Publications

This Agroforestry Note, a revision of a 1997 publication, integrates new science and best practices for silvopasture—a type of agroforestry system in which trees and shrubs are intentionally integrated with forages and livestock on the same unit of land. The information in this publication can support natural resource professionals working with farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners in silvopasture systems to help them achieve multiple ecological, social, and production benefits.

The goal of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, National Cave and Karst Program is to protect and maintain the biologic, geologic, mineralogic, paleontologic, hydrologic, cultural, educational, scientific, and recreational values of… Topic: Natural Resources and Conservation
Type: Brochure
Number: FS-1080
Year: 2017

This Agroforestry Note provides technical assistance information to those implementing forest farming—a system of managing stands of trees or shrubs along with understory plants or nontimber forest products (NTFPs). The information focuses on the production and management of herbaceous, understory NTFPs and is an update to a shorter document published in 1999.

This Agroforestry Note provides technical assistance information for implementing silvopasture—the practice of managing desired woody perennials, forages, and livestock on the same unit of land—in vineyard systems. The information focuses on considerations for planning and design (including infrastructure and selection of livestock and forage), successful establishment and management, and the benefits and challenges of such a silvopasture system.

This Agroforestry Note provides technical assistance information for using windbreaks (rows of trees and/or shrubs used for slowing wind) and hedgerows (dense groupings of trees, shrubs, and other plants for a natural resource conservation purpose) in vineyard systems. The information focuses on considerations for planning and design, benefits, and successful establishment and management. 

This Agroforestry Note provides technical assistance information for using alley cropping in vineyards for environmental and production benefits. The information focuses on systems in which rows of grapes are interspersed with widely spaced rows of trees or shrubs.

This 2-page factsheet summarizes the "National Active Forest Management Strategy," which highlights how the Forest Service will fulfill Executive Order 14225 and Secretarial Memo 1078-006 through strategic focus areas and high-level priority actions.

The National Active Forest Management Strategy fulfills direction from Executive Order 14225, Secretarial Memo 1078-006, and the Forest Service Associate Chief ’s letter on implementation of Secretarial Memo 1078-006. The strategy describes priority actions that the agency can take to support active forest management under four main subject areas: capacity building and streamlining implementation; environmental compliance; shared stewardship, partnerships, contracting, and markets; and salvage and reforestation.

The Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) program’s 26th annual business report summarizes program activities and progress towards implementing the 2018 Farm Bill direction. With taxpayers, partners, and clients in mind, the report communicates FIA accomplishments, given the provided financial resources, and the accomplishments forecast for the coming year.

The Forest Health Monitoring (FHM) program of the Forest Service supports projects that determine the extent, severity, and causes of undesirable changes in forest health. Evaluation monitoring projects are more comprehensive than standard monitoring activities. This report is a companion to the annual FHM report and provides summaries of nine evaluation monitoring projects. 

This first business report for the Forest Service Resources Planning Act (RPA) Assessment describes the process, costs, and products needed to conduct and support the decadal RPA Assessment, mainly covering the years that led to the publication of the 2020 RPA Assessment in 2023. This report reflects the RPA Assessment team’s commitment to accountability and transparency in delivering the best value, quality, and array of products in response to the authorizing legislation. The intent is to provide a foundation of evidence to highlight the complexity and importance of the RPA Assessment… Topic: Natural Resources and Conservation
Type: General
Number: FS-1259
Year: 2025

This information sheet shows how land management activities support local economies and contribute to the Nation's gross domestic product through timber and forest products, minerals and energy production, livestock grazing, recreation, and more.

This factsheet highlights recent Forest Service accomplishments to include wildfire risk reduction, healthy forests, and contributions to America's food supply. Thousands of Forest Service jobs support our mission of caring for the land and serving people.

This factsheet highlights what the Forest Service does and how the agency operates. It provides a broad, national-level look at how the agency carries out its mission to serve the interests of the American people.

This field guide is for agency staff, partners, volunteers, and all who help build or maintain trails. First published in 1996, this 2025 edition is the fourth revision of the notebook. It includes detailed descriptions of how to plan, build, maintain, improve, and decommission (or obliterate) all types of trails and trail structures. The new edition features updated construction techniques, diagrams, and sustainability concepts.