US Forest Service - Ouachita and Ozark-St Francis National Forests

US Forest Service - Ouachita and Ozark-St Francis National Forests The U.S. Forest Service page is a combined effort of the National Forest Foundation and the USDA Forest Service.
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“The National Forest Foundation, chartered by Congress, engages Americans in community-based and national programs that promote the health and public enjoyment of the 193-million-acre National Forest System and administers private gifts of funds and land for the benefit of the National Forests. http://www.nationalforests.org/”


The Forest Service manages a system of 155 national forests, 20 natio

nal grasslands, and 222 research and experimental forests, as well as other special areas, covering more than 192 million acres of public land. The Forest Service has evolved into a 30,000 employee agency that manages the national forests for a number of multiple uses, including recreation, timber, wilderness, minerals, water, grazing, fish, and wildlife.

09/04/2026

All 75 Arkansas counties are now under high wildfire risk, and more than 65 counties have active burn bans. Persistent drought and extremely dry vegetation mean fires can start easily, spread rapidly, and become difficult to control. As we head into the holiday weekend, we’re asking all Arkansans to stay alert and take steps to reduce wildfire ignition.

Please take these precautions:

- Avoid all outdoor burning. This includes campfires, trash burning, grilling with open flames, and any prescribed or controlled burns.
- Never leave any outdoor flame unattended.
- Use caution when driving or operating equipment near dry vegetation. Avoid driving over tall or dry grass, ensure trailer chains aren’t dragging, and do not drive on flat tires.
- Properly extinguish and dispose of cigarettes—never discard them outdoors.
- Report smoke or fire immediately by calling 1‑800‑468‑8834.

Stay informed by monitoring the Department’s county‑by‑county fire map, reviewing active incidents on the wildfire dashboard, and following our updates on social media.

All Ouachita National Forest offices will be closed Thursday, September 3, 2026 to allow employees to participate in a f...
09/02/2026

All Ouachita National Forest offices will be closed Thursday, September 3, 2026 to allow employees to participate in a forest-wide event. Business hours will resume on Friday.

A small section of Shores Lake Road (FSR 1501) on the Boston Mountain Ranger District of the Ozark-St. Francis National ...
08/31/2026

A small section of Shores Lake Road (FSR 1501) on the Boston Mountain Ranger District of the Ozark-St. Francis National Forests will be closed for culvert installation on September 2-3, 2026.

The closure is approximately four miles southwest of the intersection with Highway 23.

Wildfire Alert – Ouachita National Forest, Oklahoma Ranger District, McCurtain CountyFire personnel are actively respond...
08/28/2026

Wildfire Alert – Ouachita National Forest, Oklahoma Ranger District, McCurtain County

Fire personnel are actively responding to 3 wildfires burning in the same general area on the Oklahoma Ranger District in McCurtain County, northwest of Hochatown.

The incidents are currently estimated to be approximately 60% contained. The causes of the fires remain under investigation.

Residents and visitors are urged to stay aware of changing conditions, adhere to all guidance from local authorities, and avoid affected areas to allow crews to safely continue suppression efforts.

Fire crews are coordinating closely across agencies to ensure an effective response and to protect nearby communities, forest resources, and infrastructure. Increased firefighter presence and firefighting equipment may be seen across forest roads, recreation sites, and nearby communities as crews monitor conditions, respond to new starts, and work to suppress active wildfires.

Additional updates will be provided as conditions change.

West Glover Fire
Size: Estimated 450 acres

Glover Fire
Size: Approximately 200 acres

River Fire
Size: Approximately 105 acres

Activity continues on the Boston Mountain Ranger District of the Ozark–St. Francis National Forests to clear areas affec...
08/28/2026

Activity continues on the Boston Mountain Ranger District of the Ozark–St. Francis National Forests to clear areas affected by storm damage and debris from the severe weather that passed through on August 17, 2026.

Beginning early next week, crews will start removing storm debris and hazard trees around the Liberty Hill Community Building near Natural Dam, Ark.

A hazard tree is one with a structural defect that makes it likely to fail, meaning it could fall in whole or in part.

Forest visitors are advised to use caution, as heavy equipment will be operating in the area.

🔥 Wildfire Risk Increasing in Arkansas & Oklahoma 🔥The Ouachita and Ozark–St. Francis National Forests are seeing a rise...
08/28/2026

🔥 Wildfire Risk Increasing in Arkansas & Oklahoma 🔥

The Ouachita and Ozark–St. Francis National Forests are seeing a rise in wildfire activity due to recent triple‑digit temperatures and ongoing dry conditions. Fire crews are actively monitoring the forests, responding to new starts, and working hard to keep communities safe. You may notice increased firefighter presence and firefighting equipment across forest roads, recreation sites, and nearby communities.

Current forecasts show above‑normal fire potential, and even small sparks can quickly turn into dangerous wildfires. We’re asking everyone to do their part to help prevent accidental fire starts.

How You Can Help:
🍂 Avoid leaf and debris burning: dry vegetation, wind, and low humidity make this extremely risky right now.
⚠️Use extra caution with campfires: keep them in designated rings, never leave them unattended, and make sure they’re fully out and cold to the touch.
🚗 Travel safely: don’t park on dry grass and secure trailer chains to prevent sparks.
🪏 Stay prepared and informed: carry water or tools when recreating in the forest and always follow local burn bans or fire restrictions.

🚨 If you see smoke or fire, call 911 immediately.

🔗 Stay Updated on Forest & State Conditions:
Ouachita National Forest: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r08/ouachita/alerts
Ozark-St. Francis National Forests: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r08/ozark-stfrancis/alerts
Arkansas Forestry Division: https://www.agriculture.arkansas.gov/forestry
Oklahoma Forestry Services: https://forestry.ok.gov

High Bank Canoe Launch along the Mulberry River on the Pleasant Hill District of the Ozark-St. Francis National Forests ...
08/27/2026

High Bank Canoe Launch along the Mulberry River on the Pleasant Hill District of the Ozark-St. Francis National Forests is closed beginning today for maintenance. It will reopen on Monday, August 31, 2026.

08/27/2026

Time to collect them all. 🌲

The National Forests and Grasslands Passport is a free way to turn every visit to a National Forest or Grassland into something you can keep in three easy steps:

🗺️ Join the passport at https://ow.ly/9yLT50ZCIgF
✅ Check in on your next visit to a National Forest or Grassland
🏞️ Earn a unique, collectible badge

All 154 National Forests. All 20 National Grasslands. One passport to hold it all. Already visited a few? Add them to your passport today and start your collection now!

Your journey starts now. Which forest or grassland will you visit first?

U.S. Forest Service

Big Piney Creek and Gee Creek - Johnson CountyARDOT Hwy. 123 Bridge Rehabilitations Closure DatesWork on the Highway 123...
08/27/2026

Big Piney Creek and Gee Creek - Johnson County
ARDOT Hwy. 123 Bridge Rehabilitations Closure Dates

Work on the Highway 123 bridge over Gee Creek is complete.

Upcoming Closure on the Big Piney Creek Bridge:
Following completion of repairs to the Gee Creek Bridge, the Historic Big Piney Creek Bridge on Highway 123 will be closed for approximately 14 weeks for its own rehabilitation project. Work is expected to begin Monday, August 31, 2026 and continue until December 3, 2026.

A signed detour will be in place. To reach the north side of the closure, traffic will take Highway 123 south to Highway 164, Highway 164 east to Highway 7, then Highway 7 north back to Highway 123. To reach the south side of the closure, traffic will take Highway 123 north to Highway 7, Highway 7 south to Highway 164, then Highway 164 west back to Highway 123.

Weather permitting, the closure will allow crews to perform bridge rehabilitation work. Highway 123 will remain open to local traffic only on either side of the closure.

For more information, please visit https://opi-job-a80048-big-piney-bridge-rehab-2026-ardot.hub.arcgis.com/.

Protect yourself and your crew from the heat while enjoying your big backyard.• Stay hydrated — water is your best frien...
08/26/2026

Protect yourself and your crew from the heat while enjoying your big backyard.

• Stay hydrated — water is your best friend. Skip the sugary stuff and alcohol; they’ll only dehydrate you.
• Cool off in the shade whenever you can.
• Save the tough hikes or activities for early morning or later in the day.
• Wear light, loose, breathable clothes to stay cool.

Know before you go: https://www.fs.usda.gov/visit/know-before-you-go/heat

Address

Arkansas And
Arkansas City, KS

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 3:30pm
Tuesday 8am - 3:30pm
Wednesday 8am - 3:30pm
Thursday 8am - 3:30pm
Friday 8am - 3:30pm

Telephone

+14799647200

Website

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