Forest Watch Program

In recent decades our National Forests have experienced unsustainable logging, road building, and fire suppression which have damaged streams and rivers and reduced habitat for species depending on old growth and other wild, native forests.

The Lands Council's Forest Watch Program protects forests, wildlife, water, and the integrity of the citizen participation process in land management. We have been a leader in challenging destructive Forest Service land management proposals, and in advocating for restoring forest damaged lands.

The Forest Watch Program is on the cutting edge in using administrative and legal action to bring agencies into compliance with the mandates of the National Forest Management Act, the National Environmental Policy Act, the Endangered Species Act, and other laws and regulations.

Forest Watch staff and volunteers regularly monitor U.S. Forest Service activities to protect the integrity of the National Forests. We want to ensure that future generations can enjoy the wildlife, old growth, wild rivers, scenic vistas and quiet recreational activities that our forests provide.

We seek out and promote the use of scientific information on forest ecology and related topics, helping to empower specialists within government agencies and others so that policy and project decisions are soundly based in good science.

The Lands Council works with diverse coalitions of stakeholders to protect communities from wildfire, promote restoration, and create enlightened approaches and solutions to forest management challenges.

National Forest Management Act regulations

Forest Plan Revisions

Forest Watch Background