Forest Management
The Caribou-Targhee National Forest isn’t just a place for breathtaking views or outdoor fun—it’s a living, breathing forest we carefully manage to keep healthy and thriving. Our Forest Management Program is all about balancing nature’s needs with the ways we use and enjoy this incredible space. From towering pines to open meadows, here’s how we care for it all.
What Is Forest Management?
Forest management is like being a good steward of the land. We work to keep the forest strong—growing trees, preventing wildfires, and protecting wildlife—while also making sure it’s a place people can use for timber, recreation, and more. In Caribou-Targhee, that means looking after everything from the rugged Teton Range to the sagebrush plains, guided by plans we’ve shaped with science and community input.
What We Do
Our team of foresters, biologists, and rangers keeps busy with hands-on work. Here’s a peek at what’s on our plate:
- Timber Management: We harvest trees sustainably to supply wood products while keeping the forest growing strong. The Northeast Timber Zone (NETZ), which includes Caribou-Targhee, keeps this organized and balanced.
- Wildfire Prep: We use prescribed burns and thinning to reduce overgrown brush and trees, cutting the risk of huge wildfires and keeping habitats healthy.
- Habitat Care: From grizzly bears to sage-grouse, we tweak the forest to support wildlife—think thinning conifers to boost aspen for elk or protecting old-growth trees for birds.
- Restoration: We fix up damaged spots—like planting natives after a fire or stabilizing soil near streams—to keep the forest resilient.
Why It Matters
A well-managed forest is a win for everyone. Healthy trees clean the air and store carbon. Controlled burns stop massive wildfires from wiping out homes or habitats. Timber keeps local economies humming, and good management means trails and campgrounds stay open for your next adventure. In Caribou-Targhee, we’re part of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, so our work helps protect one of the wildest places left in the U.S.
How You Can Help
You’re part of this forest, too! Here’s how to pitch in:
- Follow Fire Rules: Check restrictions before lighting a campfire—sparks can turn into trouble fast.
- Stay on Trails: Wandering off can harm young trees or fragile soil we’re trying to protect.
- Pack It Out: Trash doesn’t just look bad—it can mess with the forest’s balance.
- Learn More: Swing by a ranger station or our website to see what’s happening and how you can get involved.
The Caribou-Targhee National Forest Management Program keeps this place alive and kicking—full of trees, wildlife, and opportunities to explore. Come see it for yourself, and let’s keep it awesome together!