Better Management Can Conserve and Restore National Forests and Grasslands Now and for the Future

Collected resources on conservation and restoration of federally managed forests and grasslands

Updated:   July 10, 2024 Read time:
Projects: U.S. Conservation

Navigate to:

  • Table of Contents
Better Management Can Conserve and Restore National Forests and Grasslands Now and for the Future
Morning fog rises from the valleys of densely forested mountains.
The Monongahela National Forest, located in the Allegheny Mountains of eastern West Virginia, is one of 155 national forests spread across 44 states. More than seven in ten Americans live within 100 miles of a national forest.
Malachi Jacobs Shutterstock

The National Forest System (NFS) includes 193 million acres of national forests and grasslands that provide habitat for more than 3,000 species of fish and wildlife and clean water for 60 million people across 33 states. The U.S. Forest Service (USFS) manages these lands under a multiple use-sustained yield mandate. Under this obligation, the agency must ensure that NFS lands are healthy and sufficiently resilient to disturbances to continue providing their full breadth of essential services and resources.

Although USFS has generally improved its management of NFS lands since the system was created in the late 1800s, more action is needed to account for today’s challenges and opportunities. By deploying a management approach that is balanced, based on science, and has an eye toward the future, the USFS can meet the needs of communities and nature, now and over the long term.

The resources collected here reflect The Pew Charitable Trusts’ efforts to protect and restore NFS lands.

A hiker in a bright red shirt looks small in the grand setting of the mountains in springtime. The hiker is standing on a rock against a cloudy sky.
A hiker in a bright red shirt looks small in the grand setting of the mountains in springtime. The hiker is standing on a rock against a cloudy sky.
Article April 12, 2023

Colorado National Forests Provide Vital Ecosystem Services

Quick View
A hiker in a bright red shirt looks small in the grand setting of the mountains in springtime. The hiker is standing on a rock against a cloudy sky.
Article April 12, 2023

Colorado’s snow-capped peaks, alpine forests, mountain valleys, and rivers and streams are, like similar landscapes, invaluable. But that doesn’t mean one cannot assign a dollar value to the benefits that public lands provide to nature and people.

cliff dwelling in Manti-La Sal National Forest
cliff dwelling in Manti-La Sal National Forest
Article May 7, 2021

4 Reasons to Value U.S. National Forests

Quick View
cliff dwelling in Manti-La Sal National Forest
Article May 7, 2021

From Maine to California and Florida to Alaska, America’s national forests encompass more than 188 million acres of woodlands, meadows, mountains, and rivers. Managed by the U.S. Forest Service, these lands are a national treasure, rich with ecological, social, cultural, and economic value that merits federal protection for generations to come.

OUR WORK
Updated:   July 10, 2024
Projects: U.S. Conservation
Topics: Land Conservation
Experts: Blake Busse
Related Experts
Blake Busse
Blake Busse Officer
U.S. Conservation
Autumn colors reflect off Sherando Lake in the George Washington National Forest
Autumn colors reflect off Sherando Lake in the George Washington National Forest
Article July 12, 2021

Forest Service Should Update Old Management Plans

Quick View
Autumn colors reflect off Sherando Lake in the George Washington National Forest
Article July 12, 2021

The 193 million acres of public lands that make up the National Forest System (NFS) provide critical fish and wildlife habitat, recreation opportunities, and many other values. But the U.S. Forest Service still manages many units in the NFS using outdated science and antiquated practices, an approach that could have negative consequences for these ecosystems—and the people and wildlife that depend on them—far into the future.

In the foreground, green cone-shaped trees blanket a hillside, leading down to a meadow with a meandering stream. In the background, mountains with some remaining snow stand against a dark blue sky with spots of calm clouds.
In the foreground, green cone-shaped trees blanket a hillside, leading down to a meadow with a meandering stream. In the background, mountains with some remaining snow stand against a dark blue sky with spots of calm clouds.
Article July 10, 2023

New Research Can Help Support Health of National Forests

Quick View
In the foreground, green cone-shaped trees blanket a hillside, leading down to a meadow with a meandering stream. In the background, mountains with some remaining snow stand against a dark blue sky with spots of calm clouds.
Article July 10, 2023

Americans cherish the 193 million acres of public lands in the National Forest System (NFS) for the many resources, values, and opportunities they support. In 44 states from coast to coast, our forests support biodiversity, connect people to the land, promote sustainable recreation economies, and provide ecosystem services.

A person with dark hair and wearing a red life jacket is viewed from behind, paddling a yellow kayak on a narrow river running through a heavily forested landscape.
A person with dark hair and wearing a red life jacket is viewed from behind, paddling a yellow kayak on a narrow river running through a heavily forested landscape.
Article March 12, 2024

5 Ways Pew’s Work Helps Nature and People on a Changing Planet

Quick View
A person with dark hair and wearing a red life jacket is viewed from behind, paddling a yellow kayak on a narrow river running through a heavily forested landscape.
Article March 12, 2024

The United States is one of 17 nations worldwide that scientists have defined as megadiverse—an area that harbors the majority of Earth’s species and also contains high numbers of species found only in that place.

MEDIA CONTACT
Brian Geiger Officer, Communications 202.540.6431

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

A silver swordfish comes out of the blue water with a bait fish and a hook in its mouth.

Article

November 4, 2024 Science-Based Management of Swordfish Needed Now
A yellow and black fishing net is pictured in choppy, dark blue seas, with a gray sky filled with seabirds overhead.

Article

November 4, 2024 New Fisheries Approach Needed in Northeast Atlantic
Hundreds of fish swim in blue water near a rocky ocean bottom.

Article

October 31, 2024 AI Enhances Management of Eastern Tropical Pacific Ocean

MORE FROM PEW

KS Workplace Savings Program Would Help Workers Save
A person with long, black and blonde braids, wearing a denim jacket, stands at a white board, working with a student in a pink knit cap and black top, working on mathematical equations. Women's Employment Rates Surge But Still Lag Men's
MS Workplace Savings Program Would Help Workers Save
Land Contract Use Puts Michigan Homebuyers at Risk