Oklahoma Forestry Services

09/24/2026

Yesterday, Ashley passed her Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) certification plot! After 6 months of hard work and constant training, she is now qualified by the US Forest Service to collect forest volume, health, and merchantability measurements on FIA plots across Oklahoma’s 11+ million acres of forest.

These permanent FIA research plots date back to the 1930s and give us critical insights into our forests. Sustainability practices, forest health monitoring, fire risk modeling, and economic development all rely on FIA to provide real data to make decisions.

Congrats to Ashley on her accomplishment! For more information about FIA, visit: https://ag.ok.gov/fia/

09/23/2026

How neat is this?!? An albino elm seedling was found in Tahlequah by a landowner and sent these photos to us! This rare phenomenon happens when a seed has a genetic mutation. It produces no chlorophyll, so it cannot feed itself. Unless this seedling grafts its roots to another elm nearby quickly, it will not survive. It can only survive as a parasite to a host elm.

09/22/2026

Please see the current burn bans across the state. As always, you can view the updated map on our website at https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/8bdc59b2a54a4383a9a2996fb9407580

The map is updated any time OFS is notified of a change in status by a county commissioner.

09/21/2026

Some great information about some special native trees from our friends at OKC Beautiful. The three highlighted native species are all fantastic options for both urban planting and rural planting alike! What’s your favorite native tree that you wish were planted more often?

09/21/2026

To view the full Situation Report, please follow this link: https://bit.ly/oksitrep
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09/20/2026

The ongoing drought, compounded by record-setting consecutive days of 100°+ has resulted in elevated fire danger across many areas of Oklahoma. In an ongoing effort to protect lives and property, the U.S. Wildland Fire Service, Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Oklahoma Forestry Service has deployed a National Fire Prevention Education Team to Southwest Oklahoma to bolster prevention messaging.
The Team is comprised of nine wildfire education prevention professionals whose primary goal is to educate people as to what they can do to avoid starting wildfires. Did you know?...Roads absorb and hold solar radiation. When air temperature is 85°F to 90°F, asphalt can reach 135°F to 155°F—up to 40°F–60°F hotter than the air. Please regularly check tires for wear and replace worn tires to prevent a blowout.
Remember…”Only You Can Prevent Wildfires!”

Oklahoma Forestry Services

09/18/2026

Though we expect the fall color to be muted this year, (many trees are already shedding foliage), we agree on the timeline assessment for Southeastern Oklahoma! Note that this timeline is subject to some fluctuation if we get the moisture in October that we’re all hoping for.

🍂 TOZ'S FALL FOLIAGE PREDICTION FOR 2026

We've checked the latest 2026 foliage forecasts for the Talihina/Winding Stair Mountain area, and there’s a pretty clear window emerging.
The current forecast puts peak color around October 31, with the best overall viewing window roughly October 28 through November 4. The forecast gives a wider possible window of about October 19 through November 12, because individual ridges and tree species can change at different times.
What to expect:
Oct. 17–23
Early color beginning, especially higher elevations
Oct. 24–27
Color building quickly
Oct. 28–Nov. 4
Peak-color window
Nov. 5–8
Still potentially excellent, especially lower elevations
Nov. 9–12
Later color, some areas may be past peak.

Please note:
We will recheck the forecast around mid October.

09/18/2026

OFS responded to 6 new wildfires burning 150.2 Acres Thursday 9/17.

21% of the wildfires that Oklahoma Forestry Services has responded to during September are attributed to Equipment Related Causes. Mowing and hitting a rock, off-road equipment use in dry vegetation, running on flat tires… Please take a few minutes to consider the following fire prevention tip:


Equipment use: Improper use of equipment can easily ignite a wildfire. Whether it’s a lawn mower, chainsaw, weed-eater, grinder, tractor, trimmer or another power tool, taking precautions is essential.

Time of Day and Conditions: Avoid using equipment during the hottest part of the day when conditions are driest. Mow before 10 a.m. and always avoid windy or dry conditions. Remember that lawn mowers are for lawns, not for dry weeds or grass, as metal blades can spark fires when hitting rocks.

Maintain Equipment: Regularly check and repair your equipment to prevent sparks. In wildland areas, spark arresters are required on all portable gasoline-powered equipment. Keep the exhaust system, spark arresters and mower in proper working order and free of carbon buildup.

Safe Equipment Use: Before conducting any grinding or welding operations in wildland areas, secure a permit and ensure you maintain a clear 10-foot radius. Keep a shovel and a fire extinguisher ready to use.

Vehicles: Vehicles and trailers can inadvertently start fires, especially when chains are involved. Follow these guidelines to ensure your vehicle use does not contribute to the risk of wildfires.

Secure Chains: Practice safe towing. Use appropriate safety pins and hitch balls to secure chains and ensure they are not dragging, which can create sparks.

Remove Dragging Parts: Ensure your vehicle is properly maintained, with no parts dragging on the ground.* Tire and Brake Maintenance: Maintain proper tire pressure to prevent driving on exposed wheel rims that will throw sparks. Regularly check and maintain your brakes.

Avoid Dry Areas: Do not drive or park on dry grass or brush, as hot exhaust pipes and mufflers can start fires. Regularly check the undercarriage for debris that could ignite.

09/17/2026

On 9/16/26: OFS responded to and supported 6 new wildfires burning 214.4 acres while continuing to mop-up and secure many more from previous days.

Intense drought driven by prolonged heat and the absence of mitigating rainfall has lead to critically dry wildland fuels across most of Oklahoma. Fire danger through the remainder of the week will remain high to extreme across the state with elevated fire weather in place through Saturday.

09/15/2026

We were happy to take part in the 50th anniversary of the Mustang Western Days this past weekend.

Smokey made an appearance to remind everyone "Only YOU can prevent wildfire!"