Back to Basics—Delivering Results for America’s Forests

Under Chief Tom Schultz’s leadership, the Forest Service is taking a back-to-basics approach—refocusing the agency on the fundamental work that matters most to the American people.

• Prioritizing safety in every action we take

• Protecting communities and natural resources from wildfire

• Actively managing forests for health and productivity

• Unleashing American energy and resource potential

• Supporting disaster recovery

• Expanding access to outdoor recreation

• Cutting bureaucratic red tape through deregulation and organizational efficiency

• Strengthening partnerships that deliver results on the ground

At the same time, the Forest Service is transforming into a leaner, more results-focused agency. Chief Schultz is driving this change by making the agency more efficient, fiscally responsible, and focused on delivering maximum value for every taxpayer dollar.

Whether you live or work near a forest, value clean air and water, or love outdoor adventure, these priorities are designed with you in mind.

Prioritize safety—of agency employees and the public—in every action we take.

Safety must always be at the forefront of employee’s minds. That includes:

• Making safety the first and last step of every operation—from fireline to fieldwork

• Promoting a culture of care that goes beyond avoiding injuries or accidents

• Ensuring that how the work gets done matters as much as what gets done

What it means for you: A Forest Service that never compromises on safety. It has always been, and will always remain, our top priority.

Protect communities and natural resources from wildfire and respond with aggressive, safe initial attack.

To protect lives, property, and forests, the Forest Service is doubling down on wildfire readiness and rapid response. That includes:

• Ensuring an aggressive, coordinated response to keep fires small

• Investing in interagency, contract, infrastructure (e.g., technology and radio towers) and staff resources to match the reality of year-round fire

• Strengthening community protection and post-fire recovery through partnerships and planning

• Reducing wildfire risk with more fuel treatments and prescribed fire

What it means for you: Safer communities, cleaner air, and fewer severe wildfires.

Expand timber production, reduce barriers to grazing, and return forests to health and productivity.

Forest maintenance keeps forest open, healthy, and productive. That includes:

• Thinning overgrown areas and removing dead trees to restore natural balance

• Boosting timber production to support local mills

• Positioning grazing as a core land management tool by expanding access, modernizing processes, and elevating producer voices

• Accelerating reforestation to restore burned areas

• Streamlining permitting and reviews to deliver projects faster

• Expanding wood product and energy markets through innovation

What it means for you: Stronger local economies, more jobs in forest and energy sectors, and productive forests and grasslands that fuel rural prosperity.

Unleash American energy and resource potential as part of the multiple-use mission.

National forests provide more than water and recreation; they’re a foundation for energy security and innovation. That includes:

• Supporting access to critical minerals essential to energy, defense, and technology

• Cutting red tape to accelerate responsible exploration and permitting

• Supporting energy development that complements forest management

What it means for you: Responsible resource use that strengthens the nation’s economy and resilience.

Help rebuild communities and restore forests.

When nature strikes, the Forest Service helps communities recover. That includes:

• Repairing trails, bridges, roads, and other infrastructure

• Restoring damaged landscapes to prevent flooding

• Providing assistance and funding to local communities

• Restoring damaged forests for future benefits

What it means for you: Faster recovery, fewer costs, and stronger communities.

Enhance access and visitor experiences.

The outdoor recreation economy is booming, and the Forest Service is expanding visitor access and improving outdoor services. That includes:

• Improving trails, campgrounds, and facilities for safer, reliable experiences

• Maintaining infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, and recreation sites — ultimately contributing to local economic growth and job creation

• Personalizing and expanding visitor access through on-site staff and volunteer engagement and leveraging virtual concierge services, such as Recreation.gov

• Promoting safe, healthy, and responsible outdoor experiences

What it means for you: Easier access to hike, ride, camp, hunt, and fish in your national forests—with better facilities and improved visitor services.

Reduce burdensome processes, increase efficiency, and deliver results on the ground. 

For too long, the Forest Service has been bogged down by excessive processes that hamper innovation and do not serve the American people. Agency employees will focus on actions that roll back this red tape. This includes:

• Making it easier and faster to accomplish critical projects

• Clearing obstacles that make it hard to do business with the Forest Service

• Listening to people closest to the ground who know the forest the best

• Getting rid of unnecessary rules and regulations

• Implementing the USDA Reorganization Plan to reduce administrative layers and focus on delivering services closer to our customers

What it means for you: Better use of your taxpayer dollars by delivering fast, visible results and increased accountability and transparency.

Share stewardship through shared responsibility.

The Forest Service is working hand-in-hand with state, tribal, and local governments to manage the nation’s forests more effectively. That includes:

• Signing shared stewardship agreements with states to align priorities and pool resources

• Supporting tribal sovereignty and co-stewardship of ancestral lands via tribal shared stewardship opportunities

• Partnering with counties, municipalities, and private landowners to improve forest health and wildfire resilience

• Coordinating across jurisdictions to deliver recreation, conservation, and economic benefits

What it means for you: More responsive local decision-making, stronger partnerships, and better results for your community.