Northern Region
Federal Building
200 E. Broadway
P.O. Box 7669
Missoula, MT 59807
INFO (406) 329-3511
TDD/TTY (406) 329-3510 |
![United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service.](/peth04/20041026165919im_/http://www.fs.fed.us/global-websites/images/logos/usda-fs-shield.gif)
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About Us
The
Northern Region National Forest lands encompass 25 million acres and is
spread over 5 states. Included are 12 national forests located within
the perimeter of northeastern Washington, northern Idaho, and Montana;
and a national grassland in North Dakota and northwestern South Dakota.
The Region's diversity and expanse of landscape features a vast array
of native species in native ecosystems found nowhere else in the world.
The boundaries extend from the tall grass prairies of the Dakotas, through
high elevation lodgepole pine forests and sagebrush communities of Montana,
to old-growth Douglas-fir and hemlock forests of northern Idaho.
ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW
As a part of the United States Department of Agriculture, we show
you more about our Forest Service structure and organization.
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HISTORY
Explore the early beginnings of the Northern Region of the USDA
Forest Service below.
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The creation of the Northern Region goes back to
the earliest days of the Forest Service. Born almost 100 years ago
in the midst of massive destruction of our Nation's natural resources,
the Forest Service represents a grand experiment to assure that
the country's forests and watersheds would always be protected.
Congress took the first step towards that goal in 1891 when it
passed the Forest Reserve Act. It authorized the creation of over
a dozen new forest reserves to be carved out of public lands bearing
forests.
In 1897, President Grover Cleveland proclaimed 13 additional forest
reserves, 3 in what in now the Northern Region. They were: the Bitterroot
Forest Reserve in Montana and Idaho, the Flathead in Montana, and
the Lewis and Clark in Montana. Today the region consists of 12
forests and 1 grassland spread over 4 states: Montana, northern
Idaho, western North Dakota and a small area in eastern Washington.![](/peth04/20041026165919im_/http://www.fs.fed.us/global-websites/images/spacers/transparent.gif) |
![black and white photo of a grizzly bear.](/peth04/20041026165919im_/http://www.fs.fed.us/r1/local-resources/images/animals_birds_fish/blkwht_bear.jpg)
![A scenic view of snow-capped mountains.](/peth04/20041026165919im_/http://www.fs.fed.us/r1/local-resources/images/scenery/ChineseWall1-183X119.JPG)
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In 1905, the Forest Service was created and the forest
reserves placed under its management. Region One, also known as
the Northern Region, in Missoula, Montana, was among the original
six regions.
In those days, field employees had to know woodcraft and horsemanship.
Its field officers were called "forest rangers." For the
Ranger exam, men had to shoot, ride, use an ax, throw a diamond
hitch, lash freight on a mule or horse, and take a written test.
Rangers cleared forest trails, strung telephone wire, and built
lookout towers as well as their own residence. Additionally, one
of the duties of early forest rangers was to assure that the multiple
use idea did not compromise forest, stream or range health. |
![Black and white photo of a Lookout cabin atop a hill.](/peth04/20041026165919im_/http://www.fs.fed.us/r1/local-resources/images/west_fork_butte2.JPG)
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In August 1910, 3 million acres in the Northern Rockies were
engulfed in flames. The Forest Service quickly assembled all available
manpower, but is was not enough. A total of 87 people lost their
lives battling the horrific blazes. As a result, an aggressive fire
suppression policy was put in place. Hundreds of fire towers were
built in the 1920's, '30s and '40s. In the 1940s, smokejumper crews
were formed. |
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During the 1940's, the Northern Region
saw the development of a cadre of firefighters who parachuted into
fire zones. This method of firefighting was called smokejumping.
The program came to be concentrated in the Northern Region because
of its vast roadless areas that were more inaccessible to firefighters.
One of the first bases was established near the Ninemile Ranger
District on the Lolo National Forest. Later the program expanded
to other locations outside Region One.
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Historically, National Forest System
lands always, by law, have been managed for multiple use. After
World War II, with the return of veterans, a bay boom took place,
instigating new home construction. Timber harvesting in the 1950s
increased dramatically from previous year. In the 1960s, some timber
harvesting practices, particularly clearcutting, precipitated national
debate. Out of that debate came new regulations and a heightened
awareness to assure that Forest Service lands and resources were
not abused by overuse.
For over 100 years, regional employees have managed vast stretches
of public lands on behalf of the American people. Today that area
totals 25 million acres. Of that total, 40 percent (or 10 million
acres) is unroaded backcountry, of which half, or 5 million acres
is within congressionally designated Wilderness areas.
![Photo of a woodland scene with a stream.](/peth04/20041026165919im_/http://www.fs.fed.us/r1/local-resources/images/lolo/LoloCreek408X319.jpg)
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