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Forest Ethics and Safety Information
As a visitor to the National Forests, there are numerous ways be a good steward and to protect the Forests and the natural environment, to ensure the health and safety of visitors, and to promote pleasant and rewarding outdoor recreation experiences for all visitors.
Be a Great Steward for Your National Forests!
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Be Bear Aware
Bears are increasingly more present in areas where humans are, too. Know how to keep both yourself and the black bears safe!
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Leave No Trace
It takes all of us. With pioneering science, hands-on training, and simple guidelines, Leave No Trace helps you explore the outdoors sustainably every time you get outside.
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Tread Lightly!
Being responsible doesn't mean being boring! Tread Lightly! keeps America's outdoor recreation areas beautiful, healthy, and accessible.
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Know Before You Go
Have you visited a national forest or grassland lately? There’s plenty to see and a lot of things to do. It’s your land, and it’s waiting for just for you! Start exploring!
Green Dot Restrictions: Ethical Hunting During Bull Elk Season
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Elk Hunting: Green Dot Cooperative Travel Management Areas
In partnership with the Oregon Department of Fish Wildlife, the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest annually implements travel management restrictions along specific road systems on the High Cascades Ranger District during Bull Elk Season.
The objectives of the Green Dot restrictions are to:
- Promote quality hunting;
- Minimize harassment of wildlife;
- Maintain adequate bull elk escapement; and
- Protect soils and wildlife habitat.
Catch and Release: Ethical Fishing
One way Oregon anglers can help maintain and restore native fish populations is to practice voluntary catch and release of all wild fish, particularly where their populations are threatened, and to learn how to do it properly.
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Catch-and-release: Tips to reduce fish mortality
In some Oregon state waters catch and release fishing is required in order to protect valuable fish resources. In most waters, however, release or harvest is a personal choice.
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Keep Fish Wet
Not only does using best practices increase survival rates of fish, but it also helps fish return to their normal behavior as quickly as possible after release.