Policy Report: Dec. 21, 2021
Welcome to the FS Policy Report! Our goal is to provide weekly updates on Agency policy actions, including directives and regulations.
Recently issued directives:
FSM 5180-Fire Reports (12/15/2021)
Revised multiple sections within the chapter to address the move from the old final fire…
#InsideTheForestService
Job Corps program change delivers diverse employees to Forest Service

From the deck of the Devils Head Lookout Tower on the South Platte Ranger District, visitors can see all the way to the Denver metropolitan area on a clear day July 21, 2021. More than 34,000 people visit the tower each year because of how close the South Platte Ranger District is to Denver, many of those…
#InsideTheForestService, Conifers, #SpecialUsePermits
HRM: National Federation of Federal Employees pending arbitration
Snider and Associates is a law firm representing the National Federation of Federal Employees in a grievance that is now pending arbitration. The grievance alleges that the Forest Service has violated the Fair Labor Standards Act and other requirements for overtime pay.Representatives from…
#HumanResources, #InsideTheForestService
Picture A Scientist discussion: Recording still available to employees
COLORADO—On June 15, the Rocky Mountain Research Station and Northern Research Station hosted a live discussion of the film “Picture A Scientist.” The live discussion followed a three-day viewing window and was introduced by RMRS Director Monica Lear and NRS Director Cynthia West, followed by opening messages from Chief Vicki Christiansen and Deputy Chief of Research & Development Alex…
#Science, #InsideTheForestService, #Employees
New publication: Forest Service research informs land management decisions in changing climate
In addition to supporting land management decisions, R&D also helps the USDA and the nation move closer to achieving climate and carbon goals. For instance, the Forest Service Forest Inventory and Analysis program is the primary source of data on U.S. terrestrial carbon stocks. USDA Forest Service photo.
Climate change is a defining…
#Reforestation, #InsideTheForestService, #Publications, #Science, #Climate
Wildland fire town hall with Secretary Vilsack [VIDEO]
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The Wildland Fire Town Hall Meeting with Secretary Vilsack was held on Monday, May 17, 2021. The meeting, which was held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic, was a focused and intimate dialogue with staff from the wildland fire community across the agency. Employees representing fire operations, leadership, research and wildfire support operations were encouraged to join…