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Regulations & Policies


View and Comment on Proposed and Interim Directives

Forest Service Directives

The Forest Service Directives System is a series of manuals and handbooks used by Forest Service personnel to guide the agency and manage national forests and grasslands. Forest Service directives are also important tools for tribes, other federal agencies, state and local governments, and the public to understand how the Forest Service works.

Forest Service manuals contain legal authorities, objectives, policies, responsibilities, instructions, and guidance regularly used by agency employees to do their work. Forest Service handbooks provide specialized guidance and instruction for carrying out the directions in the manuals. Field issuances are localized supplements to the national manuals and handbooks.

Laws and Regulations

smokeyFederal agencies operate under the U.S. Code and the Code of Federal Regulations. These laws help form our directives and policies on how we manage national forests and grasslands, Even Smokey Bear and Woodsy Owl, Forest Service symbols of wildfire prevention and conservation, are protected by law.

Policy Spotlight for Employees

Stay Informed!

Stay up to date on the latest regulations and policies from the USDA Forest Service.

 

https://www.fs.usda.gov/about-agency/regulations-policies