Natural Resources
The principal focus is on how management affects the quality of life for humans, wildlife, and ecosystems for present and future generations. Natural resource management corresponds with the concept of sustainable development, which is to say that efforts are made to provide recreation and resources from public lands for the present while conserving and preserving natural resources for the future.
In the last 100 years we have struggled with this balance of land vs. people. It has led to periods of overgrazing, over logging and destruction of public lands as well as a boom in recreation, reclamation and replanting of devastated forests. Modern management practices place the emphasis on ecosystems management and not just parcels of timber, or habitat for endangered species or protection of watershed. As John Muir taught us, "When we try to pick out anything by itself, we find it hitched to everything else in the universe."
Today, the Regional Forester has identified three strategic priorities. These priorities are forward looking and in alignment with the Cultural Transformation strategies of the Department and Forest Service. By focusing our efforts in these key areas, we will be prepared for the land management challenges of the 21st century.
The Pacific Southwest Region's Strategic Priorities are:
- Wildfire Crisis Strategy/Shared Stewardship Agreement (Fuels Reduction and Forest Resiliency)
- Post-Fire Recovery and Disaster Relief
- Visitor Experiences and Public Access
These priorities are not meant to serve as an exhaustive list of everything we do. The annual work associated with regional and national forest operations are necessary and will continue to impact workforce capacity and capability. Zone and unit line officers are empowered to balance this work in concert with the priorities to sustain the health of our workforce.
Wildfire Crisis Strategy/Shared Stewardship Agreement (Fuels Reduction and Forest Resiliency)
Addressing conditions on the landscape to mitigate wildfire risk to communities, infrastructure, and watersheds.
Post-Fire Recovery and Disaster Relief
Providing for immediate needs of landscapes and communities in the wake of wildfires, natural disasters, and other emergency incidents.
Visitor Experiences and Public Access
Ensuring that all those who set foot on National Forest System lands feel welcomed and have broad opportunities to recreate in sustainable ways.