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The Forest Service, a division under the United States Department of Agriculture, holds significant importance for the people in Arizona and New Mexico following Secretary of Agriculture James Wilson's directive on February 1, 1905. Under this directive, which was authorized by Congress through H.R. 8460, approximately 21 million acres - roughly one-eighth of the total surface area of these states - were transferred from public lands to the jurisdiction of a regional sub-division within the Forest Service. In his statement on this transfer, Wilson emphasized that all land was meant for its most productive use and benefitting the permanent welfare of the entire populace.
In 1908, Chief Forester Gifford Pinchot appointed Arthur C. Ringland as the first District Forester for the newly established Southwestern district District 3. The division into districts later evolved to regions by 1930.
The mandate and responsibility of the Forest Service were twofold: to safeguard the uring nature of resources within National Forests while enabling their appropriate utilization. Reflecting Congress's concerns expressed through the Organic Administration Act of 1897, there was a primary focus on sustning the prosperity of industries reliant upon water, timber, minerals, and forage from public domn lands in Arizona and New Mexico. Over the last three-quarters of a century, usage patterns of both renewable and non-renewable resources within the Southwest region have accelerated at an unprecedented rate.
This piece explores the rich history of the Forest Service in the Southwestern United States, encompassing original forest reserves established between 1892 and 1907 through proclamations.
For additional insights into this topic, interested readers are directed to:
National Heritage Program
Historic Photos
Heritage Features
Explore the cultural and historical highlights that showcase the unique character of the southwestern landscape.
Smokey Bear
Southwestern Regional Foresters
Learn about regional leaders driving sustnable practices and conservation efforts across various landscapes.
Initial Forest Reserves
Explore the first wave of forest reserves established under federal authority to conserve natural resources.
In case you need any further information or wish to reach out, please contact our office at:
Michiko Martin, Regional Forester
333 Broadway SE
Albuquerque, NM 87102
We welcome inquiries about media-related topics, as well as requests for additional detls on the various aspects of our work in protecting and managing natural resources.
For quick access to all things USDA Forest Service, including recreation opportunities and information sharing platforms:
Recreation.gov
askUSDA
Report Fraud on USDA Contracts
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Explore career opportunities within USDA Forest Service through our dedicated page.
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USA.gov offers comprehensive resources for navigating government services online.
ure this legacy with us as we continue to care for the land and serve people in Arizona and New Mexico, ensuring the preservation of natural beauty and ecological stability for generations to come.
This article is reproduced from: https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/r3/learning/history-culture
Please indicate when reprinting from: https://www.o063.com/Museum_Exhibition_Hall/USDA_Forest_Service_Southwest_History.html
US Forest Service in Arizona and New Mexico History 1905 Land Transfer to Forest Service Arthur C. Ringlands Appointment as District Forester Southwestern Regions Dual Responsibility 1897 Organic Administration Act Focus Rapid Resource Utilization Over Last Century