US Forest Service - Ouachita and Ozark-St Francis National Forests

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US Forest Service - Ouachita and Ozark-St Francis National Forests The U.S. Forest Service page is a combined effort of the National Forest Foundation and the USDA Forest Service.

“The National Forest Foundation, chartered by Congress, engages Americans in community-based and national programs that promote the health and public enjoyment of the 193-million-acre National Forest System and administers private gifts of funds and land for the benefit of the National Forests. http://www.nationalforests.org/”


The Forest Service manages a system of 155 national forests, 20 national grasslands, and 222 research and experimental forests, as well as other special areas, covering more than 192 million acres of public land. The Forest Service has evolved into a 30,000 employee agency that manages the national forests for a number of multiple uses, including recreation, timber, wilderness, minerals, water, grazing, fish, and wildlife.

10/15/2026

National forests and grasslands offer 164,000 miles of trails in nearly every state — inviting you to hike, bike, ride, and explore the beauty of your public lands.

Find your next adventure today!

10/14/2026

The Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) has launched Explore AR Highways, an annual adventure encouraging Arkansans and visitors to discover some of the state’s scenic destinations.

See the attached news release below:

This vintage poster shares age-old wisdom from Smokey Bear. Recreate responsibly by making sure fires are dead out befor...
10/08/2026

This vintage poster shares age-old wisdom from Smokey Bear. Recreate responsibly by making sure fires are dead out before leaving. Remember, only you can prevent wildfires.

A brand new fishing pier and canoe/kayak launch are officially open at Horsehead Lake Recreation Area on the Ozark-St. F...
10/08/2026

A brand new fishing pier and canoe/kayak launch are officially open at Horsehead Lake Recreation Area on the Ozark-St. Francis National Forests!🎣🚣‍♀️

Thanks to funding from Johnson County and the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s Marine Fuel Tax Program, visitors now have even better access to the water.

This project reflects our commitment to recreation access and highlights the power of partnerships, as we work hand in hand with state and local partners to improve recreation opportunities on the forest. 🤝🌲

Come enjoy the view, cast a line, or launch a boat this fall! 💚

10/07/2026

The entire state remains at high risk for wildfire, and burn bans are in place for 50 counties. Ongoing very dry conditions are expected through the week, and elevated wildfire potential will likely persist for several more weeks. We urge Arkansans to stay aware of these conditions and use caution. Even in counties not currently under a burn ban, the risk of fires escaping and becoming severe remains high.

View current conditions: https://mip.agri.arkansas.gov/agtools/Forestry/Fire_Info

Project #305812 Update: Mining Nominations Jessieville-Winona-Fourche Ranger District on the Ouachita National ForestPr...
10/01/2026

Project #305812 Update: Mining Nominations Jessieville-Winona-Fourche Ranger District on the Ouachita National Forest

Proposed project activities were first introduced for public scoping in October 2018. This was followed by a public comment period on the Environmental Assessment (EA) in April 2026, during which more than 1,100 comments were received.

Public comments were reviewed and used to strengthen the analysis and refine the proposed action. The response to comments and previous project materials are available on the project page: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r08/ouachita/projects/305812

However, in May 2026, the Chief of the Forest Service provided direction that all projects would be required to comply with time limits described in the National Environmental Policy Act (Section 107(g)(1) and (2)). Because this project has exceeded the one-year statutory limit for projects documented in an EA, the responsible official has canceled the project.

The Forest intends to reinitiate public involvement for a renewed project once revised objection regulations under 36 CFR 218 are finalized.

If you are signed up for the project mailing list, you will continue to receive notifications about future opportunities for public involvement. You may sign up for these notifications at this link: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r08/ouachita/projects/signup

Thank you for your continued engagement and interest in the Ouachita and Ozark-St. Francis National Forests.

All Ozark-St. Francis National Forests offices will be closed Tuesday, September 29, 2026 to allow employees to particip...
09/28/2026

All Ozark-St. Francis National Forests offices will be closed Tuesday, September 29, 2026 to allow employees to participate in a forest-wide event. Business hours will resume on Wednesday.

🔥 Wildfire Safety Spotlight: Super Scoopers Are on the Job ✈️💦With wildfire danger running high across Arkansas and Okla...
09/25/2026

🔥 Wildfire Safety Spotlight: Super Scoopers Are on the Job ✈️💦

With wildfire danger running high across Arkansas and Oklahoma, CL-415 Super Scooper airtankers are staged in the region to ensure rapid response when conditions turn critical.

While Super Scooper crews are typically tasked with battling large wildfires in the western states, the recent dry conditions indicated a current need for heavy aerial firefighting support in eastern and southern states like Arkansas.

Their value was on full display during the Brown Lane Fire in Logan County on September 18. Two Scoopers, operating out of Drake Field in Fayetteville, joined a coordinated aerial fleet to slow fast-moving flames and support firefighters on the ground. Aggressive air attack—paired with quick line construction—helped contain the fire within 24 hours.

These Scoopers carry 1,400 gallons of water, reload in about 10 seconds, and scoop directly from nearby lakes—keeping them on the fire longer when every minute matters.

A huge thank‑you to City of Fayetteville Arkansas Government, Drake Field - Fayetteville Executive Airport, Arkansas Department of Agriculture, U.S. Forest Service, and National Interagency Fire Center for ensuring these aircraft are in position when Arkansas needs them most.

Staying proactive, coordinated, and focused on safety is how we protect communities during one of the state’s most challenging fire seasons in years.

Stay alert. Stay prepared. And always put safety first.

U.S. Forest Service Photos by Ericka Hincke

Shores Lake Road (FSR 1501) on the Boston Mountain District of the Ozark-St. Francis National Forests will be closed Tue...
09/19/2026

Shores Lake Road (FSR 1501) on the Boston Mountain District of the Ozark-St. Francis National Forests will be closed Tuesday-Thursday, September 22-24, 2026 for construction. The closure will be located 5.6 miles southwest of the intersection with Highway 23.

Fall is a great time to enjoy the outdoors. Keep wildfire prevention in mind as you explore the beauty of the season!
09/17/2026

Fall is a great time to enjoy the outdoors. Keep wildfire prevention in mind as you explore the beauty of the season!

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Arkansas And
Arkansas City, KS

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 3:30pm
Tuesday 8am - 3:30pm
Wednesday 8am - 3:30pm
Thursday 8am - 3:30pm
Friday 8am - 3:30pm

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+14799647200

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