About the Area
Our Mission
We create healthy, resilient landscapes on the land entrusted to us with unparalleled service, respect and dignity.
The Pacific Southwest Region of the US Forest Service manages 20 million acres of National Forest land in California and assists the State and Private forest landowners in California, Hawaii and the U.S. Affiliated Pacific Islands. Eighteen national forests are located in this region. The Pacific Southwest Region is commonly referred to as Region 5 (R5). Watch a video to find out more about who we are and the work we do.
Find a Regional Forest Website
Learn more by viewing the "About the Forest" section on the website for each Pacific Southwest National Forest.
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News & Spotlight Stories
Read the latest news releases from Region 5.
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Organizational Overview
The office for Region 5 is in Vallejo, California.
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Audio Visual Program
The Audiovisual Program produces a variety of videos and audio podcasts.
Features
California Forest News Video Series

In California Forest News we explore the National Forests in California. In the first episode, ‘California Fire Intensity,’ we examine the combination of factors that exacerbate wildfire intensity and behavior including fuel, wind, terrain, and drought. Thanks for watching!
Forest Focus: Audio Podcast

Forest Focus is a program about the National Forests in California, featuring specialists that work for the U.S. Forest Service and others who provide viewpoints on Forest Service issues.
Spotlights
This is who we are
A video about the mission of the Forest Service and our agency's values.
Outreach and Role Models
The USDA Forest Service is promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion programs to be more reflective of our national demographics.
Research and Development
The Pacific Southwest Research Station represents the research and development branch of the USDA Forest Service in the states of California and Hawaii and the U.S. affiliated Pacific Islands.