January 16, 2023 - In honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, the National Forests and Grasslands in Texas is waiving day-use fees on January 16 in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr.
“Martin Luther King, Jr. was a pivotal figure in the Civil Rights Movement, and his leadership inspired men and women, young and old, in this nation and around the world,” said Kimpton Cooper, Forest Supervisor for the National Forests and Grasslands in Texas. “ Monday, we honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his message of equality, love, and service.”
January 3, 2023 – Increasing costs of maintenance and other requirements are driving the need for the USDA Forest Service to reinstate the fee at the Angelina National Forest-Boykin Springs Recreation Area. The new fee will take effect on January 3, 2023.
November 9, 2022 – Many recreation areas and other venues in the National Forests and Grasslands in Texas will be free to the public on Friday, November 11, in honor of Veterans Day.
“We honor our veterans each Veterans Day and every other day of the year,” said Forest Supervisor Kimpton Cooper. “We hope our veterans and other visitors find our national forests and grasslands as a place where they can relax and enjoy the outdoors.”
Camping fees remain in effect, but day-use fees are waived at these recreation areas and trails:
October 27, 2022 – As gun deer hunting season begins, U.S. Forest Service officials remind hunters of guidelines designed to make their hunting trips to the national forest safe and enjoyable while sustaining the health of the forests.
“Hunting season is one of the busiest times in the forest, and safety is always a primary concern,” said Forest Supervisor Kimpton Cooper. “Visitors should check their surroundings and be aware of the possibility of falling limbs or trees. Remember, being outside is great, but you are responsible for your safety.”
October 3, 2022 – The National Visitor Use Monitoring (NVUM) survey is being conducted on the National Forests and Grasslands in Texas beginning in October of 2022 and will go through September 30, 2023. The information gathered is useful for forest planning and local community tourism planning. For example, it provides National Forest managers with an estimate of how many people actually recreate on the National Forest, what activities they engage in while there and how satisfied people were with their visit.
September 20, 2022 – The National Forests and Grasslands in Texas are waiving fees at day-use recreation sites on September 24 for National Public Lands Day.
“I encourage everyone to enjoy the grasslands or forests; this Saturday and every day possible,” Forest Supervisor Kimpton Cooper said.
Camping fees remain in effect, but day-use fees are waived on Saturday, September 24, at these recreation areas and trails:
August 17, 2022 – In Texas, we are in the middle of the hurricane season, and historically the strongest storms are in August and September. The National Forest and Grasslands in Texas have hurricane/severe weather plans for our ranger districts, ensuring visitor and employee safety.
District Rangers execute their hurricane or severe weather plans if any storms are approaching. These plans focus on visitor and employee safety.
June 27, 2022 – As the July 4 holiday weekend approaches, officials with the U.S. Forest Service remind the public that fireworks are prohibited in the National Forests and Grasslands in Texas.
Fireworks can create a potentially dangerous fire situation, and Forest Supervisor Kimpton Cooper says law enforcement personnel will be watchful again this year.
June 10, 2022 – The National Forests and Grasslands in Texas waives day-use fees at recreation sites on Saturday, June 11 for National Get Outdoors Day.