardship (Working Forest Lands) – Status of Programs

Current Activities

The Forest Stewardship Program (FSP) is a partnership between the Forest Service and state forestry agencies to 

help non-industrial private forest landowners care for their nearly 300 million acres (nearly 40 percent of the 

Nation’s forests) and ensure the public continues to receive these benefits from privately owned forests. These 

benefits include providing healthy, resilient forests, timber, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, recreational 

opportunities, carbon sequestration, and many other ecosystem benefits for communities and the nation.

The FSP and ongoing relationships with landowners enable Foresters to continuously provide support contributing 

to the foundation that allows landowners to access many different programs. These programs include USDA 

financial assistance conservation, forest certification, forest product and ecosystem service markets, and tax 

incentives that assist landowners in maintaining their forests and the benefits the Nation receives from them. 

Selected Examples of Recent Progress 

Through working with state forestry agency partners, the FSP continued connecting landowners to their lands and 

providing benefits to all by developing 12,203 forest stewardship plans, sustainably managing 13,266,796 acres 

using forest stewardship plans, monitoring 385,015 acres, aiding 204,608 landowners, and providing educational 

opportunities for 381,112 landowners. 

Partnerships to Ensure Equity and Inclusion

The FSP continued to make investments in building cultural competency and ensuring equity and inclusion with 

program implementation. These partnerships included the following:

• Virginia Tech shared learnings from a meta-analysis of participation in private lands conservation by

historically underrepresented groups to FSP state partners. This research highlighted the motivation and

barriers that landowners experience including barriers around access to information.

• An investment of $300,000 was allocated to develop resources from experts in outreach with

underserved communities including the United States Endowment for Forestry and Communities, Inc., the

Center for Heirs’ Property, and mano-Y-ola, LLC.

• An investment of $75,000 was allocated to form a partnership with the Forest Stewards Guild and Women

Owning Woodlands to host an in-person meeting that helped build connections among practitioners and

other learning opportunities.

Forest Stewardship Prioritization

Forest Service partners continues to implement their prioritization of Federal FSP funding, for instance Colorado 

focuses on private lands with the highest wildfire risk, and the plains states of Kansas, Nebraska, and South Dakota, 

where they prioritize riparian forests to improve water quality. 
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

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Program Objectives for FY 2025 

In FY 2025, the Forest Stewardship Program will continue to partner with state forestry agencies to provide 

technical and planning assistance to landowners, helping them access programs, including traditional and 

emerging markets, so they can continue to sustainably manage their land and provide environmental benefits to 

the public.
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COMMUNITY FOREST AND OPEN SPACE CONSERVATION

Table FS-42. Community Forest and Open Space Conservation Detail Table (thousands of dollars)

Community Forest and Open Space Conservation 2022 

Actual

2023 

Actual

2024 

Estimated

2025 

Request

Inc. or 

Dec.

Appropriations.................................................................. $5,500 $6,000 $6,000 $6,000 -

Recoveries........................................................................ 61 326 5 5

Balance Transfers.............................................................. - -7 - -

Balance Available, SOY...................................................... 65 2,515 4,257 3,079

Total Available.................................................................. 5,626 8,834 10,262 9,084

Lapsing Balances............................................................... -10 -21 - -

Balance Available, EOY...................................................... -2,515 -4,257 -3,079 -1,817

Total Obligations.............................................................. 3,101 4,556 7,183 7,267

Community Forest and Open Space Conservation – Status of Programs 

Current Activities

The Community Forest and Open Space Conservation Program (CFP) provides financial assistance grants for

acquiring and establishing working community forests that provide public benefits. Projects are selected through a

competitive process that evaluates community benefits, community engagement, contribution to landscape

conservation initiatives, and likelihood of land conversion. The CFP works directly with Tribes, local governments,

and qualified nonprofit organizations to acquire and establish working community forests. These areas provide

public benefits such as clean drinking water, wildlife habitat, public access and recreation opportunities, economic

benefits from timber and non-timber products, and educational opportunities to local communities. The CFP has

conserved over 33,000 acres and supported 113 community-driven projects across 29 states and territories.

The Forest Service is using new data sets to analyze the benefits Community Forest Projects provide to

underserved communities and contribute to climate resilience when reviewing projects. The project review panel

considers the climate resiliency score, using The Nature Conservancy’s Resilient Land Mapping Tools,19 and the

benefits to underserved communities using the Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool 20for the location of

each proposed project when reviewing projects. Four of the selected projects benefit underserved communities

and five of the selected projects have been identified as highly resilient to climate change. The Forest Service has 

active agreements in place with the First Nations Development Institute21 and The Trust for Public Land22 which 

increases outreach to Tribes and provides technical assistance in helping Tribes in successfully applying to the

program.

Selected Examples of Recent Progress

To date, CFP has awarded nearly $6 million in 13 new grants to communities in nine states, totaling over 5,855

acres.23 In addition to the two showcase projects below, two more notable projects included a 446-acre

community forest in Rumford, Maine, a reviving mill town, that lacks access to parks and open space; and a 44-

acre community forest located in a heavily fragmented landscape in Ohio that will serve as an outdoor classroom

for students and community groups. These projects provide recreation and revenue to communities, protect local

19 Resilient Land Mapping Tool

20 Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool

21 First Nations Development Institute

22 The Trust for Public Land

23 The list of FY 2023 CFP funded projects can be viewed at Fiscal Year 2023 Community Forest Program Funded Projects.
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

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water supplies and water quality, protect habitats used by a diversity of fish and wildlife, conserve native plant 

areas, and provide forest-based learning. 

Little Bluestone Community Forest Project, West Virginia

The Little Bluestone Community Forest Project in Summers County, West Virginia permanently conserved 185 

acres along the Bluestone National Scenic River and surrounding the Cooper’s Mill historical site, which is listed on 

the National Register of Historic Places. The community-led development of recreational trails and access 

enhances the visitor's experience to the historic site. A new trail along the Little Bluestone River, developed in 

collaboration with the National Park Service, provides a new point of access from the community forest to the 

Bluestone Turnpike Trail, connecting it with the regional trail network. Momentum is growing across the region for 

investment in strategic trail development that promotes regional connectivity and the growth of the outdoor 

recreation economy. The benefiting community, Summers County, is designated as underserved across four 

categories, with 21.6 percent of the population living below the poverty line. The Little Bluestone Community 

Forest is the first project awarded in West Virginia through the CFP. 

Bear Ridge Community Forest, Washington

The Bear Ridge Community Forest conserved 388 acres of working forest in southwestern Washington to protect 

the City of Ilwaco’s drinking water supply, boost the local economy, and provide new recreation opportunities. The 

community forest encompasses the watershed and reservoir that supplies the drinking water for the City of Ilwaco 

and includes habitat for wildlife including the Federally threatened Northern Spotted Owl (Strix occidentalis 

caurina) and the Federally endangered Coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) and Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus 

tshawytscha). The new community forest provides opportunity for the city to boost the ecotourism sector by 

capitalizing on Ilwaco’s coastal beauty and proximity to recreational hot spots and population centers. The 

property provides residents and visitors with a new network of multi-use trails, as well as additional trails that will 

be developed through a partnership with local and regional trail groups.

Program Objectives for FY 2025 

The Community Forest Program is unique in providing the Forest Service with the authority to directly award 

grants to Tribes to acquire private land. In FY 2025, the program will continue to prioritize and fund projects that 

engage, and benefit underserved communities and provide outreach and technical assistance to Tribal Nation 

applicants to facilitate Tribal participation in the program.

Program Evaluations 

The program updated the panel scoring guidance for awarding grants to place more emphasis on community 

engagement. The panel scoring guidance provides the framework for the evaluation process to ensure fair and 

consistent scoring of grant applications. Projects that show meaningful and inclusive engagement, including 

underrepresented groups, in the planning and long-term management of the project, can receive up to ten points 

(formerly five points). 
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URBAN AND COMMUNITY FORESTRY

Table FS-43. Urban and Community Forestry Detail Table (thousands of dollars)

Urban and Community Forestry 2022 

Actual

2023 

Actual

2024 

Estimated

2025 

Request

Inc. or 

Dec.

Appropriations.................................................................. $36,000 $40,000 $40,000 $40,000 -

Recoveries........................................................................ 380 25 17 12

Balance Available, SOY...................................................... 313 5,833 3,795 2,629

Total Available.................................................................. 36,693 45,858 43,812 42,641

Lapsing Balances............................................................... -35 - - -

Balance Available, EOY...................................................... -5,832 -3,795 -2,629 -2,132

Total Obligations.............................................................. 30,826 42,063 41,183 40,509

Urban and Community Forestry – Status of Programs

Current Activities

The Urban and Community Forestry (UCF) program is optimizing the Nation’s urban forests to provide community 

benefits such as green jobs, clean air, relief from extreme heat, natural disasters, high energy costs, and flooding. 

UCF directly engages with historically underrepresented and disadvantaged communities that stand to benefit 

most from improved tree planting and maintenance efforts. UCF supports urban forest health, creates jobs, 

enhances community resilience, and preserves the unique sense of place in cities and towns of all sizes. 

UCF provides funding and technical support to state forestry agencies and non-profit partners to help communities 

maintain and protect approximately 12 billion trees. The program works along with cooperators to leverage 

private funding for maintaining tree canopy, resulting in about one million trees planted annually in communities 

across the nation. UCF authorities enable states to deliver technical and financial assistance to nearly 7,500 

communities nationwide to better manage and benefit from urban trees. City and community trees help to reach 

national and local climate mitigation goals, which are a major source of green jobs and are an effective way to 

increase energy efficiency. 

Urban forests account for 20 percent of the carbon emissions that forests in the United States capture and store, 

mitigating effects of climate change such as extreme heat. In addition, urban trees provide tremendous social, 

public health, economic, and environmental benefits to the public. 

Selected Examples of Recent Progress

Partnerships to Ensure Equity and Inclusion 

The program advanced the goals of the Forest Service’s Equity Action Plan24, the Administration’s Justice40 

Initiative25, and the National Urban and Community Forestry Advisory Council’s Ten-Year Urban Forestry Action 

Plan26. These investments included: 

• $100,000 to the African American Mayors Association to expand the nation’s delegation of African

American Mayors with access to communications and programming platforms. Urban and Community

Forestry messaging, outreach, and funding opportunities are shared regularly through the partnership.

• $100,000 supported a faith-based partnership with Stillmeadow Community Fellowship in Baltimore,

Maryland, for Summer and Spring 2023 nature-based environmental education programming using

college interns as instructors to work with community youth in the Stillmeadow Peace Park.

24 Forest Service’s Equity Action Plan 2023-2024

25 Administration’s Justice40 Initiative 

26 Ten-Year Urban Forestry Action Plan 2016-2026
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

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• The 2023 National Urban and Community Forestry Advisory Council Challenge Cost-Share Grant Program

was announced, and two awards were generated. They totaled $500,000 for projects that address

strategies under Goal 5 of the Ten-Year Urban Forestry Action Plan26 to improve urban and community

forest management, maintenance, and stewardship.

• State Urban Forest Resilience Grant awards totaling $4 million were allocated to address the ongoing

catastrophic losses of urban forests due to emerald ash borer. Through tree planting, tree removal, and

the protection of existing trees, these projects benefit human health outcomes and mitigate the negative

effects of climate change.

Program Objectives for FY 2025

In FY 2025, the UCF will continue to provide funding and technical support to state forestry agencies and nonprofit partners and will collaborate with cooperators to leverage private funding to maintain tree canopies in 

urban and community forests nationwide. 
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FOREST RESOURCE INFORMATION AND ANALYSIS

Table FS-44. Forest Resource Information and Analysis Detail Table (thousands of dollars)

Forest Resource Information and Analysis 2022 

Actual

2023 

Actual

2024 

Estimated

2025 

Estimated

Inc. or 

Dec.

Appropriations ................................................................. $29,956 $30,167 $30,167 - -$30,167

Balance Available, SOY ..................................................... 3 12,113 5,004 $1,759

Total Available ................................................................. 29,959 42,280 35,171 1,759

Balance Available, EOY ..................................................... -12,113 -5,004 -1,759 -

Total Obligations ............................................................. 17,846 37,276 33,412 1,759

Forest Resource Information and Analysis – Justification of Changes

A decrease of $30,167,000 in Forest Resource Information and Analysis, ($30,167,000 in FY 2024). This program 

funds Congressionally Directed Spending projects which are not requested by the Forest Service.

Forest Resource Information and Analysis – Status of Programs

Current Activities 

The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 (P.L. 117-328) provided $30,167,000 for congressionally directed 

spending in this program. The congressionally directed spending, also known as community project funding, 

included 26 projects in 16 States. These projects are administered under the various State, Private, and Tribal 

Nation Forestry authorities. 
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS AND TRADE COMPLIANCE

Table FS-45. International Programs and Trade Compliance Detail Table (thousands of dollars)

International Programs and Trade Compliance 2022 

Actual

2023 

Actual

2024 

Estimated

2025 

Request

Inc. or 

Dec.

Appropriations ................................................................. $17,000 $20,000 $20,000 $20,000 -

Recoveries ....................................................................... 534 373 392 359

Balance Available, SOY ..................................................... 2,294 649 776 847

Total Available ................................................................. 19,828 21,022 21,168 21,206

Lapsing Balances............................................................... -8 - - -

Balance Available, EOY ..................................................... -649 -776 -847 -424

Total Obligations ............................................................. 19,171 20,246 20,321 20,782

International Programs and Trade Compliance – Status of Programs

Current Activities

Forest Service International Programs and Trade Compliance, hereafter referred to as International Programs,

promotes sustainable forest management globally and brings important technologies and innovations back to the

United States. The program represents the interests of the entire United States forestry community and its

stakeholders through international engagement. Effective forest management at the global level is necessary to

protect United States trade interests, such as the ability of domestic timber producers to compete in domestic and

global markets, ensure the sustainability of critical domestic and global natural resources, and support climate

change mitigation and climate resilience.

International Programs provides policies and technical support on a global scale which benefits American forestry

interests, expands Administration priorities, and furthers USDA goals. These activities include combatting illegal 

logging, supporting migratory species habitat conservation, collaborating to control and prevent new invasive

species in American forests, and supporting the U.S. Special Envoy for Climate priorities through technical 

assistance for international governmental and grassroot community organizations which focus on climate 

resilience, while ensuring community livelihoods are equitably sustainable. International Programs provides

scientific, policy, and coordination support to USDA’s Foreign Agriculture Service, the Office of the United States

Trade Representative (USTR), and the United States Department of State ensuring that American forestry interests

are well-represented in policy and trade discussions and decisions.

International Programs are primarily implemented by competitively awarded contracts. Grants and cooperative

agreements support universities conducting specific research or related activities focused on invasive species,

illegal logging, and migratory species, and with international community-based nongovernmental organization

partners who implement activities. This approach allows for a sustainable and sustained approach to capacity

building and technical assistance. Investing at the local level internationally further insulates programs against 

shifts in the political landscape at the country level which often limits the effectiveness of technical assistance. By

focusing on community-level organizations funds better reach the intended populations and landscapes.

Selected Examples of Recent Progress

Wood Identification and Screening Center

The International Programs and Trade Compliance Wood Identification and Screening Center analyzed 20 forensic

cases and ten regulatory cases for United States Customs and Border Protection, the United States Department of

Justice, the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Services, and other interagency partners to promote the

enforcement of the Endangered Species Act (16 U.S.C. §§ 1531-1544), Lacey Act (16 U.S.C. §§ 3371-3378), and

other relevant statutes critical to international conservation and the United States wood products industry.

29a-75 
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Research Partnerships Related to Beech Leaf Disease

The International Programs initiated partnerships with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and 

Forestry, USDA’s Agricultural Research Service, the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, and 

Pennsylvania State University to learn more about beech leaf disease, a novel disease that affects American 

beech (Fagus grandifolia); and has been observed on multiple taxa of Asian and European beech occasionally 

planted as ornamentals. Beech leaf disease causes parts of leaves to turn leathery and branches to wither 

and can kill both saplings and mature trees. Beech leaf disease has been reported in twelve states27 and 

Canada. At this time, no treatments are available for trees affected by the beech leaf disease. Continued 

research by these partnerships is aimed at understanding the origins of beech leaf disease, what vectors 

facilitate their spread, and possible treatment and mitigation strategies.

Program Objectives for FY 2025

In FY 2025, International Programs will continue providing wood identification services to interagency law 

enforcement on import inspection, including United States Customs and Border Protection, and Homeland Security 

Investigations. In addition to determining the species of wood products to assess compliance with the Endangered 

Species Act, International Programs will implement origin verification for wood products as directed in the Food, 

Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (P.L. 110-246)28 Title VIII Subtitle C Sec. 8204. These services will be available 

for export market access requirements to comply with the European Union Deforestation Regulation29 and other 

sustainability laws required by the importing countries. To enable these determinations, International Programs 

will support geolocated field collection campaigns to sample the chemical profiles of trees and associated 

landscapes.

27 Beech leaf disease has been reported in Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, New 

Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Virginia. 

28 Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008

29 Regulation (EU) 2023/1115 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 31 May 2023 (European Union 

Deforestation Regulation)
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SALARIES AND EXPENSES

Table FS-46. Salaries and Expenses Detail Table (thousands of dollars)

Salaries and Expenses 2022 

Actual

2023 

Actual

2024 

Estimated

2025 

Request

Inc. or 

Dec.

Appropriations.................................................................. $57,742 $65,091 $65,091 $62,908 -$2,183

Recoveries........................................................................ 8,171 6,470 6,405 3,762

Balance Transfers.............................................................. -2,500 -2,993 - -

Balance Available, SOY...................................................... 13,302 17,214 25,281 29,517

Total Available.................................................................. 76,715 85,782 96,777 96,187

Lapsing Balances .............................................................. -30 -1 - -

Balance Available, EOY...................................................... -17,215 -25,281 -29,517 -25,009

Total Obligations.............................................................. 59,470 60,500 67,260 71,178

Salaries and Expenses – Justification of Changes

A decrease of $2,183,000 in Salaries and Expenses and a decrease of 23 FTEs ($65,091,000 and 373 FTEs in FY 

2024). This decrease of $2,183,000 does not fund any of the calendar year (CY) 2024 and anticipated CY 2025 

employee pay cost increases. The Forest Service will need to further rely on other funding sources for Salaries and 

Expenses and balance hiring actions and attrition rates to stay within appropriations in the operational year.
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

29a-78 

OTHER SUPPLEMENTAL FUNDING

Table FS-47. Disaster Supplemental Detail Table (thousands of dollars)

Disaster Supplemental 2022 

Actual

2023 

Actual

2024 

Estimated

2025 

Estimated

Inc. or 

Dec.

Appropriations.................................................................. $50,000 $148,000 - - -

Recoveries........................................................................ 426 40 - -

Balance Available, SOY...................................................... 815 17,235 $80,084 $15,084

Total Available.................................................................. 51,241 165,275 80,084 15,084

Balance Available, EOY...................................................... -17,235 -80,084 -15,084 -

Total Obligations.............................................................. 34,006 85,191 65,000 15,084

Disaster Supplemental

Disaster Supplemental funding related to State, Private, and Tribal Forestry supports Forest Service actions, 

activities, and responses to support communities affected by wildfires, hurricanes, and other natural disasters 

through technical assistance, education and training, and cooperation. 

Table FS-48. Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Detail Table (thousands of dollars)

Bipartisan Infrastructure Law 2022 

Actual

2023 

Actual

2024 

Estimated

2025 

Estimated

Inc. or 

Dec.

Appropriations............................................................... $305,360 $305,360 $305,360 $305,360 -

Transfers In.................................................................... 21,153 22,081 1,923 -

Transfers Out................................................................. -53,317 -32,749 -28,184 -

Balance Transfers........................................................... - - 1,537 -

Balance Available, SOY................................................... - 239,459 301,087 283,289

Total Available............................................................... 273,196 534,151 581,723 588,649

Balance Available, EOY................................................... -239,459 -301,087 -283,289 -233,773

Total Obligations........................................................... 33,737 233,064 298,434 354,876 

Bipartisan Infrastructure Law

In addition to other provisions within the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (P.L. 115-78), also referred to as 

the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, State, Private, and Tribal Forestry-related funds shall be utilized for ecosystem 

restoration, wildfire risk reduction, wildfire mitigation grants, State Fire Assistance, and Volunteer Fire Assistance.

Table FS-49. Inflation Reduction Act Program Detail Table (thousands of dollars)

Inflation Reduction Act 2022 

Actual

2023 

Actual

2024 

Estimated

2025 

Estimated

Inc. or 

Dec.

Appropriations........................................................... $2,750,000 - - - -

Recoveries................................................................. - - $100 $500

Balance Available, SOY............................................... - $2,750,000 2,436,838 2,093,330

Total Available........................................................... 2,750,000 2,750,000 2,436,938 2,093,830

Balance Available, EOY............................................... -2,750,000 -2,436,838 -2,093,330 -1,686,164

Total Obligations....................................................... - 313,162 343,608 407,666
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

29a-79 

Inflation Reduction Act

In addition to other provisions within the Inflation Reduction Act (P.L. 117-169), State, Private, and Tribal Forestryrelated funds shall be utilized to provide competitive grants to States through the Forest Legacy Program; and 

grants to governmental, tribal, and nonprofit organizations through the Urban and Community Forestry Assistance 

program for tree planting and related activities.
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

29a-80 

CLASSIFICATION BY OBJECTS

Table FS-50. Classification by Objects (thousands of dollars)

Item 

No.

Item 2022 

Actual

2023 

Actual

2024 

Estimated

2025 

Estimated

Personnel Compensation:

Washington D.C. ............................................................... $13,990 $15,819 $16,827 $17,270

Personnel compensation, field .......................................... 29,670 36,911 39,264 40,296

11.0 Total personnel compensation.......................................... 43,660 52,730 56,091 57,566

12.0 Personal benefits.............................................................. 16,677 20,555 21,865 22,440

Total, personnel compensation and benefits..................... 60,337 73,285 77,957 80,006

Other Objects:

21.0 Travel and transportation of persons................................. 1,564 4,205 4,413 4,610

22.0 Transportation of things.................................................... 272 124 303 316

23.1 Rental payments to GSA.................................................... 667 448 853 891

23.2 Rental payments to others................................................ 3 10 10 10

23.3 Communications, utilities, and misc. charges..................... 6 59 50 52

24.0 Printing and reproduction ................................................. 86 44 99 104

25.0 Other contractual services ................................................ - 10,615 8,119 8,482

25.1 Advisory and assistance services....................................... 2 - 2 2

25.2 Other services from non-Federal sources .......................... 9,907 5,688 11,929 12,461

25.3 Other goods and services from Federal sources................. 5,345 23,448 22,024 23,007

25.4 Operation and maintenance of facilities............................ 7,700 3 5,892 6,155

25.5 Research and development contracts................................ 23 471 378 395

25.6 Medical care ..................................................................... 4 1 4 4

25.7 Operation and maintenance of equipment........................ 13 80 71 74

26.0 Supplies and materials...................................................... 1,556 2,021 2,736 2,858

31.0 Equipment........................................................................ 554 474 786 821

32.0 Land and structures .......................................................... 104 - 80 83

41.0 Grants, subsidies, and contributions.................................. 371,194 955,963 1,015,051 1,060,370

42.0 Insurance claims and indemnities...................................... 10 20 23 24

43.0 Interest and dividends....................................................... 1 - 1 1

44.0 Refunds............................................................................ - -128 - -

Total, other objects........................................................... 399,011 1,003,546 1,072,823 1,120,722

99.9 Total, new obligations....................................................... 459,349 1,076,832 1,150,780 1,200,728

Position Data:

Average Salary (dollars), ES Position.................................. $183,027 $195,000 $204,000 $208,080 

Average Salary (dollars), GS Position ................................. 98,635 105,370 112,180 114,941

Average Grade, GS Position............................................... 12.4 12.7 12.7 12.8 
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

29a-81 

NATIONAL FOREST SYSTEM

LEAD-OFF TABULAR STATEMENT

Table FS-51. Lead-Off Tabular Statement (In dollars)

Item Amount

2024 Estimated Budget....................................................................................................... $1,974,388,000

Change in Appropriation..................................................................................................... +32,761,000

2025 Request...................................................................................................................... 2,007,149,000

APPROPRIATIONS LANGUAGE

The appropriations language follows (new language underscored; deleted matter enclosed in brackets):

1 NATIONAL FOREST SYSTEM

2 For necessary expenses of the Forest Service, not otherwise provided for, for management, protection, 

3 improvement, and utilization of the National Forest System, and for hazardous fuels management on or adjacent to 

4 such lands, [$2,226,280,000]$2,007,149,000, to remain available through September 30, [2027]2028: Provided, 

5 That of the funds provided, [$80,000,000]$34,000,000 shall be deposited in the Collaborative Forest Landscape 

6 Restoration Fund for ecological restoration treatments as authorized by 16 U.S.C. 7303(f): Provided further, That of 

7 the funds provided, [$41,600,000]$41,000,000 shall be for forest products[, of which $1,600,000 shall be available 

8 for the hire and purchase of zero emission passenger motor vehicles and supporting charging or fueling 

9 infrastructure: Provided further, That any unobligated balances for hazardous fuels management may be 

10 transferred to the "Wildland Fire Management" account: Provided further, That of the funds provided for 

11 recreation, heritage, and wilderness, $1,600,000 shall be available for the hire and purchase of zero emission 

12 passenger motor vehicles and supporting charging or fueling infrastructure]: Provided further, That of the funds 

13 provided under this heading, $207,000,000 shall be for hazardous fuels management activities, of which not to 

14 exceed $20,000,000 may be used to make grants, using any authorities available to the Forest Service under the 

15 "State, Private, and Tribal Forestry" appropriation, for the purpose of creating incentives for increased use of 

16 biomass from National Forest System lands: Provided further, That funds provided in the previous proviso that are 

17 used to implement the Community Forest Restoration Act shall be available for use on non-Federal lands in 

18 accordance with authorities made available to the Forest Service under the "State, Private, and Tribal Forestry" 

19 appropriation: Provided further, That of the funds provided for hazardous fuels management activities, no more 

20 than fifteen percent of such funds may be used by the Secretary of Agriculture to, with respect to Federal land, or 

21 on non-Federal land if the Secretary determines such activities benefit resources on Federal land, enter into 

22 procurement contracts or cooperative agreements for hazardous fuels management activities, issue grants for 

23 hazardous fuels management activities, or pay for training or monitoring associated with such fuels management 

24 activities: Provided further, That notwithstanding section 33 of the Bankhead Jones Farm Tenant Act (7 U.S.C. 

25 1012), the Secretary of Agriculture, in calculating a fee for grazing on a National Grassland, may provide a credit of 

26 up to 50 percent of the calculated fee to a Grazing Association or direct permitee for a conservation practice 

27 approved by the Secretary in advance of the fiscal year in which the cost of the conservation practice is incurred, 

28 and that the amount credited shall remain available to the Grazing Association or the direct permitee, as 

29 appropriate, in the fiscal year in which the credit is made and each fiscal year thereafter for use on the project for 

30 conservation practices approved by the Secretary: Provided further, That funds appropriated to this account shall 

31 be available for the base salary and expenses of employees that carry out the functions funded by the "Capital 

32 Improvement and Maintenance" account, the "Range Bet erment Fund" account, and the "Management of 

33 National Forest Lands for Subsistence Uses" account.

Note.--A full-year 2024 appropriation for this account was not enacted at the time the Budget was prepared; 

therefore, the Budget assumes this account is operating under the Continuing Appropriations Act, 2024 and Other 

Extensions Act (Division A of Public Law 118-15, as amended). The amounts included for 2024 reflect the 

annualized level provided by the continuing resolution.
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

29a-82 

Change Description

The first change (line 3 and 4) adds language for hazardous fuels management.

The second change (line 12 through 24) adds language associated with State and Private Forestry authorities 

associated with hazardous fuels funds.
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

29a-83 

PROJECT STATEMENTS

Table FS-52. Appropriations Project Statement (thousands of dollars, FTEs)

Table FS-53. Appropriations Details Table (thousands of dollars)

Detail Table 2022 

Actual

2023 

Actual

2024 

Estimated

2025 

Request

Inc. or Dec.

National Forest System:

Land Management Planning, Assessment and 

Monitoring ............................................................ $17,000 $17,000 $17,000 $18,000 +$1,000

Recreation, Heritage, and Wilderness.................... 47,300 55,000 55,000 58,000 +3,000

Grazing Management............................................ 5,800 6,300 6,300 6,300 -

Hazardous Fuels.................................................... 187,388 207,000 207,000 207,000 -

Forest Products..................................................... 38,000 40,000 40,000 41,000 +1,000

Vegetation and Watershed Management .............. 32,986 32,000 32,000 33,000 +1,000

Wildlife and Fish Habitat Management.................. 22,000 24,000 24,000 25,000 +1,000

Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration........... 28,000 32,000 32,000 34,000 +2,000

Minerals and Geology Management...................... 12,450 14,500 14,500 14,500 -

Land Use Authorization and Access........................ 6,064 8,000 8,000 8,000 -

Law Enforcement Operations................................. 19,505 19,505 19,505 21,005 +1,500

Salaries and Expenses............................................ 1,450,052 1,519,083 1,519,083 1,541,344 +22,261

Disaster Supplemental a......................................... 710,000 210,000 - - -

Bipartisan Infrastructure Law b............................... 734,800 529,800 529,800 529,800 -

Inflation Reduction Act c ........................................ 350,000 - - - -

Total, National Forest System ............................... 3,661,345 2,714,188 2,504,188 2,536,949 +32,761

a Disaster Supplemental Funding includes remaining, unobligated funds from P.L. 115-123, P.L. 116-20, P.L. 117-43 and P.L.117-328 

for necessary expenses related to wildfires, hurricanes, and other natural disasters that occurred between calendar years 2017 

through 2022.

b The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (P.L. 117-58) are advance appropriations each year from 2022 through 2026.

c The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA)(P.L. 117-169) provided $4.9 billion appropriations in Fiscal Year (FY) 2022. All funds shown for IRA 

are carryover from the original appropriation.

Note: The discrepancy between the project statement and Max schedule X is reimbursable funds.

Project 

Statement

2022 

Actual

FTEs 2023 

Actual

FTEs 2024 

Estimated

FTEs 2025 

Request

FTEs Inc. or 

Dec.

FTE 

Inc. 

or 

Dec.

National Forest 

System:

Discretionary 

Appropriations... $1,866,545 13,298 $1,974,388 13,690 $1,974,388 12,598 $2,007,149 12,434 +$32,761 -164

Supplemental 

Appropriations... 1,794,800 303 739,800 947 529,800 2,039 529,800 2,203 - +164

Total 

Appropriations... 3,661,345 13,601 2,714,188 14,637 2,504,188 14,637 2,536,949 14,637 +$32,761 -
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

29a-84 

LAND MANAGEMENT PLANNING, ASSESSMENT, AND MONITORING

Table FS-54. Land Management Planning, Assessment, and Monitoring Details Table (thousands of dollars)

Land Management Planning, Assessment and 

Monitoring

2022 

Actual

2023 

Actual

2024 

Estimated

2025 

Request

Inc. or 

Dec.

Appropriations ..................................................... $17,000 $17,000 $17,000 $18,000 +$1,000

Recoveries ........................................................... 2,075 1,352 494 382

Balance Transfers.................................................. -587 -400 - -

Balance Available, SOY.......................................... 4,432 3,628 3,253 2,075

Total Available ..................................................... 22,920 21,580 20,747 20,457

Lapsing Balances................................................... -346 -3 - -

Balance Available, EOY ......................................... -3,628 -3,253 -2,075 -1,023

Total Obligations ................................................. 18,946 18,324 18,672 19,434

Land Management Planning, Assessment, and Monitoring – Justification of Changes

An increase of $1,000,000 in Land Management Planning, Assessment and Monitoring, ($17,000,000 in FY 2024). 

An increase of $1,000,000 will support the Forest Service’s ongoing efforts to amend or revise land management 

plans that are over 15 years old. Managing lands requires a continuous cycle of assessing, planning, implementing, 

monitoring, and adjusting programs and projects based on the latest scientific information. 

Land Management Planning, Assessment, and Monitoring – Status of Programs

Current Activities

Land Management Planning, Assessment, and Monitoring support collaboration with Tribes and underserved 

communities in the assessing, planning, implementing, monitoring, and adjusting of programs and projects in ways 

that are responsive to communities and align with the USDA Forest Service Tribal Relations Action Plan on Tribal 

Nation Consultation and Strengthening Nation-to-Nation Relationships30 and the Equity Action Plan31. The Forest 

Service is revising 11 land management plan revisions and initiating one new land management plan revision on 

the Tongass National Forest, plus considering broad-scale amendments to 19 land management plans in the 

Northwest Forest Plan area. 

Selected Examples of Recent Progress

Planning Service Organization

The Forest Service recently shifted to a new business model for land management plan revision, called the 

Planning Service Organization (PSO). This new model centralizes revision resources, staffing, and expertise in a 

multi-region zone approach to manage the planning process and complete the bulk of plan development and 

analysis work. The national forest or grassland associated with the plan revision retains decision-making authority, 

leads public engagement, and provides direction, local expertise, and technical review during plan revision. The 

PSO has begun the transitioning and hiring of staff to build capacity to address backlogged outdated plans and 

create a regular plan revision schedule.

Release of Land Management Plans

The land management plans for the Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests in the Southern Region (08) and the 

Sierra and Sequoia National Forests in the Pacific Southwest Region (05) were recently revised. 

Biennial Monitoring Evaluation Report (BMER) Template

Eleven national forests and grasslands published their BMERs and five other groups are working to update their 

BMERs using the national template. The template and regular engagement with regions and units help promote 

30 USDA Forest Service Tribal Relations Action Plan.

31 Equity Action Plan 2023-2024. 
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

29a-85 

the development of clear and concise monitoring reports which provide information needed by decision makers to 

adaptively manage and enhance transparency on Forest Service monitoring results with the public.

Development of a Menu of Monitoring Questions, Indicators, and Data Evaluations

Land management plan monitoring programs consist of monitoring questions designed to track progress towards 

desired conditions on a national forest or grassland such as species viability, climate resilient watersheds, and 

improved carbon sequestration. To improve management relevance and consistency in monitoring across the 

National Forest System, the Forest Service has compiled, evaluated, and developed a menu of questions and 

indicators to align with the 2012 Planning Rule monitoring requirements. Automated and reproducible analyses 

that can be run across all units with consistent and national-scale data have been developed for four of the 

indicators in the draft menu of monitoring questions. In addition, four NFS units prototyping these reports and 

analyses for BMERs. Multiple NFS Regions and Deputy Areas are being consulted on similar analytical techniques 

and reports for the development of nationally consistent Broader-scale Monitoring Reports. This work provides 

information needed by land and resource managers and the public while lessening the burden placed on national 

forests and grasslands to compile required monitoring reports for common questions. Doing so allows staff to 

focus on addressing unique localized information needs.

Monitoring Program Review and Evaluation

The Forest Service has established a monitoring review and evaluation process within the proposed National 

Forest System Monitoring Policy (Forest Service Manual Chapter 2040). The Forest Service created a tool that can 

be used across all organizational levels of the National Forest System to track what monitoring information is 

needed, the frequency it is needed, the associated funding requirements, and ways in which monitoring activities 

can be streamlined to address multiple information needs. The use of this tool supports the strategic and efficient 

completion of monitoring commitments which will provide the Forest Service with the data needed to make 

informed land and resource management decisions. 

Program Objectives for FY 2025

The land management planning process, which includes assessments and monitoring programs, will continue to 

provide foundational direction about the Forest Service’s stewardship responsibilities to manage healthy National 

Forests and Grasslands that are resilient to changing climates and external factors. In FY 2025, land management 

planning, assessment, monitoring, and adaptive management will aim to provide a collaborative vision that 

ensures each NFS unit delivers sustainable ecosystem services to the public and Tribes, including benefits from old 

growth, timber, grazing, outdoor recreation, and many other values and services.
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

29a-86 

RECREATION, HERITAGE, AND WILDERNESS

Table FS-55. Recreation, Heritage, and Wilderness Details Table (thousands of dollars)

Recreation, Heritage, and Wilderness 2022

Actual

2022

Actual

2024 

Estimated

2025 

Request

Inc. or 

Dec.

Appropriations ..................................................... $47,300 $55,000 $55,000 $55,000 +$3,000

Recoveries ........................................................... 1,933 1,549 1,065 1,294

Balance Available, SOY ......................................... 2,150 2,937 3,111 2,959

Total Available ..................................................... 51,383 59,486 59,176 62,253

Lapsing Balances................................................... -107 -22 - -

Balance Available, EOY ......................................... -2,937 -3,111 -2,959 -2,490

Total Obligations ................................................. 48,339 56,353 56,217 59,763

Recreation, Heritage, and Wilderness – Justification of Changes

An increase of $3,000,000 in Recreation, Heritage, and Wilderness, ($55,000,000 in FY 2024). An increase allows 

the Forest Service to continue to offer diverse recreational opportunities on National Forest System Lands. 

Specifically, the increase enables the Forest Service to maintain or increase services at managed recreation sites, 

which include 31,000 campgrounds, picnic areas, trailheads, and day-use areas, which all contribute to high levels 

of visitor satisfaction.

Recreation, Heritage, and Wilderness – Status of Programs

Current Activities

Recreation, Heritage, and Wilderness continues to use the National Visitor Use Monitoring (NVUM) data to 

measure the economic impact and satisfaction of visitors to its lands. The NVUM data shows visiting 

demographics, spending patterns, preferences, and activities of the visitors. The Forest Service uses this 

information to allocate funds, develop Forest Service-wide policies, plan tourism, manage recreation, and report to 

various stakeholders, like the public. This program will initiate, assess, and continue to monitor several wilderness 

character monitoring projects. 

Selected Examples of Recent Progress

National Economic Contributions of Recreation, Heritage, and Wilderness Visitation

In FY 2022, the National Forests and Grasslands received an estimated total of 159 million visitors. These visitors 

spent more than $12 billion in the vicinity of the National Forest System lands. This spending contributed 

approximately $15.2 billion to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the U.S. economy. Furthermore, it supported 

about 177,800 jobs, both full-time and part-time.

Wilderness Character Monitoring/Wilderness Stewardship Performance

The Forest Service used an innovative approach to leverage $1.5 million in Inflation Reduction Act funding with 

stewardship partners in every region to complete work in support of wilderness character monitoring (WCM) and 

wilderness stewardship performance. Nine local, regional, and national-level partners, including wilderness 

stewardship groups, Tribes, States, Civilian Conservation Corps (CCCs), and Agriculture Conservation Experienced 

Services, were funded to complete wilderness character narratives, WCM measure selection, and baseline 

assessments for more than 90 wilderness areas. Furthermore, the Forest Service completed almost forty new 

WCM baseline assessments. 

Wilderness Program Efforts to Address the Wildfire Crisis

The Wilderness and Wild & Scenic River (WWSR) program organized three task teams to assist with the 

implementation of the Chief’s Wildfire Crisis Strategy (WCS) and assist with regions designing projects to address 

forest health for high-risk firesheds and WCS Landscapes. Composed of Washington Office staff, Regional WWSR 

Program Managers, and Fire Program staff, these task teams focused on specific issues or perceptions related to 

taking action in wilderness areas or in wild and scenic river corridors. Issues and perceptions were identified 
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

29a-87 

through research by the Aldo Leopold Wilderness Research Institute and input from the Wildfire Risk Reduction 

Infrastructure Team. Products included: a document to assist in writing a successful Minimum Requirements 

Analysis Framework proposing to use prescribed fire in the wilderness; a “myth-busting” document to assist 

regional Prescribed Fire Implementation Teams; and review of manual direction to determine whether updates are 

needed to respond to the WCS.

Administering Modernizing Access to Our Public Land Act (MAPLand) and Investing in Partnerships

The Forest Service is committed to the MAPLand project, which aims to improve public access to outdoor 

recreation opportunities on Federal lands. These maps will further clarify where access does and doesn’t exist for 

the public, and they will likely point out some easements that were previously unknown. The information will serve 

as a guide for future access projects and potential acquisitions that may create more access. The program works 

with the Equity and Diversity staff, the Tribal Nation Relations staff, and the Stewart Udall Foundation to ensure 

that the project is inclusive and respectful of diverse perspectives and interests. The Forest Service has contracted 

assistance for the MAPLand teams to create and share metadata, which is data that describe the characteristics 

and quality of other data. The Forest Service has evaluated different platforms for sharing metadata, such as 

Geoplatform, which is a website that provides geospatial data and services.

Program Objectives for FY 2025

In FY 2025, Recreation, Heritage, and Wilderness will continue to offer diverse recreation opportunities on 

National Forest System Lands, which span 193 million acres and feature various facilities, streams, trails, and ski 

areas. These opportunities boost the economy of underserved, Tribal Nations, rural, and local communities. To 

measure visitor satisfaction and economic impact, as well as to plan tourism, manage recreation, allocate funds,

and report to stakeholders, the Forest Service will keep using the NVUM data system. This program will continue 

to protect over 450,000 heritage sites, manage 448 wilderness areas and 130 Wild and Scenic Rivers, and mobilize 

more than 86,000 volunteers to connect communities to their public lands.
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

29a-88 

GRAZING MANAGEMENT

Table FS-56. Grazing Management Details Table (thousands of dollars)

Grazing Management 2022

Actual

2023

Actual

2024 

Estimated

2025 

Request

Inc. or 

Dec.

Appropriations ..................................................... $5,800 $6,300 $6,300 $6,300 -

Recoveries ........................................................... 398 287 211 301

Balance Transfers.................................................. -84 -333 - -

Balance Available, SOY ......................................... 1,451 1,908 1,871 1,257

Total Available ..................................................... 7,565 8,162 8,382 7,858

Lapsing Balances................................................... -15 -4 - -

Balance Available, EOY ......................................... -1,908 -1,871 -1,257 -550

Total Obligations ................................................. 5,642 6,287 7,125 7,308

Grazing Management – Status of Programs

Current Activities

The Grazing Management program continues to implement a suite of activities to manage the 95 million acres of 

rangeland resources on National Forest System lands to maintain a sustainable supply of forage for livestock, 

sustain water resources, and provide suitable wildlife habitat and ecosystem services. This includes environmental 

impact analysis under the National Environmental Policy Act, the creation of sustainable range allotment 

management plans, and proper administration and monitoring of grazing permits and activities. Specific activities 

include issuance of grazing permits, processing permit waivers, preparation and processing of bills for fee 

collection, and developing annual operating instructions. The program supports compliance and effectiveness 

monitoring to ensure proper administration of grazing activities. Compliance monitoring determines if the terms 

and conditions of the grazing authorization are being properly implemented by the grazing permittee, with a focus 

on necessary actions to move toward or maintain healthy rangelands. Effectiveness monitoring determines 

whether the evaluated acres meet, are moving toward, or do not meet, resource objectives identified in the land 

management plan or other appropriate decision documents. Effectiveness monitoring allows managers to 

determine whether additional monitoring or adjustments in management are needed.

The Forest Service is continuing to plan for the challenges and opportunities associated with the future of 

rangeland management. This work includes evaluating current management practices, exploring new technologies 

and approaches, and consulting with internal and external stakeholders and Tribal Nations to better understand 

how the program can improve and adapt. It is expected that through this work, the Grazing Management program 

will be positioned to provide recommendations to Forest Service and USDA leadership on the future of the 

program.

Selected Examples of Recent Progress

National Economic Contributions of Grazing Management

In FY 2022, the total authorized Animal Unit Months on lands of the National Forest System were projected to be 

6.5 million. The forage utilized by the permitted livestock contributed $598,000 to the U.S. economy’s GDP. 

Additionally, it maintained approximately 13,700 jobs, encompassing both full-time and part-time positions.

Targeted Grazing for Hazardous Fuels Reduction

The Grazing Management program worked with other Forest Service program areas to fund projects that use 

grazing animals such as cows, goats, and sheep to graze and trample the dry vegetation that can start or spread 

wildfires on National Forest System lands. These projects are one aspect of the Forest Service’s Wildfire Crisis 

Strategy by using animals instead of prescribed burns. The cattle grazing stopped or slowed down the growth of 

brush and trees on grasslands, and smaller grazing animals ate and broke down the small plants and shrubs that 

could catch fire easily. 
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

29a-89 

Program Objectives for FY 2025

The management of 95 million acres of rangeland resources to maintain a sustainable supply of forage for 

livestock, sustain water resources, and provide suitable wildlife habitat and ecosystem services will remain Grazing 

Management’s top priority. Program funds will focus on administering the nearly 6,000 permits for cattle, sheep, 

horses, and goats. In FY 2025, the Forest Service will implement key recommendations to incorporate emerging 

technology, science, and administrative flexibilities where possible to ensure proactive improvements in the 

Grazing Management program. Program goals will continue to be met with the support of partners, which include 

the Society for Range Management, Public Lands Council, Sustainable Rangeland Roundtable, and numerous local 

livestock producer organizations.
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

29a-90 

HAZARDOUS FUELS

Table FS-57. Hazardous Fuels Details Table (thousands of dollars)

Hazardous Fuels 2022 

Actual

2023

Actual

2024 

Estimated

2025 

Request

Inc. or 

Dec.

Appropriations ..................................................... $187,388 $207,000 $207,000 $207,000 -

Recoveries............................................................ 5,234 4,582 5,000 5,000

Balance Transfers.................................................. -91 - - -

Balance Available, SOY ......................................... 7,186 15,103 14,264 13,576

Total Available ..................................................... 199,717 226,685 226,264 225,576

Lapsing Balances................................................... -158 -3 - -

Balance Available, EOY ......................................... -15,103 -14,264 -13,576 -4,512

Total Obligations.................................................. 184,456 212,418 212,688 221,064

Hazardous Fuels – Status of Programs

Current Activities 

Hazardous fuels can be any vegetation type, including dead and down woody debris, on the ground, in the forest 

understory, or canopy that has the potential to increase the severity of fire or rate of fire spread. Hazardous fuels 

treatments include any removal or modification of vegetation, and dead or down fuels, that reduce the likelihood 

of ignition; reduce fire intensity, severity, and rate of spread; reduce potential damage; improve forest resilience 

for a changing climate; and limit the spread of invasive species and diseases. The Forest Service Hazardous Fuels 

program is working internally, and with partners, to treat landscapes on Tribal Nation, Federal, State, and private 

lands to reduce the risk for uncharacteristic wildfire by prioritizing treatments in the vicinity of communities, 

recreation sites, timber resources, water resources, critical habitat, and traditional homelands. The program is 

conducting trade-off analysis using scenario investment planning to distribute resources more efficiently to the 

highest priority areas. Working with community partners across boundaries allows the Forest Service to leverage 

resources and work efficiently to reduce wildfire risk while creating resilient landscapes and encouraging fireadapted communities.

Joint Chiefs Landscape Restoration Partnership

The Joint Chiefs Landscape Restoration Partnership, or Joint Chiefs, authorized under 16 U.S.C. § 6592d, is a 

collaborative program between the Forest Service and USDA’s Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) that 

provides resources to improve the health and resilience of forested landscapes across National Forest System 

lands and Tribal Nation, State, and private lands. The objective of the program is to reduce wildfire threats to 

producers and landowners, protect water quality and water supplies, and improve habitats for at-risk wildlife and 

fish species. Hazardous Fuels funding is allocated for Joint Chiefs’ projects and activities, along with additional 

funding from other Forest Service programs. USDA invested $17.7 million ($12.7 million USFS and $5 million NRCS) 

to implement 14 new projects across 13 States and Guam; and since FY 2014, USDA has invested over $385 million 

on 124 projects across 42 States and 2 territories. Joint Chiefs projects treated more than 72,000 acres to reduce 

wildfire risk, including 35 high-priority firesheds in FY 2023. Since FY 2014, Joint Chief's projects have treated more 

than 1.1 million acres to reduce wildfire risk, including in 66 high-priority firesheds.

Wood Innovations 

The Forest Service continues to expand the use of wood in the commercial, institutional, and multi-family building 

sector. Engineered wood products such as cross-laminated timber for these mid- to high-rise buildings are opening 

extensive new markets that are offsetting forest restoration and hazardous fuels removal costs. In addition to 

Wood Innovation Grants supporting the development of this sector, the Forest Service provides funding to 

WoodWorks, an organization that has been instrumental and highly effective in helping architects, engineers, and 

developers understand how to take advantage of this significant opportunity. Mass timber construction 

accelerator projects commenced in New York City and Atlanta, Georgia to expand mass timber design in key U.S. 
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

markets. Recent data indicates that 1,860 mass timber buildings have been built or are under construction in the 

United States.32 The opportunity to use mass timber to meet net zero carbon goals is substantial if the use of this 

material can be accelerated.

The Forest Service assists and collaborates with key cellulosic biofuels stakeholders in government and the private 

sector. The cellulosic biofuels sector has potential to expand significantly over the next five years, which would 

generate long-term demand for low value forest residues, small trees, and excess industrial wood residues from 

forest products manufacturing. Multiple companies are focusing on using wood waste and hazardous fuel 

removals as feedstock for biofuels. 

Annual Wood Innovation Grants, as codified in the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (P.L. 115-334), known as 

the 2018 Farm Bill, fund diverse projects for public and private entities across the country. A second competitive 

funding program, the Community Wood Energy and Wood Innovation funding opportunity, referred to as 

Community Wood, was initiated in FY 2019 and is annually available. The intent of this program is to install 

thermally led community wood energy systems or to build new or expand existing innovative wood products 

facilities. 

Selected Examples of Recent Progress

Hazardous Fuels Reduction

The Forest Service treats an average of 1.3 million acres with an average of 4,500 prescribed fires across the entire 

National Forest System, each year. In addition to the foundational investments from the annually appropriated 

Hazardous Fuels funding, the Forest Service leveraged funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (P.L. 117-58) 

and the Inflation Reduction Act (P.L. 117-169) to invest significantly into the Hazardous Fuels program within the 

21 Wildfire Crisis Strategy33 landscapes and broader to the overall hazardous fuels reduction effort. This 

investment led to an historic year for prescribed fire accomplishments and overall hazardous fuels acres treated, 

with six regions34 exceeding their ten-year average for total hazardous fuels treated. Collectively, the Forest 

Service exceeded the ten-year average for hazardous fuels accomplishments by more than 500,000 acres. For 

more information on prescribed fire accomplishments, please see the Prescribed Fire special exhibit (Table 167). 

The Forest Service provided funding to develop multiple national-level, or Keystone, agreements for Bipartisan 

Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act implementation. These agreements, in addition to existing 

agreements with Forest Service partners, allow the Forest Service to execute priority projects more quickly and 

efficiently. Table FS-58 includes each Keystone agreement executed in FY 2023. 

32 Wood Worked Mapping Mass Timber.

33 Confronting the Wildfire Crisis: A Strategy for Protecting Communities and Improving Resilience in America’s Forests 

(Wildfire Crisis Strategy). 

34 These six regions include Northern Region (01), Southwest Region (03), Intermountain Region (04), Pacific Northwest Region

(06), Southern Region (08), and Eastern Region (09).

29a-91 
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

Table FS-58.Forest Service keystone agreements executed in FY 2023.

Partner Agreement Summary 

National Forest Foundation Master stewardship agreement to aid in executing the Wildfire Crisis 

Strategy.

Mule Deer Foundation Master stewardship agreement for habitat improvement and restoration 

while supporting the Wildfire Crisis Strategy.

National Wild Turkey Federation Master stewardship agreement for habitat improvement and restoration 

while supporting the Wildfire Crisis Strategy. 

Trout Unlimited Participating agreement to support watershed restoration and resiliency.

The Nature Conservancy Existing participating agreement for various activities; new agreement for 

prescribed fire cooperative burning. 

National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Participating agreement to support ecosystem restoration through the 

America the Beautiful Challenge. 

The Student Conservation Association Wildfire academy and prescribed fire workforce development program. 

Wood Innovations 

Wood Innovations grants were used to fund 104 projects totaling $48 million using a combination of annual 

appropriations, Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (P.L. 117-58), and Inflation Reduction Act (P.L. 117-169) funding. 

These projects helped expand wood products and wood energy markets, supported traditional wood utilization 

projects, and promoted using wood as a construction material that supports the management of National Forest 

System lands and other lands with significant forest restoration needs, particularly those landscapes in need of 

hazardous fuels reduction. These investments included matching partner funding at more than $54 million. Thirtyeight of the 104 projects will directly support the Wildfire Crisis Strategy’s landscape investments and high-risk 

firesheds for both National Forest System lands and partners’ landscapes. These investments strengthened 

markets for mass timber, softwood and hardwood lumber, renewable wood energy, biofuels, biochar, and other 

innovative wood products while expanding processing capacity for biomass and other wood products through this 

program.

Through the Forest Service’s Community Wood competitive funding program, grants were provided for 19 

projects in 14 states totaling $18.0 million, while leveraging $82 million of non-Federal investments. These 

projects helped support municipal governments, sawmills, paper manufacturing, and furniture manufacturing 

facilities that use locally sourced biomass or wood residues to generate renewable energy or manufacture 

innovative wood products, support forest management, and have a significant impact on the local economy; and 

create demand for low value woody biomass. 

These grant programs have created momentum for mass timber construction. Today, we have twelve new mass 

timber plants and over 1,860 mass timber projects that are in design or have been completed in all 50 states. This 

movement towards mass timber construction is creating new opportunities for using wood from forest restoration 

and supporting rural economies while embracing a construction material that is a superior carbon storing 

material. Since the 2018 Farm Bill catalyzed these grant programs, the Wood Innovation and Community Wood 

Energy grants have supported 45 wood energy projects that use hundreds of thousands of green tons of residues 

or chips annually. 

Program Objectives for FY 2025 

The Forest Service Washington Office staff will continue to work with each region to achieve the right level of 

support to maintain fire-adapted ecosystems, continue investments, and maximize opportunities to reduce 

wildfire risk in those key firesheds identified in the Wildfire Crisis Strategy. Specifically, the agency has set its FY 

2025 national hazardous fuels goal at 4.0 million acres on National Forest System lands and adjacent lands. 

Achieving these goals is dependent on a broad range of enabling conditions related to litigation, timber markets, 

increased costs due to inflation, unpredictable situations such as wildfire conditions and other natural disasters, 

29a-92 
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

29a-93 

and final budget appropriations from Congress. Any of these could impact our ability to achieve these 

accomplishment goals. Further, the agency expects increased treatment costs as the focus work is in areas that are 

more impactful in reducing wildfire risk, but that take longer to complete and are more complex. 

Although the agency was able to achieve 4.4 million acres in FY 2023 with historic investments from Bipartisan 

Infrastructure Law (P.L. 117-58) and Inflation Reduction Act, treatments continue to be focused in the right places, 

and at the right time, to mitigate wildfire risk to communities, infrastructure, and natural resources. This focus 

does not always result in more acres treated. The agency will continue to focus on outcomes, rather than acres 

treated, and is working on more effective ways to communicate this internally and externally.

In FY 2025, the Wood Innovations program will continue to invest in the future of America’s wood products and 

wood energy economies through wood innovation and will support the successful wood innovations, community 

wood and wood products infrastructure assistance grant programs. These programs deliver on the Forest Service’s 

emphasis on innovative uses for wood and wood fiber materials and developing new products and markets for 

small and medium-sized trees, underutilized and low-value forestry residuals, and industrial wood residues. The 

programs will support expanded processing capacity for wood products manufacturing and renewable wood 

energy. Focus work will include mass timber, renewable wood energy, biofuels, biochar, and other innovative 

wood products. 
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FOREST PRODUCTS

Table FS-59. Forest Products Details Table (thousands of dollars)

Forest Products 2022 

Actual

2023 

Actual

2024 

Estimated

2025 

Request

Inc. or 

Dec.

Appropriations...................................................... $38,000 $40,000 $40,000 $41,000 +$1,000

Recoveries ........................................................... 2,366 1,961 2,220 2,345

Balance Transfers.................................................. -3,629 -591 - -

Balance Available, SOY ......................................... 5,639 2,502 2,809 3,602

Total Available ..................................................... 42,376 43,872 45,029 46,947

Lapsing Balances................................................... -23 -3 - -

Balance Available, EOY ......................................... -2,502 -2,809 -3,602 -3,521

Total Obligations ................................................. 39,851 41,060 41,427 43,426

Forest Products – Justification of Changes

An increase of $1,000,000 in Forest Products, ($40,000,000 in FY 2024). An increase of $1,000,000 supports 

additional investment in partnership agreements or contracts to fund the activities needed to plan and prepare 

timber sales such as timber sale layout and design, boundary marking, and natural resources and archaeological 

surveys. The Forest Products program is the foundational funding source that maintains the Forest Service’s ability 

to sell timber, which can be a critical component to sustaining local rural communities. 

Forest Products – Status of Programs

Current Activities 

The Forest Products program promotes productive and sustainable use of National Forest System lands by 

supporting healthy and resilient forests and communities. This program benefits local rural communities through 

the sale of billions of board feet of timber annually, in particularly those communities that have a timber industry 

presence. The Forest Products program fosters local and national level partnerships with organizations such as the 

National Wild Turkey Federation, Trout Unlimited, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, National Forest 

Foundation, American Forests, American Forest Foundation, The Nature Conservancy, and other leading national 

partners through its stewardship program, and through its coordination with county, State, Tribal Nation, and 

community partners to meet reductions in wildfire risk and improved forest health conditions.

The program plans, prepares and executes timber sales and stewardship contracts and agreements to accomplish 

natural resource goals. This involves the development of proposed sales and harvest actions across thousands of 

acres within large scale projects, identifying alternative areas for consideration, and the National Environmental 

Policy Act environmental impact analysis in determining how best to meet long-term forest health and desired 

condition objectives. In addition, this work includes determining the volume and value of the trees to be removed; 

timber sale layout and design, temporary and permanent road construction, and timber sale contract and permit 

preparation that typically takes from two to three years to complete.

Selected Examples of Recent Progress

National Economic Contributions of Forest Products

In FY 2022, the total volume of timber harvested amounted to approximately 425 million cubic feet. This volume 

included a variety of products such as sawtimber, posts and poles, fuelwood, and others. The harvested material 

was processed in facilities like sawmills. This activity supported around 47,200 jobs, both full-time and part-time, 

and contributed $5.2 billion to the GDP of the U.S. economy.

Timber Volume Sold

Current reporting shows that the Forest Service most recently offered and sold approximately 3.143 billion board 

feet through the treatment of 551,144 acres. This was an increase from the 2.93 billion board feet sold in 2022, for 

a total FY 2023 value of nearly $155 million. Sales included more than 700 contracts greater than $10,000, nearly 
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

29a-95 

120,000 small timber contracts and permits, and over 23,000 special forest product permits. Various special forest 

management program funding sources contributed to the 3.143 billion board feet, which included salvage sale 

funds, and other permanent and trust funds. Of particular note, timber volume using Collaborative Forest 

Landscape Restoration Program funding was over 87 million board feet (MMBF); the Good Neighbor Authority was 

230 MMBF; and stewardship contracting and agreements were 991 MMBF.

Tribal Nation Partnerships

The Forest Service has been working with Tribes to give them more control over their lands and resources, as 

authorized by the 2018 Farm Bill, the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (P.L. 93-638) and the 

Tribal Nation Forest Protection Act (P.L. 108-278). These laws allow Tribes to enter into self-governance 

agreements with the Forest Service and to propose and implement projects to protect and restore Tribal Nation 

forests and grasslands. The Forest Service received more than $12 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to 

fund 21 Tribal Nation projects that involved 56 Tribal Nations. These projects included activities such as managing 

vegetation, reducing fire risk, and conducting surveys of cultural and plant resources on indigenous landscapes. 

The Forest Service allocated $33.4 million to work with the States and Tribes on Wildfire Crisis Strategy landscapes, 

which are areas that need urgent attention to prevent or mitigate wildfires. 

Collaboration and Restoration through Stewardship 

The Forest Service has been using the stewardship authority to work with partners, like the National Forest 

Foundation, on long-term projects that improve forest and grassland conditions and provide economic and social 

benefits. The stewardship authority allows the Forest Service to enter into agreements and contracts with partners 

for up to 20 years, depending on the location and the needs of the project. Through this authority, the Forest 

Service can spread the cost of cancellation over multiple years, making it easier to budget and plan. 

The table in the special exhibit section shows some of the achievements of the stewardship authority from FY 2019 

to FY 2023. These achievements include different types of activities that address multiple land management 

objectives, such as reducing hazardous fuels, improving wildlife habitat, and restoring watersheds. These activities

produce forest products for various uses and create jobs that support local communities. The Forest Service relies 

on partnerships to accomplish these goals, especially as it implements the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) and 

the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which provide additional funding and flexibility for forest and grassland 

management. The Forest Service has established several national-level agreements with partners to carry out the 

BIL and IRA projects, as well as other activities authorized by Congress. Many of these agreements are master 

agreements, which allow regions, landscapes, and units to tailor them to their specific needs and projects. The 

Forest Service has used the stewardship authority to work with three national partners, DOI, states, and Tribes on 

Wildfire Crisis Strategy landscapes, which are areas that have high fire risk and potential impacts on people and 

infrastructure. These national partners collaborate with local stakeholders to accelerate treatments in these areas.

The table in the special exhibit section shows the acres awarded, the number of contracts or agreements awarded, 

and the volume awarded from FY 2019 to FY 2023. The number of contracts or agreements awarded includes 

those where forest products are exchanged for service activities as well as those where excess stewardship 

contracting funds are used for activities without the exchange of forest products.

Program Objectives for FY 2025

The Forest Products program aims to promote productive and sustainable use of National Forest System lands by 

offering and selling 3.2 billion board feet. To achieve this, the program will invest in ongoing partnerships, and 

continued innovation, use new authorities, and coordinate with the hazardous fuels program to ensure that the 

forests are safe and healthy. The Forest Service will leverage partnerships through National Keystone agreements, 

and other local and regional partners to add further capacity within the Wildfire Crisis Strategy Landscapes. In the 

western states, Forest Products will focus on reducing the risk of wildfires by removing hazardous trees along 

roadsides, repairing roads, and managing fuels. The Forest Service will collaborate with State, Tribal Nation, and 

County partners to improve the health and resilience of watersheds and forests on National Forest System lands. 

The program will use the Good Neighbor Authority, which allows States to perform restoration and management 
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

29a-96 

activities on these lands. The program will further strengthen work with Tribes through the Tribal Forest Protection 

Act and the 2018 Farm Bill provisions related to self-governance agreements. Lastly, the Forest Service will expand 

the use of the Stewardship Program, which allows the Forest Service to contract with private entities for forest 

restoration and improvement projects, including long-term contracts of up to 20 years.
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

29a-97 

VEGETATION AND WATERSHED MANAGEMENT

Table FS-60. Vegetation and Watershed Management Details Table (thousands of dollars)

Vegetation and Watershed Management 2022

Actual

2023 

Actual

2024 

Estimated

2025 

Request

Inc. or Dec.

Appropriations ...................................................... $32,986 $32,000 $32,000 $33,000 +$1,000

Recoveries............................................................. 1,558 1,050 1,585 2,047

Balance Transfers................................................... - -445 - -

Balance Available, SOY .......................................... 5,947 3,780 4,322 5,686

Total Available ...................................................... 40,491 36,385 37,907 40,733

Lapsing Balances.................................................... -26 -5 - -

Balance Available, EOY .......................................... -3,780 -4,322 -5,686 -5,703

Total Obligations .................................................. 36,685 32,058 32,221 35,030

Vegetation and Watershed Management – Justification of Changes

An increase of $1,000,000 in Vegetation and Watershed Management, ($32,000,000 in FY 2024). An increase of 

$1,000,000 assists with the implementation of the newly established Forest Service National Post-Disaster 

Recovery program which has been created to formulate innovative solutions through shared field learning 

experiences, best practices, protocols, training, policy recommendations, and other approaches. The expected 

outcome will be an integrated and enhanced ability to significantly advance post-disaster coordination, recovery, 

and resilience with communities, partners, and other agencies in a manner that mitigates and manages impacts 

before, during, and post disasters. 

Vegetation and Watershed Management – Status of Programs

Current Activities 

The Vegetation and Watershed Management program is focused on improving and maintaining landscape and 

watershed conditions through preventing and controlling invasive plants, maintaining, or improving soil quality, 

establishing non-tree native plants for pollinators and diverse native plant communities, developing partnerships 

that benefit youth, Justice40 communities and Tribes, installing aquatic organism passages, and improving the 

condition of watersheds. The Forest Service prioritizes work in the areas with the biggest impact, such as high-risk 

firesheds, areas contributing towards threatened and endangered species recovery, priority watersheds identified 

in the Watershed Condition Framework35, watersheds that serve as source watersheds for municipal water supply, 

and include key adaptations needed for climate-smart management. The program supports priority actions for 

Wild Horse and Burro management. 

Selected Examples of Recent Progress

Watershed Condition Framework (WCF) Modernization

The Biological & Physical Resources (BPR) staff led a modernization of WCF processes to be consistent with the 

2018 Farm Bill and incorporate lessons learned from the first ten years of implementation. Tasks completed 

include: (1) a final draft of the modernized Watershed Condition Classification model and rulesets ready to be field 

tested. This new model includes an indicator for considering Groundwater-dependent ecosystems (GDE) as 

required by the 2018 Farm Bill; (2) an updated electronic Watershed Restoration Action Plan (WRAP) template to 

be incorporated into the Watershed Condition Assessment Tracking Tool (WCATT) database in. This electronic 

template will improve the efficiency of WRAP development by making it possible for the database to create a 

WRAP document based on information entered by the user rather than the user creating a separate WRAP 

document; (3) guidance for “Emergency Designation” of priority watersheds for those watersheds affected by 

wildfire or other natural disasters [direction for this task came from the 2018 Farm Bill]; (4) guidance for a pre35 Watershed Condition Framework.
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

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approval “peer review” process for WRAPs to ensure the planned essential projects will maintain or improve 

watershed conditions once implemented.

Invasive Species Ambassador Training

The program expanded Citizen Science support and developed new technology and network ability for invasive 

species detection, prevention, and control. In addition, the program entered into partnerships with key 

stakeholders to expand work on and around National Forests and National Grasslands, and other landownerships. 

Further expansion of the program was undertaken to build local capacity for managing invasive species including 

the development of specialized community engagement and partnership development training to establish Wild 

Spotter Invasive Species Ambassadors through a collaborative partnership with university programs and industry. 

The inaugural training course targets participants in the Tribal Nation, non-governmental organizations, county, 

State, and Federal sectors. Trained “Ambassadors” will serve at a local level to improve collaborations to find and 

map invasive species (any invasive plants, pathogens, vertebrates, or invertebrates) across the National Forest 

System and the adjacent landscapes and landownerships. Data collected is transferred periodically into the Natural 

Resource Manager (NRM) Forest Activity Tracking System (FACTS) survey/inventory dataset for invasive species on 

National Forests

Program Objectives for FY 2025

The Vegetation and Watershed Management Program will continue to support the implementation of the Forest 

Service Wildfire Crisis Strategy and the Administration’s “America the Beautiful” initiative. Program activities will 

address priority revegetation needs, control the spread of invasive species, and advance climate-smart vegetation 

management. Program investments will focus on making improvements to the conditions of priority and source 

watersheds, as well as improve water quality and quantity, along with updates to the Terrestrial Assessment to 

enable continued reporting of ecological effects of ecological management activities. The program will continue 

co-investment with critical partners, such as Trout Unlimited, to reach the Forest Service’s goal of improving the 

condition of priority watersheds. These significant endeavors will be made possible by the continued commitment 

of Forest Service partners, as well as supplemental funding provided by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and 

Inflation Reduction Act. 

In FY 2025, the Forest Service will continue to strengthen coordination with States, Tribes, local communities, 

private landowners, and partners in the public and private sector, working to advance the goals set in the Forest 

Service Tribal Action Plan and Equity Action Plan. The Forest Service will continue to implement the National 

Revegetation Effort, including implementation of the National Seed Strategy, of the Infrastructure and Jobs Act 

through this program area.

Program Evaluations

The Forest Service assessed Best Management Practices (BMP) implementation and effectiveness at more than 

400 sites. This information is used for three primary outcomes: 1) improve protection of aquatic and riparian 

resources through adaptive management; 2) document the use and effectiveness of BMP for National 

Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) analyses, supporting or strengthening environmental analyses for priority timber 

sale and fuels management projects, particularly landscape scale projects; and 3) to share data documenting 

compliance with the State Nonpoint Source Management Plan, as directed by the Clean Water Act. In addition, the 

development of a new BMP monitoring database application was completed. This new database improves the 

efficiency of data storage and analysis.
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WILDLIFE AND FISH HABITAT MANAGEMENT

Table FS-61. Wildlife and Fish Habitat Management Details Table (thousands of dollars)

Wildlife and Fish Habitat Management 2022 

Actual

2023 

Actual

2024 

Estimated

2025 

Request

Inc. or 

Dec.

Appropriations ..................................................... $22,000 $24,000 $24,000 $25,000 +$1,000

Recoveries ........................................................... 1,065 279 221 552

Balance Transfers.................................................. -210 -185 - -

Balance Available, SOY ......................................... 3,773 1,221 1,910 1,568

Total Available ..................................................... 26,628 25,315 26,131 27,120

Lapsing Balances................................................... -11 -4 - -

Balance Available, EOY ......................................... -1,221 -1,910 -1,568 -1,085

Total Obligations ................................................. 25,396 23,401 24,563 26,035

Wildlife and Fish Habitat Management – Justifications of Changes

An increase of $1,000,000 in Wildlife and Fish Habitat Management, ($24,000,000 in FY 2024). An increase of 

$1,000,000 aids management, protection, and the ability to improve the habitats of various plants and animals on 

National Forest System lands. With this increase, the program will continue to restore and conserve habitats, 

especially for those species that are endangered or threatened under the Endangered Species Act. Additionally, 

this increase supports partnering with Tribes, States, other Federal agencies, and non-governmental organizations 

to coordinate and collaborate on habitat enhancement projects that improve ecological connectivity and 

movement for fish and wildlife across different jurisdictions. 

Wildlife and Fish Habitat Management – Status of Programs

Current Activities 

This program manages habitat for fish and wildlife and contributes to maintaining the ecological conditions needed 

to support the diversity, viability, and productivity of plant and animal communities in the Nation’s forests and 

grasslands. Wildlife and Fish Habitat Management is presently working with select key partners through nationallevel agreements to support the implementation of the Wildfire Crisis Strategy and activities that focus on 

landscapes that are at high risk for catastrophic wildfire, along with other priority areas. The partnership with the 

Mule Deer Foundation is an example of where Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funds and appropriated dollars are 

being leveraged to improve the resilience of national forest lands to potentially damaging wildfire while improving 

habitat and migration corridors for elk, deer, pronghorn antelope, and other wildlife. This agreement, as well as 

other similar agreements, allows the Forests and Grasslands to collaborate directly with primary partners to 

cooperatively develop prioritized projects with input from local conservation groups, state fish and wildlife 

agencies, and local communities that meet multiple restoration objectives and needs. Because of the resources 

available through this agreement, the Mule Deer Foundation is closely working with the two Colorado national 

forests – the Grand Mesa, Uncompaghre, and Gunnison Forest and the Pike San Isabel, Comanche, and Cimarron 

Forest to design, plan, and implement projects that will harvest timber and mechanically chop and shred densely 

overgrown areas to reduce hazardous fuels and enhance the quality of wildlife habitat.

Selected Examples of Recent Progress

Western Big Game Habitat

Forest Service contributed $350,000 towards the National Fish & Wildlife Foundation’s (NFWF) Western Big Game 

Seasonal Habitat and Migration Corridors Initiative. NFWF leveraged these monies with multiple corporate and 

Federal partners generating approximately $3.9 million for on-the-ground conservation. Thirteen projects were 

awarded to 11 organizations to restore habitat and improve migration corridors across 11 western states. These 

projects generated an additional $9.2 million in matching contributions (either in-kind services or cash) resulting in 

total conservation benefits valued at nearly $13.1 million. The awarded projects help to conserve critical big game 

winter range and migration corridors in Tribal Nation and state-identified focal areas within Arizona, California, 
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

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Colorado, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, and Wyoming. Implemented projects benefit elk, deer, and 

pronghorn antelope which migrate and utilize seasonal ranges spanning Federal, Tribal Nation, State, and 

privately-owned lands. These projects removed or improved 890 miles of fencing to wildlife-friendly standards; 

improved management on 903,000 acres of rangelands; restored 218,614 acres of habitat on public, private, and 

Tribal Nation lands; put conservation easements in place affecting 175,410 acres; and treated 13,000 acres for 

non-desirable, invasive plants.

Aquatic Organism Passage

The program’s focus included improving Aquatic Organism Passage (AOP) on National Forest System lands and 

managing habitats to ensure aquatic and terrestrial species’ persistence, sustainability, and habitat connectivity. 

Restoring unimpeded fish and aquatic organism passage is one of the Forest Service’s key strategies for adapting 

to a changing climate. Allowing fish and other aquatic species to move and find colder water, healthy spawning 

habitats, and refuge from floods and drought provides ecological resilience while building more flood- resilient 

stream crossings to protect public access and transportation networks that communities need. The Forest Service 

and its partners upgraded or removed 31 road-stream crossings to reconnect over 35 miles of upstream aquatic 

habitat. Of the nearly $2.6 million invested to achieve this conservation milestone, approximately $1 million was 

leveraged by multiple Federal, State, Tribal Nation, and non-governmental organizations. 

Program Objectives for FY 2025

Wildlife and Fish Habitat Management will continue to manage, protect, and improve the habitats of various plants 

and animals on the National Forest System lands. These habitats are essential for the survival and well-being of 

many species, as well as for the provision of ecological services and benefits to people, such as clean water and 

recreation. The program faces many challenges, such as habitat loss, climate change, and invasive species, that 

threaten the health and diversity of wildlife and fish populations. With FY 2025 appropriated dollars, this program 

will continue to restore and conserve habitats, especially for those species that are endangered or threatened 

under the Endangered Species Act. Additionally, this program will work with other Federal, Tribal Nation, and State 

agencies, and non-governmental organizations to coordinate and collaborate on habitat enhancement projects 

that improve ecological connectivity and movement for fish and wildlife across different jurisdictions.
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COLLABORATIVE FOREST LANDSCAPE RESTORATION

Table FS-62. Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration Details Table (thousands of dollars)

Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration 2022 

Actual

2023 

Actual

2024 

Estimated

2025 

Request

Inc. or 

Dec.

Appropriations ..................................................... $28,000 $32,000 $32,000 $34,000 +$2,000

Recoveries ........................................................... 270 1,941 2,000 1,700

Balance Available, SOY ......................................... 2,052 7,619 8,202 5,486

Total Available ..................................................... 30,322 41,560 42,202 41,186

Lapsing Balances................................................... -65 -143 - -

Balance Available, EOY ......................................... -7,619 -8,202 -5,486 -2,059

Total Obligations ................................................. 22,638 33,215 36,716 39,127

Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration – Justification of Changes

An increase of $2,000,000 in Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration Fund, ($32,000,000 in FY 2024). An 

increase of $2,000,000 allows the Forest Service to onboard the previously approved, but unfunded, West Central 

Idaho Initiative project. With continued leveraging from BIL, the Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration 

Program will support 18 funded projects in 11 states in FY 2025.

Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration – Status of Programs

Current Activities 

Collaborative Forest Landscape Scale Restoration (CFLR) uses cooperative, science-based approaches to enhance 

forest and watershed health, reduce risk from uncharacteristic wildfires, and provide economic benefits to rural 

communities. Under the CFLR program, local partners collaborate to expand the scale of restoration and 

encourage community support and involvement. CFLR continues to invest in restoration to support local rural 

communities through the production of forest products, such as timber and biomass, and the creation and 

maintenance of jobs through the restoration economy. 

Selected Examples of Recent Progress

CFLR Projects Implementation

Integrated restoration activities are planned, implemented, and monitored through a collaborative process 

between the Forest Service and local communities. There are currently 17 ongoing CFLR projects in ten states. 

Table FS-63. Current Collaborative Forest Landscape Scale Restoration Projects Names and Descriptions.

Project Name State(s) Project Description

Shortleaf-Bluestem Community 

Project

Arkansas; 

Oklahoma

Large-scale restoration of 569,000 acres of shortleaf pine- bluestem 

grass communities. Restoration activities will focus on thinning and 

prescribed burns to reduce stand density and improve habitat for 

threatened and endangered species such as the Red-cockaded 

Woodpecker.

Dinkey Collaborative California Project area is 154,000-acres that sits in the epicenter of unprecedented 

fuel loading due to the severity of Southern Sierra tree mortality.
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Project Name State(s) Project Description

North Yuba River Watershed California The project area is 356,000 acres. The North Yuba River watershed 

provides clean water for homes, communities, businesses, and 

ecosystems. There is an urgent need to address high wildfire hazard 

potential and areas more susceptible to insects, disease, and drought. 

Treatments will promote forest conditions that are more resilient fire 

conditions while restoring watershed health and native biodiversity.

Western Klamath Mountains 

Fire and Fire Resiliency Project

California The project area is 1.2 million acres. Treatments will include preparing 

the landscape for frequent, smaller, lower-intensity wildfires to protect 

communities and critical transportation routes. This work will increase 

watershed health and ecosystem resilience and includes areas 

traditionally managed by the Karuk Tribe.

Southwest Colorado 

Restoration Initiative

Colorado The project area is 1.9 million acres that include private, municipal, state, 

and Federal lands. The project aims to promote resilience, enabling the 

area to adapt to future disturbance while retaining ecosystem function, 

productivity, and ecosystem services. The strategy is to enhance the 

resilience of critical watersheds, wildlife and aquatic habitats, community 

infrastructure, economic drivers, and forest conditions.

Rio Chama Colorado; New 

Mexico

The project area is 3.8 million acres and includes lands managed by 

Tribes, states, the Bureau of Land Management, and private 

landowners. This collective vision to reduce wildfire risk has galvanized 

communities in this landscape. The project will increase resilience to 

catastrophic wildfire and other natural disturbance events, sustaining 

healthy forests and watersheds for future generations.

Missouri Pine Oak Woodlands Missouri The project area is 445,000 acres and includes Missouri’s largest 

contiguous forest and designated scenic riverways with important 

conservation implications for the long-term survival of birds and aquatic 

life.

Zuni Mountains New 

Mexico

The project area is 253,000 acres. Activities will focus on increasing 

resilience to climate change, uncharacteristic crown fires, and support 

healthy communities and wildlife habitat. This project provides a longterm supply of wood for businesses and creates a suite of restorationoriented businesses.

Deschutes Collaborative Forest 

Project

Oregon The project area is 258,000 acres and includes high-value landscapes 

with a broad array of collaborative support.

Efforts focus on reducing high-severity wildfire in the wildland-urban 

interface, protecting watersheds, preserving recreation areas, and 

providing jobs and wood products.

Lakeview Stewardship Oregon The project area is 859,000 acres that is important to rural communities 

for recreation and forestry sector jobs. The goal is to create a healthy, 

resilient, and functional forest landscape maintained with fire to mitigate 

the threat of high-severity wildfires to dry forests, habitat, water quality 

and communities.
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Project Name State(s) Project Description

Northern Blues Forest 

Restoration

Oregon The project area is 10.4 million acres and will reduce wildfire risk and 

prepare the landscape to safely manage fire. The area has a strong 

history of successful cross-boundary, all-lands restoration collaboration.

Rogue Basin Landscape 

Restoration Project

Oregon The project area is 4.6 million acres. The proposed work will accelerate 

urgently needed restoration treatments to meet long-term, 

collaboratively developed strategic goals of wildfire risk reduction, 

landscape resiliency, improved wildlife habitat, watershed protection, 

adaptation, and social and economic resilience.

Southern Blues Restoration 

Coalition

Oregon The project area is 1 million acres that suffer from departed fire regimes, 

species composition, and forest stand densities that threaten to destroy 

key habitat, old growth, important aquatic resources, and private 

property due to uncharacteristically severe wildfires and the effects of a 

changing climate. The overarching goal is restoration at a scale that will 

help native wildlife thrive, create forests that are resilient to climate 

change, and support the health, safety, and prosperity of local 

communities.

Northeast Washington 

Forest Vision 2020

Washington The project area is 916,000 acres. Treatments will focus on aligning with 

Washington’s 20-year Forest Health Action Plan. The project will restore 

forested landscapes and watersheds to prepare for future wildfires and 

the effects of climate change. The overarching goals are to restore 

forests and habitats, reduce hazardous fuels, use woody biomass and 

small-diameter trees, and reduce the costs of treatments and wildfire 

management.

North Central 

Washington

Washington The project area is 1.1 million acres. Treatments will focus on aligning 

with Washington’s 20-year Forest Health Action Plan. The approach 

strategically places treatment to reduce wildfire risk for some of the most 

vulnerable cities and communities in the Pacific Northwest so that 

multiple tools and tactics can be used to manage the fires safely and 

appropriately. Work will include fuels treatments, stream and fisheries 

improvements, and wildlife habitat restoration.

Pisgah Restoration 

Initiative

North 

Carolina

The landscape strategy will achieve four collaboratively developed 

priority outcomes: reducing wildfire risk, restoring fire-adapted forests, 

restoring rare ecosystems, and promoting healthy forests and 

watersheds.

Longleaf Pine Ecosystem 

Restoration and Hazardous 

Fuels Reduction

Mississippi The project goals are to maintain existing longleaf ecosystems, reestablish longleaf pine forests, return fire regimes and restore native 

understory plant communities, reduce hazardous fuels that could lead to 

catastrophic wildfire, and respond to climate change by re-establishing 

ecosystems resilient to climate extremes and suited for carbon storage. 

The desired outcome is a healthy and diverse collection of native plant 

and animal communities that support ecological, economic, and social 

sustainability.
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Program Objectives for FY 2025

CFLR Projects Implementation

The Western Central Idaho Initiative that will be newly funded in FY 2025 is a statewide priority landscape. It 

provides opportunities for watershed and vegetation restoration projects and allows the forests to prioritize work, 

bolster social support, and efficiently use resources. Agreements are in place to support coordinated work to 

reduce wildfire risk to communities and wildfire habitats, improve watershed function, and benefit the local 

economy.

For some projects, the funding identified in Table FS-63 is a combination of annual appropriated and BIL (§40803). 

In addition, six projects have been approved by the Secretary, but not yet funded (Table-63), and an additional 

four projects that have been recommended by the CFLR Federal Advisory Committee, but not yet approved by the 

Secretary. 
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MINERALS AND GEOLOGY MANAGEMENT

Table FS-64. Minerals and Geology Management Details Table (thousands of dollars)

Minerals and Geology Management 2022 

Actual

2023 

Actual

2024 

Estimated

2025 

Request

Inc. or 

Dec.

Appropriations ..................................................... $12,450 $14,500 $14,500 $14,500 -

Recoveries ........................................................... 527 673 1,196 1,011

Transfers In .......................................................... 5,683 - - -

Balance Transfers.................................................. -751 21,017 - -

Balance Available, SOY ......................................... 4,953 8,576 28,973 13,401

Total Available ..................................................... 22,862 44,766 44,669 28,912

Lapsing Balances................................................... -34 -3 - -

Balance Available, EOY ......................................... -8,576 -28,973 -13,401 -1,446

Total Obligations.................................................. 14,252 15,790 31,268 27,466

Minerals and Geology Management – Status of Programs 

Current Activities 

Minerals and Geology Management’s Locatable Minerals program area is working with USDA to develop a path 

forward in meeting the Nation’s critical minerals needs on NFS lands using direct funding to process critical 

minerals proposals and provide certified mineral examiner expertise on those and other locatable minerals 

projects in the Forest Service. One designated Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act project on the Coronado 

National Forest will utilize current expertise to assist in the higher-level review of a complex plan of operations. 

Selected Examples of Recent Progress

National Economic Contributions of Minerals and Geology Management

The production of leasable, locatable, and saleable mineral materials on National Forest System lands was valued 

at an estimated $7.8 billion in FY 2022. The production of these mineral and energy resources contributed to the 

U.S. economy by supporting around 47,600 jobs, both full-time and part-time, and adding $9.4 billion to the GDP.

Regulatory Reform

Minerals and Geology Management advanced several USDA priority regulatory reforms to align policy with new 

legislative authorities, reduced regulatory burdens, provided greater resource protection, and expanded early 

public involvement. These actions resulted in expedited permit processing for critical mineral projects, cost 

recovery, and enhanced environmental protection from added mitigation provisions. 

Leasable Minerals

The Forest Service used $19 million of Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (P.L. 117-58) (BIL) funding to plug and reclaim 

orphaned wells on NFS land. In support of this effort, LMG led efforts to execute Cost Share Agreements with 

Texas, Pennsylvania, and Kentucky to address orphan wells involving non-Federal minerals beneath NFS land. 

Orphan well remediation addressed Forest Service priorities to remediate and reduce legacy pollution, protect 

watersheds, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promote safe access for recreationists and provide jobs and other 

economic benefits to underserved communities.

Geologic Resources

In partnership with the Geological Society of America (GSA), Geologic Resources managed the Forest Service 

GeoCorps America intern program which supported 21 projects and associated intern positions on Forest field 

units. These intern positions significantly leveraged the capacity of field units to accomplish geologic projects. The 

Geologic Resources program area collaborated with the Enterprise program in implementing an agreement 

through 2026 to conduct Groundwater Dependent Ecosystem (GDE) inventory surveys on selected National 

Forests and Grasslands. Eight GDE surveys have been completed on national forests, which have been projected to 
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document over 175 GDEs based on past inventories. This cooperative intra-agency inventory initiative will 

significantly leverage WO LMG and Enterprise program resources.

Program Objectives for FY 2025

The National Forest System will continue to contribute to the adequate and sustainable supply of domestic mineral 

and advance the health, productivity, and overall well-being of all Americans. This program will continue to provide 

benefits to society originating from mineral extraction to produce metals, alloys, and plastics, and the energy used 

to make, transport, and power modern American life. The program anticipates securing and protecting unique 

geologic resources, such as fossils, caves, groundwater, wildlife, and vegetation habitats in groundwater 

dependent ecosystems, and places of scientific, cultural, and recreational interest. The program will continue to 

protect people and the environment by monitoring and mitigating geologic hazards, like landslides, and through 

the reclamation of surface resources for multiple recreational uses. Funding will be used for project support from 

LMG and growing the certified mineral examiner program to ensure availability on critical minerals projects.
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LAND USE AUTHORIZATION AND ACCESS

Table FS-65. Land Use Authorization and Access Details Table (thousands of dollars)

Land Use Authorization and Access 2022 

Actual

2023 

Actual

2024 

Estimated

2025 

Request

Inc. or 

Dec.

Appropriations ..................................................... $6,064 $8,000 $8,000 $8,000 -

Recoveries ........................................................... 422 396 410 410

Transfers out ....................................................... -495 - - -

Balance Available, SOY ......................................... 1,620 759 1,384 1,763

Total Available ..................................................... 7,611 9,155 9,794 10,173

Lapsing Balances................................................... - -6 - -

Balance Available, EOY ......................................... -759 -1,384 -1,763 -1,526

Total Obligations ................................................. 6,852 7,765 8,031 8,647

Land Use Authorization and Access – Status of Programs

Current Activities

The Land Use Authorization and Access program supports the economic wellbeing of rural and urban communities 

through improving and providing accurate landownership records and mapping products. The program permits 

critical infrastructure to remote areas that expands to metropolitan communities hundreds of miles away, by 

working across boundaries and working with stakeholders and partners to permit sustainable and reliable 

infrastructures to keep communities safe.

Selected Examples of Recent Progress

Mapping Powerlines for 10-Year Wildfire Crisis Strategy

Forest Service lands, Geographic Information System (GIS), and energy program staff co-developed the Northern 

Region (01) Powerline Assessment and Resilient Energy Corridor Strategy, an innovative approach to meet the 

Forest Service’s 10-Year Wildfire Crisis Strategy. The project mapped over 6,000 miles of transmission and 

distribution lines, managed by 60 utility companies providing power to half a million users in 50 communities. This 

mapping enabled industry and the Forest Service to proactively identify opportunities for treatments earlier in the 

planning process, facilitated better coordination between the Forest Service and utility companies and 

safeguarded reliable energy for surrounding communities.

Partnerships in Land Conservation

The Forest Service advanced the Administration’s 30x30 Initiative by directly addressing land valuation and land 

conservation partnership consistency, efficiency, and timeliness, needs identified by Congress in Report language 

of the FY 2023 Omnibus bill. The Forest Service Lands staff convened dialogues with Forest Service appraisers and 

regional leadership, conservation partners, and DOI and DOJ counterparts, to better understand challenges and 

identify solutions. As a result, the Forest Service modified policy to redirect decision-making authority to line 

officers and directors; executed procurement changes reducing contracting times from months to days; 

established a Deputy Chief Appraiser to enhance appraisal oversight; and directed regions to initiate early due 

diligence for projects, reducing project completion by six months to a year.

Program Objectives for FY 2025

In FY 2025, this program will continue to ensure the productive and sustainable use of National Forest System 

lands through various land and natural resource management activities in support of the social and economic wellbeing of rural and urban communities. The program’s focus will be on securing and protecting National Forest 

System lands and land interests. The Forest Service will survey lands in advance of timber sales, acquire rights-ofway, and administer road agreements necessary for public and Forest Service access to complete activities, 

including timber production, transportation, recreation, and utility inspection.
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

LAW ENFORCEMENT OPERATIONS

Table FS-66. Law Enforcement Operations Details Table (thousands of dollars)

Law Enforcement Operations 2022 

Actual

2023 

Actual

2024 

Estimated

2025 

Request

Inc. or 

Dec.

Appropriations ..................................................... $19,505 $19,505 $19,505 $21,005 +$1,500

Recoveries ........................................................... 1,813 895 878 1,195

Balance Transfers.................................................. -2,179 - - -

Balance Available, SOY ......................................... 5,189 2,023 1,204 216

Total Available ..................................................... 24,328 22,423 21,587 22,416

Lapsing Balances................................................... -41 -1 - -

Balance Available, EOY ......................................... -2,023 -1,204 -216 -224

Total Obligations ................................................. 22,264 21,218 21,371 22,192

Law Enforcement Operations – Justification of Changes

An increase of $1,500,000 in Law Enforcement and Investigations (LEI), ($19,505,000 in FY 2024). A $1,500,000 

increase buffers inflationary fleet vehicle costs, including needed maintenance associated with wear and tear for

law enforcement vehicles, and specialized modifications for Law Enforcement compliance. Providing and 

maintaining an appropriate law enforcement fleet is critical to the Forest Service’s ability to enforce regulations 

that protect natural resources and the public, and to support partnerships for detection, extraction, and 

destruction of illegal cannabis growth on Forest Service lands. Lastly, this increase further supports the ongoing 

plans to implement an International Operations Division for enforcement of the Lacey Act. 

Law Enforcement Operations – Status of Programs

Current Activities

The Forest Service Law Enforcement and Investigations (LEI) program’s primary objective is to prevent, detect, and

criminally investigate violations of federal laws and regulations pertaining to the protection of natural resources

and federal property. Equally important is providing public and employee safety, resource protection, enforcement

of U.S. Criminal Law, and enforcement expertise to managers of other Agencies. The LEI program works with local

law enforcement and other State and Federal agencies providing prevention, detection, and criminal investigation

of violations of Federal laws and regulations for the protection of visitors to National Forest System lands, Forest

Service employees, and natural and cultural resources. Officers respond to common incidents such as resource

damage, looting from cultural sites, theft, alcohol and drug use, unauthorized motor vehicle use, illegal occupancy

or exceeding stay limits, trespassing, and destruction of natural and cultural resources. Law enforcement duties

include civil and criminal investigations such as arson, drug possession, smuggling and manufacturing of illegal or

illicit substances, thefts, and assaults. LEI officers patrol the Rainbow Family of Living Light annual gathering.

Currently, one officer patrols on average 370,000 acres of NFS lands. This coverage area is larger than optimal due

to vacancies.

Selected Examples of Recent Progress

Partnerships

Law Enforcement Operations has 440 cooperative law enforcement agreements in place and outlaid $4.9 million to

reimburse cooperators for law enforcement services performed on NFS lands. Partners who receive these 

agreements include State and local law enforcement agencies. Partners are primarily local Sheriff Departments

and those who perform law enforcement services on NFS lands.

Detection of Trespass Cultivation

LEI has continued testing the use of novel models to detect marijuana cultivation sites on NFS lands not broadly

used in prior years. Application of these models is still undergoing vetting processes; however, LEI believes FY 2023

data demonstrates efficiency and accuracy of detection, which will increase in upcoming years if supported. One

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detection model example being tested is the Hyperspectral Imagery Model. This model uses fixed-wing overflights 

and has successfully been used to identify unique signatures associated with trespass cultivation activities. Specific 

signatures from commonly used cultivation infrastructure, e.g., irrigation lines, and plastic tarps, normally found at 

cultivation sites are detected and georeferenced providing potential locations of cultivation sites. The 

Hyperspectral Imagery Model provides clusters of multiple target signatures, which have been ground-proven to 

be indicative of the magnitude and extensive landscape footprint of these cultivation sites. 

Four percent of three National Forests underwent Hyperspectral Imagery Model overflight imagery collection, 

generating 136 unique spectral signatures. Of these 136 unique target hits, 77 locations were cultivation sites the 

Forest Service-LEI had no prior record of within 22 years of database collections (FY 2000 through FY 2022). Of 

these 77 new locations, seven resulted in active cultivation sites requiring enforcement and eradication activities. 

These flights resulted in a success rate of 57 percent of signatures resulting in a detection, along with the detection 

of sites that had a minimum of public land water diversion annual rate of 109 million gallons. Targeted 

reconnaissance to fly these 136 locations was less than 5.5 hours of rotary-wing flight. In comparison to typical

reconnaissance flight patterns for these 136 points, it is estimated that over $120,000 of personnel, and flight costs 

were saved. Safety costs for flight teams were not evaluated; however, the reduction of flight time to perform the 

same mission is a crucial success component of any flight safety program. The Hyperspectral Imagery Model 

demonstrates an increase in the following: detection rates, safety parameters and fiscal savings. It illustrated that 

the previous threat of cultivation measures using current and historical approaches is likely underestimating the 

threat of this activity on Federal public lands.

Program Objectives for FY 2025

Lacey Act Timber Interdiction Membership Board Enforcement Resource (TIMBER) Work Group 

In FY 2025, LEI plans to implement an International Operations Division for enforcement of the Lacey Act. This 

division will include a Special Agent in Charge or Assistant Director who will provide oversight and report to the 

LEI’s Deputy Director. The IOD will consist of four Senior Special Agents and an Investigative Analyst.

The Department of Justice’s Environmental and Natural Resources Division met with Federal agencies to 

determine which agency would investigate violations of the Lacey Act involving timber and timber products and 

established the TIMBER Working Group. Because LEI staff are recognized as experts in timber theft investigations, 

TIMBER overseen by the Fish and Wildlife Service, requested the Forest Service LEI obtain the requisite authority 

to participate in enforcement and investigation of Lacey Act cases, whether the violations occurred on NFS lands or 

elsewhere. 

Addedly, FY 2025 objectives support inflationary fleet costs including needed maintenance associated with wear 

and tear for law enforcement vehicles, and specialized modifications for Law Enforcement compliance. Fleet focus 

strengthens the Forest Service’s ability to enforce regulations that protect natural resources and the public, and to 

support partnerships for detection, extraction, and destruction of illegal cannabis growth on Forest Service lands.
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SALARIES AND EXPENSES

Table FS-67. Salaries and Expenses Details Table (thousands of dollars)

Salaries and Expenses 2022 

Actual

2023 

Actual

2024 

Estimated

2025 

Request

Inc. or 

Dec.

Appropriations ..................................................... $1,450,052 $1,519,083 $1,519,083 $1,541,344 +$22,261

Recoveries ........................................................... 5,434 5,552 5,379 5,491

Balance Transfers.................................................. -1,473 -4,500 - -

Balance Available, SOY ......................................... 10,484 16,116 24,661 15,491

Total Available...................................................... 1,464,497 1,536,251 1,549,123 1,562,326

Lapsing Balances................................................... -240 -40 - -

Balance Available, EOY ......................................... -16,116 -24,661 -15,491 -15,623

Total Obligations ................................................. 1,448,141 1,511,550 1,533,632 1,546,703

Salaries and Expenses – Justification of Changes

An increase of $22,261,000 in Salaries and Expenses and a decrease of 164 FTEs ($1,519,083,000 and 12,598 FTEs 

in FY 2024). This increase of $22,261,000 funds part of the Calendar Year (CY) 2024 and anticipated CY 2025 

employee pay cost increases. The Forest Service will need to further rely on other funding sources and balance 

hiring actions and attrition rates to stay within appropriations in the operational year.
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OTHER SUPPLEMENTAL FUNDING

Table FS-68. Disaster Supplemental Detail Table (thousands of dollars)

Disaster Supplemental 2022 

Actual

2023 

Actual

2024 

Estimated

2025 

Estimated

Inc. or 

Dec.

Appropriations ................................................................. $710,000 $210,000 - - -

Recoveries ....................................................................... 535 481 - -

Balance Available, SOY ..................................................... 75,614 574,229 $323,786 -

Total Available ................................................................. 786,149 784,710 323,786 -

Balance Available, EOY ..................................................... -574,229 -323,786 - -

Total Obligations ............................................................. 211,920 460,924 323,786 -

Disaster Supplemental

Disaster Supplemental funding supports Forest Service actions, activities, and responses to wildfires, hurricanes, 

and other natural disasters having a direct impact to Forest Service managed lands and assets and the 

communities contiguous to or embedded within those managed lands. 

Table FS-69. Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Detail Table (thousands of dollars)

Bipartisan Infrastructure Law 2022 

Actual

2023 

Actual

2024 

Estimated

2025 

Estimated

Inc. or 

Dec.

Appropriations ................................................................. $734,800 $529,800 $529,800 $529,800 -

Recoveries ....................................................................... - 3,104 - -

Transfers In ...................................................................... 13,500 7,400 7,473 -

Transfers Out.................................................................... -260,997 -124,634 -72,643 -

Balance Transfers.............................................................. - - 47,779 -

Balance Available, SOY ..................................................... - 294,062 222,752 92,547

Total Available ................................................................. 487,303 709,732 735,161 622,347

Balance Available, EOY ..................................................... -294,062 -222,752 -92,547 -13,333

Total Obligations ............................................................. 193,241 486,980 642,614 609,014

Bipartisan Infrastructure Law

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (P.L. 115-78), also referred to as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, 

broadly supports ecosystem restoration, wildfire risk reduction, wildfire mitigation grants, and other community 

support activities. 

Table FS-70. Inflation Reduction Act Program Detail Table (thousands of dollars)

Inflation Reduction Act 2022 

Actual

2023 

Actual

2024 

Estimated

2025 

Estimated

Inc. or 

Dec.

Appropriations .......................................................... $350,000 - - - -

Balance Available, SOY .............................................. - $350,000 $189,351 $50,643

Total Available .......................................................... 350,000 350,000 189,351 50,643

Balance Available, EOY .............................................. -350,000 -189,351 -50,643 -5,082

Total Obligations ...................................................... - 160,649 138,708 45,561
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Inflation Reduction Act

The Inflation Reduction Act (P.L. 117-169), includes funds appropriated for hazardous fuels reduction, vegetation 

and watershed management, management of mature and old growth forests, and timely processing of National 

Environmental Policy Act-related reviews.
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CLASSIFICATION BY OBJECTS

Table FS-71. Classification by Objects (thousands of dollars)

Item 

No.

Item 2022 

Actual

2023 

Actual

2024 

Estimated

2025 

Estimated

Personnel Compensation:

Washington D.C ................................................................ $95,884 $100,395 $105,365 $107,509

Personnel compensation, field .......................................... 936,871 1,015,351 1,065,612 1,087,296

11.0 Total personnel compensation.......................................... 1,032,755 1,115,746 1,170,977 1,194,805

12.0 Personal benefits.............................................................. 432,196 474,743 498,243 508,382

13.0 Benefits for former personnel ........................................... -61 - - -

Total, personnel compensation and benefits..................... 1,464,890 1,590,489 1,669,221 1,703,187

Other Objects:

21.0 Travel and transportation of persons................................. 26,557 62,254 56,094 38,717

22.0 Transportation of things.................................................... 5,721 3,356 5,733 3,957

23.1 Rental payments to GSA.................................................... 14 -1 8 6

23.2 Rental payments to others................................................ 73 105 112 78

23.3 Communications, utilities, and misc. charges..................... 406 1,982 1,508 1,041

24.0 Printing and reproduction ................................................. 756 737 943 651

25.1 Advisory and assistance services....................................... 160 834 628 433

25.2 Other services from non-Federal sources .......................... 202,783 373,953 364,277 251,437

25.3 Other goods and services from Federal sources................. 96,338 144,072 151,866 104,811

25.4 Operation and maintenance of facilities............................ 513 1,082 1,007 695

25.5 Research and development contracts................................ 465 926 879 606

25.6 Medical care ..................................................................... 62 88 95 65

25.7 Operation and maintenance of equipment........................ 2,829 3,945 4,279 2,953

26.0 Supplies and materials...................................................... 52,477 58,441 70,058 48,355

31.0 Equipment........................................................................ 12,868 11,495 15,388 10,621

32.0 Land and structures .......................................................... 5,875 5,192 6,990 4,825

41.0 Grants, subsidies, and contributions.................................. 404,028 827,573 777,867 536,891

42.0 Insurance claims and indemnities...................................... 1,676 1,168 1,796 1,240

43.0 Interest and dividends....................................................... 65 17 52 36

44.0 Refunds............................................................................ - -23 - -

91.0 Unvouchered.................................................................... -1 -1 - -

92.0 Undistributed.................................................................... 68 308 237 164

Total, other objects........................................................... 813,733 1,497,503 1,459,818 1,007,583

99.9 Total, new obligations....................................................... 2,278,623 3,087,992 3,129,039 2,710,770

Position Data:

Average Salary (dollars), ES Position.................................. $183,027 $195,000 $204,000 $208,080 

Average Salary (dollars), GS Position ................................. 75,681 78,255 83,204 85,776

Average Grade, GS Position............................................... 9.8 10.6 10.6 10.7 
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CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT AND MAINTENANCE

LEAD-OFF TABULAR STATEMENT

Table FS-72. Lead-Off Tabular Statement (In dollars)

Item Amount

2024 Estimated Budget....................................................................................................... $158,048,000 

Change in Appropriation..................................................................................................... -48,000

2025 Request...................................................................................................................... 158,000,000 

APPROPRIATIONS LANGUAGE

The appropriations language follows (new language underscored; deleted matter enclosed in brackets):

1 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT AND MAINTENANCE

2 (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

3 For necessary expenses of the Forest Service, not otherwise provided for, [$235,000,000]$158,000,000, to remain 

4 available through September 30, [2027]2028, for construction, capital improvement, maintenance, and acquisition 

5 of buildings and other facilities and infrastructure; for construction, reconstruction, and decommissioning of roads 

6 that are no longer needed, including unauthorized roads that are not part of the transportation system; and for 

7 maintenance of forest roads and trails by the Forest Service as authorized by 16 U.S.C. 532–538 and 23 U.S.C. 101 

8 and 205: Provided, That [$15,000,000]$6,000,000 shall be for activities authorized by 16 U.S.C. 538(a)[: Provided 

9 further, That of the funds provided for facilities maintenance and construction, $60,000,000 shall be for installation 

10 of charging stations and related infrastructure to make national forests more accessible to visitors operating zero 

11 emission vehicles.]

Note.--A full-year 2024 appropriation for this account was not enacted at the time the Budget was prepared; 

therefore, the Budget assumes this account is operating under the Continuing Appropriations Act, 2024 and Other 

Extensions Act (Division A of Public Law 118-15, as amended). The amounts included for 2024 reflect the 

annualized level provided by the continuing resolution.

Change Description

The first change (lines 8 through 11) deletes language for installation of charging stations and related infrastructure 

to make national forests more accessible to visitors operating zero emission vehicles.
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PROJECT STATEMENTS

Table FS-73. Appropriations Project Statement (thousands of dollars, FTEs)

Project Statement 2022 

Actual

FTEs 2023 

Actual

FTEs 2024 

Estimated

FTEs 2025 

Request

FTEs Inc. or 

Dec.

FTE 

Inc. 

or 

Dec.

Capital 

Improvement and 

Maintenance:

Discretionary 

Appropriations..... $159,049 - $158,048 - $158,048 - $158,000 - -$48 -

Supplemental 

Appropriations..... 542,000 11 222,000 17 72,000 5 72,000 - - -5

Total 

Appropriations..... 701,049 11 380,048 17 230,048 5 230,000 - -48 -5

Table FS-74. Appropriations Detail Table (thousands of dollars) 

Detail Table 2022 

Actual

2023 

Actual

2024 

Estimated

2025 

Request

Inc. or 

Dec.

Capital Improvement and Maintenance:

Facilities................................................................................ $54,983 $54,000 $54,000 $56,500 +$2,500

Roads.................................................................................... 70,613 73,000 73,000 74,000 +1,000

Trails..................................................................................... 17,586 20,000 20,000 21,500 +1,500

Legacy Roads and Trails......................................................... 5,000 6,000 6,000 6,000 -

Construction Projects ............................................................ 10,867 5,048 5,048 - -5,048

Disaster Supplemental a......................................................... 470,000 150,000 - - -

Bipartisan Infrastructure Law b............................................... 72,000 72,000 72,000 72,000 -

Total, Capital Improvement and Maintenance...................... 701,049 380,048 230,048 230,000 -48

a Disaster Supplemental Funding includes remaining, unobligated funds from P.L. 115-123, P.L. 116-20, P.L. 117-43 and P.L.117-328 

for necessary expenses related to wildfires, hurricanes, and other natural disasters that occurred between calendar years 2017 

through 2022.

b The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (P.L. 117-58) are advance appropriations each year from 2022 through 2026.

Note: The discrepancy between the project statement and Max schedule X is reimbursable funds.
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FACILITIES

Table FS-75. Facilities Detail Table (thousands of dollars)

Facilities 2022 

Actual

2023 

Actual

2024 

Estimated

2025 

Request

Inc. or 

Dec.

Appropriations ..................................................... $54,983 $54,000 $54,000 $56,500 +$2,500

Recoveries ........................................................... 10,441 858 1,056 1,417

Transfers In .......................................................... - - - 20,000

Balance Available, SOY ......................................... 18,723 33,655 24,658 16,740

Total Available...................................................... 84,147 88,513 79,714 94,657

Lapsing Balances................................................... -126 -270 - -

Balance Available, EOY ......................................... -33,655 -24,658 -16,740 -33,438

Total Obligations ................................................. 50,366 63,585 62,974 61,219

Facilities – Justification of Changes

An increase of $2,500,000 in Facilities ($54,000,000 in Fiscal Year (FY) 2024). An increase of $2,500,000 supports 

recreation facility and site maintenance, maintenance/repair and management of Forest Service-owned dams, and 

facility Capital Improvement Projects (CIP). The increase supports the Forest Service’s continued use of the National 

Asset Management Program to select out-year projects that meet the Forest Service’s highest priority facility needs. 

These projects reinforce recreational opportunities, land management activities, fire suppression, and research. 

Facilities – Status of Programs

Current Activities

The Facilities program funds the costs associated with recreation facility and site maintenance, maintenance/repair and 

management of Forest Service-owned dams, and all facility Capital Improvement Projects (CIP). The program helps 

provide a quality recreational experience to the public, ensure the safety of the Forest Service’s dams, and allows capital 

improvements to be made that improve the facilities needed to enhance the recreation opportunities, support the fire 

suppression and fuels management, administration of land management activities, and advance natural resource 

research. 

The Facilities program supports the Forest Service’s more than 30,000 recreation sites, more than 6,000 recreation 

buildings, and over 17,000 toilet facilities. The Forest Service recreation program manages the largest number and 

widest range of accessible recreation facilities and sites in the country, including campgrounds, picnic areas, visitor 

centers, ski areas, trailheads, shooting ranges, and interpretive sites. Recreation facility maintenance funds are primarily 

being used to repair and replace infrastructure within recreation sites to provide a safe environment for the visiting 

public.

The program supports the Forest Service’s more than 3,000 dams on national forest lands of which over 1,500 are 

owned by the Forest Service. These dams serve many purposes, including recreation, wildlife, fire protection, irrigation, 

flood control, water supply, fisheries, tailings, debris control, and hydroelectric. Of the owned dams, 460 are part of the 

National Inventory of Dams, which lists the dams that are important for safety and security. Dams located on National 

Forest System lands provide the largest source of municipal water supply in the country, serving more than 60 million 

people in 3,400 communities across 33 States. The dam program expends $3,000,000 annually with a focus on 

improving the dam safety practices for the Forest Service and working on meeting the regulatory compliance 

requirements. The Forest Service is the owner of the second-highest number of dams of any Federal agency in the 

United States, behind the U.S Army Corps of Engineers. The deferred maintenance for Forest Service-owned dams is 

presently estimated to be approximately $136 million. 
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

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The program manages the CIP allowing capital improvements necessary to provide the visiting public and Forest Service 

employees with safe and operationally efficient facilities. CIP allows for investment in facilities that support the 

changing land management activities around fuels management, timber harvest, range management, recreation, fire 

suppression, and research activities. Facilities capital improvements make investments in fire suppression and fuels 

management, including aircraft maintenance and operations facilities, air-tanker bases, smokejumper bases, helicopter 

bases and helipads, fire engine bays, fire training facilities, retardant facilities, fire cache warehouses, fire lookouts,

administrative offices, research facilities, communication sites, warehouses, bunkhouses, and employee housing. 

Funds provided by the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) Legacy Restoration Fund (LRF) complement annually 

appropriated Facilities funds by helping the Forest Service address the more than $7 billion backlog of deferred 

maintenance. Legacy Restoration Funding allows Capital Improvement and Maintenance Facilities funding to target 

mission critical assets and prioritize annual maintenance and operations needs that help arrest the growth of the 

maintenance backlog.

Selected Examples of Recent Progress

Dam Safety Program

The dam safety program is working with the United States Bureau of Reclamation to test and update the emergency 

action plans for the Forest Service’s dams. The program has successfully tested 30 emergency action plans in the past 

two years and plans to test 10 to 12 more in the next year. The program has improved its compliance with the dam 

inspection regulations. This improves the health and safety of the people and the environment downstream of the 

Forest Service’s dams.

Spirit Lake Project

Also included within the Forest Service’s Facilities portfolio is the Spirit Lake tunnel. The 1980 Mount St. Helens volcanic 

eruption created a volcanic debris field blocking the outflow of Spirit Lake and creating a natural disaster emergency. 

Under the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s direction, the United States Army Corps of Engineers constructed 

a 1.6-mile tunnel through the volcanic debris field in 1985 to provide an outlet for lake-level management. In addition to 

annual operations and maintenance, planning is underway to ensure a resilient long-term Spirit Lake outflow for the 

protection of public safety, health, property, and the environment from a catastrophic breach of the Spirit Lake volcanic 

debris blockage. An inability to fund and complete projects in a timely manner increases the risk that a debris blockage 

failure could occur placing downstream communities (approximately 50,000 people) at risk of catastrophic flooding and 

mudflows, leading to the loss of billions of dollars of property and Columbia River and Interstate 5 transport. 

National Asset Management Plan

The CIP program continues to utilize the National Asset Management Plan to select the highest-priority projects that will 

have the best return on investment while meeting the Forest Service’s priorities. Recently the CIP program funded 44 

projects benefiting administrative offices, research facilities, fire facilities, recreation, and dam compliance.

Program Objectives for FY 2025

The program will continue to support the recreation facility and site maintenance program to support the growing 

recreational use by the public so that folks have a positive and safe experience while protecting the ecological systems 

surrounding these facilities and sites.

The program will continue to manage the more than 1,500 owned dams including the 85 high hazard potential dams 

through the performance of critical maintenance/repair needs, while further developing the emergency action plans in 

FY 2025. This work will ensure that the dams are safe while providing for the recreational experience and management 

use including fire suppression.

In FY 2025, the program will continue to use the National Asset Management Plan to select outyear projects that meet 

the Forest Service’s highest priority facility needs to support the recreational opportunities, land management activities, 

fire suppression, and natural resource research.
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ROADS

Table FS-76. Roads Detail Table (thousands of dollars)

Roads 2022 

Actual

2023 

Actual

2024 

Estimated

2025 

Request

Inc. or 

Dec.

Appropriations ..................................................... $70,613 $73,000 $73,000 $74,000 +$1,000

Recoveries ........................................................... 1,900 1,524 1,900 1,876

Balance Available, SOY ......................................... 7,294 10,056 6,740 4,490

Total Available...................................................... 79,807 84,580 81,640 80,366

Lapsing Balances................................................... -49 -21 - -

Balance Available, EOY ......................................... -10,056 -6,740 -4,490 -3,616

Total Obligations ................................................. 69,702 77,819 77,150 76,750

Roads – Justification of Changes

An increase of $1,000,000 in Roads ($73,000,000 in FY 2024). An increase of $1,000,000 will moderate the inflationary 

costs expected with three new capital improvement projects selected for FY 2025, two of which replace and repair 

bridges that are critical to support forest health initiatives, fire suppression, and fuels management, and provide access 

to campgrounds and other recreational areas. If not needed for these projects, the increase will aid in additional 

maintenance of Forest Service-owned roads and bridges, critical for access to National Forest System lands.

Roads – Status of Programs

Current Activities 

The Roads program funds the costs associated with the maintenance/repair and management of Forest Service-owned 

roads and bridges and all transportation CIP. The Forest Service is directly responsible for approximately 360,000 miles 

of roads, of which 65,000 miles are for passenger vehicles, and 6,700 road bridges across National Forests. The primary 

objective of this program is to operate and maintain a transportation network that meets the priority access needs of 

the public and the Forest Service while minimizing adverse impacts on the environment. This program is essential for 

land management activities, emergency response, and visitor use and enjoyment of National Forest System lands. 

Forest roads are essential for active forest management, both for forest product removal and for hazardous fuels 

mitigation treatments. 

Selected Examples of Recent Progress

Addressing National Bridge Inspection and Standard Updates

The Forest Service continues to implement comprehensive bridge construction and inspection programs to maintain 

and improve asset condition. Every year the Forest Service conducts approximately 2,500 inspections to ensure safety of 

the Forest Service Bridge network. In response to the update to 23 CFR part 650 Subpart C, National Bridge Inspection 

Standards the Forest Service has been focusing on implementing transition to the new Specifications for the National 

Bridge Inventory qualifications, training, and inspection intervals.

Capital Improvement Projects

The Forest Service addressed rehabilitation and replacement of critical road and bridges needed to improve access to 

gateway communities, recreation opportunities, forest product removal, fuel treatments, and fire response by directing 

$10 million of road appropriations per year towards competitively selected priority road and bridge capital 

improvement projects. The Forest Service initiated 17 road and bridge projects across eight of the nine regions. Among 

these projects, $1 million was invested in roadway condition improvements throughout the Intermountain region; $1.2 

million was allocated to an aquatic organism passage project on a major stream in California that will improve water 

quality and stream flow; and $1.1 million was invested in a road reconstruction project that provides access to Tribal 

Nation resources, public and private timber lands, and recreational access to hiking trails in Minnesota.
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Addressing Backlog of Deferred Maintenance

At the present, there is an almost $5 billion backlog in transportation related deferred maintenance. $59.9 million of 

appropriated funds were allocated across nine Forest Service regions to address 1,610 miles of capital improvements 

and 14,211 miles of annual and deferred road maintenance that contributes to the total backlog of road and bridge 

work. 

Program Objectives for FY 2025

This program funds capital improvement, maintenance, and the maintenance and rehabilitation of Forest Serviceowned roads and bridges. The roads program will continue to maintain and repair transportation assets that are critical 

to access Nation Forest System Lands. In FY 2025, we have three new capital improvement projects selected, two of 

which will replace and repair bridges that are critical to support forest health initiatives, fire suppression and fuels 

management, and provide access to campgrounds and other recreational areas.
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TRAILS

Table FS-77. Trails Detail Table (thousands of dollars)

Trails 2022 

Actual

2023 

Actual

2024 

Estimated

2025 

Request

Inc. or 

Dec.

Appropriations ....................................................... $17,586 $20,000 $20,000 $21,500 +$1,500

Recoveries ............................................................. 1,077 417 350 350

Balance Available, SOY ........................................... 1,848 1,061 804 846

Total Available........................................................ 20,511 21,478 21,154 22,696

Lapsing Balances..................................................... -74 -5 - -

Balance Available, EOY ........................................... -1,061 -804 -846 -794

Total Obligations ................................................... 19,376 20,669 20,308 21,902

Trails – Justification of Changes

An increase of $1,500,000 in Trails ($20,000,000 in FY 2024). An increase of $1,500,000 sustains the largest system of 

trails in the country by increasing trail maintenance projects through increased partnerships with organizations such as 

Youth Corps and veterans’ programs, specifically Indian Youth Service Corps. Such partnerships expand opportunities for 

economic development and improve quality of life in rural and Tribal communities that rely on recreation tourism. 

These opportunities attract, inspire, and retain an engaged and motivated workforce that’s proud to represent USDA, 

the Forest Service Equity Action Plan36, and the Tribal Action Plan37.

Trails – Status of Programs

Current Activities 

The Forest Service’s Trails program works to increase trail sustainability and assessment capability by creating planning 

and assessment tools and simplifying Forest Service processes. The Forest Service manages nearly 163,000 miles of trails 

on National Forest System lands, of which 98,500 miles are non-motorized and 64,500 miles are motorized. The Forest 

Service is the administrating agency for six congressionally designated National Scenic and Historic Trails (NSHTs) 

totaling 10,000 miles and is the managing agency for 16 additional NSHTs (details about NSHTs are in the National 

Scenic and Historic Trails Special Exhibit). The Forest Service manages more than 370 National Recreation Trails on 

National Forest System lands. National Forest System trails provide connectivity with other trails managed by local, 

State, Federal, and Tribal Nation governments.

Selected Examples of Recent Progress

Trail Maintenance

Forest Service staff, partners, and volunteers maintained approximately 30,400 miles of National Forest System trails 

through multiple funding sources including the GAOA Legacy Restoration Fund. Maintenance activities include clearing 

vegetation and downed trees from the trail corridor, cleaning out trail drainage features, such as culverts and water 

bars, replacing trail signs, and conducting minor tread repairs. During this same time, nearly 850 miles of trail were 

improved. This includes newly constructed trails as well as trails that were relocated to a more sustainable location.

Workforce Capacity Initiative

The Trails program is working to increase its workforce capacity by building internal and external partnerships. A mobile 

training program on the use of mechanized trail building equipment has been initiated. The program provided six in36 Forest Service Equity Action Plan 2023-2024. 

37 Tribal Action Plan. 
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

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person week-long trail equipment trainings to 75 participants in four regions and included participants from Job Corps, 

Forest Service staff, local government, partners, and volunteers.

Program Objectives for FY 2025

The trails program will continue to administer the largest system of trails in the Country by streamlining Forest Service 

processes, leveraging internal and external workforce, and deepening the knowledge, skills, and abilities of the Forest 

Service, partners, and volunteer trail community. The program will invest in actions and processes that lead to more 

sustainable trails and build current and future workforce capacity.
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LEGACY ROAD REMEDIATION

Table FS-78. Legacy Road Remediation Detail Table (thousands of dollars)

Legacy Road Remediation 2022 

Actual

2023 

Actual

2024 

Estimated

2025 

Request

Inc. or 

Dec.

Appropriations ....................................................... $5,000 $6,000 $6,000 $6,000 -

Recoveries ............................................................. 80 109 318 209

Balance Available, SOY ........................................... 1,146 2,576 4,238 5,806

Total Available........................................................ 6,226 8,685 10,556 12,015

Balance Available, EOY ........................................... -2,576 -4,238 -5,806 -5,767

Total Obligations ................................................... 3,650 4,447 4,750 6,248

Legacy Road Remediation – Status of Programs

Current Activities 

The Forest Service administers a notably large transportation and trails infrastructure system including roads, trails, 

bridges, and other types of stream crossing features. The stream crossings pose a significant challenge to water quality 

and fish and aquatic species habitat health. Many roads, trails, and stream crossing structures are at risk due to 

increased storm intensities that exceed original infrastructure designs. Current activities planned as part of the Legacy 

Road and Trail Remediation Program are designed to address the challenges of reducing flood risk and improving route 

resilience to maintain access, improving stream crossings to accommodate fish and aquatic species passage to restore 

habitat connectivity, and mitigating erosion and sediment delivery to streams to improve water quality.

Selected Examples of Recent Progress

Aquatic Organism Passage Planning

In FY 2023, approximately $6 million in annual appropriated funding was invested in approximately 29 projects eligible 

for the Legacy Road and Trail Remediation program funding. Projects include ten aquatic organism passage planning, 

design, and construction projects to improve fish passage and National Forest System Road resilience, road

decommissioning, and multiple road, bridge and trail projects that will improve resilience and ensure future access.

Program Objectives for FY 2025

The Legacy Road and Trail Remediation program will provide for urgently needed road decommissioning where inaction 

can lead to water quality issues in streams and water bodies that support Threatened and Endangered Species (TES) or 

community water systems. Road decommissioning activities include restoring lands occupied by roads to a more natural 

state. Roads to be decommissioned include both system roads and unauthorized roads that exist on Forest Service lands 

that are adversely affecting TES or community water systems. 

Future projects include removal or replacement of stream crossing structures that are barriers to aquatic organism 

passage; road and trail repair and improvements and associated activities in environmentally sensitive areas; and repair 

and improvements on roads and trails subject to recent storm damage.
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CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS

Table FS-79. Construction Projects Detail Table (thousands of dollars)

Construction Projects 2022 

Actual

2023 

Actual

2024 

Estimated

2025 

Estimated

Inc. or 

Dec.

Appropriations ..................................................... $10,867 $5,048 $5,048 - -$5,048

Balance Available, SOY ......................................... - 6,767 6,064 $1,111

Total Available...................................................... 10,867 11,815 11,112 1,111

Balance Available, EOY ......................................... -6,767 -6,064 -1,111 -

Total Obligations ................................................. 4,100 5,751 10,001 1,111

Construction Projects – Justification of Changes

A decrease of $5,048,000 in Construction Projects ($5,048,000 in FY 2024). This program funds Congressionally Directed 

Spending projects which are not requested by the Forest Service. 
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

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OTHER SUPPLEMENTAL FUNDING

Table FS-80. Disaster Supplemental Detail Table (thousands of dollars)

Disaster Supplemental 2022 

Actual

2023 

Actual

2024 

Estimated

2025 

Estimated

Inc. or 

Dec.

Appropriations ................................................................. $470,000 $150,000 - - -

Recoveries ....................................................................... 419 128 - -

Balance Available, SOY ..................................................... 42,606 478,319 $472,510 $282,764

Total Available ................................................................. 513,025 628,447 472,510 282,764

Balance Available, EOY ..................................................... -478,319 -472,510 -282,764 -32,695

Total Obligations ............................................................. 34,706 155,937 189,746 250,069

Disaster Supplemental

Disaster Supplemental funding supports Forest Service actions, activities, and responses to wildfires, hurricanes, and 

other natural disasters having a direct impact to Forest Service managed lands and assets and the communities 

contiguous to or embedded within those managed lands. 

Table FS-81. Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Detail Table (thousands of dollars)

Bipartisan Infrastructure Law 2022 

Actual

2023 

Actual

2024 

Estimated

2025 

Estimated

Inc. or 

Dec.

Appropriations ................................................................. $72,000 $72,000 $72,000 $72,000 -

Recoveries ....................................................................... - 269 - -

Transfers Out.................................................................... -11,880 -16,489 -16,040 -

Balance Available, SOY ..................................................... - 28,820 47,929 30,389

Total Available ................................................................. 60,120 84,600 103,889 102,389

Balance Available, EOY ..................................................... -28,820 -47,929 -30,389 -27,889

Total Obligations ............................................................. 31,300 36,671 73,500 74,500

Bipartisan Infrastructure Law

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (P.L. 115-78), also referred to as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, broadly 

supports ecosystem restoration, wildfire risk reduction, wildfire mitigation grants, and other community support 

activities. 
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

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CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT AND MAINTENANCE PROJECTS OVER $1 MILLION SELECTED IN 2025

The Forest Service has a structured National Asset Management Program (NAMP) that incorporates the Comprehensive 

Capital Improvement Plan process. The NAMP prioritizes investments in capital improvement and maintenance projects 

and helps reduce the Forest Service’s deferred maintenance backlog. These projects will address improvements, repairs 

and rehabilitation of mission critical buildings, recreation sites, transportation assets and the decommissioning of 

projects. All capital improvement and maintenance projects, whether they are funded through the Capital Improvement 

and Maintenance (CIM) appropriation or through GAOA (P.L. 116-152), are included in the NAMP. 

Per Congressional directive in the 2018 Interior Appropriations report, the Forest Service is providing a list of planned 

national capital improvement and maintenance projects over $1 million. This list represents a long-term multi-year plan 

that addresses needed investments in facilities, recreation, transportation, and decommissioning based on the 2025 

Budget request and using the NAMP prioritization process. This list includes projects that would be funded with Forest 

Service appropriations under the following budget line items: Facilities, Forest Service Leases and Maintenance, and 

Roads; it does not include projects that would be funded by the National Parks and Public Lands Restoration Fund 

established by GAOA.
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

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Table FS-82. 2025 - 2029 Capital Improvement and Maintenance Projects Over $1 Million Selected in 2024

Project Type Project Name Forest

Region or 

Unit State

Congressional 

District 2025 a 2026 a 2027 a 2028 a 2029 a

Total 2025-

2029

Recreation Site Georgetown Lake Boat 

Launch Paving Deerlodge 

County

Beaverhead 

Deerlodge 

National Forest

Northern (01) MT 1 $200,000 $1,650,000 - - - $1,850,000

Recreation Site Santa Rita Wells Coronado 

National Forest

Southwestern 

(03)

AZ 1 140,000 997,699 - - - 1,137,699

Recreation Site 0907 Black River Waterfall 

Complex Platforms and Stair 

Replacement for Visitor 

Safety and Access DM

Ottawa National 

Forest

Eastern (09) MI 3 505,623 - - - - 505,623

Recreation Site FC14 – Minersville Boat 

Launch Facility

Shasta Trinity 

National Forest

Pacific

Southwest 

(05)

CA 1 265,225 583,495 - - - 848,720

Recreation Site Twenty-mile Trailhead 

Construction for Improved 

Access to Portage Valley and 

the Iditarod National Historic 

Trail

Chugach 

National Forest

Alaska (10) AK 1 - 1,981,252 - - - 1,981,252

Total Recreation Site 1,110,848 5,194,446 6,323,294

Facility Northern Hills Parking Lot 

Reconstruction 

Black Hills 

National Forest

Rocky 

Mountain 

(02)

SD 1 1,025,000 - - - - 1,025,000

Facility Guadalupe RD Office 

Building

Lincoln National 

Forest Southwestern 

(03)

NM 2 40,000 100,000 $700,000 - - 840,000

Facility Elko Office Colocation with 

BLM

HumboldtToiyabe National 

Forest

Intermountai

n (04)

NV 2 3,300,000 - - - - 3,300.000

Facility North River and Lee District 

Office HVAC Replacement 

George 

Washington and 

Jefferson 

National Forest 

Southern (08) VA 6 200,000 1,300,000 - - - 1,500,000

Facility Glacier Ranger District Land 

Acquisition 

Chugach 

National Forest

Alaska (10) AK 1 1,600,000 - - - - 1,600,000

Facility Modoc South Fork Utility 

Shop

Modoc National 

Forest

Pacific 

Southwest 

(05)

CA 1 954,810 - - - - 954,810
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

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Project Type Project Name Forest

Region or 

Unit State

Congressional 

District 2025 a 2026 a 2027 a 2028 a 2029 a

Total 2025-

2029

Facility Ash Creek Guard Station Modoc National 

Forest

Pacific 

Southwest 

(05)

CA 1 2,010,406 1,174,947 - - - 3,185,353

Facility Sierra National Forest 

Supervisor’s Office

Sierra National 

Forest

Pacific 

Southwest 

(05)

CA 1 6,695,000 - - - - 6,695,000

Facility Jackson Fire Engine Bay 

Replacement

Bridger-Teton 

National Forest

Intermountai

n (04)

WY 1 and 3 - 2,813,772 - - - 2,813,772

Facility Missoula Aerial Fire Depot 

60-Bed Dormitory 

Modernization

Lolo National 

Forest

Northern (01) MT 3 116,699 1,166,990 - - - 1,283,689

Facility Palouse Ranger Station 

Improvements

Nez Perce 

National Forest

Northern (01) ID 3 111,395 992,983 - - - 1,104,378

Facility North Fork Office 

Rehabilitation

Salmon-Challis 

National Forest

Intermountai

n (04)

ID 3 155,119 1,054,809 - - - 1,209,928

Total Facilities 16,208,429 8,603,501 700,000 - - 25,511,930

Transportation Boise National Forest Road 

Bridge Replacement

Boise National 

Forest

Intermountai

n (04)

ID 1 491,727 399,938 417,422 - - 1,309,087

Transportation Forest Service Road 172-C 

Jones Creek Bridge 

Replacement 

Land Between 

the Lakes NRA

Southern (08) KY 1 98,800 1,289,600 - - - 1,388,400

Transportation 0905 Mark Twain Multiple 

Administrative Site Road and 

Parking Resurfacing – DM

Mark Twain 

National Forest

Eastern (09) MO 8 21,855 98,345 83,454 - - 203,654

Transportation Batson and Long Lake Road 

Bridge Replacements

Chippewa 

National Forest

Eastern (09) MN 8 229,000 2,570,000 - - - 2,799,000

Transportation Chequamegon-Nicolet FR 

164 Reconstruction 

Vegetation Management

ChequamegonNicolet National 

Forest 

Eastern (09) WI 7 1,273,080 - - - - 1,273,080

Transportation Bridge Replacements Group 

2-Cisco Br Ontonogan River 

6930-1.722 and M Br 

Ontonagon River 5250-4.46 

for Safety Issues DM

Ottawa National 

Forest

Eastern (09) MI 3 42,436 1,281,389 - - - 1,323,825

Transportation Minarets Road (4S81) 

Surface Treatment

Sierra National 

Forest

Pacific 

Southwest 

(05)

CA 1 954,810 954,810 - -- - 1,909,620
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

29a-129 

Project Type Project Name Forest

Region or 

Unit State

Congressional 

District 2025 a 2026 a 2027 a 2028 a 2029 a

Total 2025-

2029

Total Transportation 3,111,708 6,594,082 500,876 - - 10,206,666

Dam Monongahela 2023 Lake 

Sherwood Dam Repairs

Monongahela 

National Forest

Eastern (09) WV 3 477,405 1,273,080 - - - 1,750,485

Total Dam 477,405 1,273,080 - - - 1,750,485

Decommissioning Wayne Recreation Lewis 

Lake and Smith Hollow Lake 

Decommissioning

Wayne National 

Forest

Eastern (09) OH 6 1,273,080 - - - - 1,273,080

Decommissioning 0915 Bunker Removal Group 

63

Midewin 

National 

Tallgrass Prairie 

Eastern (09) IL 6 1,441,384 - - - - 1,441,384

Decommissioning 0915-Bunker Demolition 

Group 66a2

Midewin 

National 

Tallgrass Prairie 

Eastern (09) IL 6 1,076,822 - - - - 1,076,822

Decommissioning Parsons Reservoir Dam 

Removal and Associated 

Stream Restoration

Monongahela 

National Forest 

Eastern (09) WV 2 2,060,000 - - - - 2,060,000

Decommissioning Allison Dam Removal Nez Perce 

National Forest

Northern (01) ID 3 2,060,000 - - - - 2,060,000

Total Decommissioning 9,352,670 - - - - 9,352,670

Grand Total 30,261,060 21,665,109 1,200,876 - - 53,307,045

a Budget year funding represents needed for a unit to implement a specific portion of the project. This amount does not always equal the total project cost.
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

29a-130 

CLASSIFICATION BY OBJECTS

Table FS-83. Classification by Objects (thousands of dollars)

Item 

No.

Item 2022 

Actual

2023 

Actual

2024 

Estimated

2025 

Estimated

Personnel Compensation:

Personnel compensation, field .......................................... $836 $1,942 $648 $197

11.0 Total personnel compensation.......................................... 836 1,942 648 197

12.0 Personal benefits.............................................................. 451 389 130 39

Total, personnel compensation and benefits..................... 1,287 2,331 778 236

Other Objects:

21.0 Travel and transportation of persons................................. 140 1,275 1,078 1,211

22.0 Transportation of things.................................................... 1,142 307 1,104 1,240

23.1 Rental payments to GSA.................................................... 12 - 9 10

23.2 Rental payments to others................................................ 19 9 21 24

23.3 Communications, utilities, and misc. charges..................... 385 1,146 1,166 1,310

24.0 Printing and reproduction ................................................. 184 148 253 284

25.1 Advisory and assistance services....................................... 6,135 157 4,794 5,384

25.2 Other services from non-Federal sources .......................... 78,805 149,790 174,154 195,607

25.3 Other goods and services from Federal sources................. 48,602 65,861 87,203 97,945

25.4 Operation and maintenance of facilities............................ 680 296 744 835

25.6 Medical care ..................................................................... 10 13 18 20

25.7 Operation and maintenance of equipment........................ 1,028 1,569 1,979 2,222

26.0 Supplies and materials...................................................... 12,931 14,494 20,894 23,467

31.0 Equipment........................................................................ 3,632 1,883 4,202 4,719

32.0 Land and structures .......................................................... 13,084 33,686 35,632 40,021

33.0 Investments and loans...................................................... 752 - 573 643

41.0 Grants, subsidies, and contributions.................................. 44,345 91,794 103,717 116,493

42.0 Insurance claims and indemnities...................................... 27 117 105 118

43.0 Interest and dividends....................................................... 2 1 2 3

44.0 Refunds............................................................................ -4 -2 - -

92.0 Undistributed.................................................................... 2 4 5 5

Total, other objects........................................................... 211,913 362,548 437,651 491,563

99.9 Total, new obligations....................................................... 213,200 364,879 438,429 491,799

Position Data:

Average Salary (dollars), GS Position ................................. $71,548 $74,410 $78,130 $79,693 

Average Grade, GS Position............................................... 10.1 10.4 10.4 10.5 
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

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LAND ACQUISITION

LEAD-OFF TABULAR STATEMENT

Table FS-84. Lead-Off Tabular Statement (In dollars)

Item Amount

2024 Estimated Budget....................................................................................................... $814,000 

Change in Appropriation..................................................................................................... -

2025 Request...................................................................................................................... 814,000 

APPROPRIATIONS LANGUAGE

The appropriations language follows (new language underscored; deleted matter enclosed in brackets):

LAND ACQUISITION 

ACQUISITION OF LANDS FOR NATIONAL FORESTS SPECIAL ACTS

For acquisition of lands within the exterior boundaries of the Cache, Uinta, and Wasatch National Forests, Utah; 

the Toiyabe National Forest, Nevada; and the Angeles, San Bernardino, Sequoia, and Cleveland National Forests, 

California; and the Ozark-St. Francis and Ouachita National Forests, Arkansas; as authorized by law, $664,000, to 

be derived from forest receipts.

ACQUISITION OF LANDS TO COMPLETE LAND EXCHANGES

For acquisition of lands, such sums, to be derived from funds deposited by State, county, or municipal 

governments, public school districts, or other public school authorities, and for authorized expenditures from 

funds deposited by non-Federal parties pursuant to Land Sale and Exchange Acts, pursuant to the Act of December 

4, 1967 (16 U.S.C. 484a), to remain available through September 30, [2027]2028, (16 U.S.C. 516-617a, 555a; Public 

Law 96-586; Public Law 76-589, Public Law 76-591; and Public Law 78-310).

Note.--A full-year 2024 appropriation for this account was not enacted at the time the Budget was prepared; 

therefore, the Budget assumes this account is operating under the Continuing Appropriations Act, 2024 and Other 

Extensions Act (Division A of Public Law 118-15, as amended). The amounts included for 2024 reflect the 

annualized level provided by the continuing resolution.

Change Description

Change in years only.
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

29a-132 

PROJECT STATEMENTS

Table FS-85. Appropriations Project Statement (thousands of dollars, FTEs)

Project Statement 2022 

Actual

FTEs 2023 

Actual

FTEs 2024 

Estimated

FTEs 2025 

Request

FTEs Inc. or 

Dec.

FTE 

Inc. 

or 

Dec.

Land Acquisition:

Discretionary 

Appropriations....... $814 2 $814 2 $814 - $814 2 - +2

Mandatory 

Appropriations....... $126,694 44 128,964 41 127,711 38 127,711 38 - -

Total 

Appropriations....... 127,508 46 129,778 43 128,525 38 128,525 40 - +2

Table FS-86. Appropriations Detail Table (thousands of dollars)

Detail Table 2022 

Actual

2023 

Actual

2024 

Estimated

2025 

Request

Inc. or 

Dec.

Land Acquisition:

Land Acquisition............................................................... - - - - -

Acquisition of Land for National Forest Special Acts.......... $664 $664 $664 $664 -

Acquisition of Lands to Complete Land Exchanges............. 150 150 150 150 -

Conveyance of Administrative Sites.................................. 3,624 4,500 3,800 3,800 -

Site-Specific Lands Act...................................................... 801 26 26 26 -

Land Acquisition (Great American Outdoors Act) .............. 122,269 124,438 123,885 123,885 -

Total, Land Acquisition..................................................... 127,508 129,778 128,525 128,525 -
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

29a-133 

LAND ACQUISITION

Table FS-87. Land Acquisition Detail Table (thousands of dollars)

Land Acquisition 2022 

Actual

2023 

Actual

2024 

Estimated

2025 

Request

Inc. or 

Dec.

Recoveries ........................................................... $877 $1,189 $877 $981 -

Balance Available, SOY ......................................... 85,218 70,892 64,927 46,063

Total Available...................................................... 86,095 72,081 65,804 47,044

Balance Available, EOY ......................................... -70,893 -64,927 -46,063 -18,818

Total Obligations ................................................. 15,202 7,154 19,741 28,226

Land Acquisition – Status of Programs

Current Activities 

The Forest Service acquired 46,185 acres providing recreational access, watershed protection, and other benefits 

such as biodiversity conservation, sustainable resource management, and support for local economies. The Forest 

Service is actively working to address Congressional direction in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 Joint Explanatory 

Statement to improve the appraisal process. This includes collaborative and effective use of partners, uniform 

service-wide appraisal policies, and third-party contracting. The Chief Appraiser has given instructions to Forest 

Service appraisers, enabling them to share Forest Service-approved appraisals with parties, including partners with 

a reciprocal business relationship with the Forest Service. The Forest Service reaffirmed that Regional Lands 

Directors may authorize third-party partners for appraisal contracting. The Forest Service is taking steps to 

enhance its Land Acquisition Program, including working with National Land Adjustment Team reviews, and 

collaborating with regional offices to ensure consistency and improve efficiencies in the process.

Selected Examples of Recent Progress

Acquisition of Land in Montana 

The Lolo National Forest acquired the Missoula Valley Front country Phase II property, equating to 5,948 deeded 

acres. This acquisition was essential to safeguard both existing and future recreation opportunities, providing 

access to activities such as hiking, hunting, skiing, and biking. Obtaining this property serves the purpose of 

mitigating the effects of increased public use and will enhance the overall user experience in this area. This 

property features a network of legacy mountain biking and hiking trails with a history spanning several decades. In 

addition, it contains at least four tributary streams that support sport fisheries with the Clark Fork River frontage

offering excellent recreational fishing access. Moreover, this acquisition consolidates Federal ownership and Forest 

Service management within the proclaimed Forest Boundary of the Lolo National Forest. This property is 

strategically positioned adjacent to existing National Forest System lands, which has opened possibilities for 

improved landscape level resource and public access management opportunities. 

Acquisition of Land in New Mexico

The Cibola National Forest acquired the Rio Nutria property, 2,939 deeded acres. The acquisition has significantly 

improved hunting opportunities for mule deer, elk, and other sought-after big game species. Moreover, it ensures 

ongoing public access to activities such as hiking, horseback riding, and wildlife viewing. The addition of the Rio 

Nutria property has effectively conserved and enhanced significant watershed, scenic, recreation, historical, and 

archaeological assets, along with safeguarding wildlife and plant resources. This property was previously slated for 

development which would have created a wildland-urban interface concern for over 100 new homes, a concern 

that has now been mitigated by this acquisition. Local communities continue to work cooperatively to support this 

acquisition, working in collaboration to protect the critical habitat for the Endangered Zuni Bluehead Sucker, 

reducing risk and contributing to the improvement of water quality and aquatic habitats.
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

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Program Objectives for FY 2025

In FY 2025, the Forest Service will use Federal funding from the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Act of 

1965 (P.L. 88-578) to acquire land within or adjacent to the boundaries of the National Forests, within wilderness 

areas, and inholdings. Land acquisitions will continue to focus on enhancing recreational opportunities, public 

access, and efficiencies for priority land management activities, such as hazardous fuels treatments and watershed 

protection. Funding from the LWCF will continue to support land exchanges by funding cash equalization payments 

and required staff. 

The LWCF Act of 1965 was amended by GAOA (P.L. 116- 152) which provides up to $900 million in mandatory 

funding annually for all Federal land acquisition and State assistance programs across the Forest Service and the 

Department of the Interior. Following LWCF requirements, the Forest Service has submitted the FY 2025 list of 

priority-ranked projects based on LWCF, Forest Service, and Administration priorities. These priorities include 

Justice40 initiatives, creating new and enhanced recreation access, funding projects with substantial local 

community support, and conserving critical watersheds. All LWCF Land Acquisition projects will continue to 

contribute to the America the Beautiful initiative to preserve 30 percent of America’s lands and waters by 2030.
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

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ACQUISITION OF LANDS FOR NATIONAL FORESTS SPECIAL ACTS

Table FS-88. Acquisition of Land for National Forest Special Acts Detail Table (thousands of dollars)

Acquisition of Land for National Forest Special 

Acts

2022 

Actual

2023 

Actual

2024 

Estimated

2025 

Request

Inc. or 

Dec.

Appropriations ..................................................... $664 $664 $664 $664 -

Total Available...................................................... 664 664 664 664

Lapsing Balances .................................................. - -664 -60 -60

Total Obligations ................................................. 664 - 604 604

Acquisition of Lands for National Forests Special Acts – Status of Programs

Current Activities 

The Acquisition of Lands for National Forest Special Acts is a program that currently funds eight National Forests 

located in Arkansas, California, Idaho, Nevada, and Utah. This program is authorized under the seven Special Acts 

with annual appropriated funds from National Forest receipts generated by the occupancy of public land and the 

sale of natural resources, excluding minerals. The funds for this program are designated for land acquisition within 

the same state or National Forest where the receipts were generated, as specified in the relevant legislation. 

Annual appropriations are required to sustain this program.

Selected Example of Recent Progress

Acquisition of land in Arkansas; Ozark National Forest

Program funds have been used to acquire 35.54 acres of land in the Ozark National Forest, Arkansas, specifically in 

the Lamb Tract O-6786. Additionally, program funds continue to be used to reduce soil erosion and sediment flow, 

within this steep terrain, into the Left Fork Creek watershed. This acquisition will continue to enhance the National 

Forest by providing improved public access to this area, and adjacent public lands. Furthermore, it will continue to 

promote recreational use, support wildlife habitat, and protect Honey Creek, within the watershed.

Program Objectives for FY 2025

In FY 2025, this program will continue to use annual appropriated funds and continue to fund land acquisition 

either in the same State or same National Forest, depending on the specific language in the legislation that 

generated the receipts.
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

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ACQUISITION OF LANDS TO COMPLETE LAND EXCHANGES

Table FS-89. Acquisition of Lands to Complete Land Exchanges Detail Table (thousands of dollars)

Acquisition of Land to Complete Land Exchanges 2022 

Actual

2023 

Actual

2024 

Estimated

2025 

Request

Inc. or 

Dec.

Appropriations ..................................................... $150 $150 $150 $150 -

Balance Available, SOY ......................................... 1,707 1,757 1,907 1,337

Total Available...................................................... 1,857 1,907 2,057 1,487

Balance Available, EOY ......................................... -1757 -1907 -1337 -967

Total Obligations ................................................. 100 - 720 520

Acquisition of Lands to Complete Land Exchanges – Status of Programs

Current Activities 

This program currently acquires land by using funds generated from the exchange or sale of National Forest 

System lands between various entities, such as states, county or municipal governments, public school districts, or 

other non-Federal entities to acquire similar non-Federal properties. The acquired land must be located in the 

same state as the land involved in the exchange.

Selected Examples of Recent Progress

Program Objectives for FY 2025

In FY 2025, this program will continue to use funds for the exchange or sale National Forest System lands between 

states, county or municipal governments, public school districts, or other non-Federal entities to acquire similar 

non-Federal properties. 
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

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CONVEYANCE OF ADMINISTRATIVE SITES

Table FS-90. Conveyance of Administrative Sites Detail Table (thousands of dollars)

Conveyance of Administrative Sites 2022 

Actual

2023 

Actual

2024 

Estimated

2025 

Request

Inc. or 

Dec.

Appropriations ...................................................... $3,624 $4,500 $3,800 $3,800 -

Recoveries ............................................................ 3 18 6 6

Sequestrations....................................................... -207 -262 - -

Balance Available, SOY .......................................... 20,171 20,128 19,218 14,966

Total Available ...................................................... 23,591 24,384 23,024 18,772

Balance Available, EOY .......................................... -20,128 -19,218 -14,966 -12,202

Total Obligations .................................................. 3,463 5,166 8,058 6,570

Conveyance of Administrative Sites – Status of Programs

Current Activities 

The Forest Service currently utilizes conveyance authorities to shape its real property portfolio effectively, 

reducing management costs and improving operations. This program provides substantial economic and social 

advantages, including additional tax revenue for local communities and opportunities for redevelopment in line 

with community plans and economic stimulus strategies.

Program Objectives for FY 2025

In FY 2025, this program will use funds generated from the conveyance of administrative sites to maintain, 

rehabilitate, and construct specific projects. These projects, if valued over $500,000, will require notification of 

both the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations. The program will continue to realign the Forest 

Service’s facility portfolio by encouraging local managers to sell obsolete or underutilized assets and invest in 

assets that align with the Forest Service’s mission. This authority helps address current and future needs efficiently 

and reduces annual lease costs by transferring control of certain administration sites which will eliminate or lessen 

lease payments and reduce the backlog of deferred maintenance. Additionally, the program will continue to yield 

substantial economic and social benefits, including community development plans, and economic stimulus 

strategies, such as an additional tax base. 
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

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SITE SPECIFIC LANDS ACT

Table FS-91. Site Specific Lands Act Detail Table (thousands of dollars)

Site Specific Lands Act 2022 

Actual

2023 

Actual

2024 

Estimated

2025 

Request

Inc. or 

Dec.

Appropriations ...................................................... $801 $26 $26 $26 -

Balance Available, SOY .......................................... 9,544 10,229 9,937 8,967

Total Available....................................................... 10,345 10,256 9,963 8,993

Balance Available, EOY .......................................... -10,228 -9,937 -8,967 -8,094

Total Obligations .................................................. 117 319 996 899

Site Specific Lands Act – Status of Programs

Current Activities 

Presently, projects are identified through the legislative process annually. Consequently, funds collected vary 

based on legislation. In addition, this program continues to use funds from the sale of National Forest System lands 

pursuant to special acts passed by Congress. These funds are used for specific improvements to lands and facilities 

within the same national forest or state. 

Selected Example of Recent Progress

Creation of the Lake Okhissa Lodge

The Forest Service completed the conveyance of 150-acres of land previously part of the National Forests in 

Mississippi’s Homochitto National Forest at Okhissa Lake in Franklin County, Mississippi. The land was acquired for 

a rural economic development project including a lodge-style hotel, conference center, and other amenities. This 

development will continue to attract visitors to the area and bring increased economic benefits to a largely rural 

and underserved area.

Program Objectives for FY 2025

In FY 2025, this program will continue to use funds from the sale of National Forest System lands pursuant to 

special Acts passed by Congress for specific improvements to lands and facilities within the same national forest or 

state. This program will follow legislated project guidelines which may include work functions such as notification, 

analysis, valuation, and realty case processing services; construction of new facilities; alteration of existing facilities 

to change their functions; and expansion of facilities to meet the needs of changing mission critical functions. This 

project will continue to be identified annually through the legislative process. As a result, benefits and funds 

collected will vary annually based on legislation.
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

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CLASSIFICATION BY OBJECTS

Table FS-92. Classification by Objects (thousands of dollars)

Item 

No.

Item 2022 

Actual

2023 

Actual

2024 

Estimated

2025 

Estimated

Personnel Compensation:

Washington D.C ................................................................ $3,796 $3,734 $3,900 $3,958

Personnel compensation, field .......................................... 119 105 110 111

11.0 Total personnel compensation.......................................... 3,915 3,839 4,010 4,069

12.0 Personal benefits.............................................................. 1,590 1,569 1,639 1,663

Total, personnel compensation and benefits..................... 5,505 5,408 5,649 5,732

Other Objects:

21.0 Travel and transportation of persons................................. 5 80 121 139

22.0 Transportation of things.................................................... 105 - 149 171

23.3 Communications, utilities, and misc. charges..................... -1 4 4 5

25.1 Advisory and assistance services....................................... 30 4 48 56

25.2 Other services from non-Federal sources .......................... 3,141 644 5,381 6,180

25.3 Other goods and services from Federal sources................. 334 2,132 3,506 4,026

25.4 Operation and maintenance of facilities............................ 2 - 3 3

25.7 Operation and maintenance of equipment........................ 4 7 16 18

26.0 Supplies and materials...................................................... 91 195 407 467

31.0 Equipment........................................................................ 432 337 1,093 1,255

32.0 Land and structures .......................................................... 31,317 68,502 141,662 162,677

41.0 Grants, subsidies, and contributions.................................. 788 548 1,899 2,181

44.0 Refunds............................................................................ - -178 - -

Total, other objects........................................................... 36,248 72,275 154,290 177,178

99.9 Total, new obligations....................................................... 41,753 77,683 159,939 182,910

Position Data:

Average Salary (dollars), GS Position ................................. $84,035 $87,396 $91,766 $93,602 

Average Grade, GS Position............................................... 11.4 11.6 11.7 11.7 
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2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

OTHER APPROPRIATIONS

LEAD-OFF TABULAR STATEMENT

Table FS-93. Lead-Off Tabular Statement (In dollars)

Item Amount

2024 Estimated Budget....................................................................................................... $2,863,000 

Change in Appropriation..................................................................................................... +2,000,000

2025 Request...................................................................................................................... 4,863,000 

APPROPRIATIONS LANGUAGE

The appropriations language follows (new language underscored; deleted matter enclosed in brackets):

RANGE BETTERMENT FUND

For necessary expenses of range rehabilitation, protection, and improvement, 50 percent of all moneys received 

during the prior fiscal year, as fees for grazing domestic livestock on lands in National Forests in the 16 Western 

States, pursuant to section 401(b)(1) of Public Law 94-579, to remain available through September 30,[2027]2028,

of which not to exceed 6 percent shall be available for administrative expenses associated with on-the-ground

range rehabilitation, protection, and improvements.

Note.--A full-year 2024 appropriation for this account was not enacted at the time the Budget was prepared;

therefore, the Budget assumes this account is operating under the Continuing Appropriations Act, 2024 and Other

Extensions Act (Division A of Public Law 118-15, as amended). The amounts included for 2024 reflect the

annualized level provided by the continuing resolution.

GIFTS, DONATIONS AND BEQUESTS FOR FOREST AND RANGELAND RESEARCH 

For expenses authorized by 16 U.S.C. 1643(b), $45,000, to remain available through September 30, [2027]2028, to 

be derived from the fund established pursuant to the above Act.

Note.--A full-year 2024 appropriation for this account was not enacted at the time the Budget was prepared;

therefore, the Budget assumes this account is operating under the Continuing Appropriations Act, 2024 and Other

Extensions Act (Division A of Public Law 118-15, as amended). The amounts included for 2024 reflect the

annualized level provided by the continuing resolution.

MANAGEMENT OF NATIONAL FOREST LANDS FOR SUBSISTENCE USES

For necessary expenses of the Forest Service to manage Federal lands in Alaska for subsistence uses under title VIII

of the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (16 U.S.C. 3111 et seq.), $1,099,000, to remain available 

through September 30, [ 2027]2028. 

Note.--A full-year 2024 appropriation for this account was not enacted at the time the Budget was prepared;

therefore, the Budget assumes this account is operating under the Continuing Appropriations Act, 2024 and Other

Extensions Act (Division A of Public Law 118-15, as amended). The amounts included for 2024 reflect the

annualized level provided by the continuing resolution.

COMMUNICATIONS SITE ADMINISTRATION

(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

[ ]For necessary expenses of communications site administration, $2,000,000, to remain available until expended,

to be deposited in the special account established by section 8705(f)(1) of such the Agriculture Improvement Act of

2018 (Public Law 115-334): Provided, That amounts collected in this fiscal year pursuant to section 8705(f)(2) of

such Act shall be deposited in the special account established by section 8705(f)(1) of such Act, shall be available to

29a-141 
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

29a-142 

cover the costs described in subsection (c)(3) of such section of such Act, and shall remain available until 

expended: Provided further, That amounts made available under this heading shall be transferred to the "National 

Forest System" account.

Note.--A full-year 2024 appropriation for this account was not enacted at the time the Budget was prepared; 

therefore, the Budget assumes this account is operating under the Continuing Appropriations Act, 2024 and Other 

Extensions Act (Division A of Public Law 118-15, as amended). The amounts included for 2024 reflect the 

annualized level provided by the continuing resolution.

Change Description

The first change (lines 1 of paragraph 7) removes space at start of paragraph.
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

29a-143 

PROJECT STATEMENTS

Table FS-94. Appropriations Project Statement (thousands of dollars, FTEs)

Project Statement 2022 

Actual

FTEs 2023 

Actual

FTEs 2024 

Estimated

FTEs 2025 

Request

FTEs Inc. or 

Dec.

FTE 

Inc. 

or 

Dec.

Other 

Appropriations:

Discretionary 

Appropriations......... $3,573 - $3,645 - $2,863 - $4,863 - +$2,000 -

Total Appropriations 3,573 - 3,645 - 2,863 - 4,863 - +$2,000 -

Table FS-95. Appropriations Detail Table (thousands of dollars)

Detail Table 2022 

Actual

2023 

Actual

2024 

Estimated

2025 

Request

Inc. or Dec.

Other Appropriations:

Range Betterment Fund............................................. $2,474 $2,546 $1,719 $1,719 -

Gifts, Donations, and Bequest for Forest and 

Rangeland Research................................................ - - 45 45 -

Management of National Forest Lands for 

Subsistence Uses .................................................... 1,099 1,099 1,099 1,099 -

Communication Site Administration........................... - - - 2,000 +$2,000

Total, Other Appropriations...................................... 3,573 3,645 2,863 4,863 +2,000
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

29a-144 

RANGE BETTERMENT FUND

Table FS-96. Range Betterment Fund Detail Table (thousands of dollars)

Range Betterment Fund 2022 

Actual

2023 

Actual

2024 

Estimated

2025 

Request

Inc. or 

Dec.

Appropriations .................................................................... $2,474 $2,546 $1,719 $1,719 -

Recoveries .......................................................................... - 3 100 52

Balance Available, SOY ........................................................ 2,413 2,277 2,676 2,068

Total Available .................................................................... 4,887 4,826 4,495 3,839

Lapsing Balances.................................................................. -56 -77 - -

Balance Available, EOY ........................................................ -2,278 -2,676 -2,068 -1,420

Total Obligations ................................................................ 2,553 2,073 2,427 2,419

Range Betterment Fund – Status of Programs

Current Activities 

This program collects grazing fees and uses them to improve rangelands on National Forest System (NFS) lands in 

the 16 contiguous western States. It allocates half of funds to the unit where grazing fees were collected and 

distributes the remaining half within the region where the collections were derived. The program continues to 

support rangeland improvement efforts, such as seeding and reseeding, fence construction, water development, 

weed and other plant control, and fish and wildlife habitat enhancements. These projects and activities help 

reduce range deterioration, improve forage conditions for wildlife, protect watersheds, and increase livestock 

production.

Selected Example of Recent Progress

Improving Allotments

The Rangeland Management Program has improved vegetation and forage conditions over 13,000 acres of NFS 

rangeland. The effort included projects such as constructing fences to protect resources and habitats on grazing 

allotments, removing dilapidated fences that are no longer needed, removing overgrown brush, and planting 

native seeds for plant and wildlife habitats. In addition, the program has accomplished invasive species control of 

nearly 3,000 acres. These control methods include both herbicide treatments and biocontrol, such as targeted 

grazing with livestock.

Rocky Mountain Region

Using Range Betterment funding, the Rocky Mountain Region purchased and installed two virtual fence towers to 

improve permitted livestock grazing distribution and riparian area management over four different grazing 

allotments. Virtual fences were incorporated to improve riparian areas within the four allotments and livestock 

management. Similar projects are incorporated across NFS lands for a variety of benefits including the 

management of fisheries, botanical resources, and targeted grazing for hazardous fuel reduction. 

Program Objectives for FY 2025 

Range Betterment funds will continue to improve the health and productivity of rangelands on NFS lands. The 

program will seek innovative opportunities such as incorporating virtual fencing to improve grazing and riparian 

area management, seeding and reseeding native plants for forage and wildlife, and finding opportunities for 

targeted grazing for hazardous fuel reduction.
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GIFTS, DONATIONS, AND BEQUESTS FOR FOREST AND RANGELAND RESEARCH

Table FS-97. Gifts, Donations, and Bequests for Forest and Rangeland Research Detail Table (thousands of dollars)

Gifts, Donations, and Bequests for Forest and 

Rangeland Research

2022 

Actual

2023 

Actual

2024 

Estimated

2025 

Request

Inc. or 

Dec.

Appropriations ..................................................... - - $45 $45 -

Balance Available, SOY ......................................... $112 $111 19 32

Total Available ..................................................... 112 111 64 77

Lapsing Balances .................................................. - -5 - -

Balance Available, EOY ......................................... -111 -19 -32 -38

Total Obligations ................................................. 1 87 32 39

Gifts, Donations, and Bequests for Forest and Rangeland Research – Status of Programs

Current Activities 

This program uses gifts, donations, bequests of money, real property, or personal property for the establishment 

or operation of Forest Service research facilities, or to perform activities related to rangeland renewable resource 

research. The Forest Service continues to receive donations from individuals and businesses for research work 

units and other organizational sub-units to further their research and development programs. 
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MANAGEMENT OF NATIONAL FOREST LANDS FOR SUBSISTENCE USE

Table FS-98. Communication Site Detail Table (thousands of dollars)

Management of National Forest Lands for 

Subsistence Use

2022 

Actual

2023 

Actual

2024 

Estimated

2025 

Request

Inc. or 

Dec.

Appropriations ..................................................... $1,099 $1,099 $1,099 $1,099 -

Recoveries ........................................................... 4 1 3 3

Balance Available, SOY ......................................... 85 80 83 36

Total Available ..................................................... 1,188 1,180 1,185 1,138

Balance Available, EOY ......................................... -79 -83 -36 -11

Total Obligations ................................................. 1,109 1,097 1,149 1,127

Management of National Forest Lands for Subsistence Use – Status of Programs

Current Activities

This program manages National Forest lands for subsistence uses, which sustains the health of rural Alaskan 

communities by ensuring a reliable food supply from healthy fish and wildlife populations. The Federal Subsistence 

Management Program supports employment in rural Alaska areas where opportunities are limited. By supporting 

the subsistence way of life in rural communities, the Forest Service continues to implement critical monitoring and 

management activities within this program. The subsistence program funds regulatory, information-gathering, law 

enforcement, education, and employment activities. 

Partnering with the Department of the Interior on the Alaska Federal Subsistence Management Program, the 

Federal Subsistence Management Program provides annual rulemaking decisions, fish and wildlife monitoring, law 

enforcement and education, employment, and capacity-building initiatives. The Forest Service continuously 

consults with Alaska Tribes and Native Corporations to comply with presidential and secretarial policies. Also, 

these meetings show respect to the current and historical roles of Native Alaskans and other Federally qualified 

rural subsistence users, while managing for customary and traditional subsistence uses.

The program monitors subsistence resources and helps build collaborative relationships with other Federal, State, 

and Tribal Nation partners. Its involvement in the Fisheries Resource Monitoring Program (FRMP) has helped to 

build capacity in local Tribal governments involved in increasingly complicated and labor-intensive scientific 

research, inventory and monitoring projects, and Indigenous Traditional Ecological Knowledge studies. This work 

continues to help Tribal Nation organizations effectively participate in regulatory decision-making procedures 

made by the State and Federal governments regarding wildlife and fisheries issues. 

Selected Example of Recent Progress

Southeast Alaska with Tribal Nation partners

The Forest Service changed how it funded agreements for subsistence-related projects in 2022 using the Alaska 

National Interest Lands Conservation Act authority (16 U.S.C. 3101 or P.L. 96-487). This authority funded FRMP 

projects and did not limit agreements to local individuals or groups. Researchers from universities, state and 

Federal agencies, or other organizations submit FRMP proposals to study subsistence harvest patterns, traditional 

ecological knowledge, and stock status and trends. The Forest Service continued to fund seven ongoing FRMP 

projects in Southeast Alaska with Tribal Nation partners and the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.
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Table FS-99. 2023 Fisheries Resource Monitoring Program Projects on the Tongass National Forest in Southeast 

Alaska (in dollars).

Project Cooperator Project Cost

Hetta Lake Sockeye Salmon Stock Assessment Hydaburg Cooperative Association $158,563

Neva Lake Sockeye Salmon Stock Assessment Hoonah Indian Association 75,754

Sitkoh Lake Sockeye Salmon Stock Assessment Angoon Community Association 24,410

Klag Lake Sockeye Salmon Stock Assessment Sitka Tribe of Alaska 179,537

Southeast Alaska Eulachon Population Dynamics Monitoring Chilkoot Indian Association 210,844

Icy Strait Community Household Subsistence Harvest Surveys and 

Documenting Subsistence Harvest Patterns

Alaska Department of Fish and Game 195,334

Estimating In-season Harvests of the Klawock River Salmon 

Subsistence Fishery

Alaska Department of Fish and Game 33,955

Total, Fisheries Resource Monitoring Program Projects 878,397

Program Objectives for FY 2025

In Fiscal Year (FY) 2025, the Forest Service aims to increase the number and diversity of projects funded by FRMP. 

The Federal Subsistence Management Program will seek to evaluate the effectiveness and impact of the 

subsistence-related activities supported by the program, such as law enforcement, education, and employment, 

and identify best practices and areas for improvement. The FRMP program will continue its rigorous review 

process utilizing the team of experts from State and Federal agencies called the Technical Review Committee to 

evaluate proposed projects for funding using five criteria: (1) strategic priorities; (2) technical-scientific merit; (3) 

investigator ability and resources; (4) partnership and capacity building; and (5) cost/benefit. This program 

provides funding for regulatory, information-gathering, law enforcement, education, and employment activities. 
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COMMUNICATION SITE ADMINISTRATION

Table FS-100. Communication Site Detail Table (thousands of dollars)

Communication Site Administration 2022 

Actual

2023 

Actual

2024 

Estimated

2025 

Request

Inc. or 

Dec.

Appropriations ................................................................... - - - $2,000 +$2,000

Total Available ................................................................... - - - 2,000

Balance Available, EOY ....................................................... - - - -80

Total Obligations ............................................................... - - - 1,920

Communication Site Administration – Justifications of Changes

An increase of $2,000,000 in Communication Site Administration ($0 in FY 2024). An increase of $2,000,000 to 

improve the management of the communications use program. The Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (P.L. 

115-334) requires the Forest Service to charge an annual programmatic administrative fee for communications use

authorizations to cover the costs of administering its communications use program. The Agriculture Improvement

Act of 2018 also authorizes the Forest Service to retain and spend the revenues it collects for this fee. In 2024, the

Forest Service expects to publish a final rule implementing the annual programmatic administrative fee. The final

rule will include an exemption from the programmatic administrative fee for Federal, state, and local

governmental entities, other than municipal utilities and cooperatives; noncommercial entities; and amateur radio

operators.
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Communication Site Administration – Status of Programs

Current Activities 

The program continues to streamline the process for evaluation applications for communications facilities on 

National Forest System lands and charge programmatic administrative fees for communications use authorizations 

to cover the cost of the Forest Service’s communications use program. It supports the USDA Rural Development’s 

effort to increase broadband access to rural communities, the American Broadband Initiative to increase privatesector investment in broadband networks on Federal lands, and the deployment of the nationwide wireless 

broadband network dedicated to public safety (FirstNet). Rural and urban communities depend on National Forest 

System lands for critical communications services, including emergency services, internet service, cellular 

communications, television, and radio.

Selected Examples of Recent Progress

Special Use Authorizations

The Forest Service administered over 3,800 special use authorizations for infrastructure that supports over 10,000 

wireless communications uses at 1,367 communications sites and over 500 special use authorizations for fiber 

optic cable communications uses. To address its current workload and in preparation for increased permitting 

work associated with broadband projects, the Forest Service hired a national team of communications use 

specialists. The increased capacity allowed the Forest Service to provide expert advice and directed support to 

district, forest, and region personnel on a variety of tasks associated with the approval and long-term management 

of communications uses on NFS lands. 

The Forest Service developed and delivered multiple in-person training sessions for communications users to over 

130 employees, including joint training with the Department of Interior’s Bureau of Land Management. 

Additionally, the Forest Service continues to build upon its previous efforts to streamline the processes for 

evaluating applications for communications facilities on NFS lands and improve customer service.

Program Objectives for FY 2025

This program intends to deliver deployment of wireless and fiber optic cable communications services to all 

Americans by authorizing infrastructure on National Forest System lands. This funding would expand capabilities 

that would benefit unserved and underserved rural communities; enable greater coordination in emergency 

response situations; and increase overall safety for visitors, Forest Service staff, and first responders.

Program Evaluations

Consistent with Forest Service regulations and directives, the Forest Service will:

• Within 270 days of acceptance of a proposal as an application for a new communications facility or colocation of a new communications use in or on a facility managed by the Forest Service, or within 270

days of receipt of an application for modification of an existing communications facility or co-located

communications use, the authorized officer shall grant or deny the application and notify the applicant

in writing of the grant or denial.

• Track the number of communications use applications received, approved, and denied. For applications

that are denied, the reasons for denial will be included, and the amount of time between receipt and

grant or denial of the application.
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CLASSIFICATION BY OBJECTS

Table FS-101. Classification by Objects (thousands of dollars)

Item 

No.

Item 2022 

Actual

2023 

Actual

2024 

Estimated

2025 

Estimated

Personnel Compensation:

Personnel compensation, field .......................................... -$14 $1 $1 $1

11.0 Total personnel compensation.......................................... -14 1 1 1

12.0 Personal benefits.............................................................. 2 - 1 2

Total, personnel compensation and benefits..................... -12 1 2 3

Other Objects:

21.0 Travel and transportation of persons................................. 2 9 6 9

22.0 Transportation of things.................................................... 5 1 3 5

23.3 Communications, utilities, and misc. charges..................... 3 13 8 13

25.2 Other services from non-Federal sources .......................... 288 366 341 520

25.3 Other goods and services from Federal sources................. 231 79 162 247

25.4 Operation and maintenance of facilities............................ 1 4 3 4

25.6 Medical care ..................................................................... 1 -1 - -

25.7 Operation and maintenance of equipment........................ 19 28 25 37

26.0 Supplies and materials...................................................... 1,994 1,507 1,817 2,774

31.0 Equipment........................................................................ 138 102 125 191

32.0 Land and structures .......................................................... - 20 10 16

41.0 Grants, subsidies, and contributions.................................. 993 1,128 1,106 1,687

Total, other objects........................................................... 3,675 3,256 3,606 5,503

99.9 Total, new obligations....................................................... 3,663 3,257 3,608 5,505
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WILDLAND FIRE MANAGEMENT 

LEAD-OFF TABULAR STATEMENT

Table FS-102. Lead-Off Tabular Statement (In dollars)

Item Amount

2024 Estimated Budget....................................................................................................... $2,116,956,000 

Change in Appropriation..................................................................................................... +433,486,000 

2025 Request a.................................................................................................................... 2,550,442,000 

a Wildland Fire Management discretionary appropriations include base recurring discretionary funding designated as emergency 

(i.e., shifted base).

APPROPRIATIONS LANGUAGE

The appropriations language follows (new language underscored; deleted matter enclosed in brackets):

1 WILDLAND FIRE MANAGEMENT

2 For necessary expenses for forest fire presuppression activities on National Forest System lands, for emergency 

3 wildland fire suppression on or adjacent to such lands or other lands under fire protection agreement, and for 

4 emergency rehabilitation of burned-over National Forest System lands and water, 

5 [$2,970,620,000]$2,550,442,000, to remain available until expended: Provided, That such funds, including 

6 unobligated balances under this heading, are available for repayment of advances from other appropriations 

7 accounts previously transferred for such purposes: Provided further, That such funds shall be available to 

8 reimburse State and other cooperating entities for services provided in response to wildfire and other emergencies 

9 or disasters to the extent such reimbursements by the Forest Service for non-fire emergencies are fully repaid by 

10 the responsible emergency management agency: Provided further, That funds provided shall be available for 

11 support to Federal emergency response: Provided further, That the costs of implementing any cooperative 

12 agreement between the Federal Government and any non-Federal entity may be shared, as mutually agreed on by 

13 the affected parties: Provided further, That of the funds[ provided under this heading, $322,988,000 shall be for 

14 hazardous fuels management activities, of which $1,600,000 shall be available for the hire and purchase of zero 

15 emission passenger motor vehicles and supporting charging or fueling infrastructure, and of which not to exceed 

16 $15,000,000 may be used to make grants, using any authorities available to the Forest Service under the "State 

17 and Private Forestry" appropriation, for the purpose of creating incentives for increased use of biomass from 

18 National Forest System lands: Provided further, That funds made available in the previous proviso to implement 

19 the Community Forest Restoration Act, Public Law 106–393, title VI, shall be available for use on non-Federal lands 

20 in accordance with authorities made available to the Forest Service under the "State and Private Forestry" 

21 appropriation: Provided further, That of the funds provided under this heading, $20,000,000 may be used by the 

22 Secretary of Agriculture to enter into procurement contracts or cooperative agreements; to issue grants for 

23 hazardous fuels management activities, for training or monitoring associated with such hazardous fuels 

24 management activities on Federal land, or for training or monitoring associated with such hazardous fuels 

25 management activities on non-Federal land if the Secretary determines such activities benefit resources on Federal 

26 land:] provided under this heading, $1,363,184,000 is designated by the Congress as being for an emergency

27 requirement pursuant to section 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985:

28 Provided further, that such amount shall be available only if the President designates such amount as an

29 emergency requirement pursuant to such section 251(b)(2)(A)(i): Provided further, That of the funds provided 

30 under this heading, $1,011,000,000 shall be available for wildfire suppression operations, and is provided as the 

31 average costs of wildfire suppression operations to the meet the terms of [a concurrent resolution on the 

32 budget]section 251(b)(2)(F)(ii)(I) of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985, as amended.

Note.--A full-year 2024 appropriation for this account was not enacted at the time the Budget was prepared; 

therefore, the Budget assumes this account is operating under the Continuing Appropriations Act, 2024 and Other
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Extensions Act (Division A of Public Law 118-15, as amended). The amounts included for 2024 reflect the 

annualized level provided by the continuing resolution. 

Change Description

The first change (lines 13 through 26) removes language for zero emission passenger motor vehicles as well as 

hazardous fuels management and available authorities.

The second change (lines 26 through 29) adds language referencing 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Balanced Budget and 

Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 for Wildland Fire Management base recurring discretionary funding 

designated as emergency (i.e., shifted base).

The third change (lines 31 and 32) removes language referencing a concurrent resolution on the budget for 

meeting the terms of funds available for wildfire suppression operations.

The fourth change (line 32) adds language referencing section 251(b)(2)(F)(ii)(I) of the Balanced Budget and 

Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985, as amended for meeting terms of funds available for wildfire suppression 

operations.
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PROJECT STATEMENTS

Table FS-103. Appropriations Project Statement (thousands of dollars, FTEs)

Project 

Statement

2022 

Actual

FTEs 2023 

Actual

FTEs 2024 

Estimated

FTEs 2025 

Request

FTEs Inc. or 

Dec.

FTE 

Inc. 

or 

Dec.

Wildland Fire 

Management:

Discretionary 

Appropriations.... $2,005,106 9,716 $2,116,956 9,631 $2,116,956 9,974 $2,550,442 10,544 +$433,486 +570

Supplemental 

Appropriations.... 2,352,200 63 411,000 853 36,000 431 36,000 431 - -

Total 

Appropriations.... 4,357,306 9,779 2,527,956 10,484 2,152,956 10,405 2,586,442 10,975 +$433,486 +570

Table FS-104. Appropriations Detail Table (thousands of dollars)

Detail Table 2022 

Actual

2023 

Actual

2024 

Estimated

2025 

Request

Inc. or 

Dec.

Wildland Fire Management:

Preparedness ...................................................... $172,000 $192,000 $192,000 $204,500 +$12,500

Suppression......................................................... 1,011,000 1,386,000 1,011,000 1,011,000 -

Salaries and Expenses.......................................... 822,106 913,956 913,956 1,334,942 +420,986

Bipartisan Infrastructure Law a............................. 552,200 36,000 36,000 36,000 -

Inflation Reduction Act (Haz Fuels) b .................... 1,800,000 - - - -

Total, Wildland Fire Management....................... 4,357,306 2,527,956 2,152,956 2,586,442 +433,486

a The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (P.L. 117-58) are advance appropriations each year from 2022 through 2026.

b The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA)(P.L. 117-169) provided $4.9 billion appropriations in Fiscal Year (FY) 2022. All funds shown for IRA 

are carryover from the original appropriation.

Note: The discrepancy between the project statement and Max schedule X is reimbursable funds.
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PREPAREDNESS

Table FS-105. Preparedness Detail Table (thousands of dollars)

Preparedness 2022 

Actual

2023 

Actual

2024 

Estimated

2025 

Request

Inc. or Dec.

Appropriations ..................................................... $172,000 $192,000 $192,000 $204,500 +$12,500

Recoveries ........................................................... 31,576 22,781 23,974 23,974

Transfers Out........................................................ -8,628 -3,900 - -

Balance Transfers.................................................. -268 -531 - -

Balance Available, SOY ......................................... 21,105 39,216 70,486 41,904

Total Available ..................................................... 215,785 249,566 286,460 270,378

Lapsing Balances................................................... -36 - - -

Balance Available, EOY ......................................... -39,216 -70,486 -41,904 -20,130

Total Obligations ................................................. 176,533 179,080 244,556 250,248

Preparedness – Justification of Changes

An increase of $12,500,000 in Preparedness ($192,000,000 in FY 2024).

a. An increase of $10,000,000 for health and wellbeing services for wildland firefighters. This increase will

deliver funding to develop health and wellbeing tools and services to ensure wildland firefighters can

successfully confront the mental and physical aspects of their mission. The increase better meets wildland

firefighter’s needs and builds on the reform Congress provided with interim funding in the Bipartisan

Infrastructure Law (P.L. 117-169) to sustain the firefighting workforce in a demanding work environment.

b. An increase of $2,500,000 for the establishment of a Joint Office for Wildfire Science and Technology with

the Department of Interior. This increase is half of the $5,000,000 requested to be split evenly between

the Forest Service and the Department of Interior to establish an office as recommended in multiple

federally directed advisory reports to lead the development, deployment, and sustainment of the

technology, science, and data to be used to improve safety, effectiveness, and cost efficiency across the

full spectrum of wildland fire management operations.

Preparedness – Status of Programs

Current Activities 

The Wildland Fire Preparedness program implements pre-suppression projects and activities that prevent wildfires 

and ensure appropriate, risk-informed, and effective response when wildfires do occur. The program supports 

fixed costs that ensure fire management assets (large airtankers, helicopters, hotshot crews, and smokejumpers) 

are available and ready to support initial attack response operations when needed. In addition, the program funds 

advancement of firefighting technology through Dingell Act Resource Tracking38, training development, 

organizational learning, fire or emergency-related equipment, and minimum contractual guarantees for exclusiveuse aircraft.

38 Dingell Act Resource Tracking.
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Table FS-106. Wildland Fire Management Preparedness actual and projected spending39 (in millions)

Item

2023 

Actual

2024 

Estimated

2025 

Estimated

Fixed ownership cost of equipment..................................................... $77 $80 $83

Personal protective equipment........................................................... 44 46 46

Interagency agreements a .................................................................. 18 19 19

Aviation Program................................................................................ 32 25 27

Training Development......................................................................... 15 16 16

Vital Health and wellbeing .................................................................. 5 5 10

Joint Office for Wildfire Science and Technology c ............................... - - 3

Other.................................................................................................. 1 1 1

Total, Preparedness ........................................................................... 192 b 192 205

a Includes agreements with the Department of Defense (DOD) for Modular Airborne Fire Fighting Systems, Fireguard, the 

Department of Interior (DOI) Office of Wildland Fire, National Interagency Coordination Center shared services and staffing, and 

the National Interagency Fire Center facility among others.

b 2023 total preparedness costs reflect regular appropriations and disaster supplemental funding. The Consolidated 

Appropriations Act, 2023 (P.L. 117-328)40 provided Wildland Fire Preparedness $192 million, $32 million in discretionary 

appropriations, and an additional $160 million in supplemental funding.

c A total of $5 million, split evenly between the Forest Service and Department of Interior to establish an office as 

recommended in multiple federally directed advisory reports to lead the development, deployment, and sustainment of the 

technology, science, and data to be used to improve safety, effectiveness, and cost efficiency across the full spectrum of 

wildland fire management operations.

Table FS-107. Summary of Wildland Fire Management personnel

Item

2023 

Actual

2024 

Estimated

2025 

Estimated 

Type I interagency hotshot personnel ..................................... 1,665 1,665 1,690

Other firefighters.................................................................... 8,905 8,905 9,450

Smokejumpers........................................................................ 330 330 330

Prevention technicians............................................................ 400 400 400

Total, firefighters ................................................................... 11,300 11,300 11,870

39 This table is a Congressional directive included in the Joint Explanatory Statement Division G that accompanied the

Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2014 (P.L. 113-76), which states, “In the FY 2015 and all future Budget submissions, the

Committees direct the Forest Service to include a detailed table of actual and proposed spending on fire operations, which 

should include a breakout of spending on aviation resources, for both preparedness and suppression appropriations.”

40 The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023. 
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Table FS-108. Summary of Wildland Fire Management equipment

Item

2023 

Actual

2024 

Estimated

2025 

Estimated 

Engines a ................................................................................. 900 900 900

Heavy equipment (dozers, tractor plows, tenders) ................... 210 210 210

Helicopters:

Type 1 b................................................................................. 28 28 28

Type 2 c................................................................................. 34 34 34

Type 3 d................................................................................. 46 46 46

Total, helicopters................................................................ 108 108 108

Next Generation Airtankers ..................................................... 18 18 18

a Engines refer to the suite of wheeled vehicles used to carry wildland firefighters and waters to the site of a fire.

b Type 1 helicopters are large aircraft used primarily for strategically dropping retardant or water on a target. Some Type 1 

helicopters are equipped to transport personnel, supplies, and equipment. c Type 2 helicopters are medium-sized aircraft used primarily for initial attack activities. Type 2 helicopters are equipped to 

carry water or transport personnel, supplies, and equipment.

d Type 3 helicopters are small aircraft equipped to carry water or transport personnel, supplies, and equipment.

Selected Examples of Recent Progress 

FireGuard

FireGuard is an interagency program led by the Forest Service, with partners at DOI, DOD, and State fire agencies. 

FireGuard can remotely detect and monitor wildfires across the United States, including Alaska and Hawaii. The 

interagency FireGuard team works to provide a system for near real-time incident awareness and assessment, 

including mobile applications featuring automated alerts of new fire starts and changes in fire behavior. In 

preparation to potentially transition the FireGuard program from DOD, the Forest Service began to document key 

programmatic components such as developing a program charter, writing a program transition strategic plan, and 

determining communication plan objectives. In addition, the interagency partners continue to identify key areas 

where artificial intelligence and automation can reduce the need for staffing and therefore reduce the risks to 

firefighters.

Firefighter Health Program Improvements

Risk Management. The Forest Service continued making improvements to critical communication processes in the 

event of serious firefighter incidents, including injuries, fatalities, and aviation-related incidents, both during 

international support missions and those that occur within the United States. The improvements focused on 

appropriate response and support, while ensuring timely and accurate reporting.

Medical Clearance Process. The Forest Service began implementing a new medical clearance process for all 

arduous duty wildland firefighter positions to further ensure the Forest Service is in alignment with the Federal 

Interagency Wildland Firefighter Medical Standards. The new process consists of a medical history questionnaire, a 

physical examination every three years that includes a blood pressure check, and a self-certification questionnaire 

in alternate years. 

Exposure. The Forest Service hosted a two-day interagency Smoke and Respirator meeting with representatives 

from the DOI’s Office of Wildland Fire and Office of Occupational Safety and Health, and the Forest Service’s Fire 

and Aviation Management, Office of Safety and Occupational Health, and National Technology and Development 

Program to inform exposure assessments in accordance with the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (P.L. 117-58) (BIL) 

and FY 2023 National Defense Authorization Act and to begin developing a strategy for respirator use and program 

management in the wildland fire environment.

Behavioral Health. The Forest Service worked closely with the DOI to collectively host a Wildland Firefighter Health 

and Wellbeing Strategic Action Planning Summit. The Summit provided an intensive and inclusive opportunity for a 

large group of key stakeholders and subject matter experts to solidify their understanding of behavioral health 
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

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challenges, best practices, and resources, and advise the joint program core team on key areas of focus and 

considerations. 

The Forest Service worked with the DOI and the Department of Health and Human Services to set up a 

Memorandum of Agreement to bring in clinical expertise to assist in the development and implementation of both 

behavioral and physical health programs. The Forest Service has provided $1.3 million to the agreement to build 

capacity around the Joint Firefighter Behavioral Health Program. 

Program Objectives for FY 2025

The increased complexity and duration of wildfires are expected to continue to challenge Forest Service 

administrators and fire managers in FY 2025. The Forest Service will continue to support the development of 

Potential Operational Delineations41 and to manage and improve the Risk Management Assistance Dashboard42

with useful and timely analytical data to assist fire managers and wildfire response teams in the management of 

both operational and strategic-level risk. The Forest Service will continue to participate as a partner agency, with 

the National Wildfire Coordinating Group43 to develop and refine processes within the interagency standards that 

focus on fire risk management. 

In FY 2025, The Forest Service will continue to identify both short- and long-term needs for firefighter health 

program development, including working with the DOI on the organizational needs for their Joint Wildland 

Firefighter Behavioral Health Program44 (currently under development) as well as firefighter health programs 

related to exposure, presumptive illnesses, and hazard mitigation.

41 Potential Operational Delineations. 

42 Risk Management Assistance Dashboard. 

43 National Wildfire Coordinating Group. 

44 Joint Wildland Firefighter Behavioral Health Program.
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SUPPRESSION OPERATIONS 

Table FS-109. Suppression Operations Detail Table (thousands of dollars)

Suppression 2022 

Actual

2023 

Actual

2024 

Estimated

2025 

Request

Inc. or 

Dec.

Appropriations ................................................ $1,011,000 $1,386,000a $1,011,000 $1,011,000 -

Recoveries....................................................... 223,004 154,774 171,663 163,720

Offsetting Collections....................................... - 17,492 - -

Transfers In ..................................................... 550,000 1,105,000 - -

Balance Transfers............................................. 1,220,000 - 1,882,000 1,882,000

Balance Available, SOY .................................... 271,647 163,672 128,385 191,583

Total Available ................................................ 3,275,651 2,826,938 3,193,048 3,248,303

Lapsing Balances.............................................. -1,066 - - -

Balance Available, EOY .................................... -163,672 -128,385 -191,583 -64,966

Total Obligations ............................................ 3,110,913 2,698,553 3,001,465 3,183,337

a Includes $375,000,000 of Supplemental Funds.

Suppression Operations – Status of Programs

Current Activities 

The Forest Service is responsible for carrying out wildfire management and response across the 193 million acres 

of National Forest System lands. Wildland Fire Suppression Operations is the primary funding source for wildland 

fire extended attack and large fire support operations. The program maintains the Forest Service’s key role of 

working with Tribal Nations, Federal, State, and local government partners to protect life and property against 

wildfires and other natural disasters. The program protects forests and watersheds from the impacts of 

catastrophic fire, helping to maintain clean water, wildlife and fish habitat, recreational opportunities, and forest 

products. 

Each FY the Forest Service responds to around 5,000 to 7,000 fires that were either ignited on or spread to 

National Forest System lands. Over the past ten years, an average of more than 2.2 million acres of National Forest 

System land burns annually. Over the past ten years, wildfires originating on National Forest System lands had an 

initial attack success rate45 of 97 percent. The number of fires and acreage burned are indicators of the annual 

level of wildfire activity, however, these numbers may not be indicative of fire’s impact on human development or 

communities, since many fires occur in large, relatively undeveloped areas. Naturally ignited fire has the potential 

to increase landscape resilience when conditions permit. Risk-sharing dialogues with community members, 

stakeholders, and cooperators, help Forest Service leadership make informed decisions that balance resource 

objectives with safety and community protection. In FY 2023, over 48,000 wildfires burned approximately 2.5 

million acres in the United States, including approximately 800,000 acres of National Forest System lands. 

While the most recent fire season may seem mild in comparison to previous years, the increased wildfire response 

costs and inflation continue to be a significant factor for the Forest Service. In addition, the Forest Service carries 

the contractual and funding responsibility of flight time for all interagency wildland fire agencies, DOI, States, 

Tribes, and local entities. The potential reimbursement from state and local entities for use of Forest Service 

aviation resources is typically at least a year after the incident and there isn’t an interagency billing process for 

expenses incurred between Federal entities. Furthermore, flight time is not a planned cost, and cannot be 

45 Initial attack success rate is the percent of fires suppressed before reaching 300 acres in size.
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reasonably estimated or planned, and varies greatly from year to year depending on the complexity of the fire 

season including ground access to incidents. 

Table FS-110. Wildland Fire Management Suppression actual and projected spending (in millions)

Item 2023

Actual

2024

Estimated

2025

Estimated 

Firefighter response on Federal lands a ......................................... $670 $745 $791

Firefighter response on state lands b ........................................ 35 39 41

Aviation Program...................................................................... 946 1,052 1,116

Fire support contracts and other procurements c ..................... 925 1,029 1,091

Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER)d .............................. 7 8 8

Administrative Support e ........................................................... 115 128 136

Total, Suppression................................................................... 2,698 3,001 3,183

a Forest Service fire management assets used to support Suppression program activities on National Forest System and other 

Federal lands. b Forest Service fire management assets used to support Suppression program activities on State lands.

c Execution of contracts and other procurements for activities associated with the national suppression response.

d Forest Service Burned Area Emergency Repair response across all lands. e Administrative support includes all other costs to support Forest Service firefighters and staff during suppression activities.

The Forest Service continues to use science-based tools to make risk-informed decisions to manage fire on the 

landscape, including using naturally occurring wildfire in the right place, at the right time, and for the right reasons, 

to reduce wildfire risk and improve forest conditions. Additionally, the Forest Service continues to improve the use 

of analytical systems to determine the most efficient allocation of fire suppression resources, the effectiveness of 

suppression resources, and the efficiency of the current practices used by incident managers to contain large fires.

Complex Incident Management Teams

Over the past ten years, several interagency engagements have addressed critical challenges in rostering and 

managing incident management teams46 nationally. These efforts have resulted in the development of the 

Complex Incident Management Team47 as the new business model to stabilize team numbers, ensure the overall 

availability of team members, reduce fatigue, and increase the resiliency of our interagency incident management 

teams and their members while managing the nation’s most complex incidents. The Complex Incident 

Management Team has been gradually implemented over recent fire years, with full implementation planned in 

the upcoming season.

Burned Area Emergency Response

The Forest Service’s BAER program provides post-fire emergency activities on National Forest System lands that 

prevent or minimize unacceptable erosion and loss of soil productivity, deterioration of water quality and 

downstream damage, changes to ecosystem function, establishment of non-native taxa, and degradation of 

cultural and natural resources; and helps protect lives and property. In addition to the BAER program, the Forest 

Service is establishing a post-disaster recovery team that incorporates and builds upon the BAER and other postfire programs to facilitate a more comprehensive approach to respond to all disasters. 

Burned Area Rehabilitation (BAR)

The BAR program aims to restore lands and facilities damaged by wildfires and prevent further disasters by 

repairing and improving impacted lands to a desired management condition. The program serves as a bridge to 

connect emergency response actions to long-term recovery goals. Currently, this program uses BIL funds for post46 An incident management team is a cadre comprised of Tribal, Federal, state, local, and territorial entities that can be

dispatched to provide a command-and-control infrastructure during emergency incidents. 

47 Incident Workforce Development Group. 
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fire efforts within three years of wildfire containment to repair or improve lands unlikely to recover naturally or to 

repair/replace minor infrastructure and facilities damaged by fire. The Forest Service recognizes the need to work 

at a larger scale to restore landscapes from climate change-driven disasters, such as fires and post-fire flooding, 

and is now working on over 100 burned areas across the western United States. 

Selected Example of Recent Progress

Burned Area Emergency Response

Post-fire emergency assessments and treatments were completed on approximately 100 wildfires covering more 

than 1.1 million acres of National Forest System lands at a cost of $6.1 million. BAER implementation included 

inventory and treatment of more than 10,000 acres of non-native plants, improving drainage on over 340 miles of 

roads, emergency improvements to approximately 200 miles of trails, protecting 16 cultural sites, mitigating 55

hazardoussites, and installing numerous informational/warning signs.
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SALARIES AND EXPENSES

Table FS-111. Salaries and Expenses Details Table (thousands of dollars)

Salaries and Expenses 2022 

Actual

2023 

Actual

2024 

Estimated

2025 

Request

Inc. or Dec.

Appropriations ...................................................... $822,106 $913,956 $913,956 $1,334,942 +$420,986

Recoveries ............................................................ 3,303 6,351 3,747 4,467

Balance Available, SOY .......................................... 9,776 12,015 19,342 4,685

Total Available....................................................... 835,185 932,322 937,045 1,344,094

Lapsing Balances.................................................... -141 - - -

Balance Available, EOY .......................................... -12,015 -19,342 -4,685 -13,441

Total Obligations .................................................. 823,029 912,980 932,360 1,330,653

Salaries and Expenses – Justification of Changes

An increase of $420,986,000 and 570 FTEs in Salaries and Expenses ($913,956,000 and 9,974 FTEs in FY 2024). The 

Forest Service has proposed an increase in its budget for FY 2025 to further enhance the investments in the 

Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (P.L. 117-58) by providing continued support to Federal wildland firefighters. 

Wildland Fire Management salaries and expenses not only provides funding for wildland fire response, but also 

prescribed fire and manual thinning treatments for hazardous fuels mitigation. The Forest Service values the 

difficult and dangerous nature of wildland firefighting and aims to improve the quality of life for firefighters and 

support personnel. This includes reevaluating firefighter compensation, effectively managing their workload, and 

providing adequate rest periods to prevent physical and mental exhaustion. 

a. An increase of $69,228,000 for pay and employee costs. This increase funds the anticipated Calendar

Year (CY) 2024 and CY 2025 employee pay cost increases. If this funding is not provided, the Forest

Service will need to reduce current firefighter capacity unless it is offset by the additional investment

in firefighter capacity.

b. An increase of $135,818,000 for firefighter capacity. The objective of this increase is to hire 570 more

permanent firefighters and transition to a more full-time workforce through the conversion of

temporary employees to permanent. By making these investments, the Forest Service can effectively

meet the demands of the year-round wildfire season while improving the work-life balance of

firefighters and support personnel. The proposal bolsters the Forest Service's ability to address

hazardous fuels and to help communities become more resilient to wildfires. The Forest Service 10-

year Wildfire Crisis Strategy48 and the National Prescribed Fire Resource Mobilization Strategy49

articulate the need for an increase in the pace and scale of hazardous fuels treatments

commensurate with the rising risk of wildfire. Increasing firefighting capacity will help ensure that the

Forest Service can rise to the increasing demands of wildland fire activity and risk mitigation work

year-round, while also improving the work-life balance of firefighters.

c. An increase of $215,940,000 for base pay increase. This increase is to further enhance its investments

in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (P.L. 117-58) by providing continued support to Federal wildland

firefighters through the implementation of permanent, comprehensive pay reform, as initially

proposed in the 2024 Budget and accompanying legislative proposal. The Forest Service is requesting

an additional $215,940,000 to augment the base pay of firefighters to provide a more livable wage

48 Wildfire Crisis Strategy. 

49 National Prescribed Fire Resource Mobilization Strategy
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and address long-term competitiveness and equity issues to improve recruitment outcomes, stabilize 

retention, and improve work-life balance for firefighters.
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OTHER SUPPLEMENTAL FUNDING

Table FS-112. Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Detail Table (thousands of dollars)

Bipartisan Infrastructure Law 2022 

Actual

2023 

Actual

2024 

Estimated

2025 

Estimated

Inc. or 

Dec.

Appropriations.................................................................. $552,200 $36,000 $36,000 $36,000 -

Transfers In....................................................................... 30,663 30,663 59,210 -

Transfers Out.................................................................... -31,313 -10,000 -4,494 -

Balance Transfers.............................................................. - -6,000 4,899 -

Balance Available, SOY...................................................... - 348,866 149,844 7,959

Total Available.................................................................. 551,550 399,529 245,459 43,959

Balance Available, EOY...................................................... -348,866 -149,844 -7,959 -

Total Obligations.............................................................. 202,684 249,685 237,500 43,959

Bipartisan Infrastructure Law

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (P.L. 115-78), also referred to as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, 

broadly supports ecosystem restoration, wildfire risk reduction, wildfire mitigation grants, and other community 

support activities.

Table FS-113. Inflation Reduction Act (Haz Fuels) Program Detail Table (thousands of dollars)

Inflation Reduction Act (Haz Fuels) 2022 

Actual

2023 

Actual

2024 

Estimated

2025 

Estimated

Inc. or 

Dec.

Appropriations........................................................... $1,800,000 - - - -

Recoveries................................................................. 1,688 $4,848 $15,000 $15,000

Transfers In................................................................ - 470 - -

Balance Transfers....................................................... -1,263 - - -

Balance Available, SOY............................................... 8,626 1,808,678 954,604 77,568

Total Available........................................................... 1,809,051 1,813,996 969,604 92,568

Balance Available, EOY............................................... -1,808,678 -954,604 -77,568 -

Total Obligations....................................................... 373 859,392 892,036 92,568

Inflation Reduction Act

The Inflation Reduction Act (P.L. 117-169), includes funds appropriated for hazardous fuels reduction, vegetation 

and watershed management, management of mature and old growth forests, and timely processing of National 

Environmental Policy Act-related reviews.
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CLASSIFICATION BY OBJECTS

Table FS-114. Classification by Objects (thousands of dollars)

Item 

No.

Item 2022 

Actual

2023 

Actual

2024 

Estimated

2025 

Estimated

Personnel Compensation:

Washington D.C ................................................................ $38,257 $84,276 $88,490 $92,119

Personnel compensation, field .......................................... 1,035,796 969,183 1,017,642 1,088,877

11.0 Total personnel compensation.......................................... 1,074,053 1,053,459 1,106,132 1,180,996

12.0 Personal benefits.............................................................. 413,686 587,175 616,534 659,691

13.0 Benefits for former personnel ........................................... 23 1 14 13

Total, personnel compensation and benefits..................... 1,487,762 1,640,635 1,722,680 1,840,700

Other Objects:

21.0 Travel and transportation of persons................................. 121,819 151,110 159,630 136,247

22.0 Transportation of things.................................................... 11,477 10,558 12,888 11,000

23.1 Rental payments to GSA.................................................... 21 - 12 10

23.2 Rental payments to others................................................ 4,483 -346 2,420 2,065

23.3 Communications, utilities, and misc. charges..................... 7,044 6,366 7,843 6,694

24.0 Printing and reproduction ................................................. 231 226 267 228

25.1 Advisory and assistance services....................................... -776 1,318 317 271

25.2 Other services from non-Federal sources .......................... 1,981,817 1,788,175 2,204,987 1,881,996

25.3 Other goods and services from Federal sources................. 59,748 251,684 182,150 155,468

25.4 Operation and maintenance of facilities............................ 2,249 202 1,434 1,224

25.5 Research and development contracts................................ 160 79 140 119

25.6 Medical care ..................................................................... 247 333 339 290

25.7 Operation and maintenance of equipment........................ 2,885 2,545 3,176 2,711

26.0 Supplies and materials...................................................... 157,978 208,786 214,512 183,090

31.0 Equipment........................................................................ 9,233 26,467 20,880 17,822

32.0 Land and structures .......................................................... 954 16,002 9,917 8,465

41.0 Grants, subsidies, and contributions.................................. 496,882 807,281 762,777 651,044

42.0 Insurance claims and indemnities...................................... 1,625 421 1,197 1,021

43.0 Interest and dividends....................................................... 480 109 344 294

44.0 Refunds............................................................................ -32,796 -12,266 - -

92.0 Undistributed.................................................................... 8 5 8 7

Total, other objects........................................................... 2,825,769 3,259,055 3,585,238 3,060,065

99.9 Total, new obligations....................................................... 4,313,532 4,899,690 5,307,917 4,900,765

Position Data:

Average Salary (dollars), ES Position.................................. $183,027 $195,000 $204,000 $208,080 

Average Salary (dollars), GS Position ................................. 53,391 57,800 62,359 65,301

Average Grade, GS Position............................................... 7.1 7.5 7.7 7.8 
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

WILDFIRE SUPPRESSION OPERATIONS RESERVE FUND

LEAD-OFF TABULAR STATEMENT

Table FS-115. Lead-Off Tabular Statement (In dollars)

Item Amount

2024 Estimated Budget....................................................................................................... $2,210,000,000 

Change in Appropriation..................................................................................................... +180,000,000 

2025 Request...................................................................................................................... 2,390,000,000 

APPROPRIATIONS LANGUAGE

The appropriations language follows (new language underscored; deleted matter enclosed in brackets):

1 WILDFIRE SUPPRESSION OPERATIONS RESERVE FUND

2 (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

3 In addition to the amounts provided under the heading "Department of Agriculture --Forest Service--Wildland Fire 

4 Management" for wildfire suppression operations, [$2,300,000,000]$2,390,000,000, to remain available until 

5 transferred, is additional new budget authority in excess of the average costs for wildfire suppression operations 

6 for purposes of [a concurrent resolution on the budget]section 251(b)(2)(F) of the Balanced Budget and Emergency 

7 Deficit Control Act of 1985, as amended: Provided, That such amounts may be transferred to and merged with 

8 amounts made available under the headings "Department of the Interior—Department-Wide Programs—Wildland 

9 Fire Management" and "Department of Agriculture—Forest Service—Wildland Fire Management" for wildfire 

10 suppression operations in the fiscal year in which such amounts are transferred: Provided further, That amounts 

11 may be transferred to the "Wildland Fire Management" accounts in the Department of the Interior or the 

12 Department of Agriculture only upon the notification of the House and Senate Commitees on Appropriations that 

13 all wildfire suppression operations funds appropriated under that heading in this and prior appropriations Acts to 

14 the agency to which the funds will be transferred will be obligated within 30 days: Provided further, That the 

15 transfer authority provided under this heading is in addition to any other transfer authority provided by law: 

16 Provided further, That, in determining whether all wildfire suppression operations funds appropriated under the 

17 heading "Wildland Fire Management" in this and prior appropriations Acts to either the Department of Agriculture 

18 or the Department of the Interior will be obligated within 30 days pursuant to the preceding proviso, any funds

19 transferred or permit ed to be transferred pursuant to any other transfer authority provided by law shall be

20 excluded.

Note.--A full-year 2024 appropriation for this account was not enacted at the time the Budget was prepared;

therefore, the Budget assumes this account is operating under the Continuing Appropriations Act, 2024 and Other

Extensions Act (Division A of Public Law 118-15, as amended). The amounts included for 2024 reflect the

annualized level provided by the continuing resolution.

Change Description

The first change (line 6) removes language referencing the concurrent resolution on the budget. 

The second change (lines 6 and 7) adds language referencing the section 251(b)(2)(F) of the Balanced Budget and 

Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985, as amended. 

The third change (lines 16 through 20) adds language for obligation terms.

29a-165 
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PROJECT STATEMENTS

Table FS-116. Appropriations Project Statement (thousands of dollars, FTEs)

Project 

Statement

2022 

Actual

FTEs 2023 

Actual

FTEs 2024 

Estimated

FTEs 2025 

Request

FTEs Inc. or 

Dec.

FTE 

Inc. 

or 

Dec.

Suppression 

Reserve Fund:

Discretionary 

Appropriations.... $2,120,000 - $2,210,000 - $2,210,000 - $2,390,000 - +$180,000 -

Total 

Appropriations.... 2,120,000 - 2,210,000 - 2,210,000 - 2,390,000 - +180,000 -

Table FS-117. Appropriations Detail Table (thousands of dollars)

Detail Table 2022 

Actual

2023 

Actual

2024 

Estimated

2025 

Request

Inc. or Dec.

Suppression Reserve Fund:

Wildfire Suppression Operations Reserve Fund... $2,120,000 $2,210,000 $2,210,000 $2,390,000 +$180,000

Total, Suppression Reserve Fund ....................... 2,120,000 2,210,000 2,210,000 2,390,000 +$180,000
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WILDFIRE SUPPRESSION OPERATIONS RESERVE FUND

Table FS-118. Wildfire Suppression Operations Reserve Fund Detail Table (thousands of dollars)

Wildfire Suppression Operations Reserve Fund 2022 

Actual

2023 

Actual

2024 

Estimated

2025 

Request

Inc. or Dec.

Appropriations ..................................................... $2,120,000 $2,210,000 $2,210,000 $2,390,000 +$180,000

Transfers Out........................................................ -550,000 -1,105,000 - -

Balance Transfers.................................................. -1,220,000 - -1,882,000 -1,882,000

Balance Available, SOY ......................................... 1,220,000 1,570,000 2,675,000 3,003,000

Total Available ..................................................... 1,570,000 2,675,000 3,003,000 3,511,000

Balance Available, EOY ......................................... -1,570,000 -2,675,000 -3,003,000 -3,511,000

Total Obligations ................................................. - - - -

Wildfire Suppression Operations Reserve Fund – Justification of Changes

An increase of $180,000,000 in Wildfire Operations Reserve Fund ($2,210,000,000 in Fiscal Year (FY) 2024). The 

Wildfire Suppression Operations Reserve Fund was established by the fire funding fix enacted in Division O of 

Public Law 115-141, the Stephen Sepp Wildfire Suppression Funding and Forest Management Activities Act. This 

fire funding fix also amended Section 102 of the Stephen Sepp of the Wildfire Suppression Funding and Forest 

Management Activities Act (division O of Public Law 115–141) to provide additional new budget authority for FY’s 

2020 through 2027. The overall amount increases by $100 million each year. The base level is defined as the 

average costs over ten years for wildfire suppression operations that was requested in the 2015 President’s 

Budget. This was determined to be $1.011 billion for the Forest Service and was appropriated beginning in 2020 

together with the first allocation of the new budget authority.
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PERMANENT APPROPRIATIONS

LEAD-OFF TABULAR STATEMENT

Table FS-119. Lead-Off Tabular Statement (In dollars)

Item Amount

2024 Estimated Budget....................................................................................................... $643,530,000 

Change in Appropriation..................................................................................................... +2,750,000

2025 Request...................................................................................................................... 646,280,000
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PROJECT STATEMENTS

Table FS-120. Appropriations Project Statement (thousands of dollars, FTEs)

Project Statement 2022 

Actual

FTEs 2023 

Actual

FTEs 2024 

Estimated

FTEs 2025 

Request

FTEs Inc. or 

Dec.

FTE 

Inc. 

or 

Dec.

Permanent Funds:

Mandatory

Appropriations....... $575,101 890 $731,419 872 $643,530 872 $646,280 872 +$2,750 -

Total 

Appropriations....... 575,101 890 731,419 872 643,530 872 646,280 872 +$2,750 -

Table FS-121. Appropriations Detail Table (thousands of dollars)

Detail Table 2022 

Actual

2023 

Actual

2024 

Estimated

2025 

Request

Inc. or Dec.

Permanent Funds:

National Parks and Public Land Legacy 

Restoration Fund a ............................................. [$285,048] [$285,543] [$296,000] [$320,000] [+$24,000]

Brush Disposal.................................................... 4,962 6,168 8,800 8,900 +100

Timber Salvage Sales .......................................... 32,809 35,564 39,800 40,000 +200

Timber Sales Pipeline Restoration....................... 5,233 5,422 5,500 5,600 +100

Forest Botanical Products................................... 975 980 1,000 1,100 +100

Stewardship Contracting..................................... 28,586 24,890 30,700 31,000 +300

Recreation Fees, Forest Service........................... 131,965 136,527 134,600 135,200 +600

Timber Purchaser Election Road Construction b... 2,000 2,000 2,000 2,000 -

Operation and Maintenance of Forest Service 

Quarters............................................................. 11,284 12,495 13,100 13,400 +300

Roads and Trails for States.................................. 18,888 20,171 19,000 20,000 +1,000

Land Between the Lakes Management................ 4,212 11,942 11,942 11,942 -

Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie Rental Fees... 794 937 1,000 1,050 +50

Quinault Special Management Area ................... - - - - -

Restoration of Forest Lands and Improvements.. 3,656 110,771 14,500 14,500 -

Commercial Filming & Still Photography Land 

Use Fee Retention............................................ 604 564 610 610 -

Organizational Camps Program........................... 448 633 630 630 -

Cost Recovery (Land Uses).................................. 786 657 750 750 -

Licensee Program Smokey Bear .......................... 1,134 1,306 1,134 1,134 -

Licensee Program Woodsy Owl........................... 10 8 10 10 -

Forest Service Go Green Program (Conservation) 54 98 54 54 -

Payments to States Funds................................... 326,701 360,286 358,400 358,400 -

Total, Permanent Funds..................................... 575,101 731,419 643,530 646,280 +2,750

a National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund are legislatively mandated transfers from another agency.
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b At the time of publication, analysis is being done to determine a reduction for future deposits into the Timber Purchaser Election 

Road Construction fund. Therefore, it is likely the actual deposit amount in 2025 will be lower than is requested.
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NATIONAL PARKS AND PUBLIC LAND LEGACY RESTORATION FUND

Table FS-122. National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund (Great American Outdoor Act) Detail Table 

(thousands of dollars)

National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund 

(Great American Outdoors Act)

2022 

Actual

2023 

Actual

2024 

Estimated

2025 

Request

Inc. or 

Dec.

Recoveries ....................................................................... $2,167 $2,607 $3,502 $3,512

Transfers In ...................................................................... 285,048 285,543 296,000 320,000

Sequestrations.................................................................. -16,248 3 - -

Balance Available, SOY ..................................................... 169,734 287,935 364,871 402,596

Total Available ................................................................. 440,701 576,088 664,373 726,108

Balance Available, EOY ..................................................... -287,936 -364,871 -402,596 -453,405

Total Obligations ............................................................. 152,765 211,217 261,777 272,703 

National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund – Status of Programs

Current Activities 

The Great American Outdoors Act established the National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund (LRF) for 

Fiscal Year (FY) 2021 through FY 2025, authorizing the Forest Service with up to $285 million annually. Projects 

approved under LRF focuses on reducing the deferred maintenance backlog. The LRF Program continues to 

improve outdoor recreation opportunities across the country, bringing sites into compliance with accessibility 

standards and contributing to the Forest Service’s equity goals.

The Forest Service’s FY 2025 National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund project lists are included in 

the appendix of the FY 2025 Budget request. The Forest Service has developed these projects in accordance with 

GAOA requirements and Administration guidance. 

Selected Examples of Recent Progress

Flagstaff Trail Initiative

The program completed the Flagstaff Trail Initiative Collaboration and Mt. Elden Trail Reconstruction project, 

which was instrumental in identifying maintenance tasks such as trail reroutes and replacement of drainage 

structures of approximately 40 miles of trail in the Mount Elden Dry Lake area of the Coconino National Forest. The 

trail maintenance was completed in partnership with both the American Conservation Experience and Arizona 

Conservation Corps and was able to address $327,700 of deferred maintenance.

Program Objectives for FY 2025

Projects proposed for FY 2025 will continue to improve public access and visitor experience on National Forest 

System lands. In addition, the FY 2025 project list includes many projects that help to address the employee 

housing shortage across much of the country, which is hampering the Forest Service’s ability to hire and retain 

employees in rural and high cost of living areas. These projects will support numerous Forest Service programs, 

with a particular focus on the Wildfire Crisis Strategy. While most of the funding will go to new projects, 

approximately a quarter of the list comprises existing projects that require additional funding either due to 

inflation or planned project phasing. As this is the final year of LRF, the Forest Service has ensured that the FY 2025 

list will complete construction on all approved projects. Of new projects, approximately 41 percent of spending is 

in underserved counties, 60 percent is helping to address climate change mitigation or adaptation, and 23 percent 

of spending will aid the Wildfire Crisis Strategy by investing in priority landscapes50. Partnerships and addressing 

50 There is overlap between these benefit categories and other categories, the percentages should not be totaled.
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

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deferred maintenance continue to be priorities, with 14 percent of projects having external funding to supplement 

the work and returning a 95 percent efficiency on investment for deferred maintenance.

Program Evaluations

The program management plan and acquisition strategy define key performance indicators related to deferred 

maintenance reduction, sustainability, access and visitor experience, equity and economic opportunity, and 

partnerships. The Forest Service tracks progress toward these goals through a series of publicly available 

dashboards to ensure accountability and transparency. This plan requires an annual evaluation and field truthing 

through site visits and local reviews. The reviews focus on identifying and mitigating risks for program delivery. 

Major themes centered around finding solutions for issues like contracting, resource capacity, contractor 

availability and pricing, environmental clearances, asset management, and communication strategies. 
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

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BRUSH DISPOSAL

Table FS-123. Brush Disposal Detail Table (thousands of dollars)

Brush Disposal 2022 

Actual

2023 

Actual

2024 

Estimated

2025 

Request

Inc. or 

Dec.

Appropriations ........................................................................ $4,962 $6,168 $8,800 $8,900 +$100

Recoveries .............................................................................. 973 238 430 547

Sequestrations......................................................................... 112 -69 -150 -6

Balance Available, SOY ............................................................ 25,728 25,838 24,126 23,244

Total Available ........................................................................ 31,775 32,175 33,206 32,685

Balance Available, EOY ............................................................ -25,838 -24,126 -23,244 -22,879

Total Obligations .................................................................... 5,937 8,049 9,962 9,806

Brush Disposal – Status of Programs

Current Activities

This program provides for the disposal of unmerchantable brush and other debris resulting from timber purchaser

operations on timber sale contracts, stewardship contracts, and permits not removed by the purchaser. Timber

harvest activities create slash and other debris that, if left untreated, can increase the risk of fire, impair

reforestation, and contribute to the growth in undesirable insect populations. Brush disposal treatments can be

mechanical (e.g., scattering, chipping, or crushing slash) or by prescribed burning. Timber sale operators can

perform the required work, or they can request that the Forest Service complete this work by depositing funds to

cover these costs. Brush Disposal receipts originate from deposits for the estimated cost of disposing of brush and

other debris resulting from timber harvest operations, should the purchaser elect not to perform the disposal

work.

Selected Examples of Recent Progress

Fuel Breaks and Slash Work

On the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, a purchaser accomplished slash work, which included the felling and

piling of damaged trees as well as scattering slash (tree tops) on the first 300 feet of primary skid trails from each

landing. The Brush Disposal funds that were collected for the timber harvest were used by the Forest Service for

project materials (burn mix51

, winter Personal Protective Equipment, etc.) needed to burn the piled material in

November 2022 when there was over 12 inches of snow. With a combination of funds including Brush Disposal,

the Evanston District was able to protect the Whitney Reservoir area by reducing standing dead and other fuel

sources across 92 acres. 

On the Gold Beach Ranger District, of the Rogue River Siskiyou National Forest, a combination of three timber 

sales over the last 20 years have implemented thinning prescriptions on the ridgetop of Wildhorse Ridge, which 

resulted in a shaded fuel break that is a prime example of quality fuel control. The Flat Fire, on the Rogue River – 

Siskiyou National Forest ignited from human causes on July 15, 2023, and went through rapid growth in the first 4 

days. This growth pushed the fire to the south and to the west into large unroaded areas, in rugged and 

inaccessible terrain. This resulted in the Forest taking an indirect approach to hold the fire on ridgetops with roads 

to the west and south of the fire. At the end of day 4, the fire was pushing to the West towards one of these key 

ridges called Wildhorse Ridge. 

51 Burn Mix is a fuel mixture of typically 75 percent diesel fuel and 25 percent gasoline which is used to keep the drip torch 

(device that lights the unburned fuel) burning.
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

29a-175 

The Gold Beach Ranger District has often highlighted the work that has been done on Wildhorse ridge to internal 

teams and to the local forest collaborative. A combination of three timber sales over the last 20 years have 

implemented thinning prescriptions on this ridgetop, resulting in a shaded fuel break. Additionally, funds 

generated from these timber sales, have been used to implement post-harvest fuels treatments include prescribed 

fires, hand-piling and burning activity fuels, precommercial thinning, and pruning. The combination of these 

treatments has created Gold Beach Ranger District’s most defendable ridgetop for fire suppression efforts. These 

treatments were tested by the Flat Fire (a human caused fire that was ignited on July 15, 2023). The existing fuels 

conditions from the treatments allowed the firefighters to start progress with backburns much more quickly and 

safely, which allowed them to flank the fire to the West before it made a run upslope to the ridgetop. The burnout 

operations were successful, which caused the Flat fire to burn with low fire intensity and reduce overstory canopy 

loss along Wildhorse Ridge. This was a successful fire suppression effort, in part because of the previous hazardous 

fuels mitigation and forest resiliency work through timber sales and the resulting trust funds.

Program Objectives for FY 2025

During FY 2025, Brush Disposal funds will continue to be utilized to treat activity fuels generated during timber 

sales. There are $9.5 million in treatments planned on 150,000 acres to reduce impacts of fuels generated from 

timber sales. The continued goal of implementing treatments is to make the landscapes more defensible and to 

support future fire suppression efforts.
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

29a-176 

TIMBER SALVAGE SALES

Table FS-124. Timber Salvage Sales Detail Table (thousands of dollars)

Timber Salvage Sales 2022 

Actual

2023 

Actual

2024 

Estimated

2025 

Request

Inc. or 

Dec.

Appropriations ........................................................................ $32,809 $35,564 $39,800 $40,000 +$200

Recoveries .............................................................................. 916 425 751 697

Sequestrations......................................................................... 83 -166 -241 -11

Balance Available, SOY ............................................................ 76,965 85,185 88,062 83,442

Total Available ........................................................................ 110,773 121,008 128,372 124,128

Balance Available, EOY ............................................................ -85,185 -88,062 -83,442 -74,477

Total Obligations .................................................................... 25,588 32,946 44,930 49,651

Timber Salvage Sales – Status of Programs

Current Activities 

This program facilitates the timely removal of timber damaged by fire, wind, insects, diseases, or other events to 

aid in maintaining healthy and resilient forests and ensuring community safety. Revenues collected from the sale 

of timber from dead and dying trees are used to prepare and administer future timber salvage sales, including 

obtaining Forest Service engineering support. These funds are immediately available to respond to timber salvage 

opportunities. The removal of dead or dying timber through timber sale contracts is a valuable tool to reduce the 

potential for catastrophic wildland fire and other hazards. 

Selected Examples of Recent Progress

The Ozark St. Francis Forest collaborated with the Geospatial Technology and Applications Center (GTAC) to use 

salvage sale funds in combination with other appropriated program funds to support an Unmanned Aerial Systems 

(UAS) post-storm assessment project in which GTAC used the UAS platform to produce an end-product that 

includes the accurate mapping of the extent of damage, estimation of timber product classes for salvaging, and 

identification of access routes. Utilizing UAS technology allowed management staff to access areas sooner, assess 

the damage, identify resource concerns, and eliminate the need to rely on helicopter access for post-storm 

planning efforts. 

Program Objectives for FY 2025

During FY 2025, the objective is to continue to maintain a sustainable funding stream for preparing and 

administering salvage sales as the need arises. It is critical that current timber sales with a salvage component are 

distributing timber sale receipts to the Salvage Sale Fund commensurate with the amount of funds being spent. It 

is anticipated that approximately five to seven percent of all timber volume sold will be funded using Salvage Sale 

Funds.
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

29a-177 

TIMBER SALES PIPELINE RESTORATION

Table FS-125. Timber Sales Pipeline Restoration Detail Table (thousands of dollars)

Timber Sales Pipeline Restoration 2022 

Actual

2023 

Actual

2024 

Estimated

2025 

Request

Inc. or 

Dec.

Appropriations ........................................................................ $5,233 $5,422 $5,500 $5,600 +$100

Recoveries .............................................................................. 199 267 152 155

Sequestrations......................................................................... -21 3 -4 -6

Balance Available, SOY ............................................................ 6,694 8,694 8,878 8,716

Total Available ........................................................................ 12,105 14,386 14,526 14,465

Balance Available, EOY ............................................................ -8,694 -8,878 -8,716 -8,390

Total Obligations .................................................................... 3,411 5,508 5,810 6,075

Timber Sales Pipeline Restoration – Status of Programs

Current Activities 

This program provides an additional source of funds for restoring the timber sale pipeline and to address the 

backlog of recreation projects. This program contributes to several land and resource management objectives, 

including improving forest health, restoring wildlife habitat, and providing forest products to meet local and 

national needs. A portion of the funding collected under the Timber Sales Pipeline Restoration Funding must be 

directed to addressing health and safety issues related to recreation facilities and system trails, benefiting the 

public by addressing maintenance issues that may cause harm or detract from their outdoor experience. This 

activity provides for National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) analysis. Expenditures may include the necessary 

planning and design for the associated timber roads. 

Selected Examples of Recent Progress

Timber Production and Vegetation Management

The Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest (CNNF) has sustained a large vegetation management program to 

ensure the health and restoration of Wisconsin’s Northwoods. The forest is one of the top timber-producing 

forests in the National Forest System. The CNNF has been utilizing the Timber Sale Pipeline Restoration Fund to 

implement multiple projects since 2004. Approximately 111,770 million board feet of timber was sold in FY 2023. 

The harvest, transportation, and processing of CNNF timber directly supports the more than 61,000 full- and parttime jobs within the forest products industry in the State of Wisconsin. Recently, approximately $225,000 was 

expended by the forest to prepare timber sales, and 39,000 CCF was awarded to timber sale purchasers directly 

related to the pipeline of sales created using the Timber Sale Pipeline Restoration Fund. These funds allow the 

Forest to increase timber sale volume beyond what can be achieved with annual appropriations. This allows the 

Forest to increase the pace and scale of acres treated to achieve desired landscape conditions, maintain healthy 

ecosystems, and reduce the threat of wildfire while contributing proceeds for future projects within the Eastern 

Region.

Program Objectives for FY 2025

The National Program Support rates will continue to be evaluated to maximize the availability of salvage sale funds 

for the field units to prepare salvage sales. It will be important to continue to balance expenditures with collections 

to maintain viability of the salvage sale program on each forest.
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

29a-178 

FOREST BOTANICAL PRODUCTS

Table FS-126. Forest Botanical Products Detail Table (thousands of dollars)

Forest Botanical Products 2022 

Actual

2023 

Actual

2024 

Estimated

2025 

Request

Inc. or 

Dec.

Appropriations ........................................................................ $975 $980 $1,000 $1,100 +$100

Recoveries .............................................................................. 30 8 - -

Sequestrations......................................................................... -3 - -1 -6

Balance Available, SOY ............................................................ 2,032 2,260 2,397 2,207

Total Available ........................................................................ 3,034 3,248 3,396 3,301

Balance Available, EOY ............................................................ -2,261 -2,397 -2,207 -2,080

Total Obligations .................................................................... 773 851 1,189 1,221

Forest Botanical Products – Status of Programs

Current Activities 

This program collects fees from individuals who obtain a permit to harvest forest botanical products52 on National 

Forest System lands, and are used to cover costs associated with granting, modifying, or administering 

authorizations for harvesting, including environmental analyses. Forest Service activities associated with the Forest 

Botanical Products program include inventory, analysis, sustainability determination for harvest levels, permit 

issuance and administration, and monitoring to facilitate the sale and harvest of forest botanical products.

Selected Example of Recent Progress

Forest Botanical Program Ranking

The National Forests in North Carolina in Southern Region (08) continued to monitor forest botanical products 

such as Galax, Ginseng, and Frasier Fir. They utilized funding for propagating Ginseng for seed production as well as 

monitoring for illegal harvesting activities.

The Pacific Northwest Region (06) has the most active Forest Botanical Products program and collected $829,000 

during FY 2023, compared to the Southern Region (08) with the second most active program, which collected 

$40,000. Activities associated with this program helped maintain, enhance, and restore forest ecosystems to the 

desired conditions. It provided for the sale and harvest of forest botanical products in a sustainable manner that 

contributes to meeting the Nation’s demand for these goods and services while contributing products to the local 

economy.

Program Objectives for FY 2025

Continue to sell forest botanical products in a manner that promotes sustainability while meeting the needs of the 

industry that uses them and the communities where they are collected. Harvest levels on each unit will be 

monitored in accordance with the plan set forth by the local Forest Supervisor. Forest botanical product harvest 

programs should be managed in such a manner as to not impair productivity of the land, and to maintain diversity 

and viability of the ecosystem. 

52 Forest botanical products are defined as “naturally occurring special forest products, including, but not limited to, bark, 

berries, boughs, bryophytes, bulbs, burls, cones, ferns, fungi (including mushrooms and truffles), forbs, grasses, mosses, nuts, 

pine straw, roots, sedges, seeds, shrubs, transplants, tree sap, and wildflowers” (36 C.F.R. §223.277).
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

29a-179 

STEWARDSHIP CONTRACTING

Table FS-127. Stewardship Contracting Detail Table (thousands of dollars)

Stewardship Contracting 2022 

Actual

2023 

Actual

2024 

Estimated

2025 

Request

Inc. or 

Dec.

Appropriations ................................................................. $28,586 $24,890 $30,700 $31,000 +$300

Recoveries ....................................................................... 1,054 431 490 480

Sequestrations.................................................................. 41 6,455 -331 -17

Balance Available, SOY ..................................................... 53,246 59,788 64,697 69,278

Total Available ................................................................. 82,927 91,564 95,556 100,741

Balance Available, EOY ..................................................... -59,788 -64,697 -69,278 -74,548

Total Obligations ............................................................. 23,139 26,867 26,278 26,193

Stewardship Contracting – Status of Programs

Current Activities 

This program allows the Forest Service to apply the value of timber or other forest products from stewardship 

contracts as an offset against the costs to accomplish additional land and resource management objectives. If the 

offset value exceeds the value of the resource improvement treatments, those receipts are retained and deposited 

in the Stewardship Contracting fund and are available until expended for other authorized stewardship projects. 

Detailed information about the program’s recent accomplishments can be found in the Stewardship Contracting 

special exhibit. 

Selected Example of Recent Progress

Hiawatha National Forest

The forest decommissioned or closed approximately 3 miles of roads as part of an integrated resource contract. 

The roads that were included as service items in exchange for the forest products were those with resource 

damage, and/or located within riparian areas or wetlands. The decrease in road density improved watershed 

conditions, reduced sediment delivery to streams, and restored riparian function. 

Jena Band of Choctaw Indians

The National Forests and Grasslands in Texas executed a Stewardship Agreement with the Jena Band of Choctaw 

Indians in FY 2019 to increase capacity to prepare timber sales that will improve habitat for the endangered Redcockaded woodpecker, reduce hazardous fuels, decrease risks of southern pine beetle infestation, and restore 

longleaf and shortleaf pine. From FY 2019 to FY 2023 over $1.4 million of Stewardship retained receipts have been 

obligated towards the Jena Band’s timber marking crew. The Jena crew has Global Positioned System sale 

boundaries and marked and cruised thousands of acres with a volume of over 65,000 CCF.

Program Objectives for FY 2025

The program will continue to apply the value of timber or other forest products from stewardship contracts or 

agreements as an offset against the costs to accomplish additional land and resource management objectives 

focused on national priority work objectives. 

Program Evaluations

Stewardship end-result contracting was permanently granted to the Forest Service in FY 2014 after nearly two 

decades of pilot projects and provisional authority. This authority was expanded in the FY 2018 Omnibus 

legislation, allowing the Forest Service to extend the length of agreements and contracts to 20 years. This program 

is undergoing review from an agreement with Oregon State University and the University of Oregon to assess 

contractors, Forest Service program managers, and Partners to provide a 360-degree assessment of the use of the 

authority and to provide monitoring information of accomplishments and economic impacts to communities. This 

assessment will provide feedback and recommendations in a final report to be completed in FY 2025.
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

RECREATION FEES, FOREST SERVICE (ALSO REFERRED TO AS THE FEDERAL LANDS RECREATION ENHANCEMENT FUND) 

Table FS-128. Forest Service Recreation Fees Detail Table (thousands of dollars)

Recreation Fees, Forest Service 2022 

Actual

2023 

Actual

2024 

Estimated

2025 

Request

Inc. or 

Dec.

Appropriations .................................................................... $131,965 $136,527 $134,600 $135,200 +$600

Recoveries .......................................................................... 1,149 1,432 1,148 1,243

Sequestrations..................................................................... -847 -205 110 -34

Balance Available, SOY ........................................................ 130,803 155,906 166,324 166,200

Total Available .................................................................... 263,070 293,660 302,182 302,609

Balance Available, EOY ........................................................ -155,905 -166,324 -166,200 -166,435

Total Obligations ................................................................ 107,165 127,336 135,982 136,174

Recreation Fees, Forest Service (also referred to as the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Fund) – Status of

Programs

Current Activities

This program uses fees collected from recreation sites to complete programs, projects, and activities that improve

visitors’ experience on National Forest System lands. Programs, projects, and activities include maintenance

backlog repairs, annual operation and maintenance, interpretive services, signage, habitat restoration, permitting

of outfitter and guide services, resource protection, and law enforcement.

Recreation Fees, Forest Service Site Specific

This fund collects approximately $80 million annually. Ninety-five percent of funds retained by the local unit are

used to administer, operate, repair, and upgrade recreation facilities and provide public use services. The

remaining five percent is allocated to the regional offices to support strategic program oversight, financial

management, and training related to the recreation fee program; and to provide grants to forests for

improvements and special projects. Current projects include the installation of bear-proof food storage lockers in

developed recreation areas. Situated in the heart of black bear country, the Mogollon Rim Ranger District,

Coconino National Forest is installing bear-proof food storage lockers at many of their developed campgrounds.

These improvements are planned to continue well into the future.

Recreation Fees, Forest Service Agency Specific

This program provides funding, in part, for the National Recreation Reservation Service – or Recreation Planning–

an interagency e-government initiative providing a reservation system for all recreation facilities on public lands

that allow reservations.

Recreation Fees, Forest Service Grey Towers National Historic Site Fees

This program collects fees for admission and use of facilities on Grey Towers. Collections are used to administer

Grey Towers; provide interpretive and education programs and projects that perpetuate the legacy of Gifford

Pinchot for the public and youth; offer public programs that foster stewardship of natural resources; and provide

conservation leadership development programs to enhance the dialogues occurring within the natural resource

community.

Shasta-Trinity National Forest Marina Fees.

This program collects fees received from the marina project to fund the Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area.

Funds are used to meet critical health and safety standards, address portions of the maintenance backlog, provide

for innovative projects (including high quality interpretive and environmental education programs), installation

and maintenance of over 300 underwater obstacle markers and 100 safety-related floating directional signs,

establishment and maintenance of the National Recreation Area Boating Safety Program, implementation and

administration of the program’s Marina Standards, maintenance of a floating toilet program, and the construction

29a-180 
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

29a-181 

of accessible facilities to provide greater access for persons with disabilities. The goal of these projects is to meet 

the National Recreation Area’s intent to showcase recreation opportunities in the Forest Service.

Selected Examples of Recent Progress

Equestrian Campground Improvements in the Modoc National Forest, California

The forest used approximately $20,000 in recreation fees to improve the Pepperdine, Soup Springs, and East Creek 

Equestrian Campgrounds. Staff purchased new corrals, water troughs, and equestrian site signs for the 

campgrounds. The forest purchased hitching posts for the campgrounds and equestrian trailheads across the 

forest. Equestrian users will now have a safe place to tie their animals prior to leaving on their backcountry 

adventures.

Campground Expansion in the Kaibab National Forest, Arizona

The Forest began the first phase of construction to expand the popular Ten-X Campground. This project will 

increase overnight camping opportunities for visitors and improve the overall experience by upgrading aging 

facilities and adding amenities. Phase one of the expansion project will add three new camping loops, increasing 

capacity from the current 70 campsites to a total of 165. The new loops include a mix of RV-friendly, individual 

tent, and small group sites. Additional developments include the installation of a welcome station with electronic 

payment options and a centralized location to access visitor services including a bus stop that will provide access to 

Grand Canyon National Park and the nearby community of Tusayan. Fee dollars contributed over $158,500 to this 

multimillion-dollar project. 

Program Objectives for FY 2025

The Recreation Fee Program will provide critical funding to adapt facilities to the changing demands of the public. 

The Stanislaus National Forest is planning to expand the Rocky Point Campground in the Utica/Union Reservoirs 

area and add four double and three triple sites to accommodate the larger groups that come camping together to 

recreation at the Utica Reservoir. In addition to expanding the campground, the forest plans to purchase fire rings, 

picnic tables, site posts and food lockers for these sites.
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

29a-182 

TIMBER PURCHASER ELECTION ROAD CONSTRUCTION

Table FS-129. Timber Purchaser Election Road Construction Detail Table (thousands of dollars)

Timber Purchaser Election Road Construction 2022 

Actual

2023 

Actual

2024 

Estimated

2025 

Request

Inc. or 

Dec.

Appropriations ........................................................................ $2,000 $2,000 $2,000 $2,000 -

Recoveries .............................................................................. 16 - - -

Balance Available, SOY ............................................................ 34,619 35,097 36,524 35,057

Total Available ........................................................................ 36,635 37,097 38,524 37,057

Balance Available, EOY ............................................................ -35,098 -36,524 -35,057 -32,610

Total Obligations .................................................................... 1,537 573 3,467 4,447

Timber Purchaser Election Road Construction – Status of Programs

Current Activities 

This program supports the construction and reconstruction of any permanent road or bridge as required under the 

terms and conditions of a timber sale contract. When a small business timber purchaser is awarded a contract, the 

purchaser may elect to pay the Forest Service to construct or reconstruct specified roads in the timber sale 

contract area to a standard necessary to harvest and remove timber and other forest products. The Forest Service 

then uses the funds to contract for the required roadwork and administer the contract. This program benefits 

small timber contractors who might otherwise be unable to bid on Forest Service timber sales and provides for 

appropriate road improvements to prevent soil degradation, stream sedimentation, or other damages.

Selected Example of Recent Progress

Gifford Pinchot National Forest. $500,000 of Purchaser Elect funds spent in the Pacific Northwest Region (06) to 

support timber sales purchased by qualifying small business purchasers who elected to have the Forest Service 

construct the roads to facilitate implementation of the timber sales. On the Gifford Pinchot NF in Pacific Northwest 

Region (06), PEPE funds financed the construction of roads on the Drift Thin and Ursa Reoffer timber sales.

Program Objectives for FY 2025

The Forest Service will continue to evaluate future deposit needs into the Purchaser Election fund. The Forest 

Service may temporarily reduce future deposits into the Purchaser Election fund while large unobligated balances 

remain. 
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

29a-183 

OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF FOREST SERVICE QUARTERS

Table FS-130. Operation and Maintenance of Forest Service Quarters Detail Table (thousands of dollars)

Operation and Maintenance of Forest Service Quarters 2022 

Actual

2023 

Actual

2024 

Estimated

2025 

Request

Inc. or 

Dec.

Appropriations ............................................................... $11,284 $12,495 $13,100 $13,400 +$300

Recoveries ..................................................................... 57 266 500 274

Balance Available, SOY ................................................... 29,442 32,213 33,416 32,911

Total Available ............................................................... 40,783 44,974 47,016 46,585

Balance Available, EOY ................................................... -32,213 -33,416 -32,911 -30,280

Total Obligations ........................................................... 8,570 11,558 14,105 16,305

Operation and Maintenance of Forest Service Quarters – Status of Programs

Current Activities 

Funds collected are used for the cost of maintenance, operation, and management of employee housing facilities, 

including associated utility systems. Funds are directed toward addressing health and safety issues such as leadbased paint, asbestos, and radon, as well as addressing accessibility for the disabled, gender equality, energy 

efficiency, water conservation, and annual maintenance needs. Funding levels are based on estimated receipts and 

collections, primarily rents from employee-tenants.

Selected Examples of Recent Progress

Quarters Collections

The Forest Service recently expended over $10 million from current and prior year quarters collections. The 

Quarters funds include expenditures not only on direct expenditures on maintenance and repair of housing but 

include costs associated with utility bills, salary, and fleet costs related to housing operations.

Program Objectives for FY 2025

In FY 2025, the program will continue to collect and use funds to support the maintenance, operation, and 

management of employee housing facilities including associated utility systems. 
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

29a-184 

ROADS AND TRAILS FOR STATES

Table FS-131. Roads and Trails for States Detail Table (thousands of dollars)

Roads and Trails for States 2022 

Actual

2023 

Actual

2024 

Estimated

2025 

Request

Inc. or 

Dec.

Appropriations ........................................................................ $18,888 $20,171 $19,000 $20,000 +$1,000

Recoveries .............................................................................. 1 1 - -

Transfers Out........................................................................... - - - -20,000

Deferrals.................................................................................. -18,888 -20,171 -19,000 -

Balance Available, SOY ............................................................ 1 2 3 3

Total Available ........................................................................ 2 3 3 3

Balance Available, EOY ............................................................ -2 -3 -3 -3

Total Obligations .................................................................... - - - -

Roads and Trails for States – Status of Programs

Current Activities

This program collects ten percent of all National Forest Fund receipts, which is inclusive of both fees and other 

types of revenue and can be used by the Forest Service without regard to the State in which the amounts were 

derived. Fees collected are used to repair or reconstruct roads, bridges, and trails on National Forest System lands. 

Funds are utilized to correct road and trail deficiencies that adversely affect ecosystems. Beginning in FY 1999, and 

continuing in subsequent appropriation acts, the authority was expanded to allow the use of funds for improving 

forest health conditions and repairing or reconstructing roads and bridges on National Forest System lands in the 

wildland-urban interface, where there is an abnormally high risk of fire. This program reduces risk to human safety, 

public health, and property, and enhances ecological functions, long-term forest productivity, and biological 

integrity. Since FY 2008, appropriations acts have directed collections to be transferred to Treasury. 
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

29a-185 

LAND BETWEEN THE LAKES MANAGEMENT

Table FS-132. Land Between the Lakes Management Detail Table (thousands of dollars)

Land Between the Lakes Management 2022 

Actual

2023 

Actual

2024 

Estimated

2025 

Request

Inc. or 

Dec.

Appropriations ........................................................................ $4,212 $11,942 $11,942 $11,942 -

Recoveries............................................................................... 18 19 17 15

Balance Available, SOY ............................................................ 5,002 2,442 8,125 10,042

Total Available ........................................................................ 9,232 14,403 20,084 21,999

Balance Available, EOY ............................................................ -2,442 -8,125 -10,042 -9,900

Total Obligations .................................................................... 6,790 6,278 10,042 12,099

Land Between the Lakes Management – Status of Programs

Current Activities 

This program uses funds from user fees and natural resources, including timber and agricultural receipts, to 

manage projects and activities on the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area. These projects and 

activities provide recreational opportunities to the public, conserve species and habitats, increase species diversity, 

and offer environmental education.

Selected Example of Recent Progress

Fall Adventure

The Land Between the Lakes Recreation Area hosted an off-roading enthusiast “Fall Adventure” event. This event 

included activities such as scavenger hunts, visiting the bison and elk prairie, touring the Casey Jones Distillery, 

visiting old homesteads and landmarks, visiting Civil War era Fort Donelson, and off-roading at Turkey Bay Off 

Highway Vehicle area. 

Program Objectives for FY 2025

In FY 2025, the program will continue to collect fees to support recreational opportunities to the public, conserve 

species and habitats, increase species diversity, and offer environmental education. 
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

29a-186 

MIDEWIN NATIONAL TALLGRASS PRAIRIE RESTORATION

Table FS-133. Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie Detail Table (thousands of dollars)

Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie Rental Fees 2022 

Actual

2023 

Actual

2024 

Estimated

2025 

Request

Inc. or 

Dec.

Appropriations ........................................................................ $794 $937 $1,000 $1,050 +$50

Recoveries............................................................................... 1 - 17 12

Balance Available, SOY ............................................................ 3,681 3,006 3,154 3,087

Total Available ........................................................................ 4,476 3,943 4,171 4,149

Balance Available, EOY ............................................................ -3,006 -3,154 -3,087 -3,029

Total Obligations .................................................................... 1,470 789 1,084 1,120

Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie Restoration – Status of Programs

Current Activities 

The Illinois Land Conservation Act of 1995 established the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie (MNTP) to be 

managed as part of the National Forest System. There are two separate funds: the agricultural rental fund used for 

prairie restoration, and the salvage fund used for all other activities. Receipts from grazing fees, agricultural leases 

for row crops, sales of surplus equipment, and the salvage value proceeds from the sale of any facilities and 

improvements can be used to cover the cost of ecosystem restoration; construction of a visitor center, recreational 

facilities, trails, and administrative office; prairie improvement; and operation and maintenance.

Selected Example of Recent Progress

Grazing Projects

The Forest Service awarded $170,000 to fund two targeted grazing projects on MNTP. The first project uses geofencing technology to restore ecological health of grassland habitats and the second will use goats in the bunker 

areas to improve grassland bird habitat. 

Program Objectives for FY 2025

The program will continue to collect receipts from user fees and salvage receipts to assist with restoring Midewin 

National Tallgrass Prairie. 
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

29a-187 

QUINAULT SPECIAL MANAGEMENT AREA

Table FS-134. Quinault Special Management Area Detail Table (thousands of dollars)

Quinault Special Management Area 2022 

Actual

2023 

Actual

2024 

Estimated

2025 

Request

Inc. or 

Dec.

Balance Available, SOY ............................................................. $18 $15 $12 $1

Total Available ......................................................................... 18 15 12 1

Balance Available, EOY ............................................................. -15 -12 -1 -

Total Obligations ..................................................................... 3 3 11 1

Quinault Special Management Area – Status of Programs

Current Activities 

This program retains ten percent of the gross proceeds from the sale of forest products on the Quinault Special 

Management Area to be used for administration of future timber sales. The remaining 90 percent of gross 

proceeds are divided each quarter, with 45 percent going to the State of Washington and 45 percent to the 

Quinault Tribe. The QSMA is approximately 5,400 acres and is managed by the Olympic National Forest for the 

Quinault Indian Nation.

Program Objectives for FY 2025

The last timber sale that occurred in the area was in 2016 and the Olympic National Forest will continue to work 

with the tribe to develop future opportunities for management. 
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

29a-188 

RESTORATION OF FOREST LANDS AND IMPROVEMENTS

Table FS-135. Restoration of Forest Lands and Improvements Detail Table (thousands of dollars)

Restoration of Forest Lands and Improvements 2022 

Actual

2023 

Actual

2024 

Estimated

2025 

Request

Inc. or 

Dec.

Appropriations ................................................................ $3,656 $110,771 $14,500 $14,500 -

Recoveries....................................................................... 2,532 5,522 5,450 5,450

Transfers In...................................................................... 46 114 - -

Balance Transfers............................................................. 590 1,437 - -

Sequestrations................................................................. -130 -6,125 5,487 -

Balance Available, SOY .................................................... 198,499 186,915 277,700 257,666

Total Available ................................................................ 205,193 298,634 303,137 277,616

Balance Available, EOY .................................................... -186,916 -277,700 -257,666 -235,974

Total Obligations ............................................................ 18,277 20,934 45,471 41,642

Restoration of Forest Lands and Improvements – Status of Programs

Current Activities 

This authority protects the interests of the Forest Service in situations where work is to be done by a permittee or 

timber purchaser. This fund receives monies from forfeiture of a bond or deposit by a permittee or timber 

purchaser for failure to complete performance of improvement, protection, or rehabilitation work required under 

the permit or timber sale contract; or the result of a judgment, compromise, or settlement of any claim, involving 

present or potential damage to lands or improvements. Funds are available until expended to cover the costs of 

performing the required work. Any funds received in excess of the amount expended in performing the work shall 

be transferred to Treasury.

Selected Examples of Recent Progress

Restoring Post-Fire Landscapes

Post-fire recovery and restoration work continued last FY in the Pacific Southwest Region (05), with over $62 

million spent the prior year on numerous post-fire landscapes. Funds were used to restore damages made by the 

following fires in California: the El Portal Fire, Canyon 2 Fire, Flat Fire, Powerhouse Fire, and the Moonlight Fire. 

Program Objectives for FY 2025

In FY 2025, the program will continue to implement projects where a permittee or timber purchaser fails to 

complete required work under the permit or timber sale contract or where settlement funds for restoration 

activities on National Forest System lands have been received as part of a judicial settlement or jury decision.
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

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COMMERCIAL FILMING AND STILL PHOTOGRAPHY LAND USE FEE RETENTION

Table FS-136. Commercial Filming & Still Photography Detail Table (thousands of dollars)

Commercial Filming & Still Photography Land Use Fee 2022 

Actual

2023 

Actual

2024 

Estimated

2025 

Request

Inc. or 

Dec.

Appropriations ........................................................................ $604 $564 $610 $610 -

Recoveries............................................................................... 4 8 8 8

Sequestrations......................................................................... 4 -4 -3 -

Balance Available, SOY............................................................. 2,402 2,440 2,627 2,529

Total Available ........................................................................ 3,014 3,008 3,242 3,147

Balance Available, EOY ............................................................ -2,440 -2,627 -2,529 -2,392

Total Obligations .................................................................... 574 381 713 755

Commercial Filming and Still Photography Land Use Fee Retention – Status of Programs

Current Activities 

Fees retained by the Forest Service in this fund are used to manage and respond to film and photo use requests on 

National Forest System lands in an expedited manner. For example, forest units use these funds to assess popular 

film and photo locations in advance of requests, and to develop and post information on film and photo 

procedures specific to the unit. Regional and national units use these funds to provide management oversight, 

develop policy, and coordinate inter-regional or inter-forest film and photo requests prior to accepting a proposal 

as a formal application. 

Selected Examples of Recent Progress

Permitting and Fee Implementation Training

The Forest Service conducted commercial filming and still photography training in the Southwestern Region (03) 

and Eastern Region (09) covering permitting and fee implementation. The training included addressing fee waivers 

through nominal effects decisions by the authorized officer which would reduce fee impacts on small operators. 

The training was attended by 57 realty specialists and permit administrators.

Bridger-Teton National Forest

A commercial filming permit was issued to America Films LTD for the Disney/National Geographic America the 

Beautiful six-part television series. The goal is to inspire audiences to conserve the precious habitats and 

inhabitants found in our own backyards. 

El Yunque National Forest, Puerto Rico

The forest issued authorization for a scene for The Face of the Earth feature film. It involved seven people, two

vehicles, and handheld filming equipment. 

1890 Land Grant University

The Forest Service used part of its fee retention funds from commercial filming and still photography to partner 

with 1890 land grant universities at Alabama AM, Southern, Tuskegee, Tennessee State, Arkansas Pine Bluff, and 

North Carolina A&T Universities to train 15 students in special uses permitting, including commercial filming and 

still photography. The goal of this training is to provide an educational foundation for future employment with the 

Forest Service. 

Program Objectives for FY 2025

In FY 2025 the program will continue to use permit fees from commercial filming and still photography on National 

Forest System lands to manage and administer these activities and to develop and implement Forest Service 

policies related to commercial filming and still photography.
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

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ORGANIZATIONAL CAMP PROGRAM

Table FS-137. Organization Camps Program Detail Table (thousands of dollars)

Organizational Camps Program 2022 

Actual

2023 

Actual

2024 

Estimated

2025 

Request

Inc. or 

Dec.

Appropriations ........................................................................ $448 $633 $630 $630 -

Recoveries .............................................................................. 15 2 5 5

Sequestrations......................................................................... -12 -13 - -

Balance Available, SOY ............................................................ 1,276 1,457 1,802 1,462

Total Available ........................................................................ 1,727 2,079 2,437 2,097

Balance Available, EOY ............................................................ -1,457 -1,802 -1,462 -1,258

Total Obligations .................................................................... 270 277 975 839

Organizational Camp Program – Status of Programs

Current Activities 

The Forest Service supports approximately 300 Organizational Camps currently authorized under special use 

permit. Examples of current permit holders includes church groups, Lions Clubs, Rotary clubs, YMCA, Boy Scouts of 

America, Girl Scout councils, 4-H, and local governments to conduct camp sessions for young people or people 

with disabilities. 

This program collects land and facility use fees, and in some instances revenue fees, from organizations that use 

National Forest System lands to conduct camp sessions. These fees are available until expended for program 

administration; performing oversight, inspection, and monitoring of existing special use authorizations to ensure 

compliance with terms and conditions; interpretive programs; environmental analysis and restoration activities; 

and similar purposes. Some Organizational Camps are Federally owned but operated by a third party under a 

special use permit. Fees associated with this subset of organizational camps can be offset by conducting 

maintenance on the Federally owned facilities. 

Selected Examples of Recent Progress

Environmental and Leadership Education

The Cispus Learning Center, a 68-acre campus, located in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest continued operations 

under special use permit. It provides a unique northwest outdoor learning environment for K-12 students in 

schools of the State of Washington for environmental and leadership education and for at- risk students using a 

challenge ropes course. 

Program Objectives for FY 2025

In FY 2025, the program continues to collect land and facility use fees, and in some instances revenue fees, from 

organizations that use National Forest System lands to conduct camp sessions. These fees will continue to be 

available until expended for program administration; performing oversight, inspection, and monitoring of existing 

special use authorizations to ensure compliance with terms and conditions; interpretive programs; environmental 

analysis and restoration activities; and similar purposes. 
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

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COST RECOVERY (LAND USES) 

Table FS-138. Cost Recovery (Land Uses) Program Detail Table (thousands of dollars)

Cost Recovery (Land Uses) 2022 

Actual

2023 

Actual

2024 

Estimated

2025 

Request Inc. or Dec.

Appropriations ............................................ $786 $657 $750 $750 -

Recoveries................................................... 147 21 161 110

Offsetting Collections................................... 113 6,239 - -

Sequestrations............................................. 4 -8 -8 3

Balance Available, SOY ................................ 21,492 17,622 20,280 16,735

Total Available ............................................ 22,542 24,531 21,183 17,598

Balance Available, EOY ................................ -17,622 -20,280 -16,735 -13,023

Total Obligations ........................................ 4,920 4,251 4,448 4,575

Cost Recovery (Land Uses) – Status of Programs

Current Activities 

This program includes fees collected for processing special use applications and monitoring of activities and 

facilities on National Forest System lands to recover the Forest Service’s administrative costs. Special use 

applicants and holders benefiting from the use of NFS lands pay cost recovery fees, that are retained by the Forest 

Service to minimize the cost of doing business to the general public. Administrative processing activities include 

application review and processing; developing terms and conditions related to the safety of the public and 

protection of public health and resources; completing all applicable environmental, social, and economic analysis 

and decisions pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act; and monitoring activities associated with 

construction or reconstruction.

Selected Examples of Recent Progress

Special Use Regulations

The Forest Service proposed a rule to amend its special use regulations to update the processing and monitoring 

fee schedules based on current Forest Service costs. This rule provided for recovery of costs associated with 

processing special use proposals, as well as applications, and removed the exemption for commercial recreation 

special use applications and authorizations that involve 50 hours or less to process or monitor. 

Program Objectives for FY 2025 

In FY 2025, the program continues to determine the administrative costs based on the number of hours associated 

with each application and authorization. The Forest Service is focused on improving business processes for 

applications and authorizations that require more than 50 hours of Forest Service time to process and monitor to 

ensure appropriate billing for all applicable administrative costs. 
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

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SMOKEY BEAR OFFICIAL LICENSING PROGRAM

Table FS-139. Smokey Bear Official Licensing Program Detail Table (thousands of dollars)

Licensee Program Smokey Bear 2022 

Actual

2023 

Actual

2024 

Estimated

2025 

Request

Inc. or 

Dec.

Appropriations ........................................................................ $1,134 $1,306 $1,134 $1,134 -

Balance Available, SOY ............................................................ 2,052 2,138 2,223 2,182

Total Available ........................................................................ 3,186 3,444 3,357 3,316

Balance Available, EOY ............................................................ -2,138 -2,223 -2,182 -2,155

Total Obligations .................................................................... 1,048 1,221 1,175 1,161

Smokey Bear Official Licensing Program – Status of Programs

Current Activities 

This program uses royalties and fees from the licensed manufacture, reproduction, and other use of the name or 

character “Smokey Bear.” The licensee contractor manages the marketing and administration of the commercial 

license program. The National Fire Prevention program staff manages the licensing contract. Smokey Bear royalties

support the National Smokey Bear Award program and the national fire prevention public service campaign. The 

Chief of the Forest Service has discretionary authority to use money from royalties in special projects that support 

the Smokey Bear wildfire prevention message. Smokey Bear will turn 80 this year!

Selected Examples of Recent Progress

Smokey Bear Awards

The National Association of State Foresters awarded the FY 2023 Smokey Bear Awards53 to individuals and 

organizations who have made outstanding contributions to wildfire prevention. 

Program Objectives for FY 2025

This program will continue to use royalties and fees from the licensed manufacture, reproduction, and other use of 

the name or character “Smokey Bear.” 

53 Smokey Bear Awards.
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

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LICENSEE PROGRAM WOODSY OWL

Table FS-140. Licensee Program Woodsy Owl Detail Table (thousands of dollars)

Licensee Program Woodsy Owl 2022 

Actual

2023 

Actual

2024 

Estimated

2025 

Request

Inc. or 

Dec.

Appropriations ........................................................................ $10 $8 $10 $10 -

Balance Available, SOY ............................................................ 87 97 1 1

Total Available ........................................................................ $97 105 11 11

Balance Available, EOY ............................................................ -97 -1 -1 -1

Total Obligations .................................................................... - 104 10 10

Licensee Program Woodsy Owl – Status of Programs

Current Activities 

The Woodsy Owl program supports national initiatives, programs, and products to increase public awareness of 

activities and issues related to the improvement and maintenance of the environment. The Conservation 

Education program provides funding for developing Woodsy Owl activities, educational products, partnerships, 

and managing the licensing program. The program develops and distributes publications, distance learning 

programs, and mobile app-based conservation missions. 

Selected Examples of Recent Progress

Woodsy Owl Appearance

The San Gorgonio Wilderness Association (SGWA) organized a forest festival during which Woodsy Owl made 

appearances throughout the day while SGWA volunteers led nature walks around the visitor center.

Program Objectives for FY 2025

The Woodsy Owl program will continue to support national initiatives, programs, and products to increase public 

awareness of activities and issues related to the improvement and maintenance of the environment.
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

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FOREST SERVICE GO GREEN PROGRAM (CONSERVATION)

Table FS-141. Forest Service Go Green Program Detail Table (thousands of dollars)

Forest Service Go Green Program (Conservation) 2022 

Actual

2023 

Actual

2024 

Estimated

2025 

Request

Inc. or 

Dec.

Appropriations .............................................................. $54 $98 $54 $54 -

Recoveries .................................................................... - - 8 -

Balance Available, SOY .................................................. 472 497 551 539

Total Available .............................................................. 526 595 613 593

Balance Available, EOY .................................................. -496 -551 -539 -504

Total Obligations .......................................................... 30 44 74 89

Forest Service Go Green Program (Conservation) – Status of Programs

Current Activities 

The Forest Service continues to promote the Go Green program on national forests and grasslands to help meet 

the Forest Service’s recycling and waste reduction goals. Go Green funds are collected not only from recycling 

simple items such as cans from recycling abandoned vehicles and appliances, which makes this funding essential 

for land management. This funding enables field units to accomplish clean-up activities they otherwise might not 

be able to accomplish. 

Selected Examples of Recent Progress

Recycling

The Forest Service continues to emphasize the need for sustainable operations and prioritize recycling both in 

offices and at incidents. A nationwide on-site incident recycling Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) has recently 

been awarded and a website54 has been developed to socialize how recycling can be ordered on an incident using 

this BPA.

Program Objectives for FY 2025

The Forest Service Sustainable Operations Program will continue its work of ensuring that recycling is a priority for 

the Forest Service.

54 Incident Recycling Greening Fire Sustainable Operations.
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

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PAYMENTS TO STATES

Table FS-142. Payment to States Detail Table (thousands of dollars)

Payments to States Funds 2022 

Actual

2023 

Actual

2024 

Estimated

2025 

Request

Inc. or 

Dec.

Appropriations ................................................................ $326,701 $360,286 $358,400 $358,400 -

Recoveries....................................................................... 461 892 740 698

Sequestrations................................................................. -351 -23,194 -20,249 -20,249

Balance Available, SOY .................................................... 79,137 90,814 91,239 86,026

Total Available ................................................................ 405,948 428,798 430,130 424,875

Balance Available, EOY .................................................... -90,813 -91,239 -86,026 -63,731

Total Obligations ............................................................ 315,135 337,559 344,104 361,144

Payments to States – Status of Programs

Current Activities

The Forest Service distributed $228 million which supports roads, schools, Federal projects, and county projects. 

Among the many Resources Advisory Committees (RAC) across the country, the Forest Service’s RAC in Colorado 

(Greater Rocky Mountain RAC) approved 38 projects for $4,283,091 utilizing Title II funding. Funds for Title I and III 

are sent from the Forest Service to the States to utilize in their counties. The two-year reauthorization of the 

Secure Rural Schools and Community Self- Determination Act of 2000 (Secure Rural Schools Act) was included in 

Section 41202 of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (Public Law 117-58). The reauthorization not only extended 

payments through 2023, but also reset the full funding amount used to calculate the Secure Rural Schools Act 

formula payments to the 2017 level of funding. This reauthorization expired on September 30, 2023. Absent 

Congressional reauthorization, further Secure Rural Schools payments beyond calendar year 2024 will not be 

made.

The SRS and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000 was enacted to provide for transitional assistance to 

States and rural counties affected by the decline in national forest receipts, largely from declining timber sale 

receipts. Upon reauthorization, the Forest Service will continue utilizing Title I, II & III funding to maintain rural 

communities. Additional information can be found on the Secure Rural Schools website55.

Payments to Minnesota Counties

The State of Minnesota is paid annually three-fourths of one percent of the appraised value of certain Superior 

National Forest lands which is distributed within the counties of St. Louis, Cook, and Lake. The land value is 

reappraised every ten years.

This authority derives from the Thye-Blatnick Act of June 22, 1948, as amended (16 U.S.C. 577g), payment for 

additional lands acquired in northern Minnesota. This Act directed the Secretary of Agriculture to acquire resorts, 

cabins, and private lands within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in which permanent residents were 

prohibited after 1974. Additionally, in lieu of tax payments, authorization was granted to Cook, Lake, and St. Louis 

Counties for Federal wilderness land from any national forest receipts not otherwise appropriated. 

Payments to Counties, Bankhead-Jones Farm Tenant Act

Annual payments are authorized to counties that contain Forest Service lands acquired under the Bankhead-Jones 

Act. Twenty-five percent of the revenues received during the year, excluding receipts from the sale of land, from 

each national grassland or land utilization project are paid to the counties in which such lands are located. The 

funds are restricted to uses that benefit public schools and roads.

55 Secure Rural Schools.
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

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This authority derives from Title III of the Bankhead-Jones Farm Tenant Act of July 22, 1937, as amended (7 U.S.C. 

1012), Payments to counties. This Act pertains primarily to national grasslands and land use projects.

National Forest Fund Payments to States Available, Title I & III

The National Forest Fund Payments to States is an account where all receipts are deposited and used for Title I and 

Title III payments, and Title II deposits, made under the SRS and Community Self Determination Act of 2000. These 

funds, combined with a Payments to States U.S. Treasury transfer, are the source of funding for Payments to States 

under the SRS Act, most recently reauthorized by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, (P.L. 117-58); these funds 

expired on September 30, 2023. 

The SRS Act as amended (16 U.S.C. Ch. 90) directs that Title I funds be used to help fund county schools and roads.

Any SRS Title III project funds not obligated by September 30, 2026, will be returned to the U.S. Treasury. Title III 

may be used on county projects including activities under the Firewise Communities program, reimbursement for 

emergency services on national forests, preparation of a community wildfire protection plan and provide or 

expand access to broadband telecommunications services.

Secure Payments for States, Title II

The National Partnership Office had the opportunity to visit the Prince William Sound RAC in Alaska Region (10). 

During this visit, there was an opportunity to explore various completed Title II projects and observe the impact 

they had in the community. The SRS Act provides choices to counties for funding resource improvement projects 

recommended by SRS RACs on the national forest where the county is located. Title II funds are used by the Forest 

Service to carry out projects in eligible counties to further resource objectives consistent with the purposes of the 

SRS Act on Federal land and on non-Federal land where projects would benefit the resources on Federal land. Title 

II funds are used for projects such as active forest management, road maintenance, trail maintenance, invasive 

weed control, and restoration of wildlife habitat, streams, and watersheds. These projects provide local jobs and 

often provide opportunities to promote youth and volunteer engagement in national forests and grasslands.

Title II funds can only be obligated to new projects if there is an active RAC (15 members of specific categories). 

The Forest Service currently has 91 RAC’s that support these rural communities. RAC’s must initiate (recommend) 

Title II projects by September 30, 2025. Project funds must be obligated by Sept. 30, 2026. 

Selected Examples of Recent Progress

Cordova Airport Display Project

The small fishing town of Cordova, Alaska, bordered by mountains and the sea, can only be reached by air or water 

as there are no roads connecting Cordova to the rest of Alaska. For many visitors, their first impression of Cordova 

and the surrounding Chugach National Forest is the Cordova Airport. The previous Chugach National Forest display 

was worn and dated. An art display depicting the natural beauty and hum of life that the Chugach National Forest 

and Copper River Delta encompasses was completed. Travelers are greeted by the display as they enter the 

Cordova airport. The slogan "Land of a million heartbeats" is a precursor to the abundance of sea birds that soar 

through the town. This beautiful mural was erected and displayed with the use of SRS Title II funds and assistance 

from Alaska Airlines. 

Cordova Road Trail Safety Netting

Using SRS Title II funding, trail safety netting (made from recycled fish netting) was placed on 4.1 miles of trail 

structures in the Cordova District Trail system reducing the potential of resource damage caused by trail braiding56

by providing a desirable walking surface. In addition to making the trail system safer for trail users, it created many 

temporary jobs and built the technical skills of the temporary workforce which was composed of local workers and 

56 Trail braiding is when users try to avoid an obstacle by going off the designated trail, overtime this causes trails to split into 

several smaller trails. 
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

29a-197 

youth organizations through agreements with the Student Conservation Association (SCA). This trail safety project

reduced trespass potential onto Native Lands by providing a clearly marked and easily negotiated trail. 

Shelter Cove/Fleming Spit Access to Chugach National Forest and Prince William Sound

This project was implemented to create safe, public access to the Chugach National Forest and Prince William 

Sound for recreational users, anglers, and educational programs.

Program Objectives for FY 2025

For FY 2025, the Forest Service would like to increase approved nomination packages by 15 percent, decrease the 

process approval time from 123 days to 60 days, conduct four field engagements to increase visibility within the 

field, increase diversity among RAC members, and begin building trust with the community. If there are no active 

RACs in the Forest Service, no projects can be implemented, and funds cannot be obligated. Forest Service is 

focused on increasing active RACs to ensure we are making a positive impact in these rural communities. The 

language that is being proposed in the reauthorization will change the process of getting nomination packages 

approved from delegating the approval from the Secretary to Forest Service Regional Foresters. More guidance 

and information will come if the reauthorization is passed, and the Forest Service will determine how to 

incorporate those new requirements. In FY 2025, SRS, Title II, and III will continue to obligate project funds by FY 

2026.
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

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CLASSIFICATION BY OBJECTS

Table FS-143. Classification by Objects (thousands of dollars)

Item 

No.

Item 2022 

Actual

2023 

Actual

2024 

Estimated

2025 

Estimated

Personnel Compensation:

Washington D.C ................................................................ $2,135 $1,975 $2,052 $2,156

Personnel compensation, field .......................................... 50,856 63,864 66,351 69,719

11.0 Total personnel compensation.......................................... 52,991 65,839 68,402 71,875

12.0 Personal benefits.............................................................. 18,686 24,017 24,952 26,219

Total, personnel compensation and benefits..................... 71,677 89,856 93,354 98,094

Other Objects:

21.0 Travel and transportation of persons................................. 2,058 3,160 3,253 3,371

22.0 Transportation of things.................................................... 773 329 687 712

23.1 Rental payments to GSA.................................................... 2 - 1 1

23.2 Rental payments to others................................................ 66 137 127 131

23.3 Communications, utilities, and misc. charges..................... 930 1,861 1,740 1,803

24.0 Printing and reproduction ................................................. 683 528 755 782

25.1 Advisory and assistance services....................................... 43 18 38 39

25.2 Other services from non-Federal sources .......................... 173,177 190,750 226,870 235,084

25.3 Other goods and services from Federal sources................. 44,639 52,178 60,355 62,540

25.4 Operation and maintenance of facilities............................ 1,730 4,517 3,894 4,035

25.6 Medical care ..................................................................... 10 22 20 21

25.7 Operation and maintenance of equipment........................ 2,167 5,301 4,656 4,824

26.0 Supplies and materials...................................................... 20,085 22,656 26,645 27,609

31.0 Equipment........................................................................ 2,076 2,651 2,947 3,053

32.0 Land and structures .......................................................... 13,582 33,716 29,485 30,553

41.0 Grants, subsidies, and contributions.................................. 343,675 389,064 456,786 473,324

42.0 Insurance claims and indemnities...................................... 11 8 12 12

43.0 Interest and dividends....................................................... 7 1 4 5

44.0 Refunds............................................................................ -4 3 - -

92.0 Undistributed.................................................................... 15 13 17 18

Total, other objects........................................................... 605,725 706,913 818,292 847,920

99.9 Total, new obligations....................................................... 677,402 796,769 911,647 946,013

Position Data:

Average Salary (dollars), GS Position ................................. $56,144 $73,239 $77,799 $78,655 

Average Grade, GS Position............................................... 7.6 9.7 9.8 9.8 
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

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TRUST FUNDS

LEAD-OFF TABULAR STATEMENT

Table FS-144. Lead-Off Tabular Statement (In dollars)

Item Amount

2024 Estimated Budget....................................................................................................... $236,578,000 

Change in Appropriation..................................................................................................... -10,000,000

2025 Request...................................................................................................................... 226,578,000
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

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PROJECT STATEMENTS

Table FS-145. Appropriations Project Statement (thousands of dollars, FTEs)

Project Statement 2022 

Actual

FTEs 2023 

Actual

FTEs 2024 

Estimated

FTEs 2025 

Request

FTEs Inc. or 

Dec.

FTE 

Inc. 

or 

Dec.

Trust Funds:

Mandatory

Appropriations....... $332,899 248 $246,460 237 $236,578 237 $226,578 237 -$10,000 -

Total 

Appropriations....... 332,899 248 246,460 237 236,578 237 226,578 237 -10,000 -

Table FS-146. Appropriations Detail Table (thousands of dollars)

Detail Table 2022 

Actual

2023 

Actual

2024 

Estimated

2025 

Request

Inc. or 

Dec.

Trust Funds:

Cooperative Work - Knutson-Vandenberg............ $62,103 $79,602 $77,650 $77,650 -

Cooperative Work – Other................................... 8,887 8,711 8,800 8,800 -

Reforestation Trust Fund a ................................... 261,781 158,019 150,000 140,000 -$10,000

Land Between the Lakes Trust Fund..................... 128 128 128 128 -

Total, Trust Funds............................................... 332,899 246,460 236,578 226,578 -$10,000

a The Repairing Existing Public Land by Adding Necessary Trees (REPLANT) Act, part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (P.L. 117-58), 

removed the $30 million annual cap.
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

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COOPERATIVE WORK – KNUTSON-VANDENBERG 

Table FS-147. Cooperative Work – Knutson-Vandenberg Detail Table (thousands of dollars)

Cooperative Work - Knutson-Vandenberg 2022 

Actual

2023 

Actual

2024 

Estimated

2025 

Request

Inc. or Dec.

Appropriations ......................................................... $62,103 $79,602 $77,650 $77,650 -

Recoveries ............................................................... 1,337 1,290 1,930 1,519

Sequestrations.......................................................... 676 -4,537 -4,326 -4,326

Balance Available, SOY ............................................. 208,871 230,112 246,905 240,510

Total Available ......................................................... 272,987 306,467 322,159 315,353

Balance Available, EOY ............................................. -230,111 -246,905 -240,510 -234,324

Total Obligations ..................................................... 42,876 59,562 81,649 81,029

Cooperative Work – Knutson-Vandenberg – Status of Programs

Current Activities 

This program uses funds derived from timber sale revenues to perform improvements within the timber sale area. 

Planned resource project work is documented in the sale area improvement plans as determined by the project 

environmental analysis. The program priority for Knutson- Vandenberg (K-V) funds is the reforestation of 

harvested areas; however, funds may be used to perform timber stand improvement and protection. These funds 

may be used for the improvement of other resource values, including wildlife, soil, watershed, range, and 

recreation.

Knutson-Vandenberg Regional (06) Work 

The Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2006 (P.L. 109-54) 

expanded the authority to allow for the expenditure of unused funds not needed to accomplish work on the 

timber sale area on another area “...within the Forest Service region in which the timber sale occurred.” Unused 

collections are generated when actual costs are less than planned costs. In 2018, full implementation of P.L. 109-

54 began, and timber sales began to generate funds specifically to use outside of the sale area. This authority is 

used to accomplish watershed restoration; wildlife habitat improvement; control of insects, disease, and noxious 

weeds; community protection activities; and the maintenance of forest roads. The work can be performed by 

Forest Service employees or by using procurement contracts, forest product sales, or cooperative agreements. If 

forest product sales are used to accomplish these objectives, K-V Regional Work program funds may be utilized for 

timber sale planning, preparation, administration, engineering support, and landline location.

Selected Examples of Recent Progress 

K-V funded Forest Service district employees to implement the Sylamore mechanical site preparation project.

These funds were used for the labor costs and supply expenses of running mechanized equipment to rip and

prepare the site for shortleaf pine planting to restore the landscape back to a native and more appropriate species.

While contract labor is critical for much of the K-V project implementation work, using these funds for Forest

Service labor presented an option to manage timelines and treatment effectiveness, while maintaining and passing

down skillsets to the internal workforce.

In the Oconee Ranger District, the Forest Service was able to fund site preparation and prescribed burning using KV dollars generated via the Good Neighbor Authority (GNA) Check Redlands I Timber Sale. These burns reduced 

surface fuels and woody midstory competition across the landscape, and hardwood competition in shelterwood 

units. Funds were used to buy supplies, fuel, and equipment repairs that were needed for prescribed fire activities. 

This area included approximately 460 acres of mechanical and chemical midstory work, completed by the Georgia 

Forestry Commission and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Georgia DNR was able to fund and 

acquire herbicide, and then the Georgia Forestry Commission using GNA funds, contracted and completed this 

work to our NEPA and Forest Service pesticide specifications. This area is at the heart of the Redlands Wildlife 
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Management Area and as a result of the harvest, thinning treatments, prescribed fire, and midstory work it is 

quickly becoming a hunter’s paradise. This is a success story of how K-V, GNA, and partner funds can be used to 

meet multiple goals.

Program Objectives for FY 2025

In FY 2025, there is $27 million in required reforestation activities planned and $54 million in CWKV other activities 

planned. These funds will be utilized for activities that include 26,000 acres of precommercial thinning, 53,000 

acres of prescribed burning, and 35,000 acres of wildlife monitoring.
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COOPERATIVE WORK

Table FS-148. Cooperative Work - Other Detail Table (thousands of dollars)

Cooperative Work - Other 2022 

Actual

2023 

Actual

2024 

Estimated

2025 

Request

Inc. or Dec.

Appropriations ......................................................... $8,887 $8,711 $8,800 $8,800 -

Recoveries ............................................................... 779 1,932 676 1,129

Offsetting Collections................................................ 25,439 35,650 36,000 36,000

Sequestrations.......................................................... 201 -494 72 -26

Balance Available, SOY ............................................. 105,311 101,709 115,962 121,132

Total Available ......................................................... 140,617 147,508 161,510 167,035

Balance Available, EOY ............................................. -101,708 -115,962 -121,132 -125,276

Total Obligations ..................................................... 38,909 31,546 40,378 41,759

Cooperative Work – Other – Status of Programs

Current Activities 

This fund collects deposits received from partners and cooperators for protecting and improving resources of the 

National Forest System as authorized by cooperative agreements. The deposits are for a wide variety of activities 

that benefit and support programs in Forest and Rangeland Research on National Forest System lands and for 

other Forest Service activities.

Cooperative deposits are received from a vast assortment of local, regional, and national organizations and 

individuals; State and other public agencies; industrial associations; and other private sources. The deposits are 

made under a variety of cooperative instruments that specify the mutual benefits of the work. Cooperative 

deposits leverage appropriated funds to increase effectiveness and complement the objectives of Forest Service 

appropriated resource management programs and cooperative research projects. These programs and projects 

may involve any aspect of forestry and vary widely in scope and duration.

Cooperative road maintenance deposits can be made by commercial users of the National Forest Road System in 

lieu of actually performing their commensurate share of road maintenance. These deposits are used in conjunction 

with the other road maintenance appropriations to provide maintenance of National Forest System roads by the 

Forest Service.

Cooperative Work, Agreement Based

This is a direct project-to-customer relationship, typically involving long-term liability on the part of the Forest 

Service to perform work for the contributor. An example of this work is a special use permit with collection 

provisions under the Granger-Thye Offset where the Forest Service has a liability to perform work for the permit 

holder specially tied to the permit. These agreements are typically accompanied by a collection agreement.

Cooperative Work, Non-Agreement Based 

These deposits occur when the terms of the authorizing instrument, such as a permit or sale contract, allow for 

deposits from multiple contributors to be pooled and expended for the intended purpose. Most of these pooled 

collections are not subject to refunds in accordance with the provisions of the respective authorizing instrument.

Selected Examples of Recent Progress

There was $6.3 million collected from timber sales for Cooperative Work – Other. Cooperative Work, NonAgreement Based collections were 68 percent of expenditures, compared to 122 percent during FY 2022.
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Program Objectives for FY 2025

In FY 2025, the program will continue to collect deposits to support road maintenance, wildfire protection on State 

and private lands, and resource management programs. 
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REFORESTATION TRUST FUND 

Table FS-149. Reforestation Trust Fund Detail Table (thousands of dollars)

Reforestation Trust Fund 2022 

Actual

2023 

Actual

2024 

Estimated

2025 

Request

Inc. or Dec.

Appropriations ......................................................... $261,781 $158,019 $150,000 $140,000 -$10,000

Recoveries ............................................................... 771 1,927 965 1,221

Balance Available, SOY ............................................. 10,461 197,849 285,151 357,615

Total Available ......................................................... 273,013 357,795 436,116 498,836

Balance Available, EOY ............................................. -197,849 -285,151 -357,615 -414,034

Total Obligations ..................................................... 75,164 72,644 78,501 84,802

Reforestation Trust Fund – Status of Programs

Current Activities 

This fund receives budgetary resources from transfers overseen by the U.S. Treasury of tariff collections on certain 

imported wood products and are used to reduce the backlog in reforestation and for stand improvement work. 

Historically, such transfers were capped in law at $30 million in a FY. The Repairing Existing Public Land by Adding 

Necessary Trees (REPLANT) Act, as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (P.L. 117-58), removed the $30 million 

annual cap. Collections vary annually and can be highly volatile due to factors such as the amount in tariffs that are 

levied on specific products export by different countries and the United States’ demand for those wood products. 

Collections decreased to $158 million from $261 million the previous year. Investments have focused on increasing

organizational capacity in nursery, genetics, and reforestation program areas. Increased organizational capacity

will support increased future reforestation accomplishments. The Forest Service plans for approximately 1.8 

million acres of reforestation over the next ten years. 

The Reforestation Trust Fund includes site preparation for planting or seeding of the appropriate tree species, site 

preparation to facilitate natural regeneration, and certification of acres naturally regenerated without the need for 

site preparation. In addition, as part of the reforestation activity, various treatments are applied to improve initial 

seedling survival rates. Benefits of reforestation include regeneration of forest vegetation on areas impacted by 

wildfire, floods, and hurricanes; increased carbon sequestration capacity; establishment of resilient forest 

vegetation; and improved habitat diversity for many wildlife species.

Selected Example of Recent Progress

Southwestern Region (03) Seed Cone Collection

Over the years, cone collection for nursery propagation have been impacted by the lack of availability of tree 

climbers and climatic variability that determines timing of cone collections. Multiple forests in the Southwestern 

Region (03) were able to collect a record 2,400 bushels57 of cones in FY 2023, using the National Land Management 

Integrated Resources blanket purchase agreement for cone collection which was funded by the REPLANT Act. This 

blanket purchase agreement allowed for the timely procurement of cone collection services when needed. Tree 

climbers came from across the United States to support cone collection efforts and multiple tree climbing trainings 

provided the opportunity to increase the number of climbers for future collections. The cones collected were sent 

to Lucky Peak Nursery in Boise, Idaho for storage and propagation for future reforestation planting efforts. 

57 A bushel of cones is approximately a full container of cones holding 2,150 cubic inches. The amount of seeds per bushel will 

vary based on tree species.
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Program Objectives for FY 2025

This program will continue to plan to manage reforestation on approximately 180,000 acres and invest in stand 

improvement work. 
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LAND BETWEEN THE LAKES TRUST FUND 

Table FS-150. Land Between the Lake Trust Fund Detail Table (thousands of dollars)

Land Between the Lakes Trust Fund 2022 

Actual

2023 

Actual

2024 

Estimated

2025 

Request

Inc. or Dec.

Appropriations .......................................................... $128 $128 $128 $128 -

Balance Available, SOY .............................................. 6,033 6,161 6,279 6,279

Total Available .......................................................... 6,161 6,289 6,407 6,407

Balance Available, EOY .............................................. -6,161 -6,279 -6,279 -6,279

Total Obligations ...................................................... - 10 128 128

Land Between the Lakes Trust Fund – Status of Programs 

Current Activities 

The Land Between the Lakes Protection Act (Act) (P.L. 105-277) transferred administrative jurisdiction of the Land 

Between the Lakes National Recreation Area (LBLNRA) from the Tennessee Valley Authority to the Secretary of 

Agriculture to be managed as a unit of the National Forest System. Section 531 of the Act established a special 

interest-bearing fund known as the Land Between the Lakes Trust Fund to be available for public education, grants, 

and internships related to recreation, conservation, and multiple-use land management, as well as regional 

promotion in cooperation with development districts, chambers of commerce, and State and local governments.

In accordance with the terms described in the Act, beginning on September 30, 2000, the Tennessee Valley 

Authority began depositing $1 million annually into the fund for five consecutive years for a total of $5 million. The 

Forest Service has allowed the fund balance to grow, and the LBLNRA began using the accrued interest for 

activities outlined in the Act, which includes providing additional funding to further assist in the promotion and 

support of the successful school grant program for regional promotion and environmental education.

Selected Examples of Recent Progress

The Land Between the Lakes Trust Fund collects receipts from user fees (from sources such as the various 

campgrounds, trails, and the Elk and Bison Prairie) to provide for the future management of the Land Between the 

Lakes National Recreation Area. Areas such as the Homeplace 1850s Working Farm and Living History Museum,58

the Golden Pond Planetarium and Observatory59, and Woodlands Nature Station60 received allocations of this 

money to make sure the facilities were kept at optimal performance.

Program Objectives for FY 2025

Forest Service will continue to support environmental education by funding school grant programs for 

environmental educational. 

58 Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area.

59 Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area Planetarium.

60 Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area Nature Station.
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CLASSIFICATION BY OBJECTS

Table FS-151. Classification by Objects (thousands of dollars)

Item 

No.

Item 2022 

Actual

2023 

Actual

2024 

Estimated

2025 

Estimated

Personnel Compensation:

Washington D.C ................................................................ $99 - - -

Personnel compensation, field .......................................... 20,814 $24,001 $40,544 $43,614

11.0 Total personnel compensation.......................................... 20,913 24,001 40,544 43,614

12.0 Personal benefits.............................................................. 7,333 8,861 14,969 16,102

Total, personnel compensation and benefits..................... 28,246 32,862 55,513 59,716

Other Objects:

21.0 Travel and transportation of persons................................. 468 880 754 769

22.0 Transportation of things.................................................... 322 236 312 318

23.1 Rental payments to GSA.................................................... 9 -7 1 1

23.2 Rental payments to others................................................ 46 -5 23 23

23.3 Communications, utilities, and misc. charges..................... 481 292 432 441

24.0 Printing and reproduction ................................................. 27 43 39 40

25.1 Advisory and assistance services....................................... 12 188 112 114

25.2 Other services from non-Federal sources .......................... 58,418 72,046 72,942 74,379

25.3 Other goods and services from Federal sources................. 3,663 13,257 9,460 9,646

25.4 Operation and maintenance of facilities............................ 41 8 27 28

25.5 Research and development contracts................................ - 1 1 1

25.6 Medical care ..................................................................... 2 2 2 2

25.7 Operation and maintenance of equipment........................ 307 323 352 359

26.0 Supplies and materials...................................................... 46,826 17,097 35,739 36,443

31.0 Equipment........................................................................ 1,106 2,883 2,230 2,274

32.0 Land and structures .......................................................... 1,544 2,277 2,136 2,178

41.0 Grants, subsidies, and contributions.................................. 15,428 21,376 20,577 20,981

42.0 Insurance claims and indemnities...................................... - 1 1 1

43.0 Interest and dividends....................................................... 1 - 1 2

92.0 Undistributed.................................................................... 2 2 2 2

Total, other objects........................................................... 128,703 130,900 145,143 148,003

99.9 Total, new obligations....................................................... 156,949 163,762 200,656 207,718

Position Data:

Average Salary (dollars), GS Position ................................. $56,834 $65,166 $68,424 $69,793

Average Grade, GS Position............................................... 7.6 8.8 9.5 9.6
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2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS

(INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS) 

Appropriations to the Forest Service for the current fiscal year shall be available for: (1) purchase of passenger

motor vehicles; acquisition of passenger motor vehicles from excess sources, and hire of such vehicles; purchase,

lease, operation, maintenance, and acquisition of aircraft to maintain the operable fleet for use in Forest Service

wildland fire programs and other Forest Service programs; notwithstanding other provisions of law, existing

aircraft being replaced may be sold, with proceeds derived or trade-in value used to offset the purchase price for

the replacement aircraft; (2) services pursuant to 7 U.S.C. 2225, and not to exceed $100,000 for employment 

under 5 U.S.C. 3109; (3) purchase, erection, and alteration of buildings and other public improvements (7 U.S.C.

2250); (4) acquisition of land, waters, and interests therein pursuant to 7 U.S.C. 428a; (5) for expenses pursuant to

the Volunteers in the National Forest Act of 1972 (16 U.S.C. 558a, 558d, and 558a note); (6) the cost of uniforms as

authorized by 5 U.S.C. 5901–5902; and (7) for debt collection contracts in accordance with 31 U.S.C. 3718(c).

Funds made available to the Forest Service in this Act may be transferred between accounts affected by the Forest 

Service budget restructure outlined in section 435 of division D of the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act,

2020 (Public Law 116–94): Provided, That any transfer of funds pursuant to this paragraph shall not increase or

decrease the funds appropriated to any account in this fiscal year by more than ten percent: Provided further, That

such transfer authority is in addition to any other transfer authority provided by law.

Any appropriations or funds available to the Forest Service may be transferred to the Wildland Fire Management

appropriation for forest firefighting, emergency rehabilitation of burned-over or damaged lands or waters under

its jurisdiction, and fire preparedness due to severe burning conditions upon the Secretary of Agriculture's

notification of the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations that all fire suppression funds appropriated

under the heading "Wildland Fire Management" will be obligated within 30 days: Provided, That all funds used

pursuant to this paragraph must be replenished by a supplemental appropriation which must be requested as

promptly as possible.

Not more than $50,000,000 of funds appropriated to the Forest Service shall be available for expenditure or

transfer to the Department of the Interior for wildland fire management, hazardous fuels management, and State

fire assistance when such transfers would facilitate and expedite wildland fire management programs and projects.

Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act, the Forest Service may transfer unobligated balances of

discretionary funds appropriated to the Forest Service by this Act to or within the [Wildland Fire 

Management]National Forest System Account, or reprogram funds to be used for the purposes of hazardous fuels 

management and urgent rehabilitation of burned-over National Forest System lands and water: Provided, That 

such transferred funds shall remain available through September 30, [2027]2028: Provided further, That none of 

the funds transferred pursuant to this paragraph shall be available for obligation without written notification to

the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress.

Funds appropriated to the Forest Service shall be available for assistance to or through the Agency for

International Development in connection with forest and rangeland research, technical information, and assistance

in foreign countries, and shall be available to support forestry and related natural resource activities outside the

United States and its territories and possessions, including technical assistance, education and training, and

cooperation with United States government, private sector, and international organizations: Provided, That the

Forest Service, acting for the International Program, may sign direct funding agreements with foreign governments

and institutions as well as other domestic agencies (including the U.S. Agency for International Development, the

Department of State, and the Millennium Challenge Corporation), United States private sector firms, institutions

and organizations to provide technical assistance and training programs on forestry and rangeland management:

Provided further, That to maximize effectiveness of domestic and international research and cooperation, the

International Program may utilize all authorities related to forestry, research, and cooperative assistance

regardless of program designations.

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Funds appropriated to the Forest Service shall be available to enter into a cooperative agreement with the Section

509(a)(3) Supporting Organization, "Forest Service International Foundation" to assist the Foundation in meeting

administrative, project, and other expenses, and may provide for the Foundation's use of Forest Service personnel

and facilities.

Funds appropriated to the Forest Service shall be available for expenditure or transfer to the Department of the

Interior, Bureau of Land Management, for removal, preparation, and adoption of excess wild horses and burros

from National Forest System lands, and for the performance of cadastral surveys to designate the boundaries of

such lands.

None of the funds made available to the Forest Service in this Act or any other Act with respect to any fiscal year

shall be subject to transfer under the provisions of section 702(b) of the Department of Agriculture Organic Act of

1944 (7 U.S.C. 2257), section 442 of Public Law 106–224 (7 U.S.C. 7772), or section 10417(b) of Public Law 107–171 

(7 U.S.C. 8316(b)).

Not more than $82,000,000 of funds available to the Forest Service shall be transferred to the Working Capital

Fund of the Department of Agriculture and not more than $14,500,000 of funds available to the Forest Service

shall be transferred to the Department of Agriculture for Department Reimbursable Programs, commonly referred

to as Greenbook charges: Provided, That nothing in this paragraph shall prohibit or limit the use of reimbursable

agreements requested by the Forest Service in order to obtain information technology services, including

telecommunications and system modifications or enhancements, from the Working Capital Fund of the

Department of Agriculture.

Of the funds available to the Forest Service, up to $5,000,000 shall be available for priority projects within the

scope of the approved budget, which shall be carried out by the Youth Conservation Corps and shall be carried out

under the authority of the Public Lands Corps Act of 1993 (16 U.S.C. 1721 et seq.).

Of the funds available to the Forest Service, $4,000 is available to the Chief of the Forest Service for official 

reception and representation expenses.

Pursuant to sections 405(b) and 410(b) of Public Law 101–593, of the funds available to the Forest Service, up to

$3,000,000 may be advanced in a lump sum to the National Forest Foundation to aid conservation partnership

projects in support of the Forest Service mission, without regard to when the Foundation incurs expenses, for

projects on or benefitting National Forest System lands or related to Forest Service programs: Provided, That of the

Federal funds made available to the Foundation, no more than $300,000 shall be available for administrative

expenses: Provided further, That the Foundation shall obtain, by the end of the period of Federal financial

assistance, private contributions to match funds made available by the Forest Service on at least a one-for-one

basis: Provided further, That the Foundation may transfer Federal funds to a Federal or a non-Federal recipient for

a project at the same rate that the recipient has obtained the non-Federal matching funds.

Pursuant to section 2(b)(2) of Public Law 98–244, up to $3,000,000 of the funds available to the Forest Service may

be advanced to the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation in a lump sum to aid cost-share conservation projects,

without regard to when expenses are incurred, on or benefitting National Forest System lands or related to Forest

Service programs: Provided, That such funds shall be matched on at least a one-for-one basis by the Foundation or

its sub-recipients: Provided further, That the Foundation may transfer Federal funds to a Federal or non-Federal

recipient for a project at the same rate that the recipient has obtained the non-Federal matching funds.

[Funds appropriated to the Forest Service shall be available to enter into cooperative agreements with other

Federal agencies, tribes, States, local governments, private and nonprofit entities, and educational institutions to

support the work of forest or grassland collaboratives on activities benefitting Federal lands and adjacent nonFederal lands, including for technical assistance, administrative functions or costs, and other capacity support 

needs identified by the Forest Service.]Funds appropriated to or collected by the Forest Service during this fiscal 

year shall be available for the Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the Chief of the Forest Service, to enter into 

Federal financial assistance grants and cooperative agreements, and cooperative agreements notwithstanding

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chapter 63 of title 31, United States Code, to support forest or grassland collaboratives in the accomplishment of 

activities benefitting both the public and the National Forest System, Federal lands and adjacent non-Federal lands. 

Such grants and agreements may not exceed five years. Eligible activities are those that will improve or enhance 

Federal investments, resources, or lands, including for collaborative and collaboration-based activities, including 

but not limited to facilitation, planning, and implementing projects, technical assistance, administrative functions, 

operational support, participant costs, and other capacity support needs, as identified by the Forest Service. 

Eligible recipients are Indian tribal entities (defined at 25 U.S.C. 5304(e)), state government, local governments, 

private and nonprofit entities, for-profit organizations, and educational institutions. The Secretary of Agriculture, 

acting through the Chief of the Forest Service, may enter into aforesaid cooperative agreements notwithstanding 

chapter 63 of title 31 when the Secretary determines that the public interest will be benefited and that there 

exists a mutual interest other than monetary considerations. Transactions subject to title 2 of the Code of Federal 

Regulations shall be publicly advertised and require competition when required by title 2 of the Code of Federal 

regulations; for those transactions not subject to title 2 of the Code of Federal Regulations, the agency may 

require public advertising and competition when deemed appropriate. The term forest and grassland 

collaboratives means groups of individuals or entities with diverse interests participating in a cooperative process 

to share knowledge, ideas, and resources about the protection, restoration, or enhancement of natural and other 

resources on Federal and adjacent non-Federal lands; the improvement or maintenance of public access to 

Federal lands; or the reduction of risk to such lands caused by natural disasters. 

Funds appropriated to the Forest Service shall be available for interactions with and providing technical assistance

to rural communities and natural resource-based businesses for sustainable rural development purposes.

Funds appropriated to the Forest Service shall be available for payments to counties within the Columbia River

Gorge National Scenic Area, pursuant to section 14(c)(1) and (2), and section 16(a)(2) of Public Law 99–663.

Any funds appropriated to the Forest Service may be used to meet the non-Federal share requirement in section

502(c) of the Older Americans Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 3056(c)(2)).

The Forest Service shall not assess funds for the purpose of performing fire, administrative, and other facilities

maintenance and decommissioning.

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, of any appropriations or funds available to the Forest Service, not to

exceed $500,000 may be used to reimburse the Office of the General Counsel (OGC), Department of Agriculture,

for travel and related expenses incurred as a result of OGC assistance or participation requested by the Forest 

Service at meetings, training sessions, management reviews, land purchase negotiations, and similar matters

unrelated to civil litigation: Provided, That future budget justifications for both the Forest Service and the

Department of Agriculture should clearly display the sums previously transferred and the sums requested for

transfer.

An eligible individual who is employed in any project funded under title V of the Older Americans Act of 1965 (42

U.S.C. 3056 et seq.) and administered by the Forest Service shall be considered to be a Federal employee for

purposes of chapter 171 of title 28, United States Code.

Funds appropriated to the Forest Service shall be available to pay, from a single account, the base salary and

expenses of employees who carry out functions funded by other accounts for Enterprise Program, Geospatial 

Technology and Applications Center, [remnant Natural Resource Manager]National Applications Liaison Office, Job 

Corps, and National Technology and Development Program.

Change Description

The first change (lines 2 and 3 of paragraph 5) deletes reference to the Wildland Fire Management Account for

transfer of unobligated balances.

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The second change (line 3 of paragraph 5) adds reference to the National Forest System Account for transfer of 

unobligated balances.

The third change (line 1 through 5 of paragraph 15) deletes language constraints for funds available to enter into 

cooperative agreements.

The fourth change (line 5 through 25 of paragraph 15) adds language for funds available to enter into financial 

assistance grants and cooperative agreements.

The fifth change (line 3 of paragraph 22) deletes the previous name of the National Applications Liaison Office.

The sixth change (line 3 of paragraph 22) adds the correct name for the National Applications Liaison Office.
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

TITLE IV GENERAL PROVISIONS

(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS) 

RESTRICTION ON USE OF FUNDS

SEC. 401. No part of any appropriation contained in this Actshall be available for any activity or the publication or

distribution of literature that in any way tends to promote public support or opposition to any legislative proposal

on which Congressional action is not complete other than to communicate to Members of Congress as described in

18 U.S.C. 1913.

OBLIGATION OF APPROPRIATIONS

SEC. 402. No part of any appropriation contained in this Actshall remain available for obligation beyond the

current fiscal year unless expressly so provided herein. 

DISCLOSURE OF ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES

SEC. 403. The amount and basis of estimated overhead charges, deductions, reserves, or holdbacks, including

working capital fund charges, from programs, projects, activities and subactivities to support government-wide,

departmental, agency, or bureau administrative functions or headquarters, regional, or central operations shall be

presented in annual budget justifications to the Committees on Appropriations of the House of Representatives

and the Senate. Changes to such estimates shall be presented to the Committees on Appropriations.

MINING APPLICATIONS

SEC. 404. (a) LIMITATION OF FUNDS.—None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available pursuant to

this Act shall be obligated or expended to accept or process applications for a patent for any mining or mill site

claim located under the general mining laws.

(b) EXCEPTIONS.—Subsection (a) shall not apply if the Secretary of the Interior determines that, for the

claim concerned: (1) a patent application was filed with the Secretary on or before September 30, 1994; and (2) all

requirements established under sections 2325 and 2326 of the Revised Statutes (30 U.S.C. 29 and 30) for vein or

lode claims, sections 2329, 2330, 2331, and 2333 of the Revised Statutes (30 U.S.C. 35, 36, and 37) for placer

claims, and section 2337 of the Revised Statutes (30 U.S.C. 42) for mill site claims, as the case may be, were fully

complied with by the applicant by that date. 

(c) REPORT.—On September 30, [2025]2026, the Secretary of the Interior shall file with the House and

Senate Committees on Appropriations and the Committee on Natural Resources of the House and the Committee

on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate a report on actions taken by the Department under the plan

submitted pursuant to section 314(c) of the Department of the Interior and Related Agencies Appropriations Act,

1997 (Public Law 104– 208).

(d) MINERAL EXAMINATIONS.—In order to process patent applications in a timely and responsible

manner, upon the request of a patent applicant, the Secretary of the Interior shall allow the applicant to fund a

qualified third-party contractor to be selected by the Director of the Bureau of Land Management to conduct a

mineral examination of the mining claims or mill sites contained in a patent application as set forth in subsection

(b). The Bureau of Land Management shall have the sole responsibility to choose and pay the third-party

contractor in accordance with the standard procedures employed by the Bureau of Land Management in the

retention of third-party contractors.

CONTRACT SUPPORT COSTS, PRIOR YEAR LIMITATION

SEC. 405. Sections 405 and 406 of division F of the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2015 

(Public Law 113– 235) shall continue in effect in fiscal year [2024]2025. 

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CONTRACT SUPPORT COSTS, FISCAL YEAR 2025 LIMITATION 

SEC. 406. Amounts provided by this Act for fiscal year [2024]2025 under the headings ‘‘Department of Health and 

Human Services, Indian Health Service, Contract Support Costs’’ and ‘‘Department of the Interior, Bureau of Indian

Affairs and Bureau of Indian Education, Contract Support Costs’’ are the only amounts available for contract 

support costs arising out of self-determination or self-governance contracts, grants, compacts, or annual funding 

agreements for fiscal year [2024]2025 with the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Bureau of Indian Education, and the Indian 

Health Service: Provided, That such amounts provided by this Act are not available for payment of claims for

contract support costs for prior years, or for repayments of payments for settlements or judgments awarding

contract support costs for prior years.

FOREST MANAGEMENT PLANS

SEC. 407. The Secretary of Agriculture shall not be considered to be in violation of section 6(f)(5)(A) of the Forest 

and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974 (16 U.S.C. 1604(f)(5)(A)) solely because more than 15 

years have passed without revision of the plan for a unit of the National Forest System. Nothing in this section

exempts the Secretary from any other requirement of the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning

Act (16 U.S.C. 1600 et seq.) or any other law: Provided, That if the Secretary is not acting expeditiously and in good

faith, within the funding available, to revise a plan for a unit of the National Forest System, this section shall be

void with respect to such plan and a court of proper jurisdiction may order completion of the plan on an

accelerated basis.

PROHIBITION WITHIN NATIONAL MONUMENTS

SEC. 408. No funds provided in this Act may be expended to conduct preleasing, leasing and related activities

under either the Mineral Leasing Act (30 U.S.C. 181 et seq.) or the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (43 U.S.C.

1331 et seq.) within the boundaries of a National Monument established pursuant to the Act of June 8, 1906 (16

U.S.C. 431 et seq.) as such boundary existed on January 20, 2001, except where such activities are allowed under

the Presidential proclamation establishing such monument.

LIMITATION ON TAKINGS

SEC. 409. Unless otherwise provided herein, no funds appropriated in this Act for the acquisition of lands or

interests in lands may be expended for the filing of declarations of taking or complaints in condemnation without 

notice to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations: Provided, That this provision shall not apply to

funds appropriated to implement the Everglades National Park Protection and Expansion Act of 1989, or to funds

appropriated for Federal assistance to the State of Florida to acquire lands for Everglades restoration purposes.

PROHIBITION ON NO-BID CONTRACTS 

SEC. 410. None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available by this Act to [executive branch]Executive 

Branch agencies may be used to enter into any Federal contract unless such contract is entered into in accordance 

with the requirements of Chapter 33 of title 41, United States Code, or Chapter 137 of title 10, United States Code,

and the Federal Acquisition Regulation, unless— 

(1) Federal law specifically authorizes a contract to be entered into without regard for these

requirements, including formula grants for States, or federally recognized Indian tribes;

(2) such contract is authorized by the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (Public Law

93–638, 25 U.S.C. 450 et seq.) or by any other Federal laws that specifically authorize a contract within an

Indian tribe as defined in section 4(e) of that Act (25 U.S.C. 450b(e)); or

(3) such contract was awarded prior to the date of enactment of this Act.
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POSTING OF REPORTS 

SEC. 411. (a) Any agency receiving funds made available in this Act, shall, subject to subsections (b) and (c), post on 

the public website of that agency any report required to be submitted by the Congress in this or any other Act, 

upon the determination by the head of the agency that it shall serve the national interest. 

(b) Subsection (a) shall not apply to a report if—

(1) the public posting of the report compromises national security; or

(2) the report contains proprietary information.

(c) The head of the agency posting such report shall do so only after such report has been made available

to the requesting Committee or Committees of Congress for no less than 45 days. 

NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR THE ARTS GRANT GUIDELINES 

SEC. 412. Of the funds provided to the National Endowment for the Arts— 

(1) The Chairperson shall only award a grant to an individual if such grant is awarded to such individual for

a literature fellowship, National Heritage Fellowship, or American Jazz Masters Fellowship. 

(2) The Chairperson shall establish procedures to ensure that no funding provided through a grant, except

a grant made to a State or local arts agency, or regional group, may be used to make a grant to any other 

organization or individual to conduct activity independent of the direct grant recipient. Nothing in this subsection 

shall prohibit payments made in exchange for goods and services. 

(3) No grant shall be used for seasonal support to a group, unless the application is specific to the

contents of the season, including identified programs or projects. 

NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR THE ARTS PROGRAM PRIORITIES 

SEC. 413. (a) In providing services or awarding financial assistance under the National Foundation on the Arts and 

the Humanities Act of 1965 from funds appropriated under this Act, the Chairperson of the National Endowment 

for the Arts shall ensure that priority is given to providing services or awarding financial assistance for projects, 

productions, workshops, or programs that serve underserved populations. 

(b) In this section:

(1) The term ‘‘underserved population’’ means a population of individuals, including urban

minorities, who have historically been outside the purview of arts and humanities programs due to factors 

such as a high incidence of income below the poverty line or to geographic isolation. 

(2) The term ‘‘poverty line’’ means the poverty line (as defined by the Office of Management and

Budget, and revised annually in accordance with section 673(2) of the Community Services Block Grant 

Act (42 U.S.C. 9902(2))) applicable to a family of the size involved. 

(c) In providing services and awarding financial assistance under the National Foundation on the Arts and

Humanities Act of 1965 with funds appropriated by this Act, the Chairperson of the National Endowment for the 

Arts shall ensure that priority is given to providing services or awarding financial assistance for projects, 

productions, workshops, or programs that will encourage public knowledge, education, understanding, and 

appreciation of the arts. 

(d) With funds appropriated by this Act to carry out section 5 of the National Foundation on the Arts and

Humanities Act of 1965— 
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(1) the Chairperson shall establish a grant category for projects, productions, workshops, or

programs that are of national impact or availability or are able to tour several States; 

(2) the Chairperson shall not make grants exceeding 15 percent, in the aggregate, of such funds

to any single State, excluding grants made under the authority of paragraph (1); 

(3) the Chairperson shall report to the Congress annually and by State, on grants awarded by the

Chairperson in each grant category under section 5 of such Act; and 

(4) the Chairperson shall encourage the use of grants to improve and support community-based

music performance and education.

STATUS OF BALANCES OF APPROPRIATIONS

SEC. 414. The Department of the Interior, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Forest Service, and the Indian

Health Service shall provide the Committees on Appropriations of the House of Representatives and Senate

quarterly reports on the status of balances of appropriations including all uncommitted, committed, and 

unobligated funds in each program and activity within 60 days of enactment of this Act.

EXTENSION OF GRAZING PERMITS

SEC. 415. The terms and conditions of section 325 of Public Law 108–108 (117 Stat. 1307), regarding grazing

permits issued by the Forest Service on any lands not subject to administration under section 402 of the Federal 

Lands Policy and Management Act (43 U.S.C. 1752), shall remain in effect for fiscal year [2024]2025. 

FUNDING PROHIBITION

SEC. 416. (a) None of the funds made available in this Act may be used to maintain or establish a computer

network unless such network is designed to block access to pornography websites. (b) Nothing in subsection (a)

shall limit the use of funds necessary for any Federal, State, tribal, or local law enforcement agency or any other

entity carrying out criminal investigations, prosecution, or adjudication activities.

HUMANE TRANSFER AND TREATMENT OF ANIMALS

SEC. 417. (a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary of the Interior, with respect to land

administered by the Bureau of Land Management, or the Secretary of Agriculture, with respect to land

administered by the Forest Service (referred to in this section as the ‘‘Secretary concerned’’), may transfer excess 

wild horses and burros that have been removed from land administered by the Secretary concerned to other

Federal, State, and local government agencies for use as work animals.

(b) The Secretary concerned may make a transfer under subsection (a) immediately on the request of a

Federal, State, or local government agency.

(c) An excess wild horse or burro transferred under subsection (a) shall lose status as a wild free-roaming

horse or burro (as defined in section 2 of Public Law 92–195 (commonly known as the ‘‘Wild Free-Roaming Horses 

and Burros Act’’) (16 U.S.C. 1332)). 

(d) A Federal, State, or local government agency receiving an excess wild horse or burro pursuant to

subsection (a) shall not— 

(1) destroy the horse or burro in a manner that results in the destruction of the horse or burro

into a commercial product; 

(2) sell or otherwise transfer the horse or burro in a manner that results in the destruction of the

horse or burro for processing into a commercial product; or 
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(3) euthanize the horse or burro, except on the recommendation of a licensed veterinarian in a

case of severe injury, illness, or advanced age. 

(e) Amounts appropriated by this Act shall not be available for—

(1) the destruction of any healthy, unadopted, and wild horse or burro under the jurisdiction of

the Secretary concerned (including a contractor); or 

(2) the sale of a wild horse or burro that results in the destruction of the wild horse or burro for

processing into a commercial product.

FOREST SERVICE FACILITY REALIGNMENT AND ENHANCEMENT AUTHORIZATION EXTENSION

SEC. 418. Section 503(f) of Public Law 109–54 (16 U.S.C. 580d note) shall be applied by substituting ‘‘September 

30, [2024]2025’’ for ‘‘September 30, 2019’’. 

LOCAL COOPERATOR TRAINING AGREEMENTS AND TRANSFERS OF EXCESS EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES FOR 

WILDFIRES

SEC. 419. The Secretary of the Interior is authorized to enter into grants and cooperative agreements with

volunteer fire departments, rural fire departments, rangeland fire protection associations, and similar

organizations to provide for wildland fire training and equipment, including supplies and communication devices.

Notwithstanding section 121(c) of title 40, United States Code, or section 521 of title 40, United States Code, the

Secretary is further authorized to transfer title to excess Department of the Interior firefighting equipment no

longer needed to carry out the functions of the Department’s wildland fire management program to such

organizations.

RECREATION FEES

SEC. 420. Section 810 of the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (16 U.S.C. 6809) shall be applied by

substituting ‘‘October 1, [2025]2026’’ for ‘‘September 30, 2019’’.

LOCAL CONTRACTORS 

SEC. 421. Section 412 of division E of Public Law 112–74 shall be applied by substituting ‘‘fiscal year [2024]2025’’ 

for ‘‘fiscal year 2019’’.

SHASTA-TRINITY MARINA FEE AUTHORITY AUTHORIZATION EXTENSION

SEC. 422. Section 422 of division F of Public Law 110–161 (121 Stat 1844), as amended, shall be applied by 

substituting ‘‘fiscal year [2024]2025’’ for ‘‘fiscal year 2019’’. 

INTERPRETIVE ASSOCIATION AUTHORIZATION EXTENSION

SEC. 423. Section 426 of division G of Public Law 113–76 (16 U.S.C. 565a–1 note) shall be applied by substituting 

‘‘September 30, [2024]2025’’ for ‘‘September 30, 2019’’. 

PUERTO RICO SCHOOLING AUTHORIZATION EXTENSION

[SEC. 424. The authority provided by the 19th unnumbered paragraph under heading ‘‘Administrative Provisions,

Forest Service’’ in title III of Public Law 109–54, as amended, shall be applied by substituting ‘‘fiscal year 2024’’ for

‘‘fiscal year 2019’’.] 

SEC. 424. Funds available to the Forest Service in this and prior Acts under the headings “National Forest System” 

and “Forest and Rangeland Research” may be used for expenses associated with primary and secondary schooling 

for dependents of agency personnel stationed in Puerto Rico, who are subject to transfer and reassignment to 

other locations in the United States, at a cost not in excess of those authorized for the Department of Defense for 

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the same area, when it is determined by the Chief of the Forest Service that public schools available in the locality 

are unable to provide adequately for the education of such dependents: Provided, That the Congress hereby 

ratifies and approves payments for such purposes to agency employees stationed in Puerto Rico made by the 

Forest Service after August 2, 2005, in accordance with the 19th unnumbered paragraph under the heading 

“Administrative Provisions, Forest Service” in title III of Public Law 109-54, as amended. 

FOREST BOTANICAL PRODUCTS FEE COLLECTION AUTHORIZATION EXTENSION

SEC. 425. Section 339 of the Department of the Interior and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2000 (as enacted

into law by Public Law 106–113; 16 U.S.C. 528 note), as amended by section 335(6) of Public Law 108–108 and 

section 432 of Public Law 113– 76, shall be applied by substituting ‘‘fiscal year [2024]2025’’ for ‘‘fiscal year 2019’’. 

CHACO CANYON

SEC. 426. None of the funds made available by this Act may be used to accept a nomination for oil and gas leasing

under 43 CFR 3120.3 et seq., or to offer for oil and gas leasing, any Federal lands within the withdrawal area

identified on the map of the Chaco Culture National Historical Park prepared by the Bureau of Land Management 

and dated April 2, 2019.

TRIBAL LEASES

SEC. 427. (a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, in the case of any lease under section 105(1) of the

Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5324(1)), the initial lease term shall commence

no earlier than the date of receipt of the lease proposal. (b) The Secretaries of the Interior and Health and Human 

Services shall, jointly or separately, during fiscal year [2024]2025 consult with tribes and tribal organizations 

through public solicitation and other means regarding the requirements for leases under section 105(1) of the

Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5324(1)) on how to implement a consistent and

transparent process for the payment of such leases.

FOREST ECOSYSTEM HEALTH AND RECOVERY FUND

SEC. 428. The authority provided under the heading ‘‘Forest Ecosystem Health and Recovery Fund’’ in title I of

Public Law 111–88, as amended by section 117 of division F of Public Law 113–235, shall be applied by substituting 

‘‘fiscal year [2024]2025’’ for ‘‘fiscal year 2020’’ each place it appears. 

ALLOCATION OF PROJECTS, NATIONAL PARKS AND PUBLIC LAND LEGACY RESTORATION FUND AND LAND AND

WATER CONSERVATION FUND

SEC. 429. (a)

(1) Within 45 days of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Interior shall allocate amounts made available

from the National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund for fiscal year [2024]2025 pursuant to subsection

(c) of section 200402 of title 54, United States Code, and as provided in subsection (e) of such section of such title,

to the agencies of the Department of the Interior and the Department of Agriculture specified, in the amounts

specified, for the stations and unit names specified, and for the projects and activities specified in the table titled

‘‘Allocation of Funds: National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund Fiscal Year [2024]2025’’ in the

explanatory statement described in section 4 (in the matter preceding division A of this consolidated Act).

(2) Within 45 days of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture, as

appropriate, shall allocate amounts made available for expenditure from the Land and Water Conservation Fund

for fiscal year [2024]2025 pursuant to subsection (a) of section 200303 of title 54, United States Code, to the

agencies and accounts specified, in the amounts specified, and for the projects and activities specified in the table

titled ‘‘Allocation of Funds: Land and Water Conservation Fund Fiscal Year [2024]2025’’ in the explanatory

statement described in section 4 (in the matter preceding division A of this consolidated Act).

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(b) Except as otherwise provided by subsection (c) of this section, neither the President nor his designee may

allocate any amounts that are made available for any fiscal year under subsection (c) of section 200402 of title 54,

United States Code, or subsection (a) of section 200303 of title 54, United States Code, other than in amounts and

for projects and activities that are allocated by subsections (a)(1) and (a)(2) of this section: Provided, That in any

fiscal year, the matter preceding this proviso shall not apply to the allocation of amounts for continuing

administration of programs allocated funds from the National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund or

the Land and Water Conservation Fund, which may be allocated only in amounts that are no more than the

allocation for such purposes in subsections (a)(1) and (a)(2) of this section.

(c) The Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture may reallocate amounts from each agency’s

‘‘Contingency Fund’’ line in the table titled ‘‘Allocation of Funds: National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration

Fund Fiscal Year [2024]2025’’ to any project funded by the National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund

within the same agency, from any fiscal year, that experienced a funding deficiency due to unforeseen cost

overruns, in accordance with the following requirements:

(1) ‘‘Contingency Fund’’ amounts may only be reallocated if there is a risk to project completion resulting

from unforeseen cost overruns;

(2) ‘‘Contingency Fund’’ amounts may only be reallocated for cost of adjustments and changes within the

original scope of effort for projects funded by the National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration

Fund; and

(3) The Secretary of the Interior or the Secretary of Agriculture must provide written notification to the

Committees on Appropriations 30 days before taking any actions authorized by this subsection if the

amount reallocated from the ‘‘Contingency Fund’’ line for a project is projected to be 10 percent or

greater than the following, as applicable:

(A) The amount allocated to that project in the table titled ‘‘Allocation of Funds: National Parks

(d)

and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund Fiscal Year [2024]2025’’ in the explanatory statement described 

in section 4 (in the matter preceding division A of this consolidated Act); or

(B) The initial estimate in the most recent report submitted, prior to enactment of this Act, to the

Committees on Appropriations pursuant to section 431(e) of division G of the Consolidated

Appropriations Act, 2022 (Public Law 117–328). 

(1) Concurrent with the annual budget submission of the President for fiscal year [2025]2026, the

Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture shall each submit to the Committees on

Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the Senate project data sheets for the projects in the

‘‘Submission of Annual List of Projects to Congress’’ required by section 200402(h) of title 54, United

States Code: Provided, That the ‘‘Submission of Annual List of Projects to Congress’’ must include a

‘‘Contingency Fund’’ line for each agency within the allocations defined in subsection (e) of section

200402 of title 54, United States Code: Provided further, That in the event amounts allocated by this Act

or any prior Act for the National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund are no longer needed to

complete a specified project, such amounts may be reallocated in such submission to that agency’s

‘‘Contingency Fund’’ line: Provided further, That any proposals to change the scope of or terminate a

previously approved project must be clearly identified in such submission.

(2)

(A) Concurrent with the annual budget submission of the President for fiscal year [2025]2026,

the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture shall each submit to the Committees on 

Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the Senate a list of supplementary allocations for 
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Federal land acquisition and Forest Legacy Projects at the National Park Service, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife

Service, the Bureau of Land Management, and the U.S. Forest Service that are in addition to the

‘‘Submission of Cost Estimates’’ required by section 200303(c)(1) of title 54, United States Code, that are

prioritized and detailed by account, program, and project, and that total no less than half the full amount 

allocated to each account for that land management Agency under the allocations submitted under

section 200303(c)(1) of title 54, United States Code: Provided, That in the event amounts allocated by this

Act or any prior Act pursuant to subsection (a) of section 200303 of title 54, United States Code are no

longer needed because a project has been completed or can no longer be executed, such amounts must

be clearly identified if proposed for reallocation in the annual budget submission.

(B) The Federal land acquisition and Forest Legacy projects in the ‘‘Submission of Cost Estimates’’

required by section 200303(c)(1) of title 54, United States Code, and on the list of supplementary

allocations required by subparagraph (A) shall be comprised only of projects for which a willing seller has

been identified and for which an appraisal or market research has been initiated. 

(C) Concurrent with the annual budget submission of the President for fiscal year [2025]2026, the

Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture shall each submit to the Committees on 

Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the Senate project data sheets in the same format

and containing the same level of detailed information that is found on such sheets in the Budget 

Justifications annually submitted by the Department of the Interior with the President’s Budget for the

projects in the ‘‘Submission of Cost Estimates’’ required by section 200303(c)(1) of title 54, United States

Code, and in the same format and containing the same level of detailed information that is found on such

sheets submitted to the Committees pursuant to section 427 of division D of the Further Consolidated

Appropriations Act, 2020 (Public Law 116–94) for the list ofsupplementary allocations required by

subparagraph (A).

(e) The Department of the Interior and the Department of Agriculture shall provide the Committees on

Appropriations of the House of Representatives and Senate quarterly reports on the status of balances of projects

and activities funded by the National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund for amounts allocated

pursuant to subsection (a)(1) of this section and the status of balances of projects and activities funded by the Land

and Water Conservation Fund for amounts allocated pursuant to subsection (a)(2) of this section, including all

uncommitted, committed, and unobligated funds, and, for amounts allocated pursuant to subsection (a)(1) of this

section, National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund amounts reallocated pursuant to subsection (c) of

this section.

(f) Amounts allocated by the Secretary of the Interior pursuant to subsection (a)(2) of this section shall include

$8,483,563 to the “Office of the Secretary—Departmental Operations” account for a Tribal Land Stewardship

program for Tribal governments to acquire, whether in fee or in trust, land, water, or interests in land or water, for

purposes consistent with chapter 2003 of title 54, United States Code, in accordance with criteria determined by

the Secretary of the Interior in consultation with Tribes: Provided, That payments may be made by the Secretary of

Interior through direct expenditure, or through grants, compacts, contracts, or cooperative agreements with Indian 

Tribes: Provided further, That of the amounts allocated, up to $500,000 shall be available for Federal

administrative expenses.

(g) In this section, the term “Tribal government” means the recognized governing body of any Indian or Alaska

Native Tribe, band, nation, pueblo, village, community, component band, or component reservation individually

identified (including parenthetically) in the list published most recently pursuant to section 104 of the Federally

Recognized Indian Tribe List Act of 1994 (25 U.S.C. 5131).

[POLICIES RELATING TO BIOMASS ENERGY] 
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[SEC. 430. To support the key role that forests in the United States can play in addressing the energy needs of the 

United States, the Secretary of Energy, the Secretary of Agriculture, and the Administrator of the Environmental 

Protection Agency shall, consistent with their missions, jointly— 

(1) ensure that Federal policy relating to forest bioenergy—

(A) is consistent across all Federal departments and agencies; and

(B) recognizes the full benefits of the use of forest biomass for energy, conservation, and responsible

forest management; and

(2) establish clear and simple policies for the use of forest biomass as an energy solution, including

policies that—

(A) reflect the carbon neutrality of forest bioenergy and recognize biomass as a renewable energy

source, provided the use of forest biomass for energy production does not cause conversion of forests to 

non-forest use; 

(B) encourage private investment throughout the forest biomass supply chain, including in—

(i) working forests;

(ii) harvesting operations;

(iii) forest improvement operations;

(iv) forest bioenergy production;

(v) wood products manufacturing; or

(vi) paper manufacturing;

(C) encourage forest management to improve forest health; and

(D) recognize State initiatives to produce and use forest biomass.]

[SMALL REMOTE INCINERATORS]

[SEC. 431. None of the funds made available in this Act may be used to implement or enforce the regulation issued

on March 21, 2011 at 40 CFR part 60 subparts CCCC and DDDD with respect to units in the State of Alaska that are

defined as ‘‘small, remote incinerator’’ units in those regulations and, until a subsequent regulation is issued, the

Administrator shall implement the law and regulations in effect prior to such date.]

TIMBER SALE REQUIREMENTS 

SEC. [432]430. No timber sale in Alaska’s Region 10 shall be advertised if the indicated rate is deficit (defined as 

the value of the timber is not sufficient to cover all logging and stumpage costs and provide a normal profit and 

risk allowance under the Forest Service’s appraisal process) when appraised using a residual value appraisal. The 

western red cedar timber from those sales which is surplus to the needs of the domestic processors in Alaska, shall

be made available to domestic processors in the contiguous 48 United States at prevailing domestic prices. All

additional western red cedar volume not sold to Alaska or contiguous 48 United States domestic processors may

be exported to foreign markets at the election of the timber sale holder. All Alaska yellow cedar may be sold at 

prevailing export prices at the election of the timber sale holder.

TRANSFER AUTHORITY TO FEDERAL HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION FOR THE NATIONAL PARKS AND PUBLIC LAND 

LEGACY RESTORATION FUND

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SEC. [433]431. Funds made available or allocated in this Act to the Department of the Interior or the Department 

of Agriculture that are subject to the allocations and limitations in 54 U.S.C. 200402(e) and prohibitions in 54 U.S.C.

200402(f) may be further allocated or reallocated to the Federal Highway Administration for transportation

projects of the covered agencies defined in 54 U.S.C. 200401(2).

PROHIBITION ON USE OF FUNDS 

SEC. [434]432. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, none of the funds made available in this Act or any 

other Act may be used to promulgate or implement any regulation requiring the issuance of permits under title V

of the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7661 et seq.) for carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, water vapor, or methane emissions

resulting from biological processes associated with livestock production.

GREENHOUSE GAS REPORTING RESTRICTIONS 

SEC. [435]433. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, none of the funds made available in this or any other 

Act may be used to implement any provision in a rule, if that provision requires mandatory reporting of

greenhouse gas emissions from manure management systems.

FUNDING PROHIBITION 

SEC. [436]434. None of the funds made available by this or any other Act may be used to regulate the lead content 

of ammunition, ammunition components, or fishing tackle under the Toxic Substances Control Act (15 U.S.C. 2601 

et seq.) or any other law. 

ALASKA NATIVE REGIONAL HEALTH ENTITIES AUTHORIZATION EXTENSION 

SEC. [437]435. Section 424(a) of title IV of division G of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2014 (Public Law 113–

76) shall be applied by substituting ‘‘October 1, [2024]2025’’ for ‘‘December 24, 2022’’.

WILDFIRE FUNDING AND FOREST MANAGEMENT ACT 

SEC. [438]436. Section 104 [of division O ]of the[ Stephen Sepp] Wildfire Suppression Funding and Forest 

Management Activities Act (division O of Public Law 115 -141) is amended – 

(a) in subsection (a), by striking “90” and inserting “180”; and

(b) in paragraph (4) of subsection (b), by inserting the following before the semicolon: “, and shall include

an accounting of any spending in the first two quarters of the succeeding fiscal year that is

attributable to suppression operations in the fiscal year for which the report was prepared”.

GOOD NEIGHBOR AUTHORITY 

Sec. [439]437. Section 8206(b)(2)(C)(ii) of thee Agricultural Act of 2014 (916 U.S.C. 2113a(b)(2)(C)(ii)), as amended 

by section 8624 of the Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018 (Public Law 115-334), is further amended by striking 

“2023” and inserting “[2024]2025”.

TIMBER EXPORT

SEC. [440]438. The Secretary of Agriculture shall not be required to issue regulations under section 495 of the 

Forest Resources Conservation and Shortage Relief Act of 1997 (16 U.S.C. 620f) for the fiscal year. 

COST SHARE WAIVER 

SEC. 439. The Secretary of the Interior or the Secretary of Agriculture, may waive, in whole or in part, the nonFederal cost sharing requirement of any appropriate conservation project under section 212(a)(1) of the Public 

Lands Corps Act (16 U.S.C. 1729(a)(1)): Provided, That in the event of such a waiver, the Secretary of the Interior or 

the Secretary of Agriculture, as appropriate, is authorized to pay up to 100 percent of the costs of such 

conservation project. 

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29a-224 

Change Description

The first change (SEC. 403) removes the word “by” from, the DISCLOSURE OF ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES 

provision.

The second change (SEC. 404) extends the reporting requirement in the MINING APPLICATIONS provision to 2026.

The third change (SEC. 405) extends the prior year limitation for contract support cost to 2025.

The fourth change (SEC. 406) extends contract support cost limitation in 2024 and 2025.

The fifth change (SEC. 415) extends the grazing permit authority (P.L.108–108 (117 Stat. 1307)) to 2025.

The sixth change (SEC. 418) extends authority for the Forest Service Facility Realignment and Enhancement Act 

(P.L.109–54 (16 U.S.C. 580d note)) to 2025.

The seventh change (SEC. 420) extends authority for the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (16 U.S.C. 

6809) to 2026.

The eighth change (SEC. 421) extends the authority for local contractors.

The ninth change (SEC. 422) extends the Shasta-Trinity authority (P.L. 110-161(121 Stat. 1844), as amended) to 

2025.

The tenth change (SEC. 423) extends the Interpretive Association Authority (P.L.113-76 (16 U.S.C. 565a-1 note)) to 

2025.

The eleventh change (SEC.424) removes the Puerto Rico Schools authority (P.L.109-54, as amended) to 2025 

language and adds language for funds available for schooling.

The twelfth change (SEC. 425) extends the Forest Botanical Products authority (P.L.106–113; 16 U.S.C. 528 note, as 

amended) to 2025. 

The thirteenth change (SEC. 428) extends the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 

5324(l)) to 2025.

The fourteenth change (SEC. 429) extends the Forest Ecosystem Health and Recovery Fund (P.L. 111-88, as 

amended) to 2025. 

The fifteenth change (SEC. 430) adds language to the Allocation of Projects, National Parks And Public Land Legacy 

Restoration Fund And Land And Water Conservation Fund general provision in the tenth paragraph.

The sixteenth change (SEC. 430) adds language to the Allocation of Projects, National Parks And Public Land Legacy 

Restoration Fund And Land And Water Conservation Fund general provision in the eleventh paragraph.

The seventeenth change removes the POLICIES RELARING TO BIOMASS ENERGY.

The eighteenth change removes the SMALL REMOTE INCINERATORS. 

The nineteenth change (SEC. 430) TIMBER SALE REQUIREMENTS, SEC. change from 432 to 430.

The twentieth change (SEC. 431) TRANSFER AUTHORITY TO FEDERAL HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION FOR THE 

NATIONAL PARKS AND PUBLIC LAND LEGACY RESTORATION FUND, SEC. change from 433 to 431.

The twenty-first change (SEC. 432) PROHIBITION ON USE OF FUNDS, SEC. change from 434 to 432.

The twenty-second change (SEC. 433) GREENHOUSE GAS REPORTING RESTRICTIONS, SEC. change from 435 to 433. 

The twenty-third change (SEC. 434) FUNDING PROHIBITION, SEC. change from 436 to 434.

The twenty-fourth change (SEC. 435) ALASKA NATIVE REGIONAL HEALTH ENTITIES AUTHORIZATION EXTENSION, 

SEC. change from 437 to 435.

The twenty-fifth change (SEC. 436) WILDFIRE FUNDING AND FOREST MANAGEMENT ACT, SEC. change from 438 to 

436 and removes language and adds language before Public Law 115-141. 

The twenty-sixth change (SEC. 439) GOOD NEIGHBORING AUTHORITY, SEC. change from 439 to 437 and extends 

Good Neighboring Authority to 2025. 

The twenty-seventy change (SEC. 438) TIMBER EXPORT, SEC. change from 440 to 438.

The twenty-eighth change adds the Cost Share Waiver provision from 2024 Senate bill.
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AGENCY-WIDE PERFORMANCE AND EVALUATION

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of the Summary of Performance and Evaluation section is to provide an update on Performance and 

Evidence and Evaluation efforts, facilitating compliance with the Government Performance Results Modernization 

Act and the Evidence Act of 2018, as well as departmental Key Performance Indicators (KPI). Specifically, the Office 

of Budget and Program Analysis (OBPA) leads the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) in Performance, 

Evaluation, Evidence, and Risk Management and chairs the Performance, Evaluation, Evidence Committee (PEEC) 

and the Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) committees. The Forest Service is a member of both the PEEC and 

ERM committees which are comprised of individuals from different Mission Areas and backgrounds throughout 

USDA, as well as key evaluation partners, the USDA Chief Data Officer, and the Statistical Officer. These different 

perspectives and expertise facilitate buy-in across USDA, augment technical expertise, and create a greater 

diversity of perspectives. Partnership with the Chief Data Officer and Statistical Officer provides greater insight and 

advisement on data access, data quality, and statistical methods.

The Forest Service was established on February 1, 1905, within USDA. It has a unique mission to sustain healthy, 

diverse, and productive forests and grasslands for present and future generations. The Forest Service is composed 

of the following major deputy areas: Business Operations; National Forest System, State, Private, and Tribal 

Forestry, which includes Fire and Aviation Management; and Research and Development. The Office of Strategic 

Planning, Budget, and Accountability spearheads the Forest Service’s efforts in strategic planning, performance 

and evidence, and evaluation. Additionally, the Office of the Chief Financial Officer leads Enterprise Risk 

Management activities. These offices work directly with OBPA and senior leadership as well as actively engaging 

with both internal and external stakeholders.

ALIGNMENT TO USDA 2022 – 2026 STRATEGIC PLAN

The Forest Service contributes to Goals 1, 3, and 5 of USDA’s Strategic Goals in the current Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 – 

2026 USDA Strategic Plan through fact-based, data-driven, and customer-focused decisions. Departmental KPIs are 

performance metrics aligned with the Strategic Objectives laid out in the USDA’s Strategic Plan and are monitored 

and evaluated during the Quarterly Strategic Reviews, the Bi-Annual Strategic Review with OMB, and included 

within the Annual Performance Plan and Report published by OBPA and is responsible for achieving and measuring 

results with respect to the relevant USDA Strategic Goal and Objectives. The Forest Service’s FY 2024-2028 

Strategic Plan will also be published by mid-FY 2024 and will serve as another mechanism outlining the goals and 

objectives for which all Forest Service components can measure their desired impacts and progress. 

USDA Strategic Goal 1: Increase the Sustainability of Our Forest, Crop, and Livestock Systems by Deploying Climateand Environmentally Smart Management of Working Lands and Waterways. 

Objective 1.1: Increase the Sustainability of Our Forest, Rangelands, and Crop and Livestock Systems by 

Deploying Climate- and Environmentally Smart Management.

Objective 1.2: Lead Efforts to Adapt to the Consequences of Climate Change in Agriculture and Forestry

Objective 1.3: Lead Efforts to Mitigate Climate Change and Adapt to Drought, and Extreme Weather in 

Agriculture and Forestry Addressing Vulnerabilities such as the Risk of Catastrophic Wildfire

USDA Strategic Goal 5: Expand Opportunities for Economic Development and Improve Quality of Life in Rural and 

Tribal Communities
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Objective 5.4: Promote Environmental Justice by Maximizing Sustainable and Green Economic Development in

Rural and Tribal Communities

SUMMARY OF PERFORMANCE

A more detailed report of the performance plan is located at Performance Improvement and Evidence Building 

at USDA The following tables summarize the Forest Service’s contributions to the KPIs. 

Table FS-152. KPI -Terrestrial Condition Assessment

Strategic Objective 1.1 2023 2024 2025

Terrestrial Condition Assessment Results 30% - -

1.1.4 Percent of National Forest System (NFS) 

landscape ecosystems improved, maintained, or 

recovering due to management actions, Terrestrial 

Condition Assessment (TCA)

Target 38% 38% 39%

Expected Performance Progress Towards the Achievement of Strategic Objectives: 

Strategic Objective 1.1: Increase the Sustainability of Our Forest, Crop, and Livestock Systems by Deploying Climate 

and Environmentally Smart Management of Working Lands and Waterways.

Terrestrial Condition Assessment (TCA): In FY 2025 and following recent investments, the Forest Service will 

continue with progress towards completing implementation of restoration projects that achieve the Forest 

Service’s focus on larger landscape restoration, as outlined in the Wildfire Crisis Strategy. This focus will also lead 

to increases in ecosystem health measured in the Terrestrial Condition Assessment KPI. Ongoing investments will 

also allow for staff in new roles to develop the skills, knowledge, and experience to expand the capacity of the

Forest Service. Restoration work, especially when done at scale, takes time to complete and see the investment 

outcomes as various activities move through planning, contracting, and implementation phases prior to being 

completed. Through focused work in priority areas and greater support for landscape-scale work through Forest 

Service programs (e.g., selection and funding for the next group of Collaborative Forest Land Restoration Project 

projects), the percentage of landscapes improved, maintained, and recovering should continue to improve.

Table FS-153. KPI – Forest Legacy Program

Strategic Objective 1.2 2023 2024 2025

Forest Legacy Program Results 46,772 - -

1.2.1 Number of private forest acres protected 

through the Forest Legacy Program Target 64,000 64,000 64,000

Table FS-154. KPI – Wildfire Risk Reduction

Strategic Objective 1.2 2023 2024 2025

Wildfire Risk Reduction Results 1 - -

1.2.2 Number of high priority areas where treatments 

have occurred to reduce wildfire risk to communities 

(number of firesheds, annually) a

Target 1 N/A N/A

a This KPI is being retired in FY 2024 and will be replaced with a new KPI in a future plan.
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Table FS-155. KPI – Hazardous Fuels Reduction

Strategic Objective 1.2 2023 2024 2025

Hazardous Fuels Reduction Results 4.4 - -

1.2.3 Annual acreage treated to reduce or maintain 

fuel conditions on NFS and non-Federal lands (million 

acres, annually)

Target 4.0 4.2 4.0

Table FS-156. KPI – Final Acreage Treatment

Strategic Objective 1.2 2023 2024 2025

Final Acreage Treatment Results 1.4 - -

1.2.4 Annual acreage of NFS lands where final 

treatment effectively mitigates wildfire risk (million 

acres, annually)

Target 1.6 1.7 1.6

Table FS-157. KPI – Timber Volume

Strategic Objective 1.2 2023 2024 2025

Timber Volume Results 3.1 - -

1.2.5 Timber volume sold (billion board feet) Target 3.4 3.2 3.2

Table FS-158. KPI – Research Publications

Strategic Objective 1.2 2023 2024 2025

Research Publications Results N/A - -

1.2.6 Number of Peer-Reviewed Scholarly 

Publications b Target N/A 1,100 1,100

b The Forest Service has previously tracked the number of peer-reviewed scholarly publications produced by 

Forest Service research scientists internally, but it will be elevated to a key performance indicator for the 

Forest Service beginning in FY 2024. 

Expected Performance Progress Towards the Achievement of Strategic Objectives: 

Strategic Objective 1.2: Lead Efforts to Adapt to the Consequences of Climate Change in Agriculture and Forestry 

• Forest Legacy Program: By FY 2025, the Forest Legacy program expects to be operating at full capacity and

anticipates that increased staffing, combined with improved knowledge, skills, and abilities, will result in an

increased pace of successful project completions. Since Forest Legacy projects are Congressionally directed,

grant awards are delayed until a final appropriations act is signed into law, and this continues to be a

challenge. The program provides administrative funds to states in addition to funding projects and the Forest

Service has increased project administration support to participating states. While some states have been able

to quickly operationalize the availability of additional resources, other states face challenges in doing so.

Forest Service program staff will continue to work with State partners to provide programmatic, educational,

and financial support to ensure effective program implementation. Finally, additional funding made available

by IRA will continue to increase capacity for the program including $250 million in FY 2024 and $125 million in

FY 2025, which is also expected to increase accomplishments.

• Wildfire Risk Reduction: This KPI is being retired in FY 2024 and will be replaced with a new KPI in a future

plan.

• Hazardous Fuels Reduction: The Forest Service Washington Office staff will continue to work with each region

to achieve the right level of support to maintain fire-adapted ecosystems, continue investments, and maximize

opportunities to reduce wildfire risk in those key firesheds identified in the Wildfire Crisis Strategy. Specifically,
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the Forest Service has set its FY 2024 national hazardous fuels goal at 4.2 million acres on National Forest 

System lands and adjacent lands and a FY 2025 goal of 4.0 million acres. Achieving these goals is dependent on 

a broad range of enabling conditions related to litigation, timber markets, increased costs due to inflation, 

unpredictable situations such as wildfire conditions and other natural disasters, and final budget 

appropriations from Congress. Any of these could impact the Forest Service’s ability to achieve these 

accomplishment goals. Further, the Forest Service expects increased treatment costs as the focus work in 

areas that are more impactful in reducing wildfire risk, but that takes longer to complete and is more complex.

Although the Forest Service was able to achieve 4.4 million acres in FY 2023 with historic investments from BIL 

and IRA, treatments continue to be focused in the right places, and at the right time, to mitigate wildfire risk 

to communities, infrastructure, and natural resources. This focus does not always result in more acres treated. 

The Forest Service will continue to focus on outcomes, rather than acres treated, and is working on more 

effective ways to communicate this internally and externally.

• Final Acreage Treatment: The Forest Service will continue to work closely with each region to achieve the

right level of support to maintain current levels of risk, continue investments, and maximize opportunities to

reduce wildfire risk. Funding in BIL provides opportunities to treat high-risk and high-cost acres in FY 2023 and

is anticipated to have a similar impact in FY 2024 and FY 2025. These treatments will allow the Forest Service

to redesignate more than 1.5 million acres to a low risk of wildfire. Additional investments will be required to

maintain these areas over time and avoid returning to a high risk of wildfire.

• Timber Volume: The Forest Service will continue to evolve this as an outcome-based indicator to measure

success in combating climate change, and its support of America's working lands, natural resources, and

communities. Forest Service field staff continue to look for new opportunities to work with partners, as well as

the use of multiple contracting types and other authorities to get more work done at a larger scale. Additional

support to provide training to employees and support options for efficiencies will be a key focus leading into

FY 2025. The Forest Service will continue the development of a 5-year strategic plan of action that outlines

expectations and outcomes for future planning, outcomes, and KPI accomplishments. These strategic

investments will also support an emphasis on employee recruitment and position hiring will need to be a

continued focus into FY 2025 to ensure a full work force is available to meet the Forest Service’s objectives.

• Research Publications: Forest Service Research and Development (R&D) will focus on research publications to

inform Forest Service land management responsibilities and to advance the highest national priorities. R&D

will support the Forest Service’s Wildfire Crisis Strategy, including fire prediction, planning, decision support,

strategic reduction of hazardous fuels, impact assessment, and recovery; continue investments in watershed

research to sustain and improve water security in the face of increasingly frequent and extreme hydrological

events from droughts to floods; and invest in research and development of innovative wood uses, generating

new products, supporting new and emerging markets, and facilitating implementation of the Wildfire Crisis

Strategy.

Table FS-159. KPI – Watershed Restoration

Strategic Objective 1.3 2023 2024 2025

Watershed Restoration Results 6 - -

1.3.5 Number of watersheds moved to improved 

condition class or sustained in Condition Class 1 Target 16 21 25

Expected Performance Progress Towards the Achievement of Strategic Objectives: 

Strategic Objective 1.3: Lead Efforts to Mitigate Climate Change and Adapt to Drought, and Extreme Weather in 

Agriculture and Forestry Addressing Vulnerabilities such as the Risk of Catastrophic Wildfire
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• Watershed Restoration: Increased project funding in FY 2023 through FY 2025 from BIL and IRA has allowed

for an increase of four watersheds over the previous fiscal years target. Program investments will focus on

making improvements to the conditions of priority and source watersheds, as well as improve water quality

and quantity, along with providing updates to the Terrestrial Condition Assessment to enable continued

reporting of ecological effects of ecological management activities. The program will also continue coinvestment with critical partners, such as Trout Unlimited, to reach the Forest Service’s goal of improving the

condition of priority watersheds. Furthermore, in FY 2025, the Forest Service will continue to strengthen

coordination with States, Tribes, local communities, private landowners, and partners in the public and private

sector, working to advance the goals set in the Forest Service Equity Action Plan and Tribal Action Plan.

Table FS-160. KPI – National Forest Customer Satisfaction 

Strategic Objective 5.4 2023 2024 2025

National Forest Customer Satisfaction Results TBDc - -

5.4.2 Percent of customers satisfied with recreation 

facilities, services, and settings in National Forest Target 98 98 95

c Data collection for FY 2023 is still on-going and visitor satisfaction levels will be available in spring 2024.

Expected Performance Progress Towards the Achievement of Strategic Objectives: 

Strategic Objective 5.4: Promote Environmental Justice by Maximizing Sustainable and Green Economic 

Development in Rural and Tribal Communities

• National Forest Customer Satisfaction: Continued investment in addressing deferred maintenance needs and

additional investments in areas to accommodate high visitor use will support high levels of visitor satisfaction.

In addition, investments made in customer service through such platforms as Recreation.gov will make Forest

Service facilities easier to find and facilitate trip planning to match recreation user and visitor needs to

appropriate resources. High levels of visitor satisfaction will likely continue, thanks to the recent hiring of new

staff to support recreational programs, investments in deferred maintenance, and continued public interest in

outdoor recreation. The targets for FY 2023 and FY 2024 were erroneously set at 98 percent, which was likely

never achievable at the current financial resource levels. Therefore, the FY 2025 target has been adjusted back

to a historically achievable level.
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SPECIAL EXHIBITS

CARBON ACCOUNTING

Background

This exhibit responds to a Congressional Directive from House Report 117-400:

The Committee recognizes our National Forests as an essential asset in reducing carbon emissions and in 

the fight against climate change. Healthy forests provide an important carbon sink, and the Committee

recognizes the Forest Service’s efforts to factor carbon accounting into its land management decisions. 

The Committee directs the Forest Service to submit a yearly estimate of carbon accounting on Forest 

Service lands broken down by region in its annual budget materials. The Committee expects the increases 

given to numerous programs throughout the Forest Service to combat wildfires, invasive species, and 

diseases, rehabilitate burned areas, among others, will help contribute to an increased amount of carbon 

stored in our National Forests.

Overview

For nearly a century, the Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) Program has measured millions of trees, on hundreds 

of thousands of plots within a statistical nationwide framework, providing the information needed to assess one of 

America's greatest resources—its forests. The collection and development of scientifically credible FIA data, tools, 

and analyses over decades, integrated with remote sensing products, provide critical status and trend information 

to resource managers, policymakers, investors, and the public. This annual resource inventory covers both public 

and private forest lands – all ownerships – across the United States. FIA reports on status and trends in forest area 

and location; land cover and land use change; species, size, and health of trees; total tree growth, mortality, and 

removals by harvest; wood production and utilization rates by various products; forest land ownership; and forest 

carbon stocks and associated changes.

Given the complexities associated with estimating carbon in forest ecosystems, FIA measures more than just live 

trees. Dead trees, downed dead wood, forest floor, and soils have been added to the FIA program over the past 

decades to fully monitor forest carbon. This work is critical to meeting reporting guidelines under international 

agreements and is done collaboratively with other agencies, such as the Natural Resources Conservation Service’s 

National Resources Inventory. The Forest Service reports annually on the forest and harvested wood products 

greenhouse gas emissions and removals to the United Nation’s Framework Convention on Climate Change via the 

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, while also informing climate smart practices at small scales across rural 

landscapes.

In coordination with a host of critical partners, field inventory data are collected every year in all 50 States, and 

periodically in territories and former island protectorates. The goal is to publicly release fully processed forest 

carbon estimates data within two years of collection across a robust suite of forest health metrics (e.g., tree 

mortality and soil health) that provides decision makers and policymakers with evidence to support forest 

investments. The data helps enable the evaluation of tradeoffs between maximizing forest carbon storage and 

increasing the resilience of U.S. forests to expected global change (e.g., increasing droughts). Recognizing how the 

future of U.S. forests are entwined with communities and economies, FIA also conducts annual nationwide Timber 

Product Output and National Woodland Owners Surveys, which produce data that support a robust and inclusive 

national assessment of forest carbon and associated resource decisions.

Carbon Accounting on Forested National Forest System Lands 

The tables below display the Forest Service’s assessment of current carbon stock by forest areas and carbon stock 

by regions. Table FS-161 contains the current carbon stock and forest land acreage, and Table FS-162 provides net 

carbon change estimates for forest lands on National Forests System lands by region. The estimates are based on 

Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) data used in the most recent Inventory of U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions and 
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Sinks: 1990-202161 using the methodology described in the Population Estimation User’s Guide and Resource 

Update.62, 63 Forest carbon estimates are derived by estimating the carbon content of forest biomass by various 

pools (e.g., live trees or soils) in a year all within the statistical framework employed by the FIA program. Change in 

stocks is calculated by subtracting the estimates between respective years. Programmatic synergies are achieved 

because the same FIA datasets used to estimate forest carbon are used by USDA and a host of Federal, State, and 

private entities for assessing a myriad of additional forest attributes such as wildlife habitat, effects of insects and 

disease, or old-growth prevalence across all U.S. forests.

In addition to sequestering carbon in live tree biomass via the growth of forests, carbon sequestration also 

continues in harvested wood, which has been less than one million metric tons of carbon per year for wood 

harvested from all National Forests.64 Some treatment activities will increase carbon in the landscape, such as 

restoring burned areas. Other activities such as hazardous fuels treatments to reduce fire risk may reduce carbon 

in forested landscapes in the near term but potentially reduce the probability of catastrophic future emissions due 

to climate change with the added benefits of carbon stored in wood products and/or used as a substitute for 

energy from fossil fuels. Forest carbon is dynamic over time, and healthy forests may contain small or large 

amounts of carbon stocks change, or flux. Vigorously growing young stands may contain less carbon stocks than 

stands containing many large dead trees, while sequestering carbon from the atmosphere at higher rates. The 

collection and distribution of FIA’s Forest data empowers the evaluation of the many intricacies associated with 

forest carbon dynamics beyond the purview of this summary.

61 Inventory of U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks: 1990-2021

62 Pugh, SA et al. 2018. The Forest Inventory and Analysis Database: Population Estimation User Guide (Edition: November 

2018). USDA Forest Service. 166 p. [Online]. Available at web address: The Forest Inventory and Analysis Database 

63 Domke et al. 2023. Greenhouse gas emissions and removals from forest land, woodlands, urban trees, and harvested 

wood products in the United States, 1990-2021. Resource. Bull. WO-101. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of 

Agriculture, Forest Service, Washington Office. 10 p Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Removal.[Accessed 7 November 

2023] 

64 Heath, LS et al. 2011. Carbon stocks on forestland of the United States, with emphasis on USDA Forest Service 

ownership. Ecosphere 2(1): art6 doi:10.1890/ES10-00126.1.
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Table FS-161. Carbon stocks (million metric tons carbon) and forested national forest area (million acres) on 

National Forest System (NFS) lands by Region, through Fiscal Year FY 2022 a

 

Region

NFS lands 

forested 

area 

(million 

acres)

Carbon stock (million metric tons) in forest pool

Aboveground live

biomass

Belowground live

biomass Dead wood Forest floor Soil carbon Total

01-Northern 22.8 463.6 97.2 220.5 144.3 1,055.0 1,980.5 

02-Rocky Mountain 15.2 210.4 43.4 113.0 80.6 580.9 1,028.3 

03-Southwestern 11.5 132.5 26.8 38.6 35.7 422.1 655.7 

04-Intermountain 20.7 235.6 48.1 122.3 84.3 844.1 1,334.4 

05-Pacific Southwest 14.2 510.0 105.2 133.3 84.5 654.5 1,487.5 

06-Pacific Northwest 22.6 984.2 206.5 260.7 142.6 1,056.9 2,650.9 

08-Southern 13.1 453.3 88.9 46.7 49.8 439.2 1,077.9 

09-Eastern 11.8 304.1 59.2 41.1 58.7 513.4 976.4 

10-Alaska b 7.6 283.6 59.7 80.3 76.9 416.1 916.5 

Total 139.5 3,577.4 735.0 1,056.5 757.2 5,982.0 12,108.1 

aData is derived from Forest Inventories through FY 2022, with the most recent snapshot of the dynamic database of 

incoming available data here:Research Data Archive.

bSome National Forest wilderness areas are not included currently due to limited access.

Table FS-162. Net annual carbon stock change (million metric tons CO2 eq./year) on forested NFS lands by Region a

and reporting year, 2021

NFS Region 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2019 2020 2021

01-Northern -1.45 -1.06 -0.56 -0.07 0.31 0.85 0.88 0.92

02-Rocky Mountain 13 13.18 13.37 13.48 13.63 12.34 12.25 12.24

03-Southwestern 5.14 5.32 5.52 5.72 6.01 6.73 6.82 6.92

04-Intermountain 9.07 9.41 9.84 10.26 10.83 11.17 11.29 11.49

05-Pacific Southwest -8.62 -8.41 -8.15 -7.88 -7.55 -6.17 -5.95 -5.72

06-Pacific Northwest -25.71 -24.78 -25.07 -25.51 -26.59 -28.07 -28.19 -28.31

08-Southern -31.43 -30.31 -29.42 -28.42 -27.67 -26.13 -25.83 -25.53

09-Eastern -12.64 -12.16 -11.93 -11.96 -12.07 -11.71 -11.61 -11.51

10-Alaska -2.92 -3.12 -3.37 -3.61 -3.87 -4.07 -4.04 -4

Total b -55.56 -51.93 -49.77 -47.99 -46.97 -45.06 -44.38 -43.5

aBecause FIA’s annual measurement approach is based on measured data from the nationwide FIA program where a portion of 

all plots are measured in any given year, the change estimates span 5-to-10-year intervals. bNegative carbon changes indicate carbon is increasing in the forest carbon pool.

The majority (6,118.9 million metric tons) of combined carbon stocks on NFS lands are in the following Regions: 

Northern (01), Pacific Southwest (05), and Pacific Northwest (06). The bulk of the estimated increase of net carbon 

stocks in 2021 (-65.4 million metric tons CO2 eq. per year) occurred in the Pacific Northwest Region (06), Southern 

Region (08), and Eastern Region (09). Currently, there is a substantial transfer of live biomass carbon to the dead 

wood pool and atmosphere on National Forest System lands due to recent catastrophic events from fire, insect 

and disease, and storm damage, resulting in high tree mortality, which remains in place. FIA’s measurement of 
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forest carbon across time and diversity of pools suggests complex tradeoffs between increasing the resilience of 

forest ecosystems to expected future change within the context of maximizing forest carbon. 
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CRITERIA FOR ALLOCATING FUNDING FOR RECREATION ACCESS

Background  

This exhibit responds to a Congressional Directive from Senate Report 116-123: 

The Committee believes increasing access to our public lands is important and provides funding to all four 

land management agencies—the Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service, the Forest Service, 

and the Fish and Wildlife Service—to complete projects that enhance access to public lands for hunting, 

fishing, and other recreational activities. The Committee expects recreational access projects to be 

selected based on their role in meeting key recreation needs, and the agencies should work with their 

respective regions, State offices, and/or management units to identify all potential projects. Further, the 

agencies are again directed to include in future budget justifications an explanation of the process and 

criteria used for allocating funds for recreational access in the previous year. 

Overview  

Land Acquisition funds are used to secure access to public lands for recreational purposes. Funds are used to meet 

public recreation access needs, such as preserving large, intact areas for recreation, by working with landowners to 

secure rights-of-way, easements, or fee simple land acquisitions that provide or improve public access to existing 

public lands. Under the Great American Outdoors Act (P.L. 116-152), land acquisition funding through the Land and 

Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) became mandatory. In FY 2023, the Forest Service acquired over 46,000 acres of

land that provided or improved public access; of that 1,539 acres were purchased using funds provided specifically 

for small recreation access projects.  

FY 2023 Criteria  

The Forest Service prioritizes land acquisitions that have the broad support of stakeholders, local officials, and 

others at the local level to mitigate barriers to public access and attract more visitors to recreate in a safe, 

accessible environment. Congress requires the Forest Service to “annually develop a priority list for projects that, 

through acquisition of land (or an interest in land), secure recreational public access to Federal land under the 

jurisdiction of the applicable Secretary for hunting, fishing, recreational shooting, or other outdoor recreational 

purposes” (54 U.S.C. 200306(c)).  

The Forest Service evaluates proposed recreational access tracts for LWCF funding based on the following criteria: 

• How does the acquisition solve a specific access problem or overcome a barrier to access? 

• What is the size and configuration of the tract relative to the National Forest System lands

around it? 

• How much of the tract borders existing National Forest System or other publicly accessible

lands? 

• What types of recreational access would the land provide? Hunting, fishing, hiking, or other? 

• Has the public indicated that more or improved access is needed in this area? 

• What is the level of local support for the acquisition? 

Selected Example of Recent Progress  

Windy Bluff Acquisition. The Columbia River Gorge National Recreation Area in Washington State used recreation 

access funding to acquire 10.10 acres of Windy Bluff property. This acquisition will lead to the development of a 

key trail connection in the Coyote Wall-Catherine Creek area. The area is heavily used by mountain bikers, trail 

runners, and hikers in the Congressionally designated Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area.  

Recreation Access Funding. The Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest in Montana used recreation access funding 

to acquire a 160-acre private inholding along the West Fork Madison River. The Forest Service purchased the land 

to protect recreation access and conserve more water in a river system already under threat by climate change. 

This area sees heavy winter recreation and provides access to system trails open to ATVs, motorcycles, nonmotorized uses, hunting, and fishing. 
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EQUAL ACCESS TO JUSTICE ACT (EAJA)

Overview

The EAJA, enacted in 1980, authorizes the payment of attorney fees and court costs to parties that prevail against 

the government in legal proceedings. The Forest Service has kept detailed records on EAJA payments and other

attorneys since Fiscal Year (FY) 2009.

Background

This exhibit addresses the directive included in House Report 112-151 that accompanied the Department of 

Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2012 (Public Law 112-74), where:

The Committee directs the Department of the Interior, the EPA, and the Forest Service to provide to the 

House and Senate Committees on Appropriations and make publicly available, no later than 60 days after 

enactment of this Act, and with each agency’s annual budget submission thereafter, the following 

information: detailed reports on the amount of program funds used; the names of the fee recipients; the 

names of the Federal judges; the disposition of the applications (including any appeals of action taken on 

the applications); and the hourly rates of attorneys and expert witnesses stated in the applications that 

was awarded, for all EAJA fee payments awarded as a result of litigation against any of the Department of 

Interior bureaus, the EPA, or the Forest Service, or their respective employees. The report shall also 

include the information listed above for litigation relating to the Endangered Species Act and the 

amounts, outside of EAJA awards, paid in settlement for all litigation, regardless of the statute litigated.
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Table FS-163. FY 2023 EAJA Fee Payments

Docket/Court Case Name Plaintiff Judge(s)

Date 

Certified Program

Disposition of 

Application Amount

FMMI

Doc #

1:19-cv-00195-DCN 

US District Court of 

Idaho

Idaho State Snowmobile 

Assoc vs United States of 

America, U.S. Forest Service 

The Sawtooth NF

WildEarth 

Guardians, Winter 

Wildlands Alliance

David C. Nye 1/19/2023 FS Organizational 

Services

Settlement 

Agreement and 

Release

$36,000 1941053652

2:16-cv-00168-DN 

US District Court of 

Utah

WildEarth Guardians v. 

Zinke er al.

WildEarth 

Guardians

David Nuffer 3/27/2023 FS Trails Capital 

Improvement, FS 

Minerals Management, 

FS Grazing Management

Stipulation of 

Dismissal with 

Prejudice

70,000 1941552907

2:18-cv-00012-SEH 

US District Court of 

Montana

Cottonwood Environmental 

Law Center v. Haaland, et 

al., D.

Federal 

DefendantsAppellees

Sam E. 

Haddon

4/27/2023 FS Vegetation & 

Watershed

Dismissal with 

Prejudice

7,500 1941858728

3:19-cv-00424-HZ US 

District Court of 

Oregon

Cascade Forest Conservancy 

v. Lenore Heppler, et al., 

ASCOT USA Inc and ASCOT

Recourses LTD

Cascade Forest 

Conservancy

Marco A. 

Hernandez

4/27/2023 FS Minerals Management Stipulated 

Settlement 

Agreement

120,000 1941884072

1:21-cv-02994-RMR 

US District Court of 

Colorado

San Luis Valley Ecosystem 

Council, San Juan Citizens 

Alliance v. Dan Dallas Rio 

Grand National Forest

Winter Recreation 

Claims

Regina M. 

Rodriguez

6/28/2023 FS Vegetation & 

Watershed

Settlement 

Agreement

3,000 1942511327

1:21-cv-01268 US 

District Court of 

Colorado

Citizens for a Healthy 

Community: High Country 

Conservation Advocates:

Wilderness Work Shop: Ctr 

for Biological Diversity: and 

WildEarth Guardians

Citizens for a 

Healthy 

Community: High 

Country 

Conservation 

Advocates, 

Wilderness 

Workshop, Center 

for Biological 

Diversity

Unassigned 7/3/2023 FS Minerals Management Voluntarily 

dismissed their 

appeal

17,000 1942554324
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

29a-239 

Docket/Court Case Name Plaintiff Judge(s)

Date 

Certified Program

Disposition of 

Application Amount

FMMI

Doc #

1:21-cv-01268 US 

District Court of 

Colorado

Citizens for a Healthy 

Community: High Country 

Conservation Advocates:

Wilderness Work Shop: Ctr 

for biological Diversity: and 

WildEarth Guardians

Citizens for a 

Healthy 

Community: High 

Country 

Conservation 

Advocates, 

Wilderness 

Workshop, Center 

for Biological 

Diversity

Unassigned 7/18/2023 FS Minerals Management Voluntarily 

dismissed their 

appeal

178 1942554324

4:23-cv-00012 US 

District Court 

Southern District of 

Indiana

Monroe County Board of 

Commissioners, et al., 

United States Forest Service, 

et al.

Monroe County 

Board of 

Commissioners, 

Indiana Forest 

Alliance, Hoosier 

Environmental 

Council, and 

Friends of Lake 

Monroe

Tanya Walton 

Pratt

7/27/2023 FS Forest Products Federal Rule of Civil 

Procedure 68

70,000 1942851068

4:17-cv-00475, 

00576, 00189 JAS US 

Court of Appeals for 

the Ninth Circuit

Center for Biological 

Diversity: Save the scenic 

Santa Ritas: Arizona Mining 

Reform Coalition: Grand 

Canyon Chapter of the 

Sierra Club: Tohono 

O'Odham Nation: Hopi 

Tribe: Pascua Yaqui Tribe of 

Arizona, named as Pascua 

Yaqui Tribe

US Fish and Wildlife 

Service; USFS; USA; 

Kurt Davis, Acting 

Supervisor of the 

Coronado NF; 

Calvin Joyner, 

Regional Forester; 

Randy Moore, 

Chief of the USFS; 

Thomas J Vilsack, 

US Secretary of 

Agriculture, 

Defendants, and 

Rosemont Copper 

Company

James A. Soto 9/19/2023 FS Landownership 

Management, FS 

Minerals Management

Motions for 

attorneys' fees and 

expenses

650,000 1943529508

TOTAL 973,678
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

29a-240 

NATIONAL SCENIC AND HISTORIC TRAILS

Background 

This exhibit addresses requirements contained in House Report 111-180, which directed: 

The Committee recommendation retains previous base funding for maintenance, construction, and 

operation of the network of national scenic and historic trails but encourages additional funding for 

required work of the newly authorized national trails. Future budget justifications should continue to 

provide specific trail operation, maintenance, and construction funding and accomplishment data for the 

national scenic and historic trails. The Forest Service should provide full-time administrators and prepare 

the required comprehensive management plans for the newly authorized national trails. 

Overview 

The Forest Service has designated trail administrators for six National Scenic and Historic Trails (NS&HT) – Arizona, 

Continental Divide, Florida, Nez Perce (Nee Mee Poo), Pacific Crest, and Pacific Northwest – and manages portions 

of 16 additional NS&HTs on National Forest System lands, in cooperation with the Department of the Interior, 

State and county governments, and private partners. Funding for administration and management of these trails is 

included within the Capital Improvement and Maintenance Trails appropriation. Land acquisition for trails is 

primarily funded through the Land and Water Conservation Fund. 

Arizona National Scenic Trail 

The 800-mile Arizona National Scenic Trail (AZNST) showcases Arizona’s diverse landscapes, offering unparalleled 

backcountry experiences in settings ranging from Sonoran Desert to alpine forests. The AZNST connects deserts, 

mountains, canyons, wilderness, history, cultures, and communities. Eighty-five percent of the AZNST is on Federal 

land that includes the Grand Canyon National Park and three other National Park Service (NPS) units, four National 

Forests, and two Bureau of Land Management (BLM) field offices. Partners include the Arizona Trail Association 

and numerous local trail clubs, Federal agencies, State and local governments, Tribes, and youth corps. 

A total of 1,898 volunteers contributed 21,265 hours of work in support of the AZNST. Volunteers installed seven 

steel gates, 12 raised cattleguards, seven kiosks within gateway communities, and a new trailhead was 

constructed. One natural water source was rehabilitated, and a remote rainwater collector was fabricated and

installed along a particularly arid segment of trail. Interpretive signs were developed and installed at six locations. 

Youth corps and volunteers maintained 67 miles of trail, and volunteers repaired or replaced signs along 71 miles 

of trail. Twelve miles of singletrack tread were constructed to remove the AZNST off paved and dirt roads and six 

miles of reroutes were constructed to improve sustainability and safety. A total of eight Trail Skills Institute courses 

were offered, providing in-depth hands-on training for more than 100 volunteers. More than 440 youth were 

engaged in trail stewardship activities, and 60 military veterans participated in trail maintenance and construction 

activities. A new national monument was designated by President Biden that includes 38 miles of the AZNST on the 

Kaibab National Forest. 

The AZNST continues to be threatened by uncharacteristic wildfires and drought events that jeopardize natural 

water sources. Numerous wildfires forced temporary closures of 210 miles of the AZNST and eighteen miles within 

previously burned areas were stabilized and maintained to improve safety. 

Continental Divide National Scenic Trail 

The Continental Divide National Scenic Trail (CDT) is a 3,100-mile trail that runs along the spine of the Rocky 

Mountains from Mexico to Canada. It connects 20 national forests, three national parks, two national monuments, 

13 BLM field offices, and several historic sites. About 95 percent of the trail is located on public lands; however, 

many trail segments are currently co-located along open roads. Easements are lacking on numerous private and 

State land parcels. Work has continued towards acquiring lands to eliminate gaps between sections of the trail and 

relocate existing portions of the trail. This includes working with the Trust for Public Lands on identifying 

opportunities to increase capacity in land acquisition and public land access for the CDT. Partners include the 
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

29a-241 

Continental Divide Trail Coalition, Ancestral Lands Conservation Corps, Wild Montana, Colorado Trail Foundation, 

Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado, Montana Conservation Corps, Rocky Mountain Youth Corps, Southwest 

Conservation Corps, Backcountry Horsemen, and numerous other Federal, State, and local nongovernmental 

organizations. 

Ninety-six percent of the CDT allocation went to field units and partners for 26 trail maintenance, reconstruction, 

and relocation projects. In addition, trail-wide partner organizations such as the Continental Divide Trail Coalition 

and local partner organizations led numerous volunteer projects that engaged people in trail maintenance and 

construction. The entire CDT on National Forest System land (approximately 2,200 miles) is a “Secretarially 

designated” priority area for trail maintenance under the 2016 Trails Stewardship Act. 

Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 example trails project accomplishments by state included: 

Idaho—Beaverhead-Deerlodge Heavy Maintenance: The Forest Service completed heavy maintenance on 

sections of CDT on the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest. Work included clearing downfall and hazard trees, 

sign work, trailhead upkeep, treadwork repairs, rock retainer work, drainage, and structure repairs and 

maintenance. This work will improve safety and accessibility for hikers and other trail users, as well as the

preservation of the natural beauty of the area. The work helps to ensure that the trail remains a sustainable and 

enjoyable resource for future generations. Priority sections of trail was completed in partnership with the 

Montana Conservation Corp (MCC), Wild Montana, Backcountry Horseman of Montana (BCHM). 

Wyoming—Fish Creek Park to Big Sandy Trailhead: Trail reconstruction and maintenance was made on highpriority segments for a 3.6-mile section located within the 80-mile segment of the CDT within the Bridger 

Wilderness. Work included check step construction, rock removal, drainage repair and installation of water 

bars/graded dips, closure of user-created routes following blow down event and further log out of remaining large 

scale blow down segments. This segment of trail lies entirely within two National Trails Stewardship Priority Areas: 

The CDT and Wyoming Gateway Community. Work provided will continue to increase opportunities for 

collaboration and engagement with volunteers and partners. 

Colorado—Lake Ann Trail 1462 Heavy Maintenance: The Lake Ann Pass segment of the CDT is extremely popular 

given its proximity to the Denver Metro Area, it shares its route with the Colorado Trail Collegiate West trail and 

leads to areas of spectacular beauty including high alpine Lake Ann and numerous 14er peaks65. At the same time, 

this section climbs over 2,000 vertical feet in less than three miles. This project included constructing 30 yards of 

turnpike, installing numerous water bars, and restoring tread on sections with steep side slopes. These efforts will 

improve the trail conditions and sustainability, by reducing erosion, enhancing drainage, and stabilizing slope trails. 

Project partners included Rocky Mountain Youth Corp, Colorado Trail Foundation, and the Upper Arkansas 

Wilderness Volunteers. 

Florida National Scenic Trail 

The Florida National Scenic Trail (FNST) consists of a 1,500-mile planning corridor stretching from Big Cypress 

National Preserve in the Everglades National Park to Gulf Islands National Seashore in the panhandle of Florida. 

Currently, 1,127 miles of certified FNST exist, with roughly 400 miles of gaps in the trail. Partners include the 

Florida Trail Association (FTA), National Park Service, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, universities, and nearly all 

public land management state agencies, county, and local governments in Florida. 

The Forest Service, together with Florida Trail Coalition partners, continues to carry out the goals of the Florida 

National Scenic Trail Five-Year Strategic Plan66. In FY 2023, the FNST partnership maintained 1,088 miles of trail, 

65 In the mountaineering parlance of the Western United States, a fourteener is a mountain peak with an elevation of at least 

14,000 ft (4267 m). 

66 Florida National Scenic Trail.
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

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completed 136 feet of infrastructure replacement or new construction, and maintained over 1,000 feet of existing 

bridges or boardwalks. Non-profit partners contributed $697,941 through 21,948 hours of volunteer labor directly 

to the FNST. The FNST Program successfully partnered with State, federal, non-profit and youth organizations to 

accomplish several critical infrastructure projects along the Florida Trail on both partner-managed and National 

Forest System lands. These multi-agency, partner, and volunteer projects addressed safety, access, and deferred 

maintenance throughout the State of Florida. FNST and Florida Trail Association staff finalized a trail-wide spatial 

inventory of all Florida Trailheads, this ArcGIS Online67 based inventory will streamline future maintenance needs 

and priorities. The Forest Service expanded the Gateway Community and Junior Explorer programs by adding 

several new partner communities in Florida and publishing Spanish language Explorer guides. 

Thousands of volunteer hours, five challenge cost share agreements, and collaborative support through land 

management agencies can be highlighted through the following projects:

Infrastructure and Deferred Maintenance: 

• On the Apalachicola District the FNST program, together with the FTA and Franklin’s Promise Coalition

(AmeriCorps partner), undertook a large-scale deferred maintenance project by replacing several minor

trail boardwalks within the district.

State and Non-profit Partners: 

• The Forest Service established an agreement with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

to replace three bridges along the FNST on state lands, which were completed in FY 2023.

• The FNST program partnered with the Florida Forest Service, a division of the Florida Department of

Agriculture and Consumer Services, to complete the planning, design, resource compliance, permitting,

and engineering for a 120-foot bridge on the FNST on state forest land. This structure was completed and

opened to the public in June of FY 2023.

• Florida Trail Association and Franklin’s Promise Coalition are in the planning phase to address the

aftermath of Hurricane Idalia's impacts on state lands of the FNST in the Florida Panhandle where much of

the FNST remains inaccessible and closed to the public due to downed trees.

Federal Partner: 

• The FNST program has made steady progress in implementing a Natural Resource Damage Assessment

grant, funded from the Deep-Water Horizon oil spill, to construct a series of boardwalks and bridges on

the FNST in St. Marks Wildlife Refuge. This multi-agency and partner effort will close a gap in the Florida

Trail and provide a unique opportunity to access the Big Bend Coastline of Florida. Resource work has

been completed through a partnership with the National Park Service and initial engineered design plans

are being drafted for the structures along with conducting consultations with appropriate federal and

state permitting agencies.

Nez Perce National Historic Trail 

In 1986, Congress acknowledged the significance of the Nez Perce Conflict of 1877 by establishing the 1,170-mile 

Nez Perce (Nee-Me-Poo) National Historic Trail (NPNHT). With the cooperation of the State Highway Department 

and County Commissioners in the States of Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Wyoming, and Montana, over 2,991 miles 

of roads are designated as the NPNHT Auto Tour Route. The NPNHT includes a designated corridor encompassing 

4,161 miles of roads, trails, and routes. The route roughly parallels the course travelled by the five Nez Perce bands 

during their historic 1877 odyssey and offers opportunities for off-highway vehicles users, mountain bikers, hikers, 

and equestrians. The NPNHT has 79 historic sites and seven high potential route segments that have historic tread 

67 ArcGIS Online is a cloud-based platform for mapping and analysis. It allows users to use, create, and share maps, apps, and 

data, including basemaps and analytics from Esri. Esri is a company that provides geographic information system (GIS) software, 

web GIS and geodatabase management applications.
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

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from 1877 or were prehistoric travel routes. The NPNHT has completed the revision of its Comprehensive Plan for 

trail administration and management. 

The NPNHT relies on partners along the trail to help share and interpret the story of the Flight of 1877 and the trail 

including dozens of State, Regional, and local tourism organizations and regional and local museums along the trail. 

Partners working on a variety of trail and interpretive work include qa’ ánin ‘ískit (respect the trail) the new trail 

wide nonprofit (Bitter Root Cultural Heritage Trust is fiscal sponsor during startup) established in FY 2023, the Nez 

Perce Appaloosa Horse Club, the Idaho Chapter of the Lewis and Clark Trail Heritage Foundation, the Wallowa 

Homeland Interpretive Center, the Josephy Center Library, and Friends of the Southern Nez Perce Trail, among 

others. In addition, Federal agency partners and Tribes provided additional work and interpretation on all aspects 

of the NPNHT.

NPNHT accomplishments for FY 2023 include: 

• Eighteen miles of trail maintained by the Nez Perce Tribe in central Idaho.

• Eight miles of trail were cleared of downed trees on the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest due to

beetle kill and reoccurring windstorms.

• Fifteen miles of trail were maintained on the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest; and

• Twenty-Six miles of trail were maintained on the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests.

The NPNHT hosted one Virtual Student Federal Service intern to work on a booklet for High Potential Sites and 

Segments to use in consultation with Tribes. The partner Confluence interviewed and developed a series of videos 

of tribal elders from three of the Nez Perce Tribes on the Ft Vancouver Chief Red Heart Band Incident of 1877. The 

new trailwide nonprofit stewardship partner, qa’ ánin ‘skit (respect the trail), was established in partnership with 

Northern Region (01) and NPNHT leadership. qa’ ánin ‘iskti has already begun to support the NPNHT team with 

Auto Tour Guide distribution and has booked trail museum exhibits at Museum of the Yellowstone, Musselshell 

Valley Historical Museum, Appaloosa Museum, Blaine County Museum, and American Prairie Discovery Center. 

Using a National Trails System Internship Grant they are creating a website and social media presence, developing 

a strategic plan, and planning the coordination of events in association with the NPNTH Sesquicentennial in FY 

2027. The Alvin Josephy Center Library continued their “Head and Heart of the Nez Perce Trail” project with a 

Snake River trip for twelve elders in May. Elders visited sites along the river as well as Tolo Lake. Additionally, they 

visited the Wallowa History Center, and provided stories, memories, and reflections on the area – all captured by 

young Nez Perce photographers and videographers. 

Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail 

The 2,650-mile Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail (PCT) follows the crest of the Sierra Nevada and Cascade 

Mountain ranges from Mexico to Canada through California, Oregon, and Washington. The PCT crosses 25 national 

forests, seven BLM field offices, six NPS units, five national monuments, and 48 designated wilderness areas. More 

than one-half of the PCT is contained in designated wilderness, and the trail crosses 16 Wild and Scenic Rivers. 

Partners include the Pacific Crest Trail Association (PCTA), American Conservation Experience (ACE), Student 

Conservation Experience (SCA), Washington Trails Association, Pacific Northwest Trail Association, Tahoe Rim Trail 

Association, Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship, Washington Conservation Corps, Oregon Equestrian Trails, 

Backcountry Horsemen of California, Oregon, Washington, and many other organizations. Below are some of PCT 

FY 2023 accomplishments and challenges:

• The PCT experienced record rain and snow in the Sierra Nevada, record snow, rain, and summer

hurricanes in Southern California, and fires throughout the Pacific Northwest which resulted in degraded

trail conditions through accelerated erosion, downed trees, washed-out bridges, and segments of trail. It

was a successful year of completing trail work, partially funded through Great American Outdoors Act

(GAOA) and Disaster Supplemental funds from prior-year fires, but the compounding trail damage caused

by extreme weather events is increasingly difficult for the PCT Program to respond to.
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

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• In partnership with PCTA, there was a large investment in volunteer training and field projects to rebuild

trail maintenance capacity post-COVID-19.

• PCTA held six Trail Skills Colleges across the trail, resulting in training 443 volunteers on trail maintenance

and management skills.

• The GAOA PCT Deferred Trail Maintenance project in the Pacific Southwest Region (06) reached 48

percent completion, in partnership with ACE, PCTA, and SCA, which included work on the Klamath,

Shasta-Trinity, Lassen, Plumas, Cleveland, Inyo, and Sierra National Forests.

• PCTA, SCA, and WCC were awarded GAOA-funded agreements to complete deferred trail maintenance

work in the Pacific Northwest Region (06) with an emphasis on addressing complex, remote trail

maintenance in the Glacier Peak Wilderness. This project shifted from planning to implementation and

completed the first project work on the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest.

• The Forest Service is in the process of developing regional volunteer service agreements with PCTA to

create a cohesive and standardized program that best serves and supports volunteers along the entire

trail. In addition, the PCTA SAW Program was accepted as a formal U.S. Forest Service cooperator

program and the PCT Administrator received delegation of authority to sign PCTA volunteer SAW

certifications which allows for increased efficiency, cohesive program oversight, and management at the

national level.

• In partnership with the U.S. Forest Service, the Pacific Crest Trail Association completed their 2023-2026

Strategic Plan which prioritizes trail maintenance, management, and conservation; climate resilience,

adaptation, and preparedness; inclusive and equitable trail experience; and community-centered

partnerships and engagement.

• PCT Management Areas were successfully established for the PCT with the completion of the Land

Management Plan revisions for the Sequoia and Sierra National Forests. These are the second and third

formally designated PCT management areas which establish a set of management guidelines and

standards for the trail itself, the lands through which it passes (including its associated resources and

values), and its broader viewshed.

• In FY 2023, the 1,172-acre property, Girard Ridge parcel, was successfully acquired with Land and Water

Conservation Funding and transferred to the Shasta-Trinity National Forest. 2.5 miles of the Pacific Crest

Trail, its surrounding resources, and expansive viewshed are now permanently protected through this

acquisition which includes iconic views of Mt. Shasta, the Trinity Divide, and Castle Crags.

• 7,005 PCT long-distance permits were issued for thru and section travel in partnership with PCTA.

• The Crest Runner and Crest Ranger program on the Cleveland & Inyo National Forests expanded by hiring

two seasonal PCTA Crest Runners and three Crest Rangers which allowed for increased engagement,

enforcement, and education for long-distance users in areas where visitor impacts are prominent.

• Investment in visitor use management research continues to be a priority at the termini and in the Sierra

Nevada to understand permit utilization and travel patterns. The PCT program continues to collaborate

with wilderness managers in the Southern Sierra on visitor use management concerns where the John

Muir Trail overlaps the PCT for 170-miles.

• In FY 2023, planning efforts continued including the Big Bear Land Exchange PCT relocation on the San

Bernardino National Forest (Public Law 116–283: 134 STAT. 3388), Sky River PCT relocation in Southern

California, and complex trail maintenance within the Glacier Peak Wilderness of the OkanoganWenatchee National Forest. Resource management planning efforts included Piutes Travel Management

on the Sequoia National Forest, five over-the-snow travel management plans, California High Speed Rail,

and proposed energy projects within the trail viewshed. The collaborative management with California

State Parks and Bureau of Land Management continued to address motorized conflict and ensure timely

resolution of issues.
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Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail 

The Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail (PNT) begins at the Continental Divide in Glacier National Park in 

Montana and travels 1,200 miles through Montana, Idaho, and Washington before reaching the Pacific Ocean. The 

trail’s complex land ownership includes three national parks, seven national forests, and six Washington State 

parks. Partners include the Pacific Northwest Trail Association (PNTA), various Back Country Horsemen chapters 

from across the trail, Washington Trails Association, University of Montana, and other organizations. 

The PNT was designated by Congress in 2009 and the Forest Service has completed the statutorily required PNT 

Comprehensive Plan by the court-ordered deadline of December 31, 2023. The Pacific Northwest Regional Forester 

is the Responsible Official for the NEPA analysis and decision and for preparing the plan. The Chief of the Forest 

Service signed the plan and submitted it to Congress at the end of FY 2023. 

The Forest Service has begun a partnership with the American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association. The 

Forest Service and its partners, including the Pacific Northwest Trail Association, seek to develop a new service 

mark (trail logo) for the PNT to replace the current “thunderbird” service mark. The Forest Service invited 

consultation from affected Tribes on the development of a new service mark design. 

Through a partnership with the Forest Service, a team of researchers from the University of Montana continues to 

collect trail use monitoring data for sites along the PNT in Montana and expanded monitoring to include three sites 

in Idaho. The team completed a multi-year effort to analyze existing geospatial data from the Forest Service and 

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, as well as GPS data collected for PNT thru-hikers, identifying locations along the PNT 

in the area of the Cabinet-Yaak Grizzly Bear Recovery Zone and eastern Selkirk Grizzly Bear Recovery Zone in 

Montana and Idaho. Annual results will be available on the Forest Service PNT website68. 

The Forest Service held three meetings with the PNT Advisory Council. Members were appointed in May 2023 after 

a time of administrative inactivity before reconvening virtually in June, August, and November. Their input has 

been used to finalize changes to the PNT Comprehensive Plan and shift conversations toward implementation of 

the plan. The Advisory Council will continue to meet until May 2024, which marks the end of the National Trails 

System Act Authority for the Council. 

In FY 2023, The Pacific Northwest Trail Association (PNTA) employed seven, six-person full-time Performance Trail 

Crews across 900 miles of the PNT, with field seasons ranging from three to five months depending on location. In 

addition, PNTA crew leaders led numerous summer maintenance and construction projects for dozens of students 

in a partnership with the Job Corps in Eastern Washington. The Performance Trail Crew program employed 

approximately 50 youth and young adults from trailside communities in service to the trail, helping to build 

stronger connections between the people of these communities and their public lands. By paying participants a 

living wage, providing all meals and transportation to job sites, and maintaining an outdoor gear library so that all 

participants in the program were prepared to thrive in the backcountry regardless of resources at home, the 

Performance Trail Crew program created an inclusive and equitable experience for a diverse group of participants. 

A highlight of the FY 2023 season included a vast multi-partner collaborative effort to restore the PNT and 

connecting trails throughout the Pasayten Wilderness. PNTA worked closely with packers from OkanoganWenatchee National Forest and Back Country Horsemen of Washington to facilitate heavy logout and tread 

maintenance in remote locations throughout the wilderness to continue recovery of recreation infrastructure after 

many years of intense burns throughout the wilderness. At least two full PNTA crews, and occasionally three or 

more, worked full-time throughout the wilderness from the spring snowmelt to the first autumn storms. 

68 Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail.
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

29a-246 

Another major effort included an effort to re-establish access to the northwestern corner of North Cascades 

National Park, where the PNT has been closed due to wildfire impacts from the previous season. A PNTA 

Performance Trail Crew worked alongside National Park Service crews all summer, reestablishing the trail corridor 

after it was almost entirely lost under jack strawed big timber and debris from slides that resulted from the 

destabilization of surrounding slopes. 

PNTA’s volunteer program continued to grow in FY 2023, with over 8,000 hours of volunteer labor contributed. For 

the second year running, PNTA facilitated volunteer service opportunities for Boeing employees in growing 

partnership in Western Washington. In addition, volunteer vacations with participants from as far as Michigan 

state introduced new volunteers to the wonders of the wild Pacific Northwest. 

Other National Scenic and Historic Trails 

The Forest Service coordinates management with other Federal public land agencies for an additional 16 NS&HTs 

totaling more than 6,700 miles. These trails include Appalachian, California, Camino Real Tejas, Camino Tierra 

Adentro, De Anza, Ice Age, Iditarod, Lewis and Clark, Mormon Pioneer, North Country, Old Spanish, Oregon, 

Overmountain Victory, Pony Express, Santa Fe, and Trail of Tears. 

Table FS-164. Funding for National Scenic and Historic Trails (thousands of dollars) 

Name

2023 Trails 

Funding

2023 Salaries 

and Expenses 2023 Total 2024 Trails Funding

2024 Salaries 

and Expenses 2024 Total 2025 Trail Funding

2025 Salaries 

and Expenses

2025 

Total

Arizona $397 $223 $620 $397 $223 $620 $397 $223 $620

Continental 

Divide 1,568 200 1,768 1,568 200 1,768 1,568 200 1,768

Florida 1,162 238 1,400 1,162 238 1,400 1,162 238 1,400

Nez Perce 453 258 711 453 258 711 453 258 711

Pacific 

Crest 1,671 275 1,946 1,671 275 1,946 1,671 275 1,946

Pacific 

Northwest 807 145 952 807 145 952 807 145 952

All others 1,102 - 1,102 1,102 - 1,102 1,102 - 1,102

Total 7,161 1,339 8,500 7,161 1,339 8,500 7,161 1,339 8,500

Table FS-165. 2023 National Scenic and Historic Trails Accomplishments and Partner Contributions 

Name

Volunteer 

Hours

Volunteer In-kind 

Contributions

(in thousands)

Non-Cash 

Contributions

(in thousands)

Miles of Trail 

Maintained

Miles of Trail 

Improved/ 

Constructed

Major 

Structures 

Constructed

Arizona 21,265 626,227 135,119 126 18 6

Continental 

Divide 76,299 338,408 192,619 1560 15 10

Florida 21,948 697,941 13,000 1,008 3 2

Nez Perce 35,000 950,000 300,000 350 9 8

Pacific Crest 52,051 1,485,536 70,729 1,245 9 1

Pacific 

Northwest 8,000 228,000 124,570 377 7 -

Total 214,563 4,326,112 836,037 4,666 52 27
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

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OFFICE OF GENERAL COUNSEL REIMBURSEMENT

Background

This special exhibit is required by P.L. 117-328, 136 STAT. 4807, Administrative Provisions, which directed:

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, of any appropriations or funds available to the Forest Service, 

not to exceed $500,000 may be used to reimburse the Office of the General Counsel (OGC), Department 

of Agriculture, for travel and related expenses incurred as a result of OGC assistance or participation 

requested by the Forest Service at meetings, training sessions, management reviews, land purchase 

negotiations, and similar matters unrelated to civil litigation: Provided, That future budget justifications 

for both the Forest Service and the Department of Agriculture should clearly display the sums previously 

transferred and the sums requested for transfer. 

Overview

The USDA Office of General Counsel bills the Forest Service quarterly for non-litigation travel and related costs. The

table below reflects billings received to date. 

Table FS-166. Office of General Counsel Reimbursement Fiscal Year FY 2022 through FY 2025 (dollars in thousands)

2022 Actual 

Reimbursement

2023 Actual

Reimbursement

2024 Planned

Reimbursement

2025 Planned 

Reimbursement

- $12,569 $18,000 $18,000
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

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PRESCRIBED FIRE

Background

This exhibit addresses the requirement from the Joint Explanatory Statement of Division G – Department of the 

Interior, Environment and Related Agencies Appropriation Act, 2022: “The Service is directed to report in the 

annual budget submission on prescribed fire activities by region for the previous Fiscal Year (FY).”

Overview 

Hazardous fuels reduction is the intentional removal or manipulation of vegetation to change fire behavior that 

reduces the risk of uncharacteristic wildfire for communities, infrastructure, watersheds, critical habitat, and 

traditional Tribal lands. Hazardous fuels reduction treatments generally include thinning, mastication, and 

prescribed fire. A prescribed fire is a planned fire intentionally ignited by forest managers to achieve desirable 

outcomes and meet management objectives, such as removing excessive vegetation and dead and down fuels, to 

improve wildlife habitat, recycle soil nutrients, and reduce the risk of uncharacteristic wildfire to communities and 

watersheds. Prescribed fires are carefully planned and implemented to provide for a safe and controllable fire,

while achieving the desired effects. Additional information about the Forest Service’s use of prescribed fire is 

available online.1

 

FY 2023 

The Forest Service worked with partners and other entities to treat landscapes on Federal, State, Tribal, and 

private lands to accomplish 4.4 million acres of hazardous fuels reduction. A total of 3,896,000 acres were treated 

on National Forest System lands with a record high of nearly 2.0 million acres treated through prescribed fire, an 

increase of 500,000 acres from the ten-year average of 1.4 million acres.

Table FS-167. Hazardous fuels reduction accomplishments on National Forest System lands in FY 2023

Region All Treatment 

Types (acres) a

Prescribed Fire 

Treatments (acres)

Percent of Treatments

Prescribed Fire (%)

01 – Northern................................................... 258,000 60,000 23%

02 – Rocky Mountain ........................................ 193,000 60,000 31%

03 – Southwestern............................................ 410,000 120,000 29%

04 – Intermountain........................................... 359,000 50,000 14%

05 – Pacific Southwest...................................... 350,000 50,000 14%

06 – Pacific Northwest...................................... 590,000 70,000 12%

08 – Southern................................................... 1,530,000 1,440,000 94%

09 – Eastern...................................................... 202,000 100,000 50%

10 – Alaska ....................................................... 4,000 - -

Total 3,896,000 1,950,000 50%

a FY 2023 year-end data from Forest Service Activity Tracking System (FACTS); rounded to the nearest thousand acre and 

includes wildfire from natural ignitions. 

The Forest Service released the “National Prescribed Fire Program Review” shortly before the beginning of FY 2023 

and conditionally resumed its prescribed fire program after a pause was placed on the program in FY 2022. The 

recommendations and actions identified in the review provided a starting point for continuous improvement in 

how the Forest Service plans and conducts prescribed burning operations. 

In FY 2023, 74 percent of prescribed burns were completed in the Southern Region (08). The southeast United 

States is generally snow-free throughout the year with intermittent drying between rain events, which offers many 
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

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opportunities throughout the year to conduct prescribed burns. Additionally, these warmer and moister conditions 

cause vegetation to grow quickly, requiring treatment every two to four years to maintain a desirable fuel level 

and avoid build-up. Northeastern forests in Eastern Region (09) typically require prescribed fire treatments every 

two to six years, while drier forests located in the West require prescribed fire every five to ten years. Alaska 

Region (10) forests are generally not well suited to prescribed fire. The Forest Service has been working to increase 

the pace and scale of prescribed fire by using supplemental funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (P.L. 

117-58) and the Inflation Reduction Act (P.L. 117-169) to increase the capacity through direct hire authorities,

partnerships, contracts, and cooperating agencies. All funding sources, including BIL, IRA, Disaster Supplemental,

permanent, trust, and reimbursable, were used to achieve FY 2023 accomplishments.
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STEWARDSHIP CONTRACTING

Background

This exhibit addresses the requirements of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (as amended, 16 U.S.C 

6591c):  

The Forest Service shall report annually to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the 

Senate and the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives on 1) the status of 

development, execution, and administration of contracts under subsection (b); 2) the specific 

accomplishments that have resulted; and 3) the role of local communities in development of agreements 

or contract plans.  

Overview

Stewardship contracts and agreements manage natural resources through the implementation of ecosystem 

restoration projects. Stewardship contracts support new and emerging markets by sequestering carbon in forest 

ecosystems to help reduce greenhouse gases and by using forest products removed through restoration 

activities, including woody biomass for energy, and sustaining traditional markets. Stewardship contracting helps 

the Forest Service achieve land and resource management goals while promoting closer public-private working 

relationships by using the value of timber or other forest products to offset the cost of restoration activities. 

Stewardship contracts also enable the Forest Service to promote the development of sustainable rural 

communities, restore and maintain healthy forest ecosystems, and provide a continuing source of local income 

and employment. Stewardship contracting selection criteria include capability, use of local workforce, creation of 

jobs, and price. The objective is to create green jobs, promote a diverse forest products industry, and support 

sustainable communities and the forest contractor infrastructure needed to perform critical restoration work.  

If the offset value of timber or other forest products from stewardship sales exceeds the value of resource 

improvement treatments, those receipts are retained and deposited in the Stewardship Contracting Fund and are 

available, until expended, for other authorized stewardship projects. Stewardship contracts are awarded on a 

best-value basis and may be used for:  

• Maintaining or decommissioning roads and trails to restore or maintain water quality. 

• Improving soil productivity, habitat for wildlife and fisheries, or other resources. 

• Prescribed fires to improve the composition, structure, condition, and health of timber stands or

wildlife habitat. 

• Removing vegetation or other activities to promote healthy forests, reduce fire hazards, or achieve

other land management objectives. 

• Restoring and maintaining watersheds; and 

• Controlling noxious and invasive weeds and reestablishing native vegetation. 

The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2018 (P.L. 115-141) amended the stewardship authority to increase 

agreements and contracts from 10 to 20 years in locations meeting certain conditions. The Act also allows the 

cost of cancellation ceilings to be allocated in economically viable stages, relieving the forest unit of a large 

obligation in a single (first) year. The Forest Service has operationalized the 20-year stewardship contracting 

authority by extending the current executed agreements beyond 10 years and by entering into new 20-year 

stewardship agreements. Presently, the Forest Service has 18 agreements over 10 years in length. 

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (P.L. 117-58) November 15, 2021, along with Inflation Reduction Act (P.L. 117-

169) August 16, 2022, specifically addressed contracts and agreements on projects that reduce hazardous fuels,

improve, or restore watershed conditions and complete habitat restoration for both aquatic and terrestrial

species on Federal lands. In FY 2023, contracts and agreements were in developmental phases with multiple

partners across the nation including the National Forest Foundation, National Wild Turkey Federation, and the
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

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Mule Deer Association as national partners to address the Wildfire Crisis Strategy Landscapes and Watershed 

health issues across the nation. 

The Forest Service continues to inform stakeholders about stewardship contracting through brochures, local field 

trips, webinars for partners and training opportunities. These efforts ensure a common understanding of 

stewardship contracting and facilitates its use in attaining land management goals while meeting local and rural 

community needs. To improve agency understanding and use of this authority, the Forest Service contracted to 

expand the national stewardship contracting and agreements training. In FY 2023, The Forest Service continued 

Stewardship contracting training courses conducted on a virtual platform to capitalize on the virtual 

environment. The Forest Service developed a new, smaller structured stewardship agreement training focused 

on partner understanding and technical training. This training will give partners a better understanding of the 

processes and procedures used within the Forest Service for the reporting and accounting of project 

accomplishments. The results for the FY 2023 training cycle were positive, with 142 personnel completing the 

training and receiving certificates, representing a 29 percent increase from the previous year. 

A third-party monitoring effort is ongoing and under development through agreements with Oregon State 

University and the University of Oregon. The universities will assess the application of the stewardship authority 

across the Forest Service using the university’s social and analytical scientists. The process will use a 360-degree 

assessment involving contractors, partners, and internal forest service personnel with an anticipated FY 2024 

interview process. The report will use the feedback from interviews along with data from national databases to 

get a trend line of usage of the authority and key items where the Forest Service can improve on its application. 

Results of the monitoring effort will be available at the end of FY 2025. 

Specific Accomplishments

The below table displays accomplishments between FY 2019 and FY 2023. In many cases, multiple land 

management objectives are met through a single treatment activity. For example, a hazardous fuels reduction 

treatment can also improve wildlife habitat. These accomplishments not only result in ecosystem benefits, but 

also in forest products for manufacturing and energy production and the creation of jobs contributing to 

sustainable communities.  

Table FS-168. Actual Stewardship Contracting Accomplishments (FY 2019 to FY 2023)

Measure 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023

Acres of forest vegetation established ........................... 3,624 4,678 2,715 6,988a 5,299

Acres of forest vegetation improved ............................. 33,269 21,759 12,692 18,655a 36,509

Acres of noxious weeds and invasive plant treatments .. 5,977 9,103 4,951 2,607a 2,912

Acres of wildlife habitat restored or improved ............... 49,042 79,009 83,625 10,360 16,225

Miles of stream habitat restored or enhanced ............... 118 38 130  46 31

Miles of roads decommissioned .................................... 2 12 - - 47

Volume of timber sold (million board feet) .................... 859 888 670 696 1,063b

Green tons of biomass made available for energy 

production .................................................................... 276,236 161,379 87,271 149,744 140,37

Acres of hazardous fuels treated to reduce the risk of 

catastrophic fires (non- WUI) ........................................ 49,574 46,360 52,573 52,686a 108,98

Acres of wildland-urban interface (WUI) high-priority 

hazardous fuels treated ................................................ 83,784 34,984 245,468 100,818a 181,46

Stewardship contracts and agreements contributing to 

watersheds in fully functioning condition ...................... 2 - 1 7 15

a Acres reported are completed acres and represent the change of reporting from accomplishment in previous reporting to 

work complete.  
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bData sourced from geo-enabled Performance Accountability System (gPAS) Reports. Data sort: “Initiative code of 

Stewardship” timber Volume Source: PSTAR reports.  

The below table shows the acres awarded, number of contracts or agreements awarded, and volume awarded 

from FY 2019 to FY 2023. The number of contracts or agreements awarded includes those where forest products 

are exchanged for service activities as well as those where excess stewardship contracting funds are used for 

activities without the exchange of forest products.  

Table FS-169. Acres Awarded, Number of Contract or Agreements Awarded, and Volume Awarded  

Measure 2019 2020 2021 2022  2023

Acres Awarded .................................................. 129,710 70,930 165,448 186,417 252,306

Number of Contracts and Agreements.............. 150 156 141 138 195

Volume Awarded (thousand board feet (MBF)).. 859,060 888,000 670,399 696,583 1,063,460

Local Communities

Collaboration with local communities, from development through implementation and monitoring, is a key 

component of successful stewardship contracting and provides a sense of community ownership in the project, a 

better understanding by communities of natural resource issues, and increased public support. This cooperation 

allows the Forest Service to tailor stewardship offerings that address local issues, needs, and capabilities. 
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UNLIQUIDATED OBLIGATIONS

Background

This exhibit isincluded to provide a display of Forest Service unliquidated obligation (ULO) balances.

Overview

Unliquidated obligations are defined as the balance remaining from orders placed, contract and other binding

agreements awarded, or services rendered after making any payments or processing de-obligations. The following

table contains the status of Forest Service unliquidated obligation balances in prior fiscal years for appropriated

funds (regular and emergency) as of September 30, 2023.

Table FS-170. Forest Service Status of ULO Balances in Prior Fiscal Years as of September 30, 2023 (thousands of 

dollars)

Item 2020 and 

Prior 2021 2022 2023 Total

Forest Service Operations:

Salaries and Expenses................................................ - $ 9 $ 771 $ 33 $ 813

Facilities Maintenance and Leases............................. - 1,145 6,755 988 8,888 

Information Technology ............................................ - 21 -1,281 89 1,171

Organizational Services............................................. - 430 3,360 127 3,917

Disaster Funding ....................................................... - - 15 - 15

Total, Forest Service Operations............................. - 1,605 9,620 1,237 12,462

Forest and Rangeland Research:

Salaries and Expenses................................................ - 11 - - 11

Forest and Rangeland Research................................. - - 13 - 13

Forest Inventory and Analysis.................................... $2 263 1,691 85 2,041

Joint Fire Science....................................................... - - 3 - 3

Forest and Rangeland Research – Other.................... 585 464 6,714 1,394 9,157 

Disaster Funding ....................................................... - 57 120 202 379

Total, Forest, and Rangeland Research ................... 587 795 8,541 1,682 11,605 

State, Private, and Tribal Forestry:

Landscape Scale Restoration ..................................... 65 1,108 4,681 691 6,545

FHM - Federal Lands.................................................. 388 710 2,291 828 4,217 

FHM - Cooperative Lands.......................................... 1,189 3,091 5,164 1,613 11,056 

State Fire Capacity Grants......................................... 5 666 194 - 864

Volunteer Fire Capacity Grants.................................. 11 2,241 3,926 590 6,768

Forest Stewardship (Working Forest Lands)............... 350 1,059 2,643 622 4,674

Community Forest and Open Space Conservation...... 494 397 883 - 1,774

Urban and Community Forestry ................................ 612 2,898 4,651 3,490 11,651

Forest Resource Information and Analysis................. - - 12,797 - 12,797

International Programs and Trade Compliance .......... 85 50 1,028 291 1,454

State and Private Forestry – Other............................. 1,277 4,826 17,253 4,092 27,448 

Forest Legacy Program.............................................. 30,105 3,559 38,133 1,313 73,110

Disaster Funding ....................................................... - - 1,903 1,400 3,303

Total, State, Private, and Tribal Forestry ................. 34,581 20,604 95,547 14,930 165,661 
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

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Item 2020 and 

Prior 2021 2022 2023 Total

National Forest System:

Salaries and Expenses................................................ - 219 50 - 269

Integrated Resource Restoration Pilot....................... 27 170 50 - 247

Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration .............. 208 381 2,529 2,469 5,587

Hazardous Fuels........................................................ 7,201 11,896 30,377 7,859 57,333 

Recreation, Heritage, and Wilderness........................ 264 930 6,068 1,074 8,336

Wildlife and Fisheries Habitat Management.............. 307 215 4,364 2,091 6,977

Grazing Management................................................ 76 41 741 107 965

Forest Products......................................................... 357 494 4,988 4,066 9,905

Vegetation and Watershed Management.................. 2,003 290 7,273 2,902 12,468

Minerals and Geology Management.......................... 66 412 1,436 678 2,592

Land Use Authorization and Access........................... 360 527 4,743 1,679 7,309

Law Enforcement Operations.................................... - 118 512 243 873

National Forest System – Other................................. 689 1,613 2,820 389 5,511 

Disaster Funding ....................................................... 105 471 17,191 3,892 21,658

Total, National Forest System................................. 11,663 17,777 83,143 27,449 140,030 

Capital Improvement and Maintenance:

Facilities.................................................................... 156 252 1,670 184 2,262

Roads........................................................................ 860 840 2,746 2,445 6,891

Trails......................................................................... 312 203 1,302 144 1,961

Legacy Roads and Trails............................................. 30 - 119 - 149

Capital Improvement and Maintenance, Other.......... - - 472 - 472

Disaster Funding ....................................................... 10 109 2,770 - 2,889

Total, Capital Improvement and Maintenance ........ 1,368 1,404 9,079 2,773 14,624 

Land Acquisition:

Land Acquisition........................................................ 6 - - - 6

Acquisition of Land for National Forest Special Acts... - 450 - - 450

Acquisition of Lands to Complete Land Exchanges..... 12 - - 60 72

Total, Land Acquisition ........................................... 18 450 - 60 528

Other Appropriations:

Range Betterment Fund ............................................ - - 80 10 90

Management of National Forest Lands for 

Subsistence Uses.................................................... - 99 72 - 171

Total, Other Appropriations.................................... - 99 152 10 261

Wildland Fire Management:

Salaries and Expenses................................................ - 14 174 - 188 

Preparedness............................................................ 2,371 483 3,276 224 6,354 

Suppression .............................................................. 63 456 10,455 547 11,522 

Wildland Fire Management – Other .......................... 1,339 913 2,015 849 5,116 

Total, Wildland Fire Management........................... 3,773 1,866 15,920 1,620 23,179 
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

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Item 2020 and 

Prior 2021 2022 2023 Total

Total, Forest Service.................................................... 51,999 44,600 222,000 49,761 368,353
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USDA WORKING CAPITAL FUND, DEPARTMENTAL SHARED COST PROGRAMS, AND E-GOVERNMENT

Background

This exhibit is included to provide a four-year summary of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) 

Working Capital Fund (WCF) and USDA Shared Cost Programs actual and estimated fees to the Forest Service for 

centralized services, as well as actual and estimated charges to the Forest Service that contribute to E-Government 

initiatives.

USDA Working Capital Fund

Overview

The USDA WCF (7 U.S.C. 2235) provides services that the Secretary, with the approval of the Director of the Office 

of Management and Budget, determines are performed more effectively as central services rather than as 

separate services within USDA agencies. The USDA WCF is used to finance services to USDA agencies and nonUSDA69 agencies on a centralized, fee-for-service basis. The USDA WCF does not receive appropriated funds; all 

costs are reimbursed in full. The USDA WCF finances activity centers under five functional categories: 

Administration, Communications, Financial Management, Information Technology, and Correspondence 

Management. 

Pursuant to the terms contained in general provisions in annual appropriations to USDA, agency administrators 

must authorize billings to their agency for these services. The Chief of the Forest Service (or a duly appointed 

representative) must sign an agreement at the beginning of the Fiscal Year (FY) authorizing billing for services 

provided and supply the appropriate accounting data.

The Forest Service acts as one of the overseers in the review of cost estimates for the National Finance Center 

through its participation in the WCF Executive Committee, a body comprised of representatives from various USDA 

agencies. The Executive Committee is charged with making budget recommendations and advising the 

Department’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO) as to the financial effectiveness of the WCF. The Forest Service works 

with the Department’s CFO to review activities included in the Greenbook/Shared Cost Programs and the basis for 

any costs attributed to the Forest Service.

Table FS-171. Forest Service actual and estimated fees made to the USDA WCF between FY 2022 and FY 2025 

(thousands of dollars)

Item 2022

Actual

2023

Actual

2024 

Estimated

2025 

Estimated

Working Capital Fund:

Administrative Services:

AskUSDA Contact Center.................................................. - $1,102 $1,904 $1,995

Fleet Charge Card Services............................................... - - - 1,126

Materiel Management Service ......................................... $899 697 1,125 1,050

Mail and Reproduction Services ....................................... 453 562 529 526

Integrated Procurement Systems..................................... 8,637 8,543 9,643 -

Procurement Operations Services .................................... 73 91 92 8,092

Human Resources Enterprise Management Systems......... 1,064 997 1,009 1,035

Subtotal, Administrative Services................................... 11,126 11,992 14,302 13,824

Communications:

69 Services to non-USDA agencies help reduce USDA’s share of fixed costs for WCF-supported services.
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

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Item 2022

Actual

2023

Actual

2024 

Estimated

2025 

Estimated

Creative Media and Broadcast Center............................... 474 462 559 391

Finance and Management:

National Finance Center................................................... 8,716 8,874 8,394 8,566

Internal Control Support Services..................................... 382 299 415 397

Financial Management Support Services .......................... 45,733 45,970 47,683 44,781

Personnel and Document Security Program...................... - 1,547 1,781 1,795

Subtotal, Finance and Management .............................. 54,831 56,690 58,273 55,539

Information Technology:

Client Experience Center.................................................. 56,023 58,096 48,756 50,166

Department Administration Information Technology Office 1,111 - - -

Digital Infrastructure Services Center ............................... 51,472 52,928 41,038 38,751

Enterprise Network Services............................................. 14,960 14,443 19,609 20,632

Enterprise Cybersecurity Services..................................... - 8,718 16,991 18,780

Enterprise Data and Analytics Services ............................. - 1,445 1,376 1,306

Subtotal, Information Technology.................................. 123,566 135,630 127,770 129,635

Correspondence Management Services:

Office of the Executive Secretariat.................................... 401 490 512 510

Total, Working Capital Fund.......................................... 190,398 205,264 201,416 199,899

USDA WCF Centralized Services

Administration

USDA WCF Administration activities are managed under the Assistant Secretary for Administration and includes 

the following: 

AskUSDA Contact Center provides a contact center that answers general inquiries from the public using trained 

agents and self-service options.

Fleet Charge Card Services provides policy, operational support, and oversight, ensuring adherence to government 

and departmental guidance for the Fleet Charge Card and mandatory training. Additional provisions include 

negotiation and coordination with General Services Administration, Wright Express, and Citibank. 

Human Resources Enterprise System Management provides modernized, cost-effective, and standardized 

Department-wide human resource solutions that support the strategic management of human capital.

Integrated Procurement Systems provides modernized and integrated Department-wide procurement automation 

tools and systems.

Mail and Reproduction Services is responsible for managing and directing centralized printing and copier systems; 

mailing list systems; package delivery and chauffeur services; and staff support systems related to financial 

management, program analysis, and administration.

Materiel Management Service Center provides on-demand forms and publications acquisition, management, 

warehousing, and distribution; excess personal property accountability, reuse, sales, and disposal; and office and 

general supply acquisition, receipt and shipment of parcels, warehousing, and sales.

Procurement Operations Division provides a variety of contracting support services to USDA agencies.
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

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Communications

USDA WCF Communications includes the Creative Media and Broadcast Center, which provides creative design, 

radio and video production studios, and multimedia development and maintenance to USDA agencies.

Correspondence Management

USDA WCF Correspondence Management includes the Office of the Executive Secretariat, which manages the 

official correspondence and records of the Office of the Secretary, provides departmental records management, 

establishes departmental directives, and assists the Office of the Secretary with special projects.

Financial Management

USDA WCF Financial Management is managed by USDA’s Office of the Chief Financial Officer and includes the 

following: 

Financial Shared Services administers financial management applications to USDA agencies and is responsible for 

providing accounting services, administrative payments processing and disbursement certification, 

intragovernmental payment and collection reconciliation, Treasury fund balances, and Treasury reporting.

Internal Control Support Services provides services to USDA agencies related to internal control compliance 

efforts, such as annual financial reporting, efficiencies to administrative and financial processes, and information 

technology.

National Finance Center processes payroll for Federal employees and provides payroll-related data management 

and reconciliation for Office of Personnel Management government programs mostly related to employee health 

benefits and insurance.

Personnel and Document Security70 is responsible for the protection of classified national security information by 

providing security clearance, training, policies, and guidance for USDA personnel.

Information Technology

USDA WCF Information Technology is managed by USDA’s Office of the Chief Information Officer and includes the 

following: 

Client Experience Center provides Department-wide fee-for-service activities related to information technology 

operations, security, and technical support services.

Department Administration Information Technology Office provides centrally managed information technology 

solutions to USDA administrative and staff offices that adhere to functionality, accessibility, and compliance 

requirements of governing bodies and end-users. 

Digital Infrastructure Services Center provides hosting services, workforce development services, program 

management and software engineering, and telecommunications management for USDA agencies and non-USDA 

agencies. 

Enterprise Cybersecurity Services protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data and information 

technology systems.

Enterprise Data and Analytics Services provides Department-wide aggregated data in multiple dashboard and 

visualizations and provides a subset of users the ability to perform self-service analytics using the data.

70 The Personnel Security and Classified National Security Information programs were consolidated into the Personnel 

and Document Security program in 2018. 
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Enterprise Network Services provides Department-wide management, support, and compliance related to 

telecommunications services. 

Departmental Shared Cost Programs

Overview

Shared cost agreements may be entered into under the authority of 7 U.S.C. 2263. This language authorizes the 

USDA to transfer funds from USDA agencies to pay for department-wide initiatives that benefit multiple USDA 

agencies. The Forest Service shared cost transfers between FY 2022 and FY 2023, and estimated transfers between 

FY 2024 and FY 2025, are detailed in the below table.

Table FS-172. Forest Service transfers to USDA shared cost programs for FY 2022 through FY 2025 (thousands of 

dollars)

Item 2022

Actual

2023

Actual

2024 

Estimated

2025 

Estimated

Department-Wide Shared Cost Programs:

Advisory Committee Liaison Services..................................... $285 $261 $319 $319

Agency Partnership Outreach................................................ 1,962 2,313 2,351 2,351

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility .......................... - 626 840 840

Intertribal Technical Assistance Network............................... 1,079 1,123 1,123 1,123

Medical Services ................................................................... 144 202 329 329

National Capital Region Interpreting Services........................ 31 64 133 133

Office of Customer Experience .............................................. 2,708 1,009 1,012 1,012

Personnel and Document Security Program........................... 667 - - -

Physical Security ................................................................... 1,322 1,423 1,478 1,478

Security Detail....................................................................... 1,400 1,581 1,689 1,689

Security Operations............................................................... 1,927 2,190 2,394 2,394

Talent Group......................................................................... - 1,138 1,041 1,041

TARGET Center...................................................................... 398 521 560 560

USDA Enterprise Data Analytics Services................................ 1,366 - - -

Employee Experience............................................................ - 1,079 1,176 1,176

Total, Department-Wide Shared Cost Programs...................... 13,289 13,530 14,445 14,445

Shared Cost Programs

Advisory Committee Liaison Services is managed by the USDA’s Office of the Secretary and provides guidance and 

direction to USDA agencies on Advisory Committees and Boards. Costs to support this function and 

screening/selection of members are reimbursed from agencies to the Office of the Secretary.

Agency Partnership Outreach is managed by the USDA’s Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement and 

supports multiple USDA partnership and outreach activities that benefit rural and underserved communities.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility is focused on improving employment and advancement opportunities 

and ensuring diversity, equity, and inclusion are considered and embedded in employee recruitment, hiring, 

performance management, retention, development, and other aspects of workforce management.

Intertribal Technical Assistance Network provides technical assistance and program access – in coordination with 

the Department of the Interior and Bureau of Indian Affairs – to American Indian and Alaskan Native tribal 

governments.
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

Medical Services provides preventative health measures (flu shots, health screening, nutritional principles, and 

fitness awareness) for USDA employees and contractors in the National Capital Region.

Office of Customer Experience is a department-wide program targeted toward increasing efficiencies in customerfacing processes; simplifying the public’s access to USDA programs; and developing and improving practices that 

contribute to increased USDA employee accessibility, responsiveness, professionalism, and expertise to the public.

Physical Security includes physical security, identity, credentialing, and access management.

Security Detail provides funding for the Secretary of Agriculture.

Security Operations provides Continuity of Operations Planning, training, and reenactment exercises to ensure 

USDA agencies can continue to provide critical essential functions during emergency situations. 

Technology and Accessible Resources Give Employment Today Center provides services related to improving the 

accessibility and experience of individuals with disabilities. 

USDA Enterprise Data Analytics Services provides access to data-driven, fact-based, customer-focused 

information that supports several administrative areas, including finance, human resources, information 

technology, procurement, property, fleet operations, and homeland security.

Employee Experience recognizes significant accomplishments of USDA employees through the Department’s 

highest honor awards program and creates effective pipelines for attracting, hiring, developing, rewarding, and 

retaining a diverse and talented workforce that is responsive to, and reflective of, the agricultural sector and 

customer. The effort includes active succession management, creating and administering internship opportunities 

with a particular focus on underserved communities, and further developing the current workforce to meet our 

USDA mission and advance the Administration's diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility goals.

USDA E-Government (E-Gov)

Overview

The E-Government Act of 2002 (Public Law 107-347), signed into law December 17, 2002, established the Office of 

Electronic Government within the Office of Management and Budget; established a Chief Information Officers 

Council71; established an E-Government Fund72; and included provisions requiring the use of “Internet-based 

information technology to enhance citizen access to Government information and services, and for other 

purposes.”

71 The Chief Information Officers Council is responsible for “improving agency practices related to the design, acquisition, 

development, modernization, use, operation, sharing, and performance of Federal Government information 

resources” (Public Law 107-347 § 3603(d)). 

72 The E-Government Fund is administered by the General Services Administration and is used to fund initiatives and lines of 

business that utilize the Internet and other electronic methods for delivering information and resources electronically to the 

public. 

29a-260 
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Table FS-173. Forest Service contributions to E-Gov initiatives for FY 2022 through FY 2025 (thousands of dollars)

Item 2022

Actual

2023

Actual

2024 

Estimated

2025 

Estimated

E-Gov:

Budget Formulation and Execution Line of Business ................. $37 $34 $39 $41

Enterprise Human Resources Integration.................................. 72 - - -

E-Rulemaking........................................................................... 51 45 36 48

Financial Management Line of Business.................................... 85 85 81 81

Geospatial Line of Business...................................................... 13 13 13 13

Grants.gov ............................................................................... 11 9 5 5

Human Resources Line of Business........................................... 90 93 92 92

Integrated Acquisition Environment......................................... 193 239 323 315

Total, E-Gov................................................................................ 552 518 589 595

USDA E-Gov Initiatives

USDA E-Gov initiatives, managed by the USDA’s Office of the Chief Information Officer, provide efficient, costeffective electronic services and resources to USDA customers, partners, and personnel.

Geospatial Line of Business (LoB) provides geospatial-related services, applications, data, hardware, and software 

to agencies and partners to achieve mission goals.

Grants.gov manages the Grants.gov73 website; a resource that publishes grant opportunities and application 

packages and provides forms and resources for applying for grants.

Budget Formulation and Execution LoB collaborates with partner agencies on best practices for Federal budgeting 

(budget formulation, budget execution, and workforce planning).

Financial Management LoB provides financial management standards, requirements, tools, and services in support 

of USDA’s financial activities.

Human Resource Management LoB is responsible for managing employee human resource information. 

Integrated Acquisition Environment offers services related to the Federal acquisition process and manages several 

acquisition systems.

Hiring Assessment Tool provides resources designed to recruit and acquire talent to the Federal governments 

using various strategies.

73 Manage Grants 
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

29a-262 

SPEND PLAN FOR THE INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT AND JOBS ACT, 2022 (P.L. 117-58)

Background

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (Public Law 117-58) – also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law 

(P.L. 117-58) (BIL) – included the following administrative provision:

Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture, acting through 

the Chief of the Forest Service, shall submit to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations a 

detailed spend plan for the funds provided to the Forest Service in this title in this Act for Fiscal Year (FY) 

2022, and for each FY through 2026, as part of the annual budget submission of the President under section 

1105(a) of title 31, United States Code, the Secretary shall submit a detailed spend plan for the funds 

provided to the Forest Service in this title in this Act for that FY.

Forest Service Operations

Forest Service Operations receives BIL transfer funds from other Deputy Areas to support key shared services, 

salaries management, and administrative functions.

Table FS-174. Forest Service Operations BIL spend plan (dollars in thousands)

Item

2024 

Carryover

2025 

Appropriations

2025 

Transfers 

In

2025 

Transfers 

Out

2025 

Total 

Available

2025 

Obligations

2025 

Carryover

Information Technology and 

Centralized Processing ...... $2,764 - $23,340 - $26,104 $25,321 $783

Organizational Services........ 3,321 - 25,961 - 29,282 28,111 1,171

Salaries and Expenses.......... 5,554 - 55,314 - 60,868 59,042 1,826

Total, Forest Service 

Operations ....................... 11,639 - 104,615 - 116,254 112,474 3,780

Forest and Rangeland Research

The BIL provides the Forest Service an additional amount for Forest and Rangeland Research of $10 million. Of this 

total, two million dollars is appropriated each fiscal year starting in FY 2022 through FY 2026. Each FY’s 

appropriation has a four-year period of availability. Funds are to carry out activities of the Joint Fire Science 

program, as authorized in section 40803 of Division D of the Act.

Forest and Rangeland Research receives BIL transfer funds from other Deputy Areas for salaries and expenses to 

support research functions for various BIL provisions.

The most significant challenge to implementation in the short term is a shortage of contracting, grants, and 

agreements staff. There are no long-term challenges to note.

Table FS-175. Forest and Rangeland Research BIL spend plan (dollars in thousands)

Item

2024 

Carryover

2025 

Appropriations

2025 

Transfers 

In

2025 

Transfers 

Out

2025 

Total 

Available

2025 

Obligations

2025 

Carryover

Joint Fire Science ................. - $2,000 - - $2,000 $2,000 - 

Salaries and Expenses.......... $26,458 - $7,800 - 34,258 18,842 $15,416

Total, Forest and Rangeland 

Research........................... 26,458 2,000 7,800 - 36,258 20,842 15,416
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

29a-263 

State, Private, and Tribal Forestry

The BIL provides the Forest Service an additional amount of $1.5 billion for State, Private, and Tribal Forestry. Of 

this total, $305 million is appropriated each year starting in FY 2022 through FY 2026. Each FY’s appropriation has a 

four-year period of availability. Funds are to carry out wildfire risk reduction and ecosystem restoration activities 

for the Department of Agriculture as authorized in Division D Section 40803 and Section 40804 of the Act, for 

grants to at-risk communities for wildfire mitigation activities, State Fire Capacity Grants, and Volunteer Fire 

Capacity Grants.

The key challenge to implementation in the short-term is shortages of grants and agreements staff. Another 

central issue to implementation is the inability to increase and expand partnerships through the many authorities 

provided to the Forest Service. Working in a shared leadership stance with partners is critical to the Forest 

Service’s ability to accomplish the expectations of the Act, as well as the desired need to expand the shared 

stewardship of our public lands.

FY 2025 Projected Accomplishments:

• Increase in at-risk community resilience.

• Increase in ability for States to implement priorities in their State Forest Action Plans.

• Increase in capacity for communities and Tribes to prepare for and respond to wildland fire.

• Increase in capacity for States to meet revegetation goals following wildland fires.

• Increase in number of communities with up-to-date Community Wildfire Protection Plans.

• Increase in opportunities for small businesses and private landowners to harvest timber.

• Increase in the operational capacity in support of the Forest Service’s mission through human resource

management, procurement and contracting, grants and agreements, budget formulation and execution,

and critical investments in technology.

For BIL line-item funds that will be competed, in whole or in part, announcements will be posted to 

grants.gov. Table FS-176. State, Private, and Tribal Forestry BIL spend plan (dollars in thousands) 

Item

2024 

Carryover

2025 

Appropriations

2025 

Transfers 

In

2025 

Transfers 

Out

2025 

Total 

Available

2025 

Obligations

2025 

Carryover

State Fire Capacity Grants.... $500 $17,600 - -$1,727 $16,373 $15,882 $491

Volunteer Fire Capacity 

Grants............................... 83 4,000 - - 4,083 4,001 82 

Community Wildfire Defense 

Grants............................... 77,274 100,000 - -10,171 167,103 130,000 37,103

Firewood Banks................... 76 1,600 - -158 1,518 1,442 76 

Invasive Species Detection, 

Prevention, Eradication 

and Research .................... 6,260 20,000 - -1,662 24,598 20,171 4,428 

National Revegetation ......... 10,438 12,000 - -1,180 21,258 13,392 7,865 

Portable Skidder Bridges...... 18,806 10,000 - -984 27,822 8,625 19,197

State Forest Action Plans ..... 1,948 40,160 - -3,999 38,109 36,204 1,905

At Risk Communities Wildfire 

Mitigation Grants (CWDG). 231,944 100,000 - -9,824 322,120 120,000 202,120

Salaries and Expenses.......... 5,667 - $ 1,923 - 7,590 6,603 987 

Total, State, Private, and 

Tribal Forestry .................. 352,996 305,360 1,923 -29,705 630,574 356,320 274,254
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

29a-264 

National Forest System

The BIL provides the Forest Service an additional amount of $2.8 billion for National Forest System. Of this total, 

$529 million is appropriated each year starting in FY 2022 through FY 2026. These funds remain available until 

expended. Funds are to carry out wildfire risk reduction and ecosystem restoration activities for the Department of 

Agriculture as authorized in Division D Section 40803 and Section 40804 of the Act, for hazardous fuels reduction 

and burned area recovery.

Noted challenges to implementation in the short term are shortages of acquisition and procurement staff, grants 

and agreements staff, and national forest system program staff responsible for the implementation of the 

activities outlined in the Act.

Another difficulty in implementation is the inability to increase and expand partnerships through the many 

authorities provided to the Forest Service. Match requirements create a huge challenge for many partners, 

inhibiting their ability to participate in the opportunities that BIL provides. Working in a shared leadership stance 

with partners is critical to the Forest Service’s ability to accomplish the expectations of the Act as well as the 

desired need to expand the shared stewardship of our public lands.

FY 2025 Projected Accomplishments:

• Increased pace and scale for ecosystem restoration producing desired outcomes such as community

protection, forest and grassland restoration, watershed restoration, mine remediation, and wildlife 

habitat improvement on National Forest System lands. Funding will provide the capacity for planning,

collaboration, project design, and implementation.

• Increased community resilience through hazardous fuels projects and related activities such as the

development and improvement of control locations (fuel breaks).

• Increased contracts and agreements with partners, states, and tribes to perform ecosystem restoration

activities on National Forest System lands providing jobs to local communities.

• Increased ability to provide recreation experiences that match visitation demands.

• Increased ability to operate, repair, reconstruct, and construct recreation cabins and repair or reconstruct

historic buildings.

• Creation of incentives for increased use of biomass.

• Implementation of projects to permanently plug and remediate orphaned wells, reporting results as

outlined in the Act.

• Continued focus on the successful management and operations of the established civilian climate corps,

creating and providing jobs for young people, providing the Forest Service the necessary skills,

experiences, and resources necessary to conserve and restore public lands and waters, bolster community

resilience, increase reforestation, increase carbon sequestration, protect biodiversity, improve recreation,

and address climate change.

• Increased operational capacity in support of the Forest Service’s mission to include human resource

management, procurement and contracting, grants and agreements, budget formulation and execution,

and critical investments in technology.

• Support the Forest Service’s work on the Wildfire Crisis Strategy, including continued funding for the

initial 10 landscapes announced April 2022 and an additional 11 landscapes announced in January 2023,

for total of 21 priority landscapes.

Funds will primarily be distributed via contract awards or through agreements with States, Tribes, and partners. 

Contract opportunities or procurement notices are announced through the Contract Opportunities website at 
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

29a-265 

SAM.gov74. Agreements utilizing authorities such as Good Neighbor Authority, Tribal Forest Projection Act, 

Stewardship Authority, etc. do not require funding announcements.

Table FS-177. National Forest System BIL spend plan (dollars in thousands)

Item

2024 

Carryover

2025 

Appropriations

2025 

Transfers 

In

2025 

Transfers 

Out

2025 

Total 

Available

2025 

Obligations

2025 

Carryover

Collaborative Forest 

Landscape Restoration 

Program............................ $8,229 $20,000 - -$7,284 $20,945 $15,080 $5,865 

Mechanical Thinning, Timber 

Harvesting or Precommercial Thinning......... 9,282 80,000 - -29,232 60,050 55,846 4,203

Control Lines and Fuelbreaks 2,785 50,000 - -31,603 21,182 20,122 1,059

Hazardous Fuels................... 14,933 82,800 - -46,756 50,977 35,855 15,122

Hazardous Fuels-Biomass..... 1,228 12,000 - -60 13,168 12,641 527

Hazardous Fuels-Tribal 

Forest Protection Act ........ - 8,000 - -40 7,960 7,960 -

Prescribed Fire and Related 

Activities........................... 5,168 50,000 - -22,110 33,058 28,099 4,959

Removal of Flammable 

Vegetation........................ 3,156 20,000 - -5,302 17,854 15,176 2,678

Restoration Projects-Good 

Neighbor or Tribal Forest 

Protection Act Agreements 2,501 32,000 -4,000 30,501 29,891 610

Byproducts.......................... 28,071 80,000 - -28,566 79,505 64,399 15,106 

Restore Native Vegetation 

and Mitigate 

Environmental Hazards on 

Mined Lands..................... 8,478 20,000 - -7,115 21,363 14,954 6,409

National Revegetation ......... 3,720 14,000 - -4,989 12,731 9,803 2,928

Restore Water Quality and 

Fish Passage...................... 3,376 16,000 - -2,380 16,996 15,127 1,870

Burned Area Recovery ......... 11,980 45,000 - -15,075 41,905 34,362 7,543

Restore Ecological Health..... 87,231 - - - 87,231

Restore, Repair, and Adapt 

Recreation Sites................ - - - - - - -

Orphaned Wells................... 14,973 - - - 14,973 6,289 8,685

Salaries and Expenses.......... 1,539 - $60,202 - 61,741 60,506 1,235

Total, National Forest 

System ............................. 206,650 529,800 60,202 -204,512 504,909 426,110 78,799

74 Contract Opportunities.
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

29a-266 

Capital Improvement and Maintenance

The BIL provides the Forest Service an additional amount of $360 million for Capital Improvement and 

Maintenance. Of this total, $72 million is appropriated each year starting in FY 2022 through FY 2026. Each FY’s 

appropriation has a four-year period of availability. Funds are to carry out activities of the Legacy Road and Trails 

Remediation Program, for the construction of temporary roads or reconstruction and maintenance of roads to 

facilitate projects that reduce wildfire risk, and for the removal of non-hydropower federal dams.

The biggest challenge to implementation in the short term is a shortage of contracting, and engineering staff 

responsible for the implementation of the activities outlined in the Act. One more primary challenge to 

implementation is the inability to increase and expand partnerships through the many authorities provided to the 

Forest Service. Match requirements create a huge challenge for many partners, inhibiting their ability to 

participate in the opportunities that BIL provides. Working in a shared leadership stance with partners is critical to 

the Forest Service’s ability to accomplish the expectations of the act as well as the desired need to expand the 

shared stewardship of our public lands.

Funds will primarily be distributed via contract awards. Contract opportunities or procurement notices are 

announced through the Contract Opportunities website at SAM.gov74. 

FY 2025 Projected Accomplishments

• Increased ability to restore fish passages, decommission roads, prepare roads for long-term storage,

relocate roads, and convert roads to trails on National Forest System lands.

• Increased ability to construct temporary roads, reconstruct and maintain roads to facilitate forest

restoration and management projects in support of the wildfire risk reduction.

• Increased operational capacity in support of the Forest Service’s mission to include human resource

management, procurement and contracting, grants and agreements, budget formulation and execution

and critical investments in technology.

Table FS-178. Capital Improvement and Maintenance BIL spend plan (dollars in thousands)

Item

2024 

Carryover

2025 

Appropriations

2025 

Transfers 

In

2025 

Transfers 

Out

2025

Total 

Available

2025 

Obligations

2025 

Carryover

Roads .................................. $9,675 $20,000 - -$2,500 $27,175 $19,023 $8,153 

Dams................................... 1,185 2,000 - -250 2,935 1,878 1,057 

Legacy Roads and Trails ....... 46,459 50,000 - -8,250 88,209 42,340 45,869

Salaries and Expenses.......... 837 - $2,000 - 2,837 2,639 199

Total, Capital Improvement 

and Maintenance ............. 58,156 72,000 2,000 -11,000 121,156 65,880 55,278

Wildland Fire Management

The BIL provides the Forest Service an additional amount of $696 million for Wildland Fire Management. Of this 

total, $552 million was appropriated in FY 2022 and $36 million is appropriated starting in FY 2023 through FY 

2026. These funds remain available until expended. Funds are to carry out wildfire risk reduction activities for the 

Department of Agriculture as authorized in Division D Section 40803 of the Act. The Department of the Interior 

received complementary appropriations for wildland fire management. The Department of the Interior and the 

Forest Service are collaborating and coordinating an implementation plan. 

There are two short-term challenges to implementation: (1) ensuring consistency with the Department of the 

Interior; and (2) coordinating with the Office of Personnel Management to determine eligibility for the pay 

increase. Additionally, there are also two long-term challenges to implementation: (1) reconciling the increased 

base pay policy with a potential new pay scale; and (2) creating a workforce management plan that ensures a 
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

29a-267 

sustainable and effective workforce of wildland firefighters. The Forest Service will also continue to expand 

existing capabilities to address and mitigate the significant mental health challenges and line-of-duty 

environmental hazards faced by our wildland firefighter workforce.

FY 2025 Projected Accomplishments:

• Improvement in wildland firefighter workforce morale and retention through compensation and

workforce management reform, including investment in mental and physical health programs.

Table FS-179. Wildland Fire Management BIL spend plan (dollars in thousands)

Item

2024 

Carryover

2025 

Appropriations

2025 

Transfers 

In

2025 

Transfers 

Out

2025 

Total 

Available

2025 

Obligations

2025 

Carryover

Preparedness....................... $372 $10,000 - -$4,281 $6,091 $5,786 $305

Post Fire Recovery ............... 39,923 20,000 - -2,802 57,121 22,848 34,273

Reverse 911......................... 16,690 6,000 - -860 21,830 - 21,830

Wildfire Start Rapid 

Detection............................. 4,702 - - - 4,702 1,834 2,869

Map High Risk Communities. 697 - - - 697 697 -

Wildfire Prevention 

Treatment Data ................... - - - - - - -

Detection and Monitoring.... 2,739 - - - 2,739 959 1,780

Wildland Firefighter Salaries 

and Expenses....................... 15,000 - - - 15,000 15,000 -

Salaries and Expenses.......... 2,320 - $62,480 - 64,800 63,504 1,296 

Total, Wildland Fire 

Management....................... 82,443 36,000 62,480 -7,943 172,980 110,628 62,353
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

29a-268 

TRANSFERS WITHIN APPROPRIATIONS

Background

The Explanatory Statement for the Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations 

Act, 2023, included the following directive: 

The Forest Service is directed to include a list of approved administrative transfers for the previous Fiscal 

Year (FY), including those made between accounts affected by budget restructuring and for hazardous fuels 

mitigation, in the annual budget submission. 

Transfers Between Accounts Affected by Budget Restructuring

In fiscal year 2023, the Forest Service transferred $18.250 million to Forest Service Operations from other Forest 

Service discretionary accounts for projects and activities related to budget restructuring. The table below displays 

each administrative transfer by account.

Table FS-180. Administrative transfers by account, FY 2023 (thousands of dollars) 

Transfer Item 2023 Actual

Forest Service Operations

Transfers In:

Forest and Rangeland Research ................................................................................... $4,210 

State, Private, and Tribal Forestry ................................................................................ 3,300

National Forest System ............................................................................................... 6,840

Wildland Fire Management ......................................................................................... 3,900

Subtotal, Transfers In .............................................................................................. 18,250

Forest and Rangeland Research

Transfers Out:

Forest Service Operations............................................................................................ -4,210

State, Private, and Tribal Forestry

Transfers Out:

Forest Service Operations............................................................................................ -3,300

Transfers Out:

Forest Service Operations............................................................................................ -6,840

Wildland Fire Management

Transfers Out:

Forest Service Operations............................................................................................ -3,900

Transfers Between Accounts Affected by Hazardous Fuels Mitigation

In fiscal year 2023, there were no transfers between accounts affected by Hazardous Fuels mitigation.
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

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2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

29a-270 

APPENDICES 

NATIONAL PARKS AND PUBLIC LAND LEGACY RESTORATION FUND

The Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) (P.L. 116-152), enacted in 2020, allows the Forest Service to repair and 

upgrade vital infrastructure and facilities in the national forests and grasslands through the National Parks and 

Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund.

In Fiscal Year (FY) 2025, the Forest Service proposes $285 million for the National Parks and Public Land Legacy 

Restoration Fund. These levels are subject to a 5.7 percent sequestration rate, and this is reflected in the tables 

below. The FY 2024 sequestration pop-up (payback), once returned, will act as the FY 2025 contingency fund. The 

Forest Service has developed the projects in accordance with GAOA requirements and Administration guidance. 

The full Project Data Sheets, including the project descriptions, will be transmitted to Congress concurrently with 

the FY 2025 Budget request. This project list may differ from what is provided in an enacted appropriations bill.

Table FS-181. FY 2025 National Parks and Public Lands Restoration Fund – Proposed Projects

Item 

No. Region Unit Project Name State Asset Types

2025

Funding Project Summary

1 R1

BeaverheadDeerlodge 

National Forest

BeaverheadDeerlodge 

National Forest 

Deferred 

Maintenance

MT

Housing, 

Administrative 

Facility, 

Recreation Site, 

Wastewater 

System, Road

 

$1,985,000 

This project renovates the Birch Creek 

Civilian Conservation Corps Camp and 

rental cabins by updated roofing and 

water and wastewater systems. 

Additionally, the project resurfaces 

Delmoe Lake Road and Campground 

along with other improvements. Finally, 

concrete toilets will be replaced across 

the forest at high priority recreation 

sites and rental cabins.

2 R1 Bitterroot 

National Forest

Bitterroot 

National Forest 

Deferred 

Maintenance

ID, 

MT

Housing, 

Administrative 

Facility, 

Recreation Site, 

Water System, 

Road, Bridge

 

3,011,000 

This project will address housing and 

water system issues at the Sula work 

center, repair and replace various trail 

bridges with safety deficiencies, execute 

long deferred maintenance tasks at 

quarters facilities, and repair pavements 

at popular campgrounds throughout the 

forest. Additionally, particular focus on 

campgrounds, trailheads, and recreation 

sites along the Magruder corridor will 

take place with many deferred 

maintenance repairs.

3 R1 Custer Gallatin 

National Forest

Beartooth 

Bunkhouses 

Housing 

Renovation

MT Facility - 

Housing

 

260,000 

This project will address maintenance 

needs at the Red Lodge north and south 

bunkhouses, including window 

installation, bathroom remodeling, roof 

repair, and HVAC replacement.

4 R1 Dakota Prairie 

Grasslands

Maah Daah Hey 

Trail Bridge 

Replacements

ND Trail, Trail 

Bridge

 

390,000 

This project will install two trail bridges 

on the Maah Daah Hey Trail near 

Magpie Trailhead. These are required 

due to existing bridge failure during 

heavy rains and for safety and mitigation 

for future resource damage.
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

29a-271 

Item 

No. Region Unit Project Name State Asset Types

2025

Funding Project Summary

5 R1 Flathead 

National Forest

Lindbergh Lake 

Campground 

Deferred 

Maintenance 

and Resource 

Protection 

MT

Recreation Site, 

Road, Water 

System

 

785,000 

This project will repair Lindbergh Lake 

Campground by replacing the water 

system and upgrading the day use and 

parking facilities. Fire rings, picnic tables, 

and bear boxes will also be replaced for 

enhanced recreation experience.

6 R1

Helena-Lewis 

and Clark 

National Forest

Helena-Lewis 

and Clark 

National Forest 

Deferred 

Maintenance

MT

Housing, 

Administrative 

Facility, 

Recreation Site

 

2,685,000 

This project will replace the existing 

Stanford Bunkhouse on the Judith 

District with a more energy efficient 

quarters building, and update the 

exhibits, lighting, windows and doors, 

paint and exterior of the Lewis and Clark 

Interpretive Center.

7 R1

Idaho 

Panhandle 

National 

Forests

Idaho Panhandle 

National Forests 

Deferred 

Maintenance

ID

Trail, Trail 

Bridge, 

Recreation Site, 

Road, Water 

System

 

7,446,000 

This project repairs and reconstructs 

many miles of the Canfield Mountain 

Trail system due to overuse, the Salmo 

Priest Trail system due to lack of 

maintenance for many years, and 

renovates campgrounds along the Coeur 

D’Alene corridor and the Sam Owen 

campground. Finally, the last phase of 

work on the Route of the Hiawatha Trail 

Trestles will be completed with this 

funding.

8 R1 Kootenai 

National Forest

Kootenai 

National Forest 

Deferred 

Maintenance

MT Recreation Site, 

Road

 

1,330,000 

This project will repair boat launches 

and docks for a more accessible 

recreation experience at McGillivary, 

Rexford Bench, and North Dickey Lake 

Campgrounds, and repair and replace 

toilets at Peck Gulch Campground and 

day use area.

9 R1 Lolo National 

Forest

Lolo National 

Forest Deferred 

Maintenance

MT

Housing, Water 

and 

Wastewater 

System, Road, 

Trail, 

Recreation Site

 

7,334,000 

This project will reconstruct the 

administrative buildings at Fort 

Missoula, replace the wastewater 

system at Saint Regis work center to 

ensure adequate, safe employee 

housing, and will repair the trails and 

trailhead at Rattlesnake National 

Recreation Area and Wilderness.

10 R1

Nez PerceClearwater 

National Forest

Nez PerceClearwater 

National Forest 

Deferred 

Maintenance

ID

Trail, Trail 

Bridge, 

Administrative 

Facility, 

Recreation Site, 

Housing

 

1,745,000 

This project will address several deferred 

maintenance needs at the Powell 

duplex, the forest’s seven backcountry 

airstrips, and will fund the final phase of 

trail maintenance work on the Central 

Idaho Complex Priority Area.
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

29a-272 

Item 

No. Region Unit Project Name State Asset Types

2025

Funding Project Summary

11 R2

ArapahoeRoosevelt 

National Forest

ArapahoeRoosevelt 

National Forest 

Deferred 

Maintenance

CO

Housing, 

Recreation Site, 

Trail, Trail 

Bridge, 

 

1,112,000 

This project replaces the toilet at 

Herman Gulch trailhead, a popular 

access point to the Continental Divide 

National Scenic Trail, addresses deferred 

maintenance at the Arapahoe National 

Recreation Area and Brainard Lake 

Recreation Area, and improves trails and 

trailheads on the West Magnolia, 

Magnolia, Pawnee Buttes, and Crow 

Valley trail systems.

12 R2 Bighorn 

National Forest

Bighorn National 

Forest Deferred 

Maintenance

WY

Housing, 

Administrative 

Facility, Road

 

3,818,000 

This project replaces the bathhouse at 

Burgess Ranger Station and upgrades RV 

hookups, resurfaces two highly used 

roads in Sheridan Municipal Watershed, 

renovates the barracks and the hotshot 

office and improves the parking lot at 

Greybull Work Center. 

13 R2 Black Hills 

National Forest

Black Hills 

National Forest 

Deferred 

Maintenance

SD

Dam, 

Recreation Site, 

Road, 

Wastewater 

System, Trail

 

5,079,000 

This project reroutes trails at Little 

Spearfish Creek for sustainability 

concerns, rehabilitates Strawberry dam 

to improve recreation opportunities, and 

reconditions Tinton Road to maintain 

access to recreation sites, private 

properties, and timber nearby. 

Additionally, the project intends to 

modernize Comanche Park Campground 

and address significant maintenance 

concerns at Mitchell Lake Dam.

14 R2

Grand Mesa, 

Uncompahgre, 

and Gunnison 

National 

Forests

Grand Mesa, 

Uncompahgre, 

and Gunnison 

National Forests 

Deferred 

Maintenance

CO

Recreation Site, 

Road, Trail, 

Water and 

Wastewater 

System, 

Housing

 

2,336,000 

This project will perform major 

renovations at Cold Springs, Ward Lake, 

and West Muddy Guard Stations 

quarters facilities. The project will also 

reconstruct the Lizardhead Pass 

trailhead, replace kiosks across the 

forests for better information sharing 

and trail signage, and reconstruct Horse 

Ranch Park and Cliff Creek recreation 

sites.

15 R2

Medicine BowRoutt National 

Forests

Wyoming 

Campground 

Deferred 

Maintenance

WY Recreation Site 

400,000 

This project will address deferred 

maintenance at Silver Lake and South 

Brush Creek campgrounds, including 

modernizing parking spurs, and 

replacing picnic tables, fire rings, and 

site markers.

16 R2 Nebraska 

National Forest

Nebraska 

National Forest 

Deferred 

Maintenance

NE Road, Housing 

924,000 

This project brings the Bessey Residence 

into code compliance and reconditions 

the Circle Road to improve visitor access 

and recreational activities.
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

29a-273 

Item 

No. Region Unit Project Name State Asset Types

2025

Funding Project Summary

17 R2

Pike and San 

Isabel National 

Forests

Pike and San 

Isabel National 

Forests Deferred 

Maintenance

CO

Administrative 

Facility, 

Housing, Water 

System, Road, 

Trail

 

5,189,000 

This project rehabilitates multiple 

housing facilities and associated utility 

systems at Leadville Crystal Lakes, 

Monument Fire Center, and South Park 

Fairplay work center while also repaving 

the Pikes Peak District office parking lot 

and addressing deferred maintenance at 

the South Park office. The project also 

reconstructs the access road to the Lake 

Isabel recreation area and reconstructs 

the adjacent trails and parking area at 

the recreation area.

18 R2

Rocky 

Mountain 

Region

Rocky Mountain 

Region Deferred 

Maintenance

CO Trail 

5,077,000 

This project addresses accumulated 

deferred maintenance on the 

Continental Divide National Scenic Trail 

and the Colorado Fourteeners trail 

system due to sustainability issues and 

overuse.

19 R2 Rio Grande 

National Forest

Rio Grande 

National Forest 

Deferred 

Maintenance

CO

Road, Bridge, 

Trail, 

Recreation Site

 

895,000 

This project replaces vault toilets at 

Trujillo Meadows, Road Canyon, and 

Lost Trail campgrounds, addresses 

deferred maintenance at the Stone 

Cellar guard station and at many road 

bridges throughout the forest. The 

project also widens and stabilizes many 

areas of the Ute Creek Trail that 

connects to the Continental Divide 

National Scenic Trail.

20 R2 San Juan 

National Forest

San Juan 

National Forest 

Deferred 

Maintenance

CO

Administrative 

Facility, 

Recreation Site, 

Road, Trail, 

Water System

 

1,545,000 

This project addresses accessibility 

concerns on the Big Al Trail, restores a 

heritage cabin and barn at Provancher 

Ranch, renovate roads and facilities 

around the McPhee Reservoir, and 

rehabilitate the Eight Mile Fire Lookout.

21 R2 Shoshone 

National Forest

Shoshone 

National Forest 

Deferred 

Maintenance

WY

Trail, Trail 

Bridge, 

Administrative 

Facility, 

Recreation Site, 

 

917,000

This project addresses maintenance and 

sustainability concerns at many highly 

used trail corridors around the forest, 

including erosion and washout issues, 

poor trail tread, and trail bridge hazards. 

The project will also replace various 

dilapidated toilets across the forest and 

renovate four historically significant 

structures for recreation rentals and 

employee housing.

22 R2 White River 

National Forest

White River 

National Forest 

Deferred 

Maintenance

CO Trail, Trail 

Bridge

 

1,472,000

This project renovates the Blanco Ranger 

House to be used as employee housing 

and utilizes volunteers and youth corps 

to complete deferred maintenance 

repairs on the forest’s expansive and 

heavily used trail system.
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

29a-274 

Item 

No. Region Unit Project Name State Asset Types

2025

Funding Project Summary

23 R3

ApacheSitgreaves 

National Forest

ApacheSitgreaves 

National Forest 

Deferred 

Maintenance

AZ Recreation Site, 

Road, Trail, 

 

1,000,000

This project will address deferred 

maintenance work that includes, 

pavement, site amenity replacements, 

replacement of signs and markers, and 

installation of kiosks to improve visitor 

safety, interpretive and payment 

information.

24 R3 Carson 

National Forest

Carson National 

Forest Deferred 

Maintenance

NM

Recreation Site, 

Water System, 

Road

 

4,975,000 

This project reconstructs the access road 

to the Canjilon Lakes recreation area and 

improves the trailheads, day use sites, 

and campgrounds at Canjilon Lakes. The 

project also replaces the water system 

that services the Tres Piedras Ranger 

Station, fire warehouse, and quarters.

25 R3 Coconino 

National Forest

Coconino 

National Forest 

Deferred 

Maintenance

AZ 

Administrative 

Facility, Water 

and 

Wastewater 

System, 

Recreation Site

 

16,165,000

This project renovates the Cave Springs 

Campground and reconstructs the 

deteriorated pavement on Snowbowl 

Road.

26 R3 Coronado 

National Forest

Coronado 

National Forest 

Deferred 

Maintenance

AZ Road, Trail 

1,250,000 

This project will address deferred 

maintenance on the Coronado National 

Forest. Work includes expansion of the 

Sabino Canyon parking area to reduce 

traffic congestion and increase site 

capacity. Additionally, this project will 

maintain and improve trails across the 

Sky Islands of the Coronado National 

Forest. 

27 R3 Gila National 

Forest

Quemado Lake 

Recreation Areas 

Reconstruction 

and Accessibility 

Upgrades

NM

Facility - 

Recreation, 

Recreation Site, 

Road, Trail, 

Wastewater 

System

 

3,225,000 

The Quemado Lake Recreation Area 

infrastructure has aged, deteriorated 

and has not been updated since the 

early 1990s. This project will reconstruct 

the site to address visitor safety, 

improved amenities, site accessibility, 

site drainage, traffic flow and a highquality recreation experience. 

28 R3 Kaibab 

National Forest

Kaibab National 

Forest Deferred 

Maintenance

AZ Housing, 

Recreation Site

 

550,000 

This project will address deferred 

maintenance on the Kaibab National 

Forest. This project will restore 

employee housing on the North Kaibab 

and Tusayan ranger districts, including 

bringing utilities up to current standards. 

Additionally, this project will

decommission the Oak Hill parking lot 

and snow play site and construct a new 

trailhead for Keyhole Sink Trail. 
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

29a-275 

Item 

No. Region Unit Project Name State Asset Types

2025

Funding Project Summary

29 R3 Santa Fe 

National Forest

Santa Fe 

National Forest 

Deferred 

Maintenance

NM

Administrative 

Facility, 

Recreation Site, 

Trail

 

850,000 

This project will address deferred 

maintenance on the Santa Fe National 

Forest. Activities include repair of 

historic cabins to enable their 

conversion to recreation rental cabins. 

This project will also replace the roofs at 

the Coyote Ranger District Office and 

Warehouse. Finally, this project will 

replace visitor information kiosks, fee 

payment receptacles, and trash 

collection device that were identified in 

poor condition at developed recreation 

sites on the Santa Fe National Forest. 

30 R4 Ashley 

National Forest

Ashley National 

Forest Deferred 

Maintenance

UT

Road, Trail, 

Recreation Site, 

Water System

 

7,324,000 

This project will address deferred 

maintenance on the Ashley National 

Forest. The project will rehabilitate and 

upgrade water system treatment 

facilities, distribution lines, storage 

tanks, and other necessary items to 

ensure potable water is supplied to 

campsites in the Flaming Gorge National 

Recreation Area. Additionally, this 

project would repave the roads, parking 

areas, and accessible paved trails at the 

Red Canyon Visitor Center overlook in 

the Flaming Gorge Recreation Area.

31 R4 Bridger-Teton 

National Forest 

Grey’s River 

Corridor Phase 3 WY Road 

2,000,000 

This project will resurface up to 10 miles 

of Forest Road 10138 on the BridgerTeton National Forest. 

32 R4

CaribouTarghee 

National Forest

Caribou-Targhee 

National Forest 

Deferred 

Maintenance

ID

Recreation Site, 

Road, Trail, Trail 

Bridge

 

3,805,000 

This project will address deferred 

maintenance on the Caribou-Targhee 

National Forest. The project will restore 

recreation sites and trails to improve 

access, reduce deferred maintenance, 

provide for safety and health, comply 

with accessibility standards, enhance the 

visitor experience, and engage our 

partners. Additionally, this project will 

replace the roof at Big Falls Inn and 

improve pedestrian infrastructure and 

parking area at the Mesa Falls 

Recreation Area. This project will also 

maintain the Mesa Falls access road, 

including brushing, cleaning existing 

drainage structures, pavement repair, 

and sign replacement.
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

29a-276 

Item 

No. Region Unit Project Name State Asset Types

2025

Funding Project Summary

33 R4 Dixie National 

Forest

Dixie National 

Forest Deferred 

Maintenance

UT

Dam, 

Recreation Site, 

Trail

 

4,215,000 

This project will address deferred 

maintenance on the Dixie National 

Forest. This project will work with 

partners to repair high-priority nonmotorized trails. Additionally, this 

project will resolve safety issues at the 

Pine Valley Dam in the Pine Valley 

Recreation Area. The low water outlet 

will be replaced, the upstream and 

downstream slopes will be stabilized to 

mitigate liquefaction potential, and the 

upstream slope armoring will be 

replaced.

34 R4 Fishlake

National Forest

Forest-Wide 

Road Deferred 

Maintenance

UT Road 

330,000 

This project will address deferred 

maintenance on the main access roads 

into the Fishlake National Forest by 

reconditioning roads, restoring proper 

drainage, removing roadside vegetation, 

and placing a stabilized gravel or roto 

mill road surface.

35 R4 Manti-LaSal 

National Forest

Manti-LaSal 

National Forest 

Deferred 

Maintenance

UT

Administrative 

Facility, 

Housing, 

Recreation Site, 

Road, Water 

System

 

2,080,000 

This project will address deferred 

maintenance on the Manti-LaSal 

National Forest. Activities include 

remodel of the Baker site bunkhouse 

and garage, Joes Valley campground 

maintenance, and campground fencing 

in the South Zone of the forest to ensure 

that livestock from nearby grazing 

allotments do not damage campground 

facilities. 

36 R4 Intermountain 

Region Idaho Airstrip ID Recreation Site 

750,000 

To improve the safety and accessibility 

of Idaho's backcountry, the Forest 

Service will address deferred 

maintenance on the airstrips that serve 

both the recreational public and Forest 

Service operations. Work includes 

drainage improvements, surface 

grading, aviation markers, approach 

clear zones, windsocks, tiedowns, 

information signboards, campsites, 

latrines, and associated facility repair 

and maintenance.
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

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Item 

No. Region Unit Project Name State Asset Types

2025

Funding Project Summary

37 R4 Salmon-Challis 

National Forest

Salmon-Challis 

National Forest 

Deferred 

Maintenance

ID

Administrative 

Facility, 

Housing, 

Wastewater 

System, Trail, 

Trail Bridge

 

1,450,000 

This project will address deferred 

maintenance on the Salmon-Challis 

National Forest. This project will 

rehabilitate the Dagger Falls Trail Bridge, 

the first bridge on the Middle Fork Trail. 

The bridge is required to provide safe 

passage to backcountry and day users 

across the Middle Fork of the Salmon 

River and into the Frank Church River of 

No Return Wilderness. The next trail 

bridge crossing of the Middle Fork of the 

Salmon River is 25 miles downstream. 

Additionally, this project will rehabilitate 

substandard wastewater systems at 

existing housing sites throughout the 

Salmon-Challis National Forest. In some 

cases, the systems are non-existent or 

inadequate, meaning the housing cannot 

be used at all. In other cases, the 

systems are 30 to 50 years in age and 

impending failures would be 

catastrophic for both occupants and the 

environment. 

38 R4 Sawtooth 

National Forest

Big Smoky 

Administration 

Site Housing 

Deferred 

Maintenance

ID

Facility - 

Housing, Road, 

Wastewater 

System

 

730,000 

The Big Smoky Administrative site lies in 

the center of the Fairfield Ranger 

District and contains a Guard Station, 

Work Center, and sewage lagoons. The 

Guard Station and Work Center 

provides housing for seasonal 

employees on the district. The project 

includes hydrojetting and repairing 

sewer lines, grinding asphalt pavement 

in very poor condition, and topping with 

gravel, and installing new membranes 

for sewer cell lagoons serving the Work 

Center and all of the seasonal employee 

housing.
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

29a-278 

Item 

No. Region Unit Project Name State Asset Types

2025

Funding Project Summary

39 R5 Angeles 

National Forest

Angeles National 

Forest Deferred 

Maintenance

CA

Recreation Site, 

Road, Housing, 

Water System

 

3,715,000

This project will address deferred 

maintenance on the Angeles National 

Forest. The Chilao Recreation Area relies 

on a water system built in the 1940s that 

has documented issues. Installing new 

pipelines and valves along with 

rehabilitating the water tanks in the 

system will provide reliable service to a 

fire station, recreation campsites, hikers 

on a National Recreation Trail, a visitor 

center, and partners in the forest. 

Additional improvements include road 

work for access, restroom 

decommissioning at the visitor center 

and water fixture repair near the fire 

station. Furthermore, this project will 

conduct site improvements at Chantry 

Flat Picnic Area, which is one of the most 

popular recreation areas on the Angeles 

National Forest. Work includes 

demolition of barracks and construction 

of a shuttle stop. Finally, the project will 

renovate existing bunkhouses on the San 

Gabriel National Monument. 

40 R5 Cleveland 

National Forest

Renovate Falcon 

Group 

Campground and 

Trails

CA

Facility - 

Recreation, 

Recreation Site, 

Road, Trail

 

860,000 

This project renovates a very popular 

group campground on the Cleveland 

National Forest. Activities include 

replacement of deteriorated 

recreational amenities and access 

improvements to the surrounding trail 

network to comply with Forest Service 

accessibility standards. 

41 R5 Inyo National 

Forest

Inyo National 

Forest Deferred 

Maintenance

CA Trail 

240,000

This project will address deferred 

maintenance on the Inyo National 

Forest. This project will improve storm 

resiliency and public access on trails on 

the Mount Whitney Ranger District, 

which sustained damage in flooding and 

rockslide events in recent years. Work 

includes short re-alignments, structure 

construction, and re-establishing 

corridor and tread. This work will 

improve watershed health by reducing 

future sediment flow from the trails into 

waterways. 
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

29a-279 

Item 

No. Region Unit Project Name State Asset Types

2025

Funding Project Summary

42 R5 Klamath 

National Forest

Russian 

Wilderness 

Pacific Crest Trail 

and Feeder Trails 

Deferred 

Maintenance

CA Trail 

695,000 

This project will address deferred 

maintenance within the Russian 

Wilderness Area on the Klamath 

National Forest. Work includes loggingout fallen trees, clearing brush from 

trails, repairing trail tread and repairing 

drainage structures. Portions of project 

area burned in the 2014 Whites Fire. 

Trail structures require heavy deferred 

maintenance and significant numbers of 

fire killed trees have fallen across the 

trail corridors.

43 R5

Lake Tahoe 

Basin 

Management 

Unit

Lake Tahoe Basin 

Management 

Unit Deferred 

Maintenance

CA, 

NV

Recreation Site, 

Water System, 

Administrative 

Facility, Housing

 

450,000

This project will address deferred 

maintenance on the Lake Tahoe Basin 

Management Unit. The existing water 

system is reaching the end of its life 

cycle and is posing safety concerns and 

operational issues. This project involves 

the replacement of the water mains at 

the Nevada Beach Day Use Area, which 

services the bathrooms, campground, 

and barracks.

44 R5 Lassen 

National Forest

McCarthy Point 

Lookout 

Recreation 

Rental 

Restoration

CA

Facility - 

Recreation, 

Recreation Site

 

102,000 

McCarthy Point Lookout was built in 

1936 by the Civilian Conservation Corps 

and is now a recreation rental cabin. This 

project will restore windows and 

casings, repair the roof, and conduct 

interior renovation. 

45 R5 Los Padres 

National Forest Facilities Repairs CA

Facility - 

Administrative, 

Facility - 

Housing

 

1,385,000 

This project will address deferred 

maintenance of facilities that support 

temporary quarters, fire, and 

administration on the Los Padres 

National Forest. Building repairs include 

roof and siding replacement, including 

all structural critical components. If 

issues are not addressed now, structural 

elements pose a health and safety 

liability to all occupants of the facilities.

46 R5 Mendocino 

National Forest

Fouts Springs 

Critical Water 

Systems Repairs

CA Recreation Site, 

Water System

 

120,000 

Fouts Springs water system serves 

multiple campgrounds and an 

administrative site in the Stonyford 

Recreation Area. The water treatment 

system utilizes several types of filters to 

treat and remove secondary 

contaminants as defined by the State 

Water Resources Control Board. This 

project will replace filters, re-configure 

piping between components, and 

replace the pressure tank.

47 R5 Modoc 

National Forest

Forest-wide 

Recreation Site 

Maintenance CA Recreation Site, 

Road

 

800,000 

This project will maintain campground 

and trailhead loops and repair kiosks and 

signs at recreation sites on the Modoc 

National Forest. 
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

29a-280 

Item 

No. Region Unit Project Name State Asset Types

2025

Funding Project Summary

48 R5 Plumas 

National Forest

Beckwourth 

District Office 

Water System 

Replacement

CA Water System 

605,000 

This project will replace the water 

distribution lines and provide upgrades 

to the water system at the Beckwourth 

District Office Compound. Due to 

frequent leaks of the deteriorating water 

supply line, the current system requires 

extensive time and resources to 

maintain adequate water services for 

employees. 

49 R5 San Bernardino 

National Forest

Applewhite 

Campground and 

Picnic Area 

Accessibility 

Improvements

CA

Facility - 

Recreation, 

Recreation Site, 

Road

 

1,256,000 

This project will reduce deferred 

maintenance at the Lytle Creek Corridor 

recreation area. Work includes 

pavement rehabilitation, replacement of 

a campground restroom facility, 

installation of picnic area shade 

structures, and improved connectivity 

between sites within the recreation 

area.

50 R5 Shasta Trinity 

National Forest

Historic 

Recreation Cabin 

and Barn Roof 

Replacement

CA

Facility - 

Administrative, 

Facility - 

Recreation, 

Recreation Site

 

335,000 

This project will replace deteriorated 

roofs at historic recreation rental cabins 

and the animal pack stock barn on the 

Shasta-Trinity National Forest. 

Additional work may include 

replacement of unsafe electrical wiring 

to reduce fire hazards in the historic 

buildings, as well as a small solar unit to 

reduce use of open flames.

51 R5 Sierra National 

Forest

Administrative 

and Recreation 

Facilities 

Rehabilitation

CA

Facility -

Administrative, 

Facility - 

Housing, 

Recreation Site, 

Road, 

Wastewater 

System, Water 

System

 

6,767,000 

The project will rehabilitate facilities 

support the stock and wilderness 

program on the Sierra National Forest. 

Key tasks at the sites include repairing 

water supply, rebuilding horse corrals, 

repairing roofs, repairing the access 

ramp and stairs, repairing utility lines, 

installing bear boxes, and repairing 

kitchen, bathroom, and laundry rooms. 

52 R5 Six Rivers 

National Forest

Six Rivers 

National Forest 

Deferred 

Maintenance

CA Road, Trail 

1,255,000 

This project will address deferred 

maintenance on the Six Rivers National 

Forest. This project consists of replacing 

failed culverts on Forest Road 1N10 and 

grinding failed pavement to create 

aggregate surfacing on Forest Road 

1N30. This project will also conduct trail 

maintenance, including brushing, 

removal of logs, and tread work within 

the Gasquet National Recreation Area 

and across the Mad River District. 
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

29a-281 

Item 

No. Region Unit Project Name State Asset Types

2025

Funding Project Summary

53 R5 Stanislaus 

National Forest

Stanislaus 

National Forest 

Deferred 

Maintenance

CA Recreation Site, 

Water System

 

240,000

This project will address deferred 

maintenance on the Stanislaus National 

Forest. This project would replace the 

heavily used single vault prefabricated 

toilet located at the Rim of the World 

observation site with a new double vault 

facility. Additionally, this project will 

rehabilitate the Riverside Day Use and 

Picnic Area along the North Fork 

Tuolumne River. Work includes trail 

maintenance, water system repair, and 

replacement of site amenities. 

54 R6

Columbia River 

Gorge National 

Scenic Area

Historic 

Multnomah Falls 

Lodge Critical 

Accessibility, 

Utility, and 

Security System 

Upgrades

OR

Facility - 

Recreation, 

Recreation Site, 

Wastewater 

System, Water 

System

 

1,100,000 

This project will conduct critical deferred 

maintenance at Multnomah Falls Lodge, 

the most popular recreation site in the 

Pacific Northwest. Work includes utility 

upgrades, security improvements, and 

visitor center renovation. 

55 R6 Colville 

National Forest

Colville National 

Forest Deferred 

Maintenance

WA

Recreation Site, 

Wastewater 

System, Water 

System, Road, 

Housing

 

6,940,000 

This project will address deferred 

maintenance on the Colville National 

Forest. Work includes remodeling 

bunkhouses and houses to ensure 

acceptable living conditions and 

accessibility in government-owned 

quarters. This project will also 

rehabilitate asphalt roads that have 

large and frequent potholes due to 

insufficient routine maintenance. 

Finally, this project will improve 

recreation sites through dock 

replacement, toilet refurbishment, 

picnic shelter replacement, and access 

road rehabilitation. These activities will 

improve the visitor experience and 

conform with Forest Service accessibility 

standards. 

56 R6

FremontWinema

National 

Forests

Cottonwood 

Campground 

Trail Bridge 

Replacement

OR

Recreation Site, 

Trail, Trail 

Bridge

 

186,000 

The existing trail bridge spanning 

Cottonwood Meadow Lake's spillway 

has serious and widespread defects. This 

project will replace the deteriorating 

bridge with a new premanufactured 

weathering steel truss bridge. This 

bridge is a feature of Cottonwood 

Campground, which offers 22 campsites, 

six vault toilets, potable water, and an 

organizational camp.
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

29a-282 

Item 

No. Region Unit Project Name State Asset Types

2025

Funding Project Summary

57 R6 Gifford Pinchot 

National Forest

North Fork 

Guard Station 

Restoration 

WA

Facility - 

Recreation, 

Recreation Site

 

200,000 

This project will repair the North Fork 

Guard Station on the Gifford Pinchot 

National Forest. The guard station is a 

historic structure that requires major 

renovation to restore functionality. 

Restoration work will consist of floor and 

wall repair, roof, cabinet, and plumbing 

replacement, exterior paint, and window 

maintenance. The forest intends to 

convert this building to a recreation 

rental to support on-going operations 

and maintenance. 

58 R6

Mount BakerSnoqualmie 

National Forest

Mount BakerSnoqualmie 

National Forest 

Deferred 

Maintenance

WA

Road, Road 

Bridge, Trail, 

Trail Bridge, 

Housing

 

4,131,000 

This project addresses deferred 

maintenance on the Mount BakerSnoqualmie National Forest. Work 

includes flooring replacement at 

multiple employee residences, critical 

road and bridge repair to support timber 

sales, improved aquatic organism 

passage, and trail rehabilitation and 

trailhead expansion. 

59 R6 Mt. Hood

National Forest

Lake Branch 

Bridge 

Replacement

OR Road, Road 

Bridge

 

750,000 

This project replaces Lake Branch Bridge, 

which failed a fracture critical test. This 

bridge is currently shut down and 

provides secondary emergency egress 

from Lost Lake, a major recreation site.

60 R6

OkanoganWenatchee 

National Forest

OkanoganWenatchee 

National Forest 

Deferred 

Maintenance

WA

Recreation Site, 

Road, Trail, Trail 

Bridge, 

Wastewater 

System, Water 

System, 

Housing

 

6,650,000 

This project will address deferred 

maintenance on the OkanoganWenatchee National Forest. Activities 

include renovation of the Cle Elem 

Administrative Site bunkhouses, 

including replacement of roofs and 

windows, flooring, and kitchen counters. 

Bathrooms and shower areas will be 

upgraded to ensure adequate living 

conditions. Additionally, this project will 

address deferred maintenance on trails, 

bridges, campgrounds, and scenic 

viewpoints along the North Cascades 

Recreation Scenic Corridor. 
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

29a-283 

Item 

No. Region Unit Project Name State Asset Types

2025

Funding Project Summary

61 R6

Pacific 

Northwest 

Region

Pacific 

Northwest 

Region Deferred 

Maintenance

OR, 

WA

Recreation Site, 

Wastewater 

System, Water 

System, Trail, 

Road

 

3,200,000 

This project will address deferred 

maintenance across the Pacific 

Northwest Region. There are thousands 

of road-stream crossings that are 

barriers to fish and wildlife and under 

capacity for high flows. This impacts 

fish populations because they are 

barriers and human road-user safety 

because the crossings could fail. This 

project will improve priority road-stream 

crossings across the region. Additionally, 

this project will address trail deferred 

maintenance including tread 

reconstruction and sign replacement. 

Finally, this project will address 

deficiencies at important developed 

recreation sites, including sign and kiosk 

repair, accessibility improvements, 

painting, and picnic table and fire ring 

installation. 

62 R6 Siuslaw

National Forest

Quarters and 

Facilities 

Deferred 

Maintenance 

Reduction

OR

Facility -

Administrative, 

Facility - 

Housing, Facility 

- Fire, Facility - 

Recreation, 

Recreation Site,

Wastewater 

System

 

2,165,000 

This project will maintain recreation 

facilities and administrative buildings on 

the Siuslaw National Forest. Work 

includes septic system upgrades, roof 

and gutter repairs, and exterior painting 

and siding. 

63 R6 Umpqua

National Forest

South Umpqua 

Transportation 

Remediation and 

Watershed 

Improvement to 

Aid In Critical 

Access and 

Aquatic 

Organism 

Passage

OR Road, Road 

Bridge

 

1,268,000 

This project will replace critical 

transportation infrastructure to provide 

access for recreation visitors and natural 

resource management across the 

Umpqua National Forest. These routes 

provide the only road access to cultural 

sites for tribes. This project will 

eliminate deferred maintenance and 

improve access and safety on roads that 

will soon need to be closed if not 

repaired.

64 R6

Wallowa 

Whitman 

National Forest

Wallowa 

Whitman 

National Forest 

Deferred 

Maintenance

OR

Administrative 

Facility, 

Housing, Road

 

6,600,000 

This project will address deferred 

maintenance on the Wallowa Whitman 

National Forest. Activities include 

remodel of living quarters at the Sled 

Springs Work Center and Wallowa Lake 

House. Additionally, this project will 

reconstruct a section of Forest Road 39 

(Wallowa Mountain Loop Road), which is 

part of the Hells Canyon Scenic Byway. 

The existing thin pavement has reached 

the end of its design life and is breaking 

up along the entire section.
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

29a-284 

Item 

No. Region Unit Project Name State Asset Types

2025

Funding Project Summary

65 R6 Willamette

National Forest

Toilet 

Replacement 

and Composting 

Toilet Conversion 

Project

OR

Facility - 

Recreation, 

Recreation Site

 

1,169,000 

This project will convert inoperable 

bathrooms to vault toilets in multiple 

campgrounds and day use areas on the 

Willamette National Forest.

66 R8

Chattahoochee

-Oconee

National Forest

Lake Conasauga 

Recreation Area 

Rehabilitation

GA

Facility - 

Recreation, 

Recreation Site, 

Road, Trail, 

Water System

 

2,665,000 

This project will rehabilitate 

infrastructure in the Lake Conasauga 

Recreation Area and conduct road 

maintenance to restore full functionality 

of the campground which regularly 

experiences water system outages.

67 R8 Daniel Boone

National Forest

Great Meadows 

Water System 

Replacement

KY Recreation Site, 

Water System

 

325,000 

This project will update a well water 

system installed in the 1970s to a city 

water system. A new underground main 

line, tapped from municipal water, will 

be installed to the Great Meadows 

campground and to Hemlock Grove 

Picnic Area. Water hydrants in the 

campground will be replaced with 

accessible hydrants.

68 R8

George 

Washington 

and Jefferson 

National 

Forests

Grindstone 

Recreation Area 

Wastewater 

Treatment Plant 

Replacement

VA

Facility - 

Recreation, 

Recreation Site, 

Wastewater 

System, Water 

System

 

4,600,000 

This project will replace the nonoperational wastewater treatment and 

associated collection systems at the 

Mount Rogers National Recreation 

Area's Grindstone Recreation Area with 

on-site treatment. Existing 

infrastructure, including buildings, 

treatment and collection system 

components, and associated 

appurtenances will be decommissioned. 

69 R8

Land Between 

the Lakes 

National 

Recreation 

Area

Brandon Spring 

Housing 

Replacement

KY

Facility - 

Housing, 

Recreation Site, 

Wastewater 

System, Water 

System

 

5,757,000 

This project will replace government 

housing. The existing facility is 

uninhabitable due to water damage. The 

wastewater lagoon that treats 

wastewater from the government 

housing facility will be replaced to 

ensure the system follows all standards 

and regulations once the new facility is 

in place. The adjacent group camp and 

other recreation sites send wastewater 

to the lagoon for treatment.

70 R8

National 

Forests in 

Alabama

Payne Lake Dam 

Spillway 

Rehabilitation

AL Dam 

900,000 

This project will reconstruct the sloped 

shoulder and install new concrete panels 

along the primary spillway at Payne Lake 

Dam. 

71 R8

National 

Forests in

Florida

New Osceola 

Office Site FL

Facility - 

Administrative, 

Water System

 

5,442,000 

This project will replace the Osceola 

Ranger District administrative offices 

and work center complex to provide a 

safe and efficient workplace for 

employees and lower lifecycle building 

maintenance costs. 
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

29a-285 

Item 

No. Region Unit Project Name State Asset Types

2025

Funding Project Summary

72 R8

National 

Forests in 

Mississippi

National Forests 

in Mississippi 

Deferred 

Maintenance

MS

Administrative 

Facility, Road, 

Recreation Site, 

Water System

 

11,608,000 

This project will address deferred 

maintenance on the National Forests in 

Mississippi. Activities include: 

replacement of a damaged bathhouse at 

the Chewalla Recreation Area with a 

waterless vault toilet; access road 

resurfacing at the Turkey Fork 

Recreation Area; replacement of the 

district office and renovation of the main 

work center on the Bienville District; and 

water system repair at the Davis Lake 

Recreation Area to prevent major water 

leaks and reduce water expenses.

73 R8

Ozark-St 

Francis 

National Forest

Ozark-St Francis 

National Forest 

Deferred 

Maintenance

AR Administrative 

Facility, Dam

 

3,170,000 

This project will address deferred 

maintenance on the Ozark-St Francis 

National Forest. Work includes 

rehabilitation of the Bear Creek Lake and 

Cove Lake spillways and the renovation 

of the Deer Work Center. This project 

will result in the elimination of a leased 

facility and cost savings for the agency. 

74 R9 Allegheny 

National Forest

Allegheny 

National Forest 

Deferred 

Maintenance

PA

Road, Road 

Bridge, 

Recreation Site

 

1,074,000 

This project will replace the Big Mill 

Creek Bridge on Forest Road 135. 

Additionally, this project will complete 

critical repairs to a historic picnic 

pavilion at Twin Lakes Recreation area. 

The pavilion was built by an African 

American Civilian Conservation Corps 

company in 1933. This project will 

replace the failed roof and complete log 

repairs. The pavilion is currently closed, 

and this project will allow for visitor use 

once again. 

75 R9

ChequamegonNicolet

National Forest

Chippewa 

Campground 

Shower House 

Reconstruction

WI

Facility - 

Recreation, 

Recreation Site

 

1,230,000 

This project will rehabilitate or 

reconstruct several shower houses and 

one fish cleaning building at the 

Chippewa Campground on the 

Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. 

The shower houses were constructed in 

1969 and require extensive repairs.

76 R9 Chippewa 

National Forest

Chippewa 

National Forest 

Deferred 

Maintenance

MN Recreation Site 

443,000 

This project will address deferred 

maintenance on the Chippewa National 

Forest. Work includes upgrading docks, 

stabilizing the boat launch areas with 

new concrete pads, and armoring areas 

to eliminate erosion and improve boat 

access across the national forest. This 

project will also repaint and complete 

minor repairs at Camp Rabideau to 

address safety issues. Camp Rabideau is 

a National Historic Landmark and one of 

the most complete Civilian Conservation 

Corps camps extant in the United States.
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

29a-286 

Item 

No. Region Unit Project Name State Asset Types

2025

Funding Project Summary

77 R9

Green 

Mountain and 

Finger Lakes 

National 

Forests

Green Mountain 

and Finger Lakes 

National Forests 

Deferred 

Maintenance

VT

Dam, 

Recreation Site, 

Water System, 

Trail, Trail 

Bridge

 

1,519,000

This project will address deferred 

maintenance on the Green Mountain 

and Finger Lakes National Forests. Work 

includes structural repairs to 

observation towers to address Federal 

Aviation Administration inspection 

findings. This project will replace or 

repair structurally deficient trail bridges 

on the Appalachian Trail, Long Trail, and 

Vermont’s snowmobile and mountain 

bike trial networks. Finally, this project 

will address deferred maintenance at 

popular recreation sites, including trail 

maintenance, parking improvements, 

and energy efficiency upgrades. 

78 R9 Hiawatha 

National Forest

Hiawatha 

National Forest 

Deferred 

Maintenance

MI

Recreation Site, 

Trail, Trail 

Bridge, Water 

System, Road

 

1,377,000 

This project will address deferred 

maintenance on the Hiawatha National 

Forest. Activities include repavement of 

campground roads, replace trail bridges, 

and water system upgrades to address 

health and safety risks. 

79 R9 Hoosier

National Forest

Tipsaw and 

Buzzard Roost 

Recreation Areas 

Rehabilitation

IN Road, Road 

Bridge

 

932,000 

This project will reconstruct Tipsaw Main 

Road and Buzzard Roost Road. 

Additionally, this project will resurface 

Tipsaw Lake Recreation Area roads and 

replace the bridge deck. 

80 R9 Mark Twain 

National Forest

Mark Twain 

National Forest 

Deferred 

Maintenance

MO Recreation Site, 

Dam, Road

 

4,068,000 

This project will address deferred 

maintenance on the Mark Twain 

National Forest. Work includes replacing 

amenities at multiple campgrounds 

across the national forest. Additionally, 

this project will rehabilitate Crane Lake 

Dam. This dam is more than 60 years old 

and is classified as a high hazard dam. 

This project will repair the structural 

integrity, meet seismic requirements, 

and comply with federal dam 

regulations. Forest Road 2113 provides 

permanent access to the dam and will 

be improved to accommodate 

construction activities and future 

administrative needs.
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

29a-287 

Item 

No. Region Unit Project Name State Asset Types

2025

Funding Project Summary

81 R9 Monongahela 

National Forest

Monongahela 

National Forest 

Deferred 

Maintenance

WV Recreation Site, 

Road, Bridge

 

1,697,000 

This project will address deferred 

maintenance on the Monongahela 

National Forest. Activities include 

rehabilitation of the historic Rohrbaugh 

Cabin to convert the asset into a 

recreation rental for public use. The 

cabin is listed on the National Register of 

Historic Places. This cabin provides 

historic value and a unique recreation 

opportunity within the Spruce KnobSeneca Rocks National Recreation Area. 

This project will also repair or replace a 

bridge for better access to Dolly Sods 

Wilderness. The existing bridge has 

significant structural deficiencies that 

have reduced the load rating to three 

tons and one vehicle on the bridge at a 

time. This bridge is the primary access 

for approximately 100 private 

landowners. This substructure will have 

repairs and new streambank protection 

and the superstructure and deck will be 

replaced.

82 R9 Ottawa

National Forest

Hunter Walking 

Trail and 

Trailhead Rehab

MI Recreation Site, 

Road, Trail

 

360,000 

This project will rehabilitate trails, 

parking areas, kiosks, and signs on 

hunter walking trails on the Ottawa 

National Forest. 

83 R9 Shawnee

National Forest

Forest-wide 

Toilet 

Replacements

IL

Facility - 

Recreation, 

Recreation Site

 

295,000 

This project will replacement three to 

five aging toilets across the Shawnee 

National Forest to address health and 

safety issues. Sites include Rim Rock 

National Recreation Trail, Buttermilk Hill 

Picnic Area, Bells Smith Springs 

Interpretive Site, and Jackson Falls 

Trailhead.

84 R9 Superior

National Forest

FR152 S. Brule 

River Bridge 

Replacement

MN Road, Road 

Bridge

 

1,520,000 

This project is to replace the existing 

road bridge over the South Brule River. 

The current bridge has a damaged 

superstructure and is load rated. There 

is no other access for the private 

residences beyond this bridge. 
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

29a-288 

Item 

No. Region Unit Project Name State Asset Types

2025

Funding Project Summary

85 R9 Wayne 

National Forest

Wayne National 

Forest Deferred 

Maintenance

OH Trail, Trail 

Bridge

 

646,000 

This project will address deferred 

maintenance on the Wayne National 

Forest. This project will replace the 

Hanging Rock Off-Highway Vehicle Trail 

bridge and reroute the trail to conform 

to bridge design and sustainable trail 

standards. This project will also improve 

the Rock House Trail in the Lake 

Vesuvius Recreation Area. The trail is 

designed to be accessible, but tree roots 

and obstacles make the trail impassable 

to people in wheelchairs. This project 

will repave the trail and make additional 

improvements to comply with Forest 

Service accessibility standards.

86 R9

White 

Mountain

National Forest

Corridor 11 

Andro

Snowmobile Trail 

Maintenance/Re

route

NH Trail, Trail 

Bridge

 

730,000 

This project will relocate the Corridor 11 

Snowmobile Trail, which was damaged 

in a flash flood in summer 2020. This 

project will reconstruct the trail in a 

more sustainable location to reduce 

future maintenance costs. 

87 R10 Chugach 

National Forest

Chugach 

National Forest 

Deferred 

Maintenance

AK 

Recreation Site, 

Trail, Trail 

Bridge

 

5,104,000

This project will address deferred 

maintenance on the Chugach National 

Forest. Activities include the 

replacement of the boardwalk in Quartz 

Creek Campground, a popular recreation 

site that accesses world-class trout 

fishing. Streambank protection of the 

area is an essential function of the 

boardwalk and provides angler access. 

Currently, the boardwalk is unsafe for 

pedestrians due to frost heaving of 

pilings. The project will repair multiple 

outhouses across the Chugach National 

Forest through: replacing access 

hatches, replacing miscellaneous parts, 

climate and weather renovations, 

establishing proper grading for drainage, 

relocation, and replacement.

Additionally, this project will repair trails 

and trail bridges to maintain and 

enhance access to year-round recreation 

activities on the forest. 
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

29a-289 

Item 

No. Region Unit Project Name State Asset Types

2025

Funding Project Summary

88 R10 Tongass 

National Forest

Tongass National 

Forest Deferred 

Maintenance

AK 

Recreation Site, 

Trail, 

Wastewater 

System, Water 

System, Road

 

6,223,000

This project will address deferred 

maintenance on the Tongass National 

Forest. Work includes trail maintenance, 

employee housing renovations, 

recreation site improvements, trail 

bridge replacements, water and 

wastewater system repairs, and road 

work. This project will complete the 

parking and paving deferred 

maintenance at the Mendenhall Glacier 

Visitor Center, as identified in the 

master plan. This project will replace 

multiple trail bridges that access 

recreation sites on the national forest. 

This project will repair trails, including 

drainage, tread, brushing, and 

boardwalk replacement. It will renovate 

housing facilities and their components 

that have reached the end of their useful 

life. Finally, this project will replace vault 

toilet roofs and site amenities at popular 

recreation sites near Juneau. 

89 R&D Research and 

Development

Research and 

Development 

Deferred 

Maintenance

AZ, 

CA, 

MS, 

MT, 

MI, 

NC, 

NH, 

PR, 

OR, 

UT, 

WI, 

WV

Research 

Facility, Housing

 

13,592,000 

This project will renovate multiple Forest 

Service research facilities and employee 

housing units in 12 states and territories. 

Activities include roof replacement, 

mechanical system repair, water system 

repair, and laboratory modernization. 

Total, 2025 Legacy Restoration Funding............................................... 234,895,000 

2025 Sequestration (5.7%) ................................................................... 16,245,000 

Administrative Funds ........................................................................... 21,000,000 

Contingency......................................................................................... 12,860,000 

Total, National Parks and Public Lands Legacy Restoration Fund.......... 285,000,000 
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

29a-290 

LAND AND WATER CONSERVATION FUND

FY 2025 Land and Water Conservation Fund Proposed Acquisition Lists

The Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) (P.L. 116-152), enacted in 2020, permanently funds the Land and Water 

Conservation Fund (LWCF), investing in conservation and recreation opportunities in public and private lands.

In FY 2025, the Forest Service is requesting $123,885,000 for Federal Land Acquisition projects and program 

administration and $94,255,000 for Forest Legacy projects and program administration. These levels are subject to 

a 5.7 percent sequestration rate, and this is reflected in the tables below. The Forest Service has developed the 

projects in accordance with GAOA requirements and Administration guidance. The full project data sheets will be 

transmitted to Congress concurrently with the FY 2025 Budget request. These project lists may differ from those 

provided in an enacted appropriations bill.

Table FS-182. FY 2025 National Forest System Land Acquisition Program – Proposed Projects

Total New Budget Authority, 2025 Allocation $123,887,020 

Previously Sequestered Budget Authority from 2024 (Sequester Return) 7,059,540 

2025 Sequestration -7,061,445

Total Net Budget Authority in 2025 (Available Program Funding) 123,885,000 

Priority 

Order State Project Congressional District Funding Request 

1 CA Sequoia National Forest CA-20 9,500,000 

2 CA Tahoe National Forest CA-03 5,000,000 

3 WA Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forests WA-08 8,000,000 

4 AZ Prescott National Forest AZ-02 10,500,000 

5 AK Chugach National Forest I AK-At Large 5,000,000 

6 CO Rio Grande National Forest CO-03 5,281,000 

7 NM Cibola National Forest NM-02 10,000,000 

8 GA Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests GA-08, 10, 14 6,156,000 

9 AL National Forests in Alabama AL-03, 06 3,850,000 

10 MT Lolo National Forest, Phase I MT-01 7,500,000 

11 OR Mt. Hood National Forest OR-02 6,000,000 

12 UT Fishlake National Forest UT-02 5,000,000 

13 SC Francis Marion And Sumter National Forests SC-01 4,000,000 

14 CO San Juan National Forest I CO-03 3,500,000 

15 MT Kootenai National Forest MT-01 1,600,000 

16 MT Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest I MT-01 1,740,000 

Subtotal, Project Funds 92,627,000

Recreation Access 12,000,000 

Acquisition Management 13,508,000 

Critical Inholdings/Wilderness 5,500,000 

Cash Equalization 250,000 

Total 123,885,000 
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

29a-291 

17 NC National Forests In North Carolina NC-05,11 850,000 

18 MT Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest II MT-01 1,400,000 

19 AR Ouachita National Forest AR-02 7,668,000 

20 CO San Juan National Forest II CO-03 4,690,000 

21 MT Lolo National Forest, Phase II MT-01 7,500,000 

22 AZ Coconino National Forest AZ-02 12,150,000 

23 MT Custer Gallatin National Forest MT-02 2,000,000 

24 AK Chugach National Forest II AK-At-Large 1,145,000 

25 SD Black Hills National Forest CO-01 2,374,500 

26 WY Bridger-Teton National Forest WY-01 7,500,000 

Total, Supplemental Project List 47,277,500
2025 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOREST SERVICE

29a-292 

Table FS-183. FY 2025 Forest Legacy Program – Proposed Projects

Total New Budget Authority, 2025 Allocation $94,195,391 

Previously Sequestered Budget Authority from 2024 (Sequester Return) 5,428,746 

2025 Sequestration -5,369,137

Total Net Budget Authority in 2025 (Available Program Funding) 94,255,000 

Rank State Project Name Congressional 

District Funding Request

1 MT Stimson Timberland Legacy MT-01 10,200,000 

2 UT Zion Connectivity Project UT-02 3,000,000 

3 VT Hazen's Notch VT-At-Large 2,260,000 

4 AZ The Sonoita Creek Wildlife Corridor AZ-07 2,200,000 

5 OK Musket Mountain Forest OK-02 15,915,000 

6 ID Spirit of Mt Spokane Phase 2A ID-01, 05 8,000,000 

7 WA Spirit of Mount Spokane Phase 2B WA-01, 05 5,060,000 

8 NC Roanoke River Bottomlands Forest NC-01 3,000,000 

9 OR Tualatin Mountain Forest OR-01 5,765,000 

10 CA Brushy Mountain Phase 4, Eel River Peninsula CA-02, 04 11,675,000 

11 GA Upatoi Ravines GA-02 13,500,000 

12 FL Avalon Woodland Ravines FL-02 3,705,000 

13 IA Catfish Creek Headwaters IA-02 1,975,000 

Subtotal, Project Funds 86,255,000 

Administrative Funds 8,000,000 

Total 94,255,000

13 IA Catfish Creek Headwaters - Remainder IA-02 1,360,000 

14 TX Scrappin' Valley TX-36 815,000 

15 HI South Kona Forest HI-02 1,500,000 

16 OR The Columbia Gorge Forest OR-02, 03 9,315,000 

17 WA Mt. Adams Forest WA-03, 04 13,875,000 

18 AL Dugdown Mountain Corridor Stateline Alabama AL-03, 14 3,750,000 

19 AL Weogufka State Forest Expansion AL-03 9,235,000 

20 OR Lostine Forest OR-02 3,750,000 

Total, Supplemental Project List 43,600,000