Founded in 1905, the U.S. Forest Service is the nation’s leading federal authority on forestry and natural resource stewardship. As an agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, it delivers national leadership in forest research, conservation, and sustainable land management. The Forest Service plays a vital role in protecting and enhancing America’s forests and grasslands, balancing environmental responsibility with public use while safeguarding the country’s natural and cultural heritage for future generations.

The Gunnison Ranger District proudly represents this mission at the local level, supported by a nationwide network managing 154 national forests and 20 national grasslands across nearly 193 million acres. Highly trained professionals oversee land management, fire prevention and response, and community collaboration to strengthen ecosystems and protect lives and infrastructure. Through partnerships with local, state, tribal, and private stakeholders, the Forest Service contributes to the stewardship of approximately 900 million forested acres across the United States, helping sustain both rural landscapes and the urban environments where most Americans live.