Leadership

Texas A&M Forest Service Assistant Director of Marketing and Communications, Linda Moon, received the Tom Boggus Current Achievement Award for Communications from the National Association of State Foresters (NASF) in Waimea, Hawai’i last week.

Hughes Simpson, Texas A&M Forest Service Assistant Director, External Affairs, received the Laurence C. Walker Distinguished Service to Forestry Award at the Western Gulf States Society of American Foresters meeting in Bossier City, Louisiana. Simpson, a graduate of Clemson University, began his career with Texas A&M Forest Service in 2000 as a Forester in Lufkin […]

Through the Leadership Institute, we offer a transformative experience for participants, leaving deep and lasting impacts on their ability to lead in daily work environments. We rally existing and emerging leaders within the fields of natural resources and emergency management from organizations across Texas and increase their capacity and ability to enact meaningful change throughout […]

Agenda Session II is designed around leading others. During this session participants will explore how to lead and motivate teams through enrichment programs about how to work with others and manage conflict. Tuesday, April 7, 2026 Time Activity Speaker 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM Welcome and Headshots Texas A&M Forest Service 1:00 PM – 5:00 […]

Agenda Session I is designed around leading yourself. During this session participants will focus on building a cohesive team with other cohort members and exploring who they are as leaders through enrichment programs about interpersonal leadership and personal strengths. Tuesday, October 7, 2025 Time Activity Speaker 10:00 AM – 10:30 AM Welcome Texas A&M Forest […]

Texas legislators allocated approximately $630 million in new funding, above current base funding, for Texas A&M Forest Service over the next two fiscal years. The 89th Texas Legislative Session ended June 2, 2025, and the governor signed the budget on June 22.   The budget funds more volunteer fire department grants, the purchase and operation […]

The Texas A&M Forest Service Leadership Institute’s fifth cohort graduated April 10, 2025, following the completion of its final session in College Station. The leadership institute offers a constructive and inspiring learning environment, enabling opportunities for personal and professional growth by giving participants access to tools and speakers to strengthen their leadership skills. “The institute […]

Texas A&M Forest Service released its 2024 annual report, highlighting the agency’s impact. Texas A&M Forest Service is the lead agency in forest conservation and wildfire response in Texas. As a result, the agency works alongside countless communities, governments, non-profit organizations, citizens, and first responders throughout the state and country.      In times of need, […]

Texas A&M Forest Service Annual Report for 2024.

Al Davis Director Contact Wes Moorehead Deputy Director Contact Travis Zamzow Associate Director | Chief Financial Officer Contact Linda Moon Assistant Director | Communications & Marketing Contact Hughes Simpson Assistant Director | External Affairs Contact Emily Wall Chief Administrative Officer Contact Jake Donellan  Division Director | Field Operations Contact Jared Karns  Division Director | Fire […]

Texas A&M Forest Service and the Texas Forestry Association received the 2024 Blue Legacy Award – Legacy of Commitment at the Water for Texas Conference today.

Hughes Simpson, Texas A&M Forest Service Assistant Director, External Affairs, was presented the Public Service in Forestry Award by Texas A&M University Vice Chancellor Dr. Jeffrey Savell, Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025.    Simpson began his career with Texas A&M Forest Service in 2000 as a Forester in Lufkin. Since then, he has served as a Water […]

On Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, Texas A&M Forest Service honors its Law Enforcement investigators and officers for their dedication to public safety and the protection of Texas’ natural resources.

Texas A&M Forest Service held a grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony for the newly outfitted Emergency Operation Center in College Station today.

Texas A&M Forest Service held the agency’s annual personnel meeting today in Tyler, Texas.

More than $235,000 in scholarships will be available for students in the Forest Resource Track in the Texas A&M Department of Ecology and Conservation Biology.

The Texas A&M Forest Service Leadership Institute hosted the kick-off session for its fifth cohort Oct. 8-10 in Waco, Texas. The institute is a leadership program that offers a transformative experience for participants, hoping to leave a deep and lasting effect on their ability to lead in daily environments. The leadership institute offers a constructive […]

Wes Moorehead has been named Deputy Director of Texas A&M Forest Service. In this role, Moorehead will report to Texas A&M Forest Service Director Al Davis and will oversee the successful implementation of Davis’ and the agency’s statewide, strategic initiatives.   “It is an honor to take on this new role within the agency,” said […]

Texas A&M Forest Service hosted the fourth annual Sisters in Fire event on Saturday, Sept. 28, at Sam Houston State University Bearkat Camp. Twenty-three young women between the ages of 12 and 18 from across 23 Texas counties participated.  “For the fourth year, we’ve shown young women the comradery, integrity and excitement that comes with […]

After 43 years of leadership and dedication to Texas A&M Forest Service, Bill Oates, Associate Director and private landowner rights champion, retires.   Oates—known in the agency and around the state as an outspoken personality—might surprise you. His ceiling-high collection of 1970s soft and acid rock vinyl records ring through the halls from the stereo […]

Michelle Moore, Texas A&M Forest Service Forester, received a bronze Smokey Bear award today in recognition of her efforts to create a first-of-its-kind wildfire prevention resource guide.

Al Davis is the ninth director of Texas A&M Forest Service. Davis was appointed by the Texas A&M University System Board of Regents on June 1, 2023, after serving as interim director for two years.  His vision is “a great agency that is people and mission focused.”  Making his top priorities safety, employee retention, relationships, […]

Michelle Moore, Texas A&M Forest Service Forester, received a bronze Smokey Bear award today in recognition of her efforts to create a first-of-its-kind wildfire prevention resource guide.

Crews from American YouthWorks helped restore parts of the W.G. Jones State Forest as part of their contribution to assist their community following last week’s damaging storms.

Accomplishments of Texas A&M Forest Service for the Texas Army National Guard

Uniform Appraisal Standards for Federal Land Acquisitions

Flyer about Tree Climbing Competition

The Texas A&M Forest Service Leadership Institute’s fourth cohort graduated today, following the completion of its final session in College Station.

After 42 years of service with Texas A&M Forest Service, Brad Smith, Predictive Services Department Head, retired Friday, January 12, 2024.

With 33 years of service with Texas A&M Forest Service and decades of leadership in red-cockaded woodpecker conservation efforts in East Texas, Donna Work was awarded the Vice Chancellor’s Award in Excellence for her public service in forestry.

Texas A&M Forest Service presented a check for $22,389 to the Association of Former Students today. The funds are from timber sustainably managed and sold on the John Henry Kirby Memorial State Forest.

Known for his passion and leadership to others, Bruce Woods’ dedication to the fire service has earned him The Texas A&M University System 2023 Regents Fellow Service Award.

Texas A&M Forest Service held the agency’s annual personnel meeting today in San Angelo, Texas. Agency employees gathered from across the state to recognize accomplishments of the past year and employee achievements.

The Texas A&M Forest Service Leadership Institute hosted the kick-off session for its fourth cohort Oct. 10 to 12 in The Woodlands, Texas.

October 4, 2023 25th Annual Wildfire Academy begins this week at Camp Swift BASTROP, Texas – The 25th annual Capital Area Interagency Wildfire and Incident Management Academy (CAIWA) begins at the Camp Swift National Guard Facility in Bastrop, Texas this week. The academy will take place Oct 6-18, 2022.

Texas A&M Forest Service hosted the third annual Sisters in Fire event Sept. 30 at Worth Ranch, a Longhorn Council BSA property.

Texas A&M Forest Service and the Texas Chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture (ISAT) recognized the Texas Community Forestry Award winners at the 43rd annual Texas Tree Conference in Waco, Texas.

A Texas A&M Forest Service employee was honored with the Current Achievement Award for Fire Protection during today’s National Association of State Foresters Annual Meeting in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

As persistent triple-digit temperatures and dry conditions increase wildfire danger for much of the state, Texas A&M Forest Service urges Texans to be cautious with outdoor activities that create sparks.

These 10 trees were well-known for their role in the frontier justice system, with some still standing today.

A community that has been identified as the hottest neighborhood in Houston could support more than 500 additional trees in public spaces, according to a recent street-by-street analysis conducted by Texas A&M Forest Service and The Nature Conservancy in Texas.

A combination of above-normal temperatures, low humidity, dry fuel and strong winds will create the potential for extreme fire conditions across large portions of the state early this week.

Rich Gray announced his retirement as Texas A&M Forest Service Chief Regional Fire Coordinator last month.

Les Rogers retired as Texas A&M Forest Service Incident Response Department Head and Chief Law Enforcement Officer last month, capping a 25-year career with the agency.

Texas A&M Forest Service employees and retired staff members who played a role in the 2003 search for Columbia and her crew noted the spirit of cooperation, the bonds with other responders and the importance their training played in preparing them for the challenges of the task.

Texas A&M Forest Service District Forester Jason Ellis has been awarded the 2022 Vice Chancellor’s Award in Excellence for Public Service in Forestry.

Texas A&M Forest Service held the agency’s annual personnel meeting this week. Agency employees gathered virtually from across the state to recognize accomplishments of the past year and employee achievements.

Billy Whitworth, Assistant Chief Regional Fire Coordinator for Texas A&M Forest Service, has been named one of 11 winners of the Regents Fellow Service Award.

Gray County has adopted a plan to reduce risks and better prepare for wildfires.

Buster Robinson, Texas A&M Forest Service Incident Aviation Operations Officer, turned a childhood love of aviation into a 10-year military career flying Chinook helicopters for the Army National Guard.

The Texas A&M Forest Service Leadership Institute hosted the kick-off session for its third cohort Oct. 11 to 13 in The Woodlands, Texas.

Texas A&M Forest Service and the Texas Chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture recognized the Texas Community Forestry Award winners yesterday at the 42nd annual Texas Tree Conference in Waco, Texas.

Mark D. Stanford, Associate Director for Forest Resource Protection and Fire Chief of Texas A&M Forest Service, is retiring after 43 years of service to the State of Texas.

The Texas A&M Forest Service Leadership Institute class of 2021 – 2022 graduated April 21, 2022, following the completion of their final session held in The Woodlands, Texas.

Have you ever wondered what it’s like working for Texas A&M Forest Service? A week at the agency can cover anything from fighting wildfires to tornado response to managing urban trees and forests – literally. Take a look into just one week of an East Texas Resource Specialist, and you may be surprised to learn h

Wes Moorehead, former Assistant Director, has been promoted to Associate Director of Forest Resource Protection and Fire Chief at Texas A&M Forest Service.

Texas A&M Forest Service Forest Resource Development Chief Operating Officer Burl Carraway is the recipient of a Texas A&M University System Regents Fellow Service Award for 2020 – 2021.

Texas A&M Forest Service’s Richard Gray received the 2021 Vice Chancellor’s Award in Excellence for Public Service in Forestry today.

Texas A&M Forest Service held the agency’s annual personnel meeting this week.

The Texas A&M Forest Service Leadership Institute hosted the kick-off session for its second class October 26 – 28 in College Station, Texas

Texas A&M Forest Service and the Texas Chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture recognized the Texas Community Forestry Award winners today at the Annual Texas Tree Conference in Waco, Texas.

The Texas A&M University System approved a resolution today honoring Thomas G. Boggus, the former Director of Texas A&M Forest Service.

Texas A&M Forest Service’s John Hawkins received the 2020 Forest Stewardship Program Field Forester Award from the USDA Forest Service in Birmingham, Alabama June 8, 2021.

The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents appoint Davis after retirement of Tom Boggus as the State Forester of Texas and Director of Texas A&M Forest Service, having served in this role from February 2010 – May 2021.

The Arbor Day Foundation, in partnership with Texas A&M Forest Service, has recognized Conroe, DeSoto, McAllen and Shady Shores, Texas each for their commitments to effective urban forest management by naming them first-time Tree City USA cities.

Half of the fresh water produced in Texas comes from forested lands. So on this National Arbor Day, when the nation and much of the world are celebrating trees and the many benefits they provide, Texas A&M Forest Service is focusing on the connection between forests and drinking water.

A recent census of San Antonio’s urban forest counted 137.8 million trees in and around the city that work to reduce air pollution, temperatures and stormwater runoff, while storing carbon, improving human health and just plain beautifying the Alamo City.

How valuable is it to actively manage your forestland? Landowners can now explore the added financial and environmental benefits of land management through the Texas A&M Forest Service Forest Stewardship Dashboard.

The Nature Challenge website launched today, connecting Texans with fun, creative ways to explore the outdoors, learn new skills and get involved in their community.

Texas A&M Forest Service’s Gretchen Riley received the 2020 Vice Chancellor’s Award in Excellence for Public Service in Forestry today.

Texas A&M Forest Service and the Texas Chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture recognized the Texas Community Forestry Award winners at the Texas Arbor Day celebration in Harker Heights, Texas on November 6 this year.

Texas A&M Forest Service Assistant Director Wes Moorehead is the recipient of a Texas A&M University System Regents Fellow Service Award for 2019 – 2020.

Oak wilt is one of the most destructive tree diseases in the United States, and has been killing oak trees in Central Texas at epidemic proportions. Texas A&M Forest Service urges all Texans, particularly hunters, to take preventative measures and be cautious when collecting and purchasing firewood this time of year to reduce the spread of oak wilt.

Karen Stafford, Wildfire Prevention Program Coordinator with Texas A&M Forest Service is one of the members on a national team that has earned the Gold Smokey Bear Award.

Employees at Texas A&M Forest Service have been awarded two Bronze Smokey Bear Awards for their wildfire prevention outreach efforts across the nation over the course of Smokey Bear’s 75th Birthday in 2019.

In a year of firsts, Texas A&M Forest Service held the agency’s annual personnel meeting virtually. Spanning statewide, agency employees gathered together through space and time to recognize the past year’s agency accomplishments, employee achievements and to set the tone for the coming year.

Jordan Herrin, former Hudson district forester at Texas A&M Forest Service, was promoted to regional forester for East Texas Operations Department’s central region. The East Texas Operations Department provides the crucial forest resource development and protection needed to keep the Texas pineywoods region safe and productive.

Jonathan Motsinger, former West Texas Nursery program leader at Texas A&M Forest Service, was promoted to Central Texas Operations Department Head at Texas A&M Forest Service.

The East Texas Operations Department provides the crucial forest resource development and protection needed to keep the Texas pineywoods region safe and productive.

Today, the State of Texas and USDA Forest Service signed a historic agreement that formalizes the framework for a collaborative response between state and federal agencies responding to wildfires, natural resource concerns and ecological challenges in Texas.

Texas A&M AgriLife presented Jordan Herrin, Texas A&M Forest Service District Forester, with the 2019 Vice Chancellor’s Award in Excellence for Public Service. Throughout his nine years of service to Texas A&M Forest Service, Herrin has masterfully navigated challenges and responsibilities beyond his job description, establishing himself as a leader in the agency.

Texas A&M Forest Service and the Texas Chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture honored tree care professionals at the 39th Texas Tree Conference, Academy, Trade Show and Tree Schools in Waco, Texas in September.

A Texas A&M Forest Service employee was honored with the prestigious Bronze Smokey Bear Award during today’s National Association of State Foresters Annual Meeting in Asheville, North Carolina. Wildland Urban Interface Specialist Samuel McCalip, a self-taught videographer, has harnessed the power of storytelling to bring wildfire prevention awareness across the state.

Forestry officials from across the United States unveiled a new web application this week that will help communities, investors and wood buyers determine the supply of available forest resources in a given area and make more informed decisions on where to locate wood-based businesses in the U.S. South.

Texas A&M Forest Service, in cooperation with Abilene Fire Department, is hosting a celebration in honor of Smokey Bear’s 75th birthday and his wildfire prevention message. The event will be held Friday, Aug. 9, from 11a.m. to 2p.m. at Nelson Park Festival Gardens, 2070 Zoo Ln, Abilene, TX.

Since 2003, Texas has assisted the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA) with the Firewise USA® program. Through this program, Texas A&M Forest Service educates communities on the steps they can take to better protect their homes from a wildfire.

On June 24, for the first time in Texas, Texas A&M Forest Service successfully merchandised, marketed and sold 224 acres of timber for the USDA Forest Service. This timber sale marks a successful step forward in the first phase of a larger Good Neighbor Authority project meant to nurture healthier, more resilient forests in Texas.

The theft of timber is a serious crime in Texas. Each year, Texas A&M Forest Service investigators receive theft complaints from landowners that total over one million dollars.

From February through June, oak trees should not be pruned or wounded to prevent the spread of oak wilt disease. Texas A&M Forest Service reminds Texans that it is especially critical to avoid pruning oaks in Texas counties affected by oak wilt.

Tax season is fast approaching and forest landowners may want to refresh their knowledge of timber tax laws. The 2019 Texas Timber Income and Property Tax Workshop will be held on February 11 from 8 am to 5 pm at the Civic Center in Diboll, Texas.

The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents have recognized James B. Rooni of Texas A&M Forest Service as a 2017-2018 Regents Fellow Service Award recipient.

The Arbor Day Foundation’s Texas Community Tree Recovery Campaign Distributes Free Trees to Local Texas Residents Affected by Hurricane Harvey Arbor Day Foundation Program Helps Rebuild and Beautify Communities One Tree at a Time Port Aransas, TX (October 15, 2018) – The Arbor Day Foundation’s

Months after the storm, Hurricane Harvey may still be causing damage. Urban Forest Strike Team members from across the nation examined trees in Harris County Bear Creek Park this week for effects of prolonged flooding. Bear Creek Park was under approximately four feet of water for

A conservation easement in Jasper County, recently acquired by Texas A&M Forest Service for $2.7 million, will permanently protect nearly 5,500 acres of sustainably managed timberland in East Texas. The easement is located north of Jasper in the area known as Longleaf Ridge.

There is high probability of a significant wildfire outbreak in West Texas and the Panhandle Tuesday, April 17 with elevated to critical wildfire conditions present today. The areas of concern include Amarillo, Ft. Stockton, and Midland/Odessa. “With these con

The National Military Fish & Wildlife Association has awarded Texas A&M Forest Service the 2018 Natural Resources Conservation Management Conservation Partnership Award.

Fire departments from across the state have provided firefighters and fire engines that have been stationed throughout the Texas Panhandle and West Texas for response to wildfires that have burned near 52,000 acres this year.

Educational outreach team members who helped incorporate fire resistance ratings into the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Earth-Kind® Plant Selector were awarded a Superior Service Award for a Team today, Jan. 9, at a ceremony in Bryan, Texas.

Texas A&M AgriLife has awarded Andrew Crocker, Staff Forester for Texas A&M Forest Service, the 2017 Vice Chancellor’s Award in Excellence for Pubic Service in Forestry.

Over 500 Texas A&M Forest Service employees came together at the agency’s annual personnel meeting Wednesday, Nov. 15.

Grimes County has developed a plan that will better prepare the community for wildfires. The Community Wildfire Protection Plan is the 19th countywide CWPP in Texas. The plan is intended to help improve the safety of residents and emergency personnel and minimize

The George H. W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum in College Station, Texas, was honored with a national Bronze Smokey Bear Award today during the Southern Group of State Foresters annual meeting in Rogers, Arkansas. Throughout 2015, the Bush Library and Museum hos

Texas Panhandle landowners are invited to attend a workshop designed to better prepare them for wildfires. The one-day Wildfire Preparedness workshop, hosted by Texas A&M Forest Service, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension and the Natural Resources Conservation Service, will focus

Busy schedules, excessive screen time and lots of other factors keep kids from connecting with nature, even though study after study show that spending time outdoors makes them healthier, happier and smarter. Same goes for adults. So why not head outside together?

Texas A&M Forest Service is helping restore the threatened, iconic Ponderosa Pine forests of West Texas. After a myriad of environmental stresses destroyed nearly 75 percent of the majestic Rocky Mountain Ponderosa Pine population in the Davis Mountains it became evident that reforestation efforts were needed.

In Texas, the official state Arbor Day celebration is held in a different host city each year on the first Friday in November. Today, on National Arbor Day, Texas A&M Forest Service revealed that this year’s state celebration will be hosted in Grand Prairie, Texas.

Approximately 4,000 more trees are taking root in wildfire-scarred Texas soil this weekend thanks to the planting efforts of student volunteers from Texas A&M University.

Central Texas now has an airtanker base to help fight wildfires.

Donald Galloway of Texas A&M Forest Service was awarded the 2017 Regents Fellow Service Award from the Texas A&M University System Board of Regents.

A loblolly pine on the T.L.L. Temple Foundation Boggy Slough Conservation Area west of Lufkin was recently confirmed by Texas A&M Forest Service to be the largest of its kind in the state. Located within 200 feet of Cochino Bayou, a prominent waterway, the champion lob

As tax season in Texas approaches, have you considered brushing up on tax laws regarding timberland properties?

Students from Houston’s impoverished East End are changing their schools, their neighborhoods and their futures — for the better. And the forestry and agricultural communities are taking notice. A multi-agency team of Green Ambassadors has been a

Post oak trees across the state are facing higher mortality rates in both urban and rural settings.

Earlier today the National Association of State Foresters presented a communications achievement award to Texas A&M Forest Service Urban and Community Forestry Program Coordinator Paul Johnson.

Landowners in many parts of Texas have an opportunity to receive reimbursement for the cost of having a prescribed burn conducted on their property.

Texas A&M Forest Service Urban and Community Forestry Program Coordinator Paul Johnson has discovered that it is not enough for communities to sustainably manage and care for the urban forest.

The Lone Star Family Health Center has awarded Texas A&M Forest Service Urban District Forester John Warner an annual community award recognizing his advocacy of children in nature.

As Texans from around the state make plans of picnics with family and friends, parades through town squares and fireworks displays after dark, Texas A&M Forest Service urges caution with outdoor activities such as grilling, campfires and fireworks.

The invasive emerald ash borer (EAB) beetle that has killed tens of millions of ash trees across the U.S. has been detected in Texas. State and federal agencies are preparing people and communities with information, education and preventative measures to fight the pest. Ea

The John Knox Presbyterian Camp will soon be a safer, more ecologically sound property thanks to the help of Texas A&M Forest Service. The agency will complete a habitat improvement and wildland fire fuels reduction project at the end of May. The non-profit camp, like man

Texas A&M Forest Service partners with the Association of Texas Soil and Water Conservation Districts, Texas Wildlife Association, Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, and Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board to highlight the importance of voluntary

Some of the nation’s brightest and most accomplished leaders in wildland firefighting met this week at Texas A&M Forest Service headquarters to discuss the future of leadership development in the field. Attendees were all members of the National Wildfire Coordinating

Texas A&M Forest Service Firewise Coordinator Nick Harrison received the 2015 USDA Forest Service Robert E. Browning Jr. Award for his efforts in wildfire prevention, March 23. The award is in memory of Browning, a southern wildland firefighter who gave hi

Two Mexican blue oaks in Big Bend Ranch State Park were recently confirmed by Texas A&M Forest Service to be the largest of their kind in the state. Located in a remote canyon in the middle of the park, the trees are on the latest edition of the Texas Big Tree Registry, a

The Lone Star State Type II Initial Attack Crew from Texas A&M Forest Service recently received honorable mention in the 2015 IGNITE the Spark for Leadership Award for its commitment to developing leaders. The award recognizes leadership development efforts within

Providing leadership and service to Texans in all areas of forestry earned an 18-year Texas A&M Forest Service employee the honor of receiving the Vice Chancellor’s Award in Excellence for Public Service in Forestry Thursday. Central Texas Operations Department Head Jim Roon

Texas A&M Forest Service Associate Director William E. Oates has been recognized as a Texas A&M University System Regents Fellow Service Award recipient for 2014–2015. The Regents Fellow Service Awards program was established in 1998 and the Regents Professor Aw

Going green can change the world; one community at a time. The mission to spread this message brought national recognition to the Green Ambassadors and Texas A&M Forest Service. Earlier this month, Green Ambassadors from the Latino Legacy program working on the Houston

Taking care of America’s lands and natural resources is a big job. No single organization can do it alone. Knowing that we are stronger together — the USDA Forest Service has entered into a Good Neighbor Authority agreement with Texas A&M Forest Service to help conserve,

Dallas area tree climber Miguel Pastenes took top honors at the North American Tree Cl

National recognition was given to Texas A&M Forest Service District Forester Russell Lykins for his work in and service to Texas landowners in Cass and Marion counties. Lykins was presented the National Forest Stewardship Forester of the Year award at the National Fore

Over 500 Texas A&M Forest Service employees came together Tuesday to celebrate the agency’s centennial year and one another.

One hundred communities across Texas are receiving a special delivery of 100 trees in honor of Texas A&M Forest Service’s centennial year, capping off a full year of celebrating the agency’s commitment to conserve and protect Texas’ trees and forests.

Caring for Texas’ trees takes hard work and dedication. At this year’s Texas Tree Conference over a thousand tree care professionals gathered in Waco to learn from national leaders in research, commercial and utility arboriculture and urban forestry.

This year as part of National 4-H Week and One Day 4-H, the Texas 4-H Youth Development Program will partner with the Texas A&M Forest Service to help celebrate that agency’s 100th anniversary of protecting the citizens of Texas and the country.

Texas A&M Forest Service Communications Manager Linda Moon received the National Association of State Foresters’ Austin Short Current Achievement Award for Communications at the NASF conference this week in Lake Tahoe, California.

Bastrop is no stranger to the dangers and devastation that wildfire can bring to a community. One weekend proved how reducing overgrown vegetation and implementing other mitigating efforts can decrease the severity of wildfires—potentially saving a community from a destructive fire.

Preventing wildfires has many benefits. For one Texas A&M Forest Service employee, helping spread the message of wildfire prevention has resulted in receiving a prestigious Smokey Bear Award.

Southern Group of State Foresters to meet in San Antonio June 21 – 24.

Natural disasters are frequent in Texas. To collaboratively meet the demands of responding to wildfires, hurricanes, tornadoes and flood events, all-hazard response incident management training is needed—training that emergency responders will receive at the East Texas Interagency Wild

The George Bush Presidential Library and Museum in College Station has a new temporary exhibit on display titled History in the Making: Texas A&M Forest Service.

The George Bush Presidential Library and Museum in College Station has a new temporary exhibit on display titled History in the Making: Texas A&M Forest Service.

Hundreds of Aggies are once again heading to Bastrop State Park to help replenish trees lost during the devastating 2011 wildfire season—which destroyed an estimated 96 percent of the park.

Hundreds of Aggies are once again heading to Bastrop State Park to help replenish trees lost during the devastating 2011 wildfire season—which destroyed an estimated 96 percent of the park.

Over the past 100 years, Texas A&M Forest Service has accomplished many feats, including establishing itself as a premiere entity in both forestry and all-hazard response.

Over the past 100 years, Texas A&M Forest Service has accomplished many feats, including establishing itself as a premiere entity in both forestry and all-hazard response.

Changing the way the South recognizes and prepares for wildfire, a 17-year Texas A&M Forest Service employee was honored Tuesday with the Vice Chancellor’s Award in Excellence for Public Service in Forestry.

Changing the way the South recognizes and prepares for wildfire, a 17-year Texas A&M Forest Service employee Curt Stripling was honored Tuesday with the Vice Chancellor’s Award in Excellence for Public Service in Forestry.

TFS offices across the state are closed in observance of Christmas and New Years. All offices will resume normal operations Monday morning, Jan. 5.

One Texas A&M Forest Service employee is being recognized at this year’s CLEAN GULF Conference and Exhibition in San Antonio for his dedicated efforts in helping the Texas General Land Office acquire new boats to help monitor and protect the Texas shoreline.

Through a community-wide effort to raise wildfire awareness and reduce the risk of wildfires, the City of Rosser, Texas earned national recognition as a Firewise Community. Texas A&M Forest Service representatives were proud to take part in the celebration.

TFS offices across the state are closed in observance of the Thanksgiving. All offices will resume normal operations Monday morning, Dec. 1.

Hundreds of Texas A&M Forest Service employees convened Tuesday at the Bell County Expo Center for their annual personnel meeting.

Helping prevent wildfires can save property, resources and lives. A message Texas A&M Forest Service plans to share through Smokey Bear’s 70th Birthday Bash.

Hundreds gathered in Waco this week to celebrate the accomplishments of those who have dedicated their talents to spreading a leafy green canopy over Texas.

Texas A&M Forest Service has completed a new study of the economic contribution provided by forestry-driven, wood-based industries in Texas. The report shows that the total economic contributions of the Texas forest sector include $30.3 billion in industry output, supporting more than 130,600 jobs; and continues to be one of the top ten manufacturing sectors in the state.

Texas A&M Forest Service (TFS) expects to release more than $43 million in remaining appropriated fire suppression funds back to the State of Texas this fall.

The San Antonio Missions Baseball Club is committed to helping protect the community in which they live work and play. As team members took to the field over the past three baseball seasons, they also took wildfire prevention messages to the streets, and tonight were honored for their effort with a Bronze Smokey Bear Award.

A Texas A&M Forest Service survey of hundreds of forested plots scattered across the state shows 301 million trees were killed as a result of the devastating 2011 drought. The number was determined by a study of both on-the-ground tree health assessments collect

As many as 500 million trees scattered across the Lone Star State have died this year as a result of the unrelenting drought, according to preliminary estimates from Texas Forest Service. The numbers were derived by Texas Forest Service foresters, who canvassed lo

Texas A&M Forest Service Assistant Director of Marketing and Communications, Linda Moon, received the Tom Boggus Current Achievement Award for Communications from the National Association of State Foresters (NASF) in Waimea, Hawai’i last week.

Hughes Simpson, Texas A&M Forest Service Assistant Director, External Affairs, received the Laurence C. Walker Distinguished Service to Forestry Award at the Western Gulf States Society of American Foresters meeting in Bossier City, Louisiana. Simpson, a graduate of Clemson University, began his career with Texas A&M Forest Service in 2000 as a Forester in Lufkin […]

Texas legislators allocated approximately $630 million in new funding, above current base funding, for Texas A&M Forest Service over the next two fiscal years. The 89th Texas Legislative Session ended June 2, 2025, and the governor signed the budget on June 22.   The budget funds more volunteer fire department grants, the purchase and operation […]

The Texas A&M Forest Service Leadership Institute’s fifth cohort graduated April 10, 2025, following the completion of its final session in College Station. The leadership institute offers a constructive and inspiring learning environment, enabling opportunities for personal and professional growth by giving participants access to tools and speakers to strengthen their leadership skills. “The institute […]

Texas A&M Forest Service released its 2024 annual report, highlighting the agency’s impact. Texas A&M Forest Service is the lead agency in forest conservation and wildfire response in Texas. As a result, the agency works alongside countless communities, governments, non-profit organizations, citizens, and first responders throughout the state and country.      In times of need, […]

Texas A&M Forest Service and the Texas Forestry Association received the 2024 Blue Legacy Award – Legacy of Commitment at the Water for Texas Conference today.

Hughes Simpson, Texas A&M Forest Service Assistant Director, External Affairs, was presented the Public Service in Forestry Award by Texas A&M University Vice Chancellor Dr. Jeffrey Savell, Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025.    Simpson began his career with Texas A&M Forest Service in 2000 as a Forester in Lufkin. Since then, he has served as a Water […]

On Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, Texas A&M Forest Service honors its Law Enforcement investigators and officers for their dedication to public safety and the protection of Texas’ natural resources.

Texas A&M Forest Service held a grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony for the newly outfitted Emergency Operation Center in College Station today.

Texas A&M Forest Service held the agency’s annual personnel meeting today in Tyler, Texas.

More than $235,000 in scholarships will be available for students in the Forest Resource Track in the Texas A&M Department of Ecology and Conservation Biology.

The Texas A&M Forest Service Leadership Institute hosted the kick-off session for its fifth cohort Oct. 8-10 in Waco, Texas. The institute is a leadership program that offers a transformative experience for participants, hoping to leave a deep and lasting effect on their ability to lead in daily environments. The leadership institute offers a constructive […]

Wes Moorehead has been named Deputy Director of Texas A&M Forest Service. In this role, Moorehead will report to Texas A&M Forest Service Director Al Davis and will oversee the successful implementation of Davis’ and the agency’s statewide, strategic initiatives.   “It is an honor to take on this new role within the agency,” said […]

Texas A&M Forest Service hosted the fourth annual Sisters in Fire event on Saturday, Sept. 28, at Sam Houston State University Bearkat Camp. Twenty-three young women between the ages of 12 and 18 from across 23 Texas counties participated.  “For the fourth year, we’ve shown young women the comradery, integrity and excitement that comes with […]

After 43 years of leadership and dedication to Texas A&M Forest Service, Bill Oates, Associate Director and private landowner rights champion, retires.   Oates—known in the agency and around the state as an outspoken personality—might surprise you. His ceiling-high collection of 1970s soft and acid rock vinyl records ring through the halls from the stereo […]

Michelle Moore, Texas A&M Forest Service Forester, received a bronze Smokey Bear award today in recognition of her efforts to create a first-of-its-kind wildfire prevention resource guide.

Michelle Moore, Texas A&M Forest Service Forester, received a bronze Smokey Bear award today in recognition of her efforts to create a first-of-its-kind wildfire prevention resource guide.

Crews from American YouthWorks helped restore parts of the W.G. Jones State Forest as part of their contribution to assist their community following last week’s damaging storms.

The Texas A&M Forest Service Leadership Institute’s fourth cohort graduated today, following the completion of its final session in College Station.

After 42 years of service with Texas A&M Forest Service, Brad Smith, Predictive Services Department Head, retired Friday, January 12, 2024.

With 33 years of service with Texas A&M Forest Service and decades of leadership in red-cockaded woodpecker conservation efforts in East Texas, Donna Work was awarded the Vice Chancellor’s Award in Excellence for her public service in forestry.

Texas A&M Forest Service presented a check for $22,389 to the Association of Former Students today. The funds are from timber sustainably managed and sold on the John Henry Kirby Memorial State Forest.

Known for his passion and leadership to others, Bruce Woods’ dedication to the fire service has earned him The Texas A&M University System 2023 Regents Fellow Service Award.

Texas A&M Forest Service held the agency’s annual personnel meeting today in San Angelo, Texas. Agency employees gathered from across the state to recognize accomplishments of the past year and employee achievements.

The Texas A&M Forest Service Leadership Institute hosted the kick-off session for its fourth cohort Oct. 10 to 12 in The Woodlands, Texas.

October 4, 2023 25th Annual Wildfire Academy begins this week at Camp Swift BASTROP, Texas – The 25th annual Capital Area Interagency Wildfire and Incident Management Academy (CAIWA) begins at the Camp Swift National Guard Facility in Bastrop, Texas this week. The academy will take place Oct 6-18, 2022.

Texas A&M Forest Service hosted the third annual Sisters in Fire event Sept. 30 at Worth Ranch, a Longhorn Council BSA property.

Texas A&M Forest Service and the Texas Chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture (ISAT) recognized the Texas Community Forestry Award winners at the 43rd annual Texas Tree Conference in Waco, Texas.

A Texas A&M Forest Service employee was honored with the Current Achievement Award for Fire Protection during today’s National Association of State Foresters Annual Meeting in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

As persistent triple-digit temperatures and dry conditions increase wildfire danger for much of the state, Texas A&M Forest Service urges Texans to be cautious with outdoor activities that create sparks.

These 10 trees were well-known for their role in the frontier justice system, with some still standing today.

A community that has been identified as the hottest neighborhood in Houston could support more than 500 additional trees in public spaces, according to a recent street-by-street analysis conducted by Texas A&M Forest Service and The Nature Conservancy in Texas.

A combination of above-normal temperatures, low humidity, dry fuel and strong winds will create the potential for extreme fire conditions across large portions of the state early this week.

Rich Gray announced his retirement as Texas A&M Forest Service Chief Regional Fire Coordinator last month.

Les Rogers retired as Texas A&M Forest Service Incident Response Department Head and Chief Law Enforcement Officer last month, capping a 25-year career with the agency.

Texas A&M Forest Service employees and retired staff members who played a role in the 2003 search for Columbia and her crew noted the spirit of cooperation, the bonds with other responders and the importance their training played in preparing them for the challenges of the task.

Texas A&M Forest Service District Forester Jason Ellis has been awarded the 2022 Vice Chancellor’s Award in Excellence for Public Service in Forestry.

Texas A&M Forest Service held the agency’s annual personnel meeting this week. Agency employees gathered virtually from across the state to recognize accomplishments of the past year and employee achievements.

Billy Whitworth, Assistant Chief Regional Fire Coordinator for Texas A&M Forest Service, has been named one of 11 winners of the Regents Fellow Service Award.

Gray County has adopted a plan to reduce risks and better prepare for wildfires.

Buster Robinson, Texas A&M Forest Service Incident Aviation Operations Officer, turned a childhood love of aviation into a 10-year military career flying Chinook helicopters for the Army National Guard.

The Texas A&M Forest Service Leadership Institute hosted the kick-off session for its third cohort Oct. 11 to 13 in The Woodlands, Texas.

Texas A&M Forest Service and the Texas Chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture recognized the Texas Community Forestry Award winners yesterday at the 42nd annual Texas Tree Conference in Waco, Texas.

Mark D. Stanford, Associate Director for Forest Resource Protection and Fire Chief of Texas A&M Forest Service, is retiring after 43 years of service to the State of Texas.

The Texas A&M Forest Service Leadership Institute class of 2021 – 2022 graduated April 21, 2022, following the completion of their final session held in The Woodlands, Texas.

Have you ever wondered what it’s like working for Texas A&M Forest Service? A week at the agency can cover anything from fighting wildfires to tornado response to managing urban trees and forests – literally. Take a look into just one week of an East Texas Resource Specialist, and you may be surprised to learn h

Wes Moorehead, former Assistant Director, has been promoted to Associate Director of Forest Resource Protection and Fire Chief at Texas A&M Forest Service.

Texas A&M Forest Service Forest Resource Development Chief Operating Officer Burl Carraway is the recipient of a Texas A&M University System Regents Fellow Service Award for 2020 – 2021.

Texas A&M Forest Service’s Richard Gray received the 2021 Vice Chancellor’s Award in Excellence for Public Service in Forestry today.

Texas A&M Forest Service held the agency’s annual personnel meeting this week.

The Texas A&M Forest Service Leadership Institute hosted the kick-off session for its second class October 26 – 28 in College Station, Texas

Texas A&M Forest Service and the Texas Chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture recognized the Texas Community Forestry Award winners today at the Annual Texas Tree Conference in Waco, Texas.

The Texas A&M University System approved a resolution today honoring Thomas G. Boggus, the former Director of Texas A&M Forest Service.

Texas A&M Forest Service’s John Hawkins received the 2020 Forest Stewardship Program Field Forester Award from the USDA Forest Service in Birmingham, Alabama June 8, 2021.

The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents appoint Davis after retirement of Tom Boggus as the State Forester of Texas and Director of Texas A&M Forest Service, having served in this role from February 2010 – May 2021.

The Arbor Day Foundation, in partnership with Texas A&M Forest Service, has recognized Conroe, DeSoto, McAllen and Shady Shores, Texas each for their commitments to effective urban forest management by naming them first-time Tree City USA cities.

Half of the fresh water produced in Texas comes from forested lands. So on this National Arbor Day, when the nation and much of the world are celebrating trees and the many benefits they provide, Texas A&M Forest Service is focusing on the connection between forests and drinking water.

A recent census of San Antonio’s urban forest counted 137.8 million trees in and around the city that work to reduce air pollution, temperatures and stormwater runoff, while storing carbon, improving human health and just plain beautifying the Alamo City.

How valuable is it to actively manage your forestland? Landowners can now explore the added financial and environmental benefits of land management through the Texas A&M Forest Service Forest Stewardship Dashboard.

The Nature Challenge website launched today, connecting Texans with fun, creative ways to explore the outdoors, learn new skills and get involved in their community.

Texas A&M Forest Service’s Gretchen Riley received the 2020 Vice Chancellor’s Award in Excellence for Public Service in Forestry today.

Texas A&M Forest Service and the Texas Chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture recognized the Texas Community Forestry Award winners at the Texas Arbor Day celebration in Harker Heights, Texas on November 6 this year.

Texas A&M Forest Service Assistant Director Wes Moorehead is the recipient of a Texas A&M University System Regents Fellow Service Award for 2019 – 2020.

Oak wilt is one of the most destructive tree diseases in the United States, and has been killing oak trees in Central Texas at epidemic proportions. Texas A&M Forest Service urges all Texans, particularly hunters, to take preventative measures and be cautious when collecting and purchasing firewood this time of year to reduce the spread of oak wilt.

Karen Stafford, Wildfire Prevention Program Coordinator with Texas A&M Forest Service is one of the members on a national team that has earned the Gold Smokey Bear Award.

Employees at Texas A&M Forest Service have been awarded two Bronze Smokey Bear Awards for their wildfire prevention outreach efforts across the nation over the course of Smokey Bear’s 75th Birthday in 2019.

In a year of firsts, Texas A&M Forest Service held the agency’s annual personnel meeting virtually. Spanning statewide, agency employees gathered together through space and time to recognize the past year’s agency accomplishments, employee achievements and to set the tone for the coming year.

Jordan Herrin, former Hudson district forester at Texas A&M Forest Service, was promoted to regional forester for East Texas Operations Department’s central region. The East Texas Operations Department provides the crucial forest resource development and protection needed to keep the Texas pineywoods region safe and productive.

Jonathan Motsinger, former West Texas Nursery program leader at Texas A&M Forest Service, was promoted to Central Texas Operations Department Head at Texas A&M Forest Service.

The East Texas Operations Department provides the crucial forest resource development and protection needed to keep the Texas pineywoods region safe and productive.

Today, the State of Texas and USDA Forest Service signed a historic agreement that formalizes the framework for a collaborative response between state and federal agencies responding to wildfires, natural resource concerns and ecological challenges in Texas.

Texas A&M AgriLife presented Jordan Herrin, Texas A&M Forest Service District Forester, with the 2019 Vice Chancellor’s Award in Excellence for Public Service. Throughout his nine years of service to Texas A&M Forest Service, Herrin has masterfully navigated challenges and responsibilities beyond his job description, establishing himself as a leader in the agency.

Texas A&M Forest Service and the Texas Chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture honored tree care professionals at the 39th Texas Tree Conference, Academy, Trade Show and Tree Schools in Waco, Texas in September.

A Texas A&M Forest Service employee was honored with the prestigious Bronze Smokey Bear Award during today’s National Association of State Foresters Annual Meeting in Asheville, North Carolina. Wildland Urban Interface Specialist Samuel McCalip, a self-taught videographer, has harnessed the power of storytelling to bring wildfire prevention awareness across the state.

Forestry officials from across the United States unveiled a new web application this week that will help communities, investors and wood buyers determine the supply of available forest resources in a given area and make more informed decisions on where to locate wood-based businesses in the U.S. South.

Texas A&M Forest Service, in cooperation with Abilene Fire Department, is hosting a celebration in honor of Smokey Bear’s 75th birthday and his wildfire prevention message. The event will be held Friday, Aug. 9, from 11a.m. to 2p.m. at Nelson Park Festival Gardens, 2070 Zoo Ln, Abilene, TX.

Since 2003, Texas has assisted the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA) with the Firewise USA® program. Through this program, Texas A&M Forest Service educates communities on the steps they can take to better protect their homes from a wildfire.

On June 24, for the first time in Texas, Texas A&M Forest Service successfully merchandised, marketed and sold 224 acres of timber for the USDA Forest Service. This timber sale marks a successful step forward in the first phase of a larger Good Neighbor Authority project meant to nurture healthier, more resilient forests in Texas.

The theft of timber is a serious crime in Texas. Each year, Texas A&M Forest Service investigators receive theft complaints from landowners that total over one million dollars.

From February through June, oak trees should not be pruned or wounded to prevent the spread of oak wilt disease. Texas A&M Forest Service reminds Texans that it is especially critical to avoid pruning oaks in Texas counties affected by oak wilt.

Tax season is fast approaching and forest landowners may want to refresh their knowledge of timber tax laws. The 2019 Texas Timber Income and Property Tax Workshop will be held on February 11 from 8 am to 5 pm at the Civic Center in Diboll, Texas.

The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents have recognized James B. Rooni of Texas A&M Forest Service as a 2017-2018 Regents Fellow Service Award recipient.

The Arbor Day Foundation’s Texas Community Tree Recovery Campaign Distributes Free Trees to Local Texas Residents Affected by Hurricane Harvey Arbor Day Foundation Program Helps Rebuild and Beautify Communities One Tree at a Time Port Aransas, TX (October 15, 2018) – The Arbor Day Foundation’s

Months after the storm, Hurricane Harvey may still be causing damage. Urban Forest Strike Team members from across the nation examined trees in Harris County Bear Creek Park this week for effects of prolonged flooding. Bear Creek Park was under approximately four feet of water for

A conservation easement in Jasper County, recently acquired by Texas A&M Forest Service for $2.7 million, will permanently protect nearly 5,500 acres of sustainably managed timberland in East Texas. The easement is located north of Jasper in the area known as Longleaf Ridge.

There is high probability of a significant wildfire outbreak in West Texas and the Panhandle Tuesday, April 17 with elevated to critical wildfire conditions present today. The areas of concern include Amarillo, Ft. Stockton, and Midland/Odessa. “With these con

The National Military Fish & Wildlife Association has awarded Texas A&M Forest Service the 2018 Natural Resources Conservation Management Conservation Partnership Award.

Fire departments from across the state have provided firefighters and fire engines that have been stationed throughout the Texas Panhandle and West Texas for response to wildfires that have burned near 52,000 acres this year.

Educational outreach team members who helped incorporate fire resistance ratings into the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Earth-Kind® Plant Selector were awarded a Superior Service Award for a Team today, Jan. 9, at a ceremony in Bryan, Texas.

Texas A&M AgriLife has awarded Andrew Crocker, Staff Forester for Texas A&M Forest Service, the 2017 Vice Chancellor’s Award in Excellence for Pubic Service in Forestry.

Over 500 Texas A&M Forest Service employees came together at the agency’s annual personnel meeting Wednesday, Nov. 15.

Grimes County has developed a plan that will better prepare the community for wildfires. The Community Wildfire Protection Plan is the 19th countywide CWPP in Texas. The plan is intended to help improve the safety of residents and emergency personnel and minimize

The George H. W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum in College Station, Texas, was honored with a national Bronze Smokey Bear Award today during the Southern Group of State Foresters annual meeting in Rogers, Arkansas. Throughout 2015, the Bush Library and Museum hos

Texas Panhandle landowners are invited to attend a workshop designed to better prepare them for wildfires. The one-day Wildfire Preparedness workshop, hosted by Texas A&M Forest Service, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension and the Natural Resources Conservation Service, will focus

Busy schedules, excessive screen time and lots of other factors keep kids from connecting with nature, even though study after study show that spending time outdoors makes them healthier, happier and smarter. Same goes for adults. So why not head outside together?

Texas A&M Forest Service is helping restore the threatened, iconic Ponderosa Pine forests of West Texas. After a myriad of environmental stresses destroyed nearly 75 percent of the majestic Rocky Mountain Ponderosa Pine population in the Davis Mountains it became evident that reforestation efforts were needed.

In Texas, the official state Arbor Day celebration is held in a different host city each year on the first Friday in November. Today, on National Arbor Day, Texas A&M Forest Service revealed that this year’s state celebration will be hosted in Grand Prairie, Texas.

Approximately 4,000 more trees are taking root in wildfire-scarred Texas soil this weekend thanks to the planting efforts of student volunteers from Texas A&M University.

Central Texas now has an airtanker base to help fight wildfires.

Donald Galloway of Texas A&M Forest Service was awarded the 2017 Regents Fellow Service Award from the Texas A&M University System Board of Regents.

A loblolly pine on the T.L.L. Temple Foundation Boggy Slough Conservation Area west of Lufkin was recently confirmed by Texas A&M Forest Service to be the largest of its kind in the state. Located within 200 feet of Cochino Bayou, a prominent waterway, the champion lob

As tax season in Texas approaches, have you considered brushing up on tax laws regarding timberland properties?

Students from Houston’s impoverished East End are changing their schools, their neighborhoods and their futures — for the better. And the forestry and agricultural communities are taking notice. A multi-agency team of Green Ambassadors has been a

Post oak trees across the state are facing higher mortality rates in both urban and rural settings.

Earlier today the National Association of State Foresters presented a communications achievement award to Texas A&M Forest Service Urban and Community Forestry Program Coordinator Paul Johnson.

Landowners in many parts of Texas have an opportunity to receive reimbursement for the cost of having a prescribed burn conducted on their property.

Texas A&M Forest Service Urban and Community Forestry Program Coordinator Paul Johnson has discovered that it is not enough for communities to sustainably manage and care for the urban forest.

The Lone Star Family Health Center has awarded Texas A&M Forest Service Urban District Forester John Warner an annual community award recognizing his advocacy of children in nature.

As Texans from around the state make plans of picnics with family and friends, parades through town squares and fireworks displays after dark, Texas A&M Forest Service urges caution with outdoor activities such as grilling, campfires and fireworks.

The invasive emerald ash borer (EAB) beetle that has killed tens of millions of ash trees across the U.S. has been detected in Texas. State and federal agencies are preparing people and communities with information, education and preventative measures to fight the pest. Ea

The John Knox Presbyterian Camp will soon be a safer, more ecologically sound property thanks to the help of Texas A&M Forest Service. The agency will complete a habitat improvement and wildland fire fuels reduction project at the end of May. The non-profit camp, like man

Texas A&M Forest Service partners with the Association of Texas Soil and Water Conservation Districts, Texas Wildlife Association, Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, and Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board to highlight the importance of voluntary

Some of the nation’s brightest and most accomplished leaders in wildland firefighting met this week at Texas A&M Forest Service headquarters to discuss the future of leadership development in the field. Attendees were all members of the National Wildfire Coordinating

Texas A&M Forest Service Firewise Coordinator Nick Harrison received the 2015 USDA Forest Service Robert E. Browning Jr. Award for his efforts in wildfire prevention, March 23. The award is in memory of Browning, a southern wildland firefighter who gave hi

Two Mexican blue oaks in Big Bend Ranch State Park were recently confirmed by Texas A&M Forest Service to be the largest of their kind in the state. Located in a remote canyon in the middle of the park, the trees are on the latest edition of the Texas Big Tree Registry, a

The Lone Star State Type II Initial Attack Crew from Texas A&M Forest Service recently received honorable mention in the 2015 IGNITE the Spark for Leadership Award for its commitment to developing leaders. The award recognizes leadership development efforts within

Providing leadership and service to Texans in all areas of forestry earned an 18-year Texas A&M Forest Service employee the honor of receiving the Vice Chancellor’s Award in Excellence for Public Service in Forestry Thursday. Central Texas Operations Department Head Jim Roon

Texas A&M Forest Service Associate Director William E. Oates has been recognized as a Texas A&M University System Regents Fellow Service Award recipient for 2014–2015. The Regents Fellow Service Awards program was established in 1998 and the Regents Professor Aw

Going green can change the world; one community at a time. The mission to spread this message brought national recognition to the Green Ambassadors and Texas A&M Forest Service. Earlier this month, Green Ambassadors from the Latino Legacy program working on the Houston

Taking care of America’s lands and natural resources is a big job. No single organization can do it alone. Knowing that we are stronger together — the USDA Forest Service has entered into a Good Neighbor Authority agreement with Texas A&M Forest Service to help conserve,

Dallas area tree climber Miguel Pastenes took top honors at the North American Tree Cl

National recognition was given to Texas A&M Forest Service District Forester Russell Lykins for his work in and service to Texas landowners in Cass and Marion counties. Lykins was presented the National Forest Stewardship Forester of the Year award at the National Fore

Over 500 Texas A&M Forest Service employees came together Tuesday to celebrate the agency’s centennial year and one another.

One hundred communities across Texas are receiving a special delivery of 100 trees in honor of Texas A&M Forest Service’s centennial year, capping off a full year of celebrating the agency’s commitment to conserve and protect Texas’ trees and forests.

Caring for Texas’ trees takes hard work and dedication. At this year’s Texas Tree Conference over a thousand tree care professionals gathered in Waco to learn from national leaders in research, commercial and utility arboriculture and urban forestry.

This year as part of National 4-H Week and One Day 4-H, the Texas 4-H Youth Development Program will partner with the Texas A&M Forest Service to help celebrate that agency’s 100th anniversary of protecting the citizens of Texas and the country.

Texas A&M Forest Service Communications Manager Linda Moon received the National Association of State Foresters’ Austin Short Current Achievement Award for Communications at the NASF conference this week in Lake Tahoe, California.

Bastrop is no stranger to the dangers and devastation that wildfire can bring to a community. One weekend proved how reducing overgrown vegetation and implementing other mitigating efforts can decrease the severity of wildfires—potentially saving a community from a destructive fire.

Preventing wildfires has many benefits. For one Texas A&M Forest Service employee, helping spread the message of wildfire prevention has resulted in receiving a prestigious Smokey Bear Award.

Southern Group of State Foresters to meet in San Antonio June 21 – 24.

Natural disasters are frequent in Texas. To collaboratively meet the demands of responding to wildfires, hurricanes, tornadoes and flood events, all-hazard response incident management training is needed—training that emergency responders will receive at the East Texas Interagency Wild

The George Bush Presidential Library and Museum in College Station has a new temporary exhibit on display titled History in the Making: Texas A&M Forest Service.

The George Bush Presidential Library and Museum in College Station has a new temporary exhibit on display titled History in the Making: Texas A&M Forest Service.

Hundreds of Aggies are once again heading to Bastrop State Park to help replenish trees lost during the devastating 2011 wildfire season—which destroyed an estimated 96 percent of the park.

Hundreds of Aggies are once again heading to Bastrop State Park to help replenish trees lost during the devastating 2011 wildfire season—which destroyed an estimated 96 percent of the park.

Over the past 100 years, Texas A&M Forest Service has accomplished many feats, including establishing itself as a premiere entity in both forestry and all-hazard response.

Over the past 100 years, Texas A&M Forest Service has accomplished many feats, including establishing itself as a premiere entity in both forestry and all-hazard response.

Changing the way the South recognizes and prepares for wildfire, a 17-year Texas A&M Forest Service employee was honored Tuesday with the Vice Chancellor’s Award in Excellence for Public Service in Forestry.

Changing the way the South recognizes and prepares for wildfire, a 17-year Texas A&M Forest Service employee Curt Stripling was honored Tuesday with the Vice Chancellor’s Award in Excellence for Public Service in Forestry.

TFS offices across the state are closed in observance of Christmas and New Years. All offices will resume normal operations Monday morning, Jan. 5.

One Texas A&M Forest Service employee is being recognized at this year’s CLEAN GULF Conference and Exhibition in San Antonio for his dedicated efforts in helping the Texas General Land Office acquire new boats to help monitor and protect the Texas shoreline.

Through a community-wide effort to raise wildfire awareness and reduce the risk of wildfires, the City of Rosser, Texas earned national recognition as a Firewise Community. Texas A&M Forest Service representatives were proud to take part in the celebration.

TFS offices across the state are closed in observance of the Thanksgiving. All offices will resume normal operations Monday morning, Dec. 1.

Hundreds of Texas A&M Forest Service employees convened Tuesday at the Bell County Expo Center for their annual personnel meeting.

Helping prevent wildfires can save property, resources and lives. A message Texas A&M Forest Service plans to share through Smokey Bear’s 70th Birthday Bash.

Hundreds gathered in Waco this week to celebrate the accomplishments of those who have dedicated their talents to spreading a leafy green canopy over Texas.

Texas A&M Forest Service has completed a new study of the economic contribution provided by forestry-driven, wood-based industries in Texas. The report shows that the total economic contributions of the Texas forest sector include $30.3 billion in industry output, supporting more than 130,600 jobs; and continues to be one of the top ten manufacturing sectors in the state.

Texas A&M Forest Service (TFS) expects to release more than $43 million in remaining appropriated fire suppression funds back to the State of Texas this fall.

The San Antonio Missions Baseball Club is committed to helping protect the community in which they live work and play. As team members took to the field over the past three baseball seasons, they also took wildfire prevention messages to the streets, and tonight were honored for their effort with a Bronze Smokey Bear Award.

A Texas A&M Forest Service survey of hundreds of forested plots scattered across the state shows 301 million trees were killed as a result of the devastating 2011 drought. The number was determined by a study of both on-the-ground tree health assessments collect

As many as 500 million trees scattered across the Lone Star State have died this year as a result of the unrelenting drought, according to preliminary estimates from Texas Forest Service. The numbers were derived by Texas Forest Service foresters, who canvassed lo

Through the Leadership Institute, we offer a transformative experience for participants, leaving deep and lasting impacts on their ability to lead in daily work environments. We rally existing and emerging leaders within the fields of natural resources and emergency management from organizations across Texas and increase their capacity and ability to enact meaningful change throughout […]

Agenda Session II is designed around leading others. During this session participants will explore how to lead and motivate teams through enrichment programs about how to work with others and manage conflict. Tuesday, April 7, 2026 Time Activity Speaker 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM Welcome and Headshots Texas A&M Forest Service 1:00 PM – 5:00 […]

Agenda Session I is designed around leading yourself. During this session participants will focus on building a cohesive team with other cohort members and exploring who they are as leaders through enrichment programs about interpersonal leadership and personal strengths. Tuesday, October 7, 2025 Time Activity Speaker 10:00 AM – 10:30 AM Welcome Texas A&M Forest […]

Al Davis Director Contact Wes Moorehead Deputy Director Contact Travis Zamzow Associate Director | Chief Financial Officer Contact Linda Moon Assistant Director | Communications & Marketing Contact Hughes Simpson Assistant Director | External Affairs Contact Emily Wall Chief Administrative Officer Contact Jake Donellan  Division Director | Field Operations Contact Jared Karns  Division Director | Fire […]

Al Davis is the ninth director of Texas A&M Forest Service. Davis was appointed by the Texas A&M University System Board of Regents on June 1, 2023, after serving as interim director for two years.  His vision is “a great agency that is people and mission focused.”  Making his top priorities safety, employee retention, relationships, […]

Texas A&M Forest Service Annual Report for 2024.

Accomplishments of Texas A&M Forest Service for the Texas Army National Guard

Uniform Appraisal Standards for Federal Land Acquisitions

Flyer about Tree Climbing Competition