United States Forest Service
The United States Forest Service (USFS) is a USDA agency. It administers the national forests and national grasslands.
Composition
The USFS is overseen by the Undersecretary of Agriculture for Natural Resources and Environment.
The service is led by a chief and associate chief.
The service is subdivided into:
- the Chief's Office
- National Forest System
- State and Private Forestry
- Business Operations
- Research and Development
History
In 1876, an office of the Special Agent was established in the USDA to administer national forests. This was expanded in 1881 into the Division of Forestry.
In 1901, the division was renamed to the Bureau of Forestry.
The Transfer Act (1905) transferred forest reserves from the DOI General Land Office to the bureau, which was immediately reorganized into the United States Forest Service.