Official websites use .gov
A .gov
website belongs to an official government organization in the
United States.
Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock
(
) or https:// means you've safely
connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only
on official, secure websites.
Audio-Visual
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Public Service Announcements (PSAs)
"Wet Wood is a Waste" explains how to use a simple moisture meter to test wood to see if it is dry enough to burn. Moisture meters are available in all sizes and can cost as little as $20. Properly dried wood should have a reading of 20% of less.
"Split, Stack, Cover, Store" provides four easy steps on how to dry wood for proper use in wood stoves or fireplaces.
They are:
- Split wood to a variety of sizes but no larger than a six-inch wedge.
- Stack wood away from a building and off the ground on a pallet with split side down to promote drying.
- Cover the top of wood with a tarp or woodshed.
- Store: Allow time for the wood to dry. This can be 6-12 months, depending on the type of wood.
Forest Service Audios |
|
Char Miller is professor of history and director of urban studies at Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas. |
|
|
Cultural Videos |
|
Walking on Sacred Ground The Lolo Trail National Historic Landmark is a special place. The centuries-old travel corridor, first used by Niimiipuu (Nez Perce Indians), has since been followed by the Lewis and Clark Expedition, trappers, traders, miners and moder-day adventurers. Many who travel this rugged route today may not be aware that the natural and cultural resources along the Lolo Trail are deceptively delicate. Walking on Sacred Ground explains why this landsape – from its cultural importance to modern Nez Perce people, to its sensitive mountain habitats – is so remarkable. Viewers will learn a little of the history of the Lolo Trail National Historic Landmark and how to enjoy visiting the area while protecting the land and the culture that make it such a unique place. Link to YouTube video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iyoHIfVkc4A&feature=plcp
|
|
Kalaupapa - A Story to Tell
Link to video on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dqGCtEM4bfY&list=PL8FD25BC025A3C54D&index=6&feature=plpp_video
|
|
Landscape Of History: The Nez Perce (Nee-Me-Poo) National Historic Trail
This program takes you on the 1,170-mile journey taken by the Nez Perce tribe in 1877. Pursued by the United States Army, 750 Nez Perce men, women, and children made a heroic yet futile flight seeking freedom and peace far from their homeland. The program highlights the need to preserve and interpret this landscape of history. YouTube link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PMEVav1Mixw
|
|
Preservation Passed On
In the Northern Rockies, at least 800 old cabins, fire lookouts, and ranger stations still stand on federal and state public lands. Right now, the skills that are necessary to maintain historic buildings are in the hands of a few people. In the Forest Service Northern Region, a Historic Preservation Team has been established to remedy this situation. Since 1991, these craftsmen have been rejuvenating buildings constructed between 1800 and 1940. And in the process the team has annually trained some 50 - 70 federal and state public land employees. This program highlights the application of this training. YouTube link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8iiI1HnTHC0
|
Ecosystem Videos |
|
The Bozeman Muncipal Watershed, "A Community's Watershed at Risk" Link to Video via YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h58BnUfjsIk
Bozeman, Montana is a growing and thriving community. It is the fifth largest city in the state, home to Montana State University and the county seat of Gallatin County. The Bozeman Area Chamber of Commerce describes this community as an ideal place to reside and recreate! Clean air, national forest access less than 10 miles away and moderate climate make this a perfect place for outdoor recreation. Hyalite and Bozeman Creeks are located about 10 miles south of downtown Bozeman and are considered to be Bozeman’s Backyard. The private land bordering national forest system lands is sought after for housing development given the proximity to town and national forest, and the scenic views offered from these locations. It is not uncommon for more than 5,000 people to be enjoying these drainages on a busy summer weekend. These watersheds also provide over 95% of the city of Bozeman’s drinking water. In the last 10 years, numerous large wildland fires have burned near these drainages Given the alignment of these drainages with prevailing wind and weather patterns, and the existing fuel conditions Forest fire and fuels managers believe it is inevitable that these two drainages will experience more wildland fires in the future. To address this concern, the Forest Service and the city of Bozeman developed the Bozeman Municipal Watershed Project. The goal of the project is to maintain a high-quality, predictable water supply for the Bozeman community through cooperative efforts with the City of Bozeman in implementing sustainable land management practices. This video highlights the project and the action needed to protect a community’s watershed at risk. |
|
Cornerstone - Geology And Ecosystems
For 4.5 billion years, geologic forces have shaped the Earth. Complex processes influencing the composition, shape, and chemistry of landforms were critical in establishing how and where the Earth's vast collection of plants and animals live. Forest Service lands hold within them a rich array of components from the broad building blocks of the landscape to the tiniest organisms that live within the soils. The rich diversity among the collection of ecosystems - where organisms are interdependent and interactive with one another. This program explores the relationship between geology and ecosystems. Since all organisms within an ecosystem respond not only to one another, but also to the non-living environment, Forest Service professionals must include an analysis of geology to fully understand natural systems. Geology is the cornerstone of all ecosystems. YouTube link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hQVNxexFwmM
|
|
The Douglas Hill Incident -- Putting Fire Back Into The Ecosystem
Forest Service Ranger Bob Thompson and Fire Management Specialist Ron Hvizdak describe how prescribed burning can not only rejuvenate vegetation but can also help reduce the effects of wildfire. Also a local citizen describes how her perspective on prescribed burning was dramatically changed when the Douglas hill fire erupted and threatened a number of homes. Link to video on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=37hqCqB8iq8&list=PLB3FE0B2B4E8C2356&index=2&feature=plpp_video |
|
Greater Yellowstone Area: A Quest For Balance
This program explains the origins of Yellowstone National Park and the surrounding National Forests and how current issues have evolved from the different mandates for management. YouTube link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rbXf9EwqDOA |
Fire Videos |
|
Wildfire - Preventing Home Ignitions
You will learn: How the combustion process causes home ignitions; How some homes are destroyed while others survive; How hour most effective home protection efforts occur with the "home ignition zone." This program is a product of Jack Cohen's research at the Fire Sciences Laboratory, Missoula, MT. Rocky Mountain Research Station and Firewise Communities The files open automatically in the player in about 30 seconds, so please be patient. |
|
Mann Gulch: The Wrath of Nature
August 5th, 1949. It's a broiling hot day across Montana. The thermometer in Helena reads 97 degrees. But it's even hotter in Mann Gulch - a funnel-shaped canyon that adjoins the Missouri River 20 miles north of Helena. In the afternoon, a fire is reported on the south ridge of Mann Gulch and 16 smokejumpers take off from Missoula and fly 120 miles east to the jump site. One smokejumper becomes ill on the bumpy flight and remains on the plane. The remaining 15 jumpers hook onto the jump line and hurl themselves into the wrath of nature. That day, 13 young men would lose a desperate race with an unpredictable fire. This program describes the events of that fateful day over 50 years ago. YouTube link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wbs1Uqc-y4c |
|
The Douglas Hill Incident -- Putting Fire Back Into The Ecosystem Forest Service Ranger Bob Thompson and Fire Management Specialist Ron Hvizdak describe how prescribed burning can not only rejuvenate vegetation but can also help reduce the effects of wildfire. Also a local citizen describes how her perspective on prescribed burning was dramatically changed when the Douglas Hill fire erupted and threatened a number of homes. (Same video as in Ecosystem category.) YouTube link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qnt4W-qJOdg
|
|
After The Flames & A Year Later
This video discusses the aftermath of 1988 - the year of fire in Greater Yellowstone. It focuses on the questions of what caused the fires of 1988, how much of the Greater Yellowstone Area really did burn, and what is being done to recover the burned areas. It goes on to detail the progress and direction of recovery a year after the flames. Link to YouTube video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KxPrw3oGWVA&list=PLB3FE0B2B4E8C2356&index=1&feature=plpp_video |
General Videos |
|
Explore the Northern Region
The Northern Region is home to a variety of wildlife and an abundance of natural resources. The region's many ranger stations and visitor centers tell the story of a diverse and uniquely western landscape. For over one hundred years the Northern Region has offered its visitors the opportunity to escape the crowds of the city and encounter nature at its best - to experience the solitude, the breathtaking beauty and the challenges of our wild lands. |
|
2008 Capitol Christmas Tree
The official 2008 U.S. Capitol Christmas tree ballad, "Heart of Montana" was written and performed by Jack Gladstone, a Native "Poet Singer" and lecturer from the Blackfeet Indian National of Montana. The official lighting ceremony took place December 2, 2008. Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi flipped the switch with the help from Chris Gabrielsen, a Havre, Montana student who won the trip to light the tree. A sub-alpine was selected, cut and hauled to Washington, D.C. along with more than five-thousand hand-made ornaments. Students and artists donated the ornaments reflecting the theme, " Sharing Montana's Treasures". Along with the Christmas tree, more than 70 smaller companion trees were taken to Washington, D.C. to be displayed in congressional offices and other office buildings. The success of this project was made possible through the generous support by dozens of partners, sponsors and volunteers. A complete list of sponsors is located on the inside jacket of this DVD. |
|
Myrtle Creek Healthy Forests Restoration Project Since 1928, Myrtle Creek has been the primary drinking water source for the city of Bonners Ferry, Idaho. In September 2003, a wildfire burned about 3,400 acres in the Myrtle Creek watershed, prompting local officials to approach the Forest Service with a proposal to protect their drinking water. This video tells the story of Myrtle Creek from the residents who rely on this watershed as their sole source of drinking water. In this video, residents describe how the Myrtle Creek Fire sparked to life and the devastating effects it left in the watershed that prompted residents to take action to protect their drinking water from future fires. |
|
Images Of A National Forest
In the Forest Service there are many different types of people doing many different kinds of jobs: Forest Supervisor, District Ranger, forester, hydrologist, fisheries biologist, wildlife biologist, range conservationist, geologist, archaeologist, and recreation specialist. This video looks at the multiple uses of a National Forest by the Forest Service people who do the work. YouTube link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gM56plG4Xu4 |
History Videos |
|
The Fires of 1910: Heros. Heritage. Renewal. Many programs in the US Forest Service evolved from the 1910 fires and their aftermath. One can say this event was the young Forest Service’s “trial by fire” that led to the solidifying support of the agency during its turbulent beginning. To commemorate the 100th anniversary of the “Big Burn,” the US Forest Service in cooperation with state and local partners and several Montana and Idaho communities held a weekend of commemorative events August 20-22, 2010. The Fires of 1910: Heroes. Heritage. Renewal. is the theme for respectfully honoring the firefighters and civilians who died, the communities burned and rebuilt and the reforestation and renewal of the landscapes across eight million acres of Montana and Idaho. This 20 minute Forest Service video highlights the commemorative events held in St. Maries, Idaho; Wallace, Idaho; Haugan, Montana; and Missoula, Montana. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N3bjDwmCjRM |
|
A Tradition of Reforestation in the Northern Region
|
|
Our First Century - Nez Perce National Forest 1908-2008
In 1905, President Theodore Roosevelt's valiant and visionary actions resulted in one of the most lasting and significant contributions to the United States -- the creation of the National Forest Reserves. Gifford Pinchot established the Forest Service on July 1, 1905 and two years later, the old 'forest reserves' were renamed 'national forests'. In 1908, President Roosevelt signed an executive order creating the Nez Perce National Forest. This is the story about the Nez Perce National Forest. A forest rich with history and culture told by the people who call this diverse landscape their home. |
|
Digging Up History: The Story of the Cypress Stump Discovery
In the summer of 2002, during a paleontological dig near Watford City for a prized crocodile fossil, a petrified cypress tree stump was unintentionally unearthed on the Little Missouri National Grassland. Since its discovery, many partnerships were formed to transport and display the fossilized tree stump in the Long X Trading Post Visitor’s Center in Watford City, ND. This success story was made possible through many partnerships and the hard work of the USDA Forest Service, North Dakota Geological Survey, McKenzie County Road and Bridge, Watford City Engineer, McKenzie County Economic Development Coordinator, Iron Horse Machine, and the City of Watford City. Visitors can now relive the past by watching this video and viewing the fossilized cypress tree stump for themselves. |
|
A Century Of Service: Mule Pack Trains
Horses and mules have been linked with the Forest Service since its earliest days. This video follows their history with the Forest Service and focuses on the Northern Region mule pack train. YouTube link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5srcqhp2WwQ
|
|
The Elkhorn Mountains: A Range of Reflections
It's an island mountain range in southwest Montana unlike any other in the state. Surrounded by highways that fade into the Boulder Valley to the south, the Elkhorn Mountains invite outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy its beauty. A trip into the Elkhorns takes you back in time to a place once rich with mining, trapping and management controversies that began 100 years ago. Those who know the story of Elkhorns are the men and women who made this rich and diverse landscape their home. The Forest Service dedicates this video to those people and Theodore Roosevelt's proclamation of the Elkhorn Mountains as a Forest Reserve. |
Historical FilmsThe footage on these videos was originally taken on 16mm film and has been converted to digital in 2009. |
|
Clearwater Log Drives
Disk 1: Log Drive - Clearwater River - 19 min., 1938 (Historical) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hc-2f7_XUEk Disk 2: Flume Logging - Clearwater River, 9 min. 1938 (Historical) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GJKDp58qDqI |
|
Historic Log Drives The footage on this video was originally taken on 16mm film. This 23 minutes video highlights historic log drives in the Northern Region of the Forest Service. Video includes music. YouTube link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UvhbgUmHKfk |
|
Pinchot
Gifford Pinchot (1865-1946), American conservationist and public official, was chiefly responsible for introducing scientific forestry to the United States. He is considered the founding father of the U.S. Forest Service and served as the first Chief of the Forest Service from 1905-1910. The original footage on this DVD was taken on 16mm film. It was converted to DVD in 2009. This video gives an entertaining look into Gifford Pinchot’s life and influence in the U.S. Forest Service. This 22 minute video contains two, 11 minute versions of the same video. One version of the film is silent, the other contains audio narration. The version with sound directly follows the silent film. |
Natural Resources Videos |
|
Fading Gold: The Decline of Aspen in the West
In the Rocky Mountain West, one of our most important tree species is fading from the landscape. Quaking Aspen once covered almost nine million acres, now they cover less than four million acres. This program describes the unique biology of Aspen and how it is tied to its decline. For every acre of Aspen lost, so is a prime source of water, productive habitat for wildlife, a valuable source of livestock forage, and one of our most scenic treasures. Link to YouTube video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W7w-Hb13ke4&list=PLB93A2EA5B7238BD5&index=4&feature=plpp_video |
|
Biological Control Of Leafy Spurge
It started innocently. During the late 1800's, thousands of immigrants from northern Europe flooded into the Midwest and areas of southern Canada. Mixed in with the grain seed they brought with them were the seeds of leafy spurge. With no natural enemies, leafy spurge quickly established and dominated vast areas. One of the most effective weapons to combat this enormous problem is a small insect called a flea beetle. This program shows how to apply a systematic approach for inventorying, collecting, releasing, and monitoring flea beetles. YouTube link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qwRfhe5ct3s
|
|
Monitoring Methods for Knapweed
Knapweed has rapidly spread over a large portion of the Western United States during the past 80 years. Biological control in the form of insects that specifically attack knapweed is an important part of controlling this noxious weed. This video describes monitoring methods for both root feeding and seed head feeding insects that have been released for biological control of knapweed. The viewer will learn how to monitor for these insects using easy and effective techniques. Using a consistent monitoring approach allows us to determine if the insect is established, is spreading from the original point of release, and is having an impact on the knapweed. YouTube link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BblA74jX0kI
|
|
Gypsy Moth: The Way West
Link to YouTube video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E8kerHcSXMk&list=PLB93A2EA5B7238BD5&index=3&feature=plpp_video |
|
Fishing Holes / Watering Holes
This program deals with riparian areas - those areas of streams, rivers, lakes, and bogs which are crucial in the West for fishing holes and watering holes for livestock. It defines riparian systems, showing both good and bad examples, and describes how one National Forest is managing riparian areas for both uses. YouTube link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mvwWoCYEzsA
|
|
Restoring The Waters
YouTube link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nvwYIk-wUK4
|
|
|
| Back to Top |
Recreation Videos |
|
Beartooth Highway
Link to YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YpoUdLxdJ8o&list=PLF2F008998D857F3B&index=5&feature=plpp_video
|
|
Hebgen Lake Earthquake 50th Anniversary
A Special Edition 3-Disk Set
This is a special three-disk set commemorating the 50th anniversaey of the Hebgen Lake Earthquake. On August 17, 1959, one of nature's most powerful forces was unleashed in the Madison Canyon, just outside the border of Yellowstone National Park. People, cars, tents and trailers filled the canyon on this summer night. Just before midnight a massive earthquake shook the canyon and in a few seconds changed the land and the people forever. The Madison River Canyon Earthquake area provides a vivid reminder of how the landscape and the people suddenly changed on that August night. This anniversary DVD edition includes:
|
|
A Force of Nature – Hebgen Lake Earthquake
15 min. 2001 Closed-Captioned
View on YouTube at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sGZMZ2Uvypk
|
|
Hells Canyon ... A Work In Progress
The Hells Canyon National Recreation Area was established in 1975. The forces of nature have worked for millions of years to etch this canyon -- the deepest river gorge in North America. As the 20th anniversary of the establishment of Hells Canyon National Recreation Area approaches, the Forest Service takes this opportunity to assess its progress in meeting both the mandates set by Congress and the needs of Americans today and in the future. YouTube link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D1YPwAN9BxU |
|
Kings Hill Scenic Byway
Link to YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yq3Sj7_mPlg&list=PLF2F008998D857F3B&index=9&feature=plpp_video
|
|
Avalanche!
This production explains the essentials of snow safety for downhill skiers, cross-country skiers, and snowmobilers. YouTube link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eNHJxWfcjeU
|
| Back to Top |
Wildlife Videos |
|
Mustangs On the Mountain This program is about the mustangs of the Pryor Mountain Wild Horse Range. For generations, a herd of mustangs has survived in this harsh landscape. They are one of the most unique bands of wild horses in existence. Their distinctive markings -- the solitary stripe down the back and tiger-like slashes on the legs -- are signs of primitive ancestry. Some believe they carry the blood of Spanish horses that date back to 400 years ago. This is a story of how the Pryor Mountain Wild Horse Range came to be, and of the efforts needed to preserve this symbol of the American West. YouTube link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lOZ6kw3RADw |
| Back to Top |
Kalaupapa, Hawaii is one of those rare places where the history that began in the 1860's is still alive today. Located on the rugged shore of Molokai, Kalaupapa was chosen as the inescapable place to isolate Hawaiians who had contracted Hansen's Disease, better known as leprosy. Some 50 people who had contracted the disease have chosen to live out their lives here. They provide a link between the past and the present and can best tell the story of Kalaupapa. A central part of that story has been Paschoal Hall. Built in 1916, Paschoal Hall is the largest structure in the community. Until the early 1960's it was the center of social gatherings. Because of its special meaning to residents, Paschoal Hall was chosen for a major historic preservation project. Leading the project was Bernie Weisgerber, a (now retired) Forest Service Historic Preservation Specialist. This program highlights the efforts to restore Paschoal Hall and presents the historic preservation challenges that remain. Now and in the future, these structures will play a vital part in telling the story of Kalaupapa.
This program tells you how a wildfire can ignite your home. A "home ignition zone," the area that includes a home and its immediate surroundings, determines a home's ignition resistance during a severe wildfire.
The fires of 1910 touched individuals, families, firefighters, army personnel, communities and people worldwide. To many residents of our communities within the fires impact area, the 1910 fires are still a current topic of discussion each summer when smoke is in the air.
Our nation’s public lands are more than just national forests; these lands are a national treasure. The trees within them thrill us with towering majesty and inspire us with breathtaking beauty. The first tree nursery in the Northern Region was barely established when it was engulfed by flames during the 1910 fires. Out of the devastation came a need to focus on reforestation and the prominence of tree nurseries rose in the region. This film highlights the reforestation program in the Northern Region of the Forest Service and tells the story of how two tree nurseries in the region played a vital role to replanting our public lands. This video was produced in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the 1910 Fires that burned nearly 3 million acres on August 20 and 21st 1910. The 1910 Fires were a pivotal event in western and U.S. history affecting thousands of people and forging the Forest Service’s early fire suppression policy.
A comprehensive video exploring the moth's historical background, the problem it creates, and its present migration westward. A host of possible solutions are discussed in a video made to elevate public awareness and prompt early detection of the pest.
There are thousands of abandoned mines in the National Forests of Montana. They are remnants of the mining heydays that produced wealth and jobs for 100 years. But it came at a cost. The spoils from these mines contain hazardous metals that have a detrimental effect on Montana waters. Aquatic life cannot survive in waters with high levels of heavy metals. This program explains how a new approach is being used to deal with this old problem. Instead of looking at mine spoils on a case-by-case basis, land managers are using a watershed approach. This means identifying the problem, setting priorities, and sharing resources to make mine waste cleanup more logical, efficient, and economical.
The Beartooth Highway runs 69 miles, from Red Lodge to Cooke City, Montana and then to the Northeast entrance of Yellowstone National Park. It's a road so spectacular that CBS's Charles Kuralt has called it America's "most beautiful roadway". The video illustrates the highway's use by the traveler, exploring recreational opportunities along the way, as well as providing glimpses of the vast and varied scenery.
A 71-mile stretch of US Highway 89, the Kings Hill Scenic Byway winds its way across the wide-open land of central Montana, the spirit of America's West. This is not a super highway, but a road that's off the beaten track. Passing through the Lewis and Clark National Forest and the Little Belt Mountains, the Kings Hill Scenic Byway allows travelers to slow down a bit to get a taste of the real west.