U.S. Forest Service

Forest Service Map Prices to Increase Jan. 1

December 15, 2017 - For the first time in nearly a decade, increasing costs of production, printing, and distribution are driving the need for the U.S. Forest Service to increase the price of its maps. Prices of National Forests and Grasslands in Texas maps will increase to $14 on Jan. 1.

Wilderness map prices will remain at $4.

The Forest Service continually updates its maps and looks for ways to enhance maps. The Forest Service expects to shorten the revision cycle as cartographers continue to apply new digital technology to the map revision process.

Forest Service Waives Day-Use Fees for Veterans Day

November 1, 2017 - Many recreation areas and other venues in the National Forests and Grasslands in Texas will be free to the public on Nov. 11-12 in honor of Veterans Day.

“We honor our veterans each Veterans Day and every other day of the year,” said U.S. Forest Service Chief Tony Tooke. “We hope that this time will serve as a way for our veterans and other visitors to find our national forests and grasslands as a year-round respite, a place where they can take time out for themselves.”

Day-use fees will be waived at:

SFA Experimental Forest to Close for Special Deer Hunts

October 24, 2017 - The SFA Experimental Forest will be closed from October 28 to November 10, for managed deer hunts in cooperation with Texas Parks & Wildlife Department and the Natural Resources Conservation Service’s Plants Material Center which is located in the Experimental Forest.

Deer, Hog Hunt for Persons with Disabilities Set for Dec 8-9

October 2, 2017 - The 9th Annual Angelina Wheelin’ Sportsmen Event for people with disabilities will be December 8-9 at Stephen F. Austin Experimental Forest, Winston Tree Farm and Alazon Wildlife Management Area.

The two-day deer and hog hunt is sponsored by the National Wild Turkey Federation’s Wheelin’ Sportsmen program, U.S. Forest Service, National Forests and Grasslands in Texas, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, April AWOL Chapter and Pineywoods Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation.

Forest Service Waives Fees for National Public Lands Day

September 26, 2017 - Many recreation areas and other venues in the National Forest will be free to the public on Saturday, Sept. 30 in celebration of National Public Lands Day.

“National Public Lands Day is a great opportunity for families to visit our national forests, experience the beginnings of fall, and perhaps be motivated to join in with other volunteers and help us restore America’s precious natural resources,” said U.S. Forest Service Chief Tony Tooke.

Day-use fees will be waived at:

U.S. Forest Service Officials Urge Hunters to Use Caution in the Woods

September 27, 2017 - As gun deer hunting season begins, U.S. Forest Service officials are reminding hunters of guidelines designed to make their hunting trips to national forests safe and enjoyable, while sustaining the health of the forests.

Flooding from Hurricane Harvey damaged several roads in the Angelina, Sabine and Davy Crockett National Forests and did extensive damage in the Sam Houston National Forest. Some roads and bridges remain impassable and are closed. Check with the Ranger’s Office to make sure your favorite hunter camp is open.

Wild, Scenic Rivers Public Meetings Postponed

September 5, 2017 - The National Forests and Grasslands in Texas is postponing meetings on Wild and Scenic River eligibility and Wildernesses due to widespread flooding caused by Hurricane Harvey.

The meetings, scheduled for Lufkin and San Augustine on Sept 12 and 14 have been postponed, according to Rob Potts, Natural Resources and Planning staff officer.

“Our main concern is with people recovering from the devastation of Hurricane Harvey,” he said. “As lives and homes are put back together, we will reschedule these meetings.”

National Forests in Texas Camping Fees Waived for Those Displaced by Flooding

September 3, 2017 - The Southern Region of the USDA Forest Service is waiving fees and making campgrounds available for individuals displaced by the recent flooding in Texas and other states.

Like several areas along the Gulf Coast, many National Forests were impacted by the recent storm. Some of the region’s campgrounds are closed due to the flooding.

National Forest Recreation Areas, Trails Closed for Public Safety

August 28, 2017 - All recreation areas and trails in the Sam Houston, Davy Crockett, Angelina and Sabine National Forests remain closed as a public safety precaution until the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey passes, according to Forest Supervisor Eddie Taylor.

Taylor emphasized that national forest campgrounds have older trees that are susceptible to falling when soils become saturated.

National Forest Closing Campgrounds, Trails as Hurricane Harvey Approaches

August 25, 2017 - As Hurricane Harvey approaches the Texas Gulf Coast, Forest Supervisor Eddie Taylor is closing all campgrounds and trails in the Davy Crockett, Angelina and Sabine National Forests.

Sam Houston National Forest sites were closed earlier in the week.

“With potentially high winds, possible tornados and heavy rainfall, the forest is not a safe place to be,” Taylor said. “Recreation areas and trails will remain closed until the storm has passed and our personnel have determined the roads and public areas are safe.”

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