Forest Service - National Parks - State Parks

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE

Forest Service: is part of the US Department of Agriculture and manages the national forests and grasslands, forestry research and cooperation with forest managers on state and private lands . The Forest Service is dedicated to multiple-use management for the sustained yield of renewable resources such as water, forage, wildlife, forest product and recreation. Multiple-use means managing resources under the best combination of uses to benefit the American people while ensuring the productivity of the land and protecting the quality of the environment.

National Park Service: is part of the US Department of Interior and focuses on preservation. They preserve, unimpaired, the natural and cultural resources and values of the national park system for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations.

State Parks: are similar to National Parks but are managed at the state level and can have fewer restrictions.