National Forest System

This book explores the National Forest System with a focus on congressionally designated special management areas and roadless area initiatives. Congress authorized the President to reserve public forests to protect the lands and resources. The many presidential proclamations and subsequent land purchases have led to the current National Forest System. These lands are managed to balance the many purposes and values under the Multiple Use-Sustained Yield Act of 1960 through an interdisciplinary planning process, with public involvement, under the National Forest Management Act of 1976. Congress has also designated many specific national forest areas to emphasize particular values or resources, and continues to consider legislation to designate additional specially managed areas within the national forests.