Friends of the Forest

Information - (832) 401-1633

LUFKIN, Texas - The Friends of the National Forests and Grasslands in Texas was formed August, 2008, to aid and encourage the U. S. Forest Service in making the National Forests and Grasslands in Texas more accessible and user-friendly for the public.

"To support, preserve, protect, expand, promote and enhance the forests and their use for recreational, educational, and scientific purposes for the benefit of people and nature," is the bold mission statement that will guide the organization's efforts. Approximately 600,000 acres of National Forests and Grasslands exist in Texas. These public lands, containing unnumbered places of historical and cultural treasures, unique beauty, and an abundance of species of birds and wildlife, often times hold their treasures in secret and are unused by the public.

The establishment of a national forest friends group was a high priority of the Angelina County Green Infrastructure Plan participants. A decision was made at the onset to represent all the national forests and grasslands in Texas with the goal of inspiring all the counties and communities within the regions of these assets to join in the effort of protecting these wonderful natural resources.

Several Heritage Tours were conducted this spring in the Angelina National Forest under the direction of Lufkinite and naturalist Richard Donovan. Most of the attendees on these tours had never visited the Texas national forests and were amazed that such a treasure existed in East Texas. The tours took in Boykin Springs, Old Aldridge Hiking Trail, pitcher plant bogs, and the red cockaded woodpecker colony sites.

The friends group will work with the U.S. Forest Service personnel in the future to re-establish the bridges along the Sawmill Hiking Trail which were damaged and/or demolished in Hurricanes Rita and Ike. Donations will be solicited to raise the funds necessary for this project.

The Education Committee has started work on a Forest Facts Folder which will include glossaries, U.S. Forest Service information, the U.S. Forest Service Fact Sheet, acronyms, buzz words, interesting areas and active organizations. This committee has also conducted a tour which took approximately 40 environmental science students into the Stephen F. Austin Experimental Forest. More of these educational excursions are planned for the future for different student groups.

Application has been made for a National Forest Foundation grant that will provide funds for start-up expenses. If awarded, the grant funds will be used to develop a professional website design, brochures, and the tax exempt status application through the IRS. A membership drive will begin soon providing for various levels of membership. A number of individuals have joined, and many more plan to become involved in helping raise awareness of these natural assets. If you are interested in joining or obtaining more information, please call 832-401-1633.

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