The Forest Service, established in 1905, plays a crucial role in managing 193 million acres of national forests and grasslands, balancing various interests such as wildlife, recreation, and resource extraction. The agency's history is marked by influential figures like Theodore Roosevelt and Gifford Pinchot, alongside ongoing controversies and evolving laws. This work highlights the agency's multifaceted activities and its enduring mission to protect public forests and water supplies, reflecting the complexities of land management in a changing world.
