Nature and Science

The research and development (R&D) arm of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service works at the forefront of science to improve the health and use of our Nation's forests and grasslands. Research has been part of the Forest Service mission since the agency's inception in 1905. Go here for more information.

History and Culture

Established in 1905, the Forest Service is an agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The Forest Service manages public lands in national forests and grasslands. Gifford Pinchot, the first Chief of the Forest Service, summed up the mission of the Forest Service—"to provide the greatest amount of good for the greatest amount of people in the long run. National forests and grasslands encompass 193 million acres of land, which is an area equivalent to the size of Texas. Go here for more information.

Outdoor Safety and Ethics

As a visitor to the National Forests in Mississippi, you will find many opportunities to enjoy and explore nature’s creations. Our sites not only include the mighty timberlands, but hills, lakes, rivers, and the wildlife that inhabit the lands. These areas create great passageways for America’s highways, byways, and backroads leading to great recreation activities. However, because of the large territories that are covered by forest, many unforeseen dangers present unpredictable challenges for our visitors to have a safe visit. Go here for more information.

Just For Kids

The Forest Service is committed to connecting kids with nature and the outdoors by providing students, parents and teachers with youth-oriented information and resources related to natural resources and the environment. Our agency wants to encourage more kids to go outdoors by having fun, being healthy and learning more about nature. This can instill kids to create an awareness of the value of public lands, seek careers in natural resources and land management as well as enthusiastically participate in physical activities.Go here for more information.