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National Fcests Belong to All Americans 



For over 100 years, during good economic times and bad, public 

 lands have been a source of the goods and services that supply 

 local and regional economic growth and diversity. Public 

 resources have helped build a nation with affordable recreation, 

 wood, fish and wildlife, energy and water. They have been the 

 basis for environmental health, yielding clean air and water for 

 generations. 



The National Forest System, covering more than 191 million acres, 

 is an important part of the these public lands. Gifford Pinchot, 

 first Chief of the Forest Service, set down an operating 

 philosophy that is as appropriate today as it was when the agency 

 was established. The National Forests are managed "for the 

 greatest good for the greatest number in the long run." Be it 

 the Shasta National Forest in California, the White Mountain 

 National Forest in New Hampshire or the Tongass National Forest 

 in Alaska, each is managed for the benefit of all Americans. 



By and large. Forest Service stewardship of this priceless 

 resource has been a resounding success. Through multiple use 

 management, a concept that balances environmental health with 

 human needs, the National Forests have provided substantial 

 economic benefits to surrounding communities. By basing 

 management on the best available science, we have been able to 

 refine land management practices to better protect and produce a 



