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A diverse landscape awaits
From the tallest mountains to the rolling sea, adventure awaits! The National Forests in California are home to such unique scenic areas as Mt. Shasta, Lake Tahoe, Mt. Whitney, and the Big Sur coast.
Welcome to the Pacific Southwest! 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, in the North Coast, Cascade, and Sierra Nevada ranges and from Big Sur to the Mexican border in the south Coast range.
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Virtual Services
This office has moved to virtual services. Visit our Recreation Site Status Map and FAQ's for answers to many common visitor questions. If you need assistance or have any questions, please use our contact us form. Versión en Español: Los servicios de esta oficina son virtuales. Visite el Mapa de Estado Actual de Sitios de Recreación y Preguntas Frecuentes del visitante. Si necesita atención, por favor use nuestro formulario de contacto (inglés únicamente).
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Featured Programs
Region 5 employees work on a wide variety of innovative programs such as these, below.
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Popular Topics
This is a list featuring topics that visitors ask about the most.
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Confronting the Wildfire Crisis
The Forest Service has launched a robust, 10-year strategy to squarely address this wildfire crisis in the places where it poses the most immediate threats to communities.
Recent News
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Practice Water Safety at National Forests This Memorial Day Weekend Reminder to #RecreateResponsibly During Water Safety Month
Release Date: May 23, 2022
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Forest Service Focuses on Future of Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail - Foundation Document Outlines Collaboration and Partnerships to Preserve and Protect Historic Trail
Release Date: May 11, 2022
Features
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.
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!
Spotlights
Urban Forests: Health, Wealth and Resilience
An Interview with Miranda Hutten by Steve Dunsky. Miranda Hutten manages the Urban and Community Forest Program for the Pacific Southwest Region (Region 5) of the U.S. Forest Service.
Fuels Specialist Receives Leading In A Natural Resource Environment Award
Fuels Specialist receives Leading In A Natural Resource Environment Award, impacts own backyard.
Hollywood’s National Forests
They may not be listed as the credits roll, but California’s national forests make cameo appearances in many Oscar-nominated films.
Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Gloria Brown
In recognition of Women’s History Month, the Region 5 gives tribute to Gloria Brown – the first female African American to become a forest supervisor in the U.S. Forest Service.