Volunteer Updates
National Public Lands Day
On the last Saturday in September of each year, communities across the country take part in National Public Lands Day (NPLD). In 2023, the Forest Service attracted 6,768 volunteers who gave approximately 94,000 volunteers hours across 196 recreation sites in our national forests.
| 2023 Forest Service NPLD Conservation Results | |
|---|---|
| Total acres of land impacted | 418 |
| Total square feet of invasive species removed | 3,460 |
| Total pounds of trash collected | 12,149 |
| Total miles of trail and rivers impacted | 67 |
| 2023 National NPLD Conservation Results | |
| Total acres of land impacted | 9,479 |
| Total square feet of invasive species removed | 192,549 |
| Total pounds of trash collected | 185,003 |
| Total miles of trail and rivers impacted | 21,359 |
In forests and grasslands across the country, volunteers participated in direct conservation such as trail maintenance and invasive species removal, while also learning about forest ecology and stewardship.
To learn more about NPLD, visit National Public Lands Day | NEEF (neefusa.org). NPLD 2024 is scheduled for September 28, 2024.
National Volunteer and Service Awards:
In fiscal year 2023, the Forest Service Volunteer Program mobilized 71,660 volunteers – over double the number of Forest Service employees – who contributed 2.6 million hours of energy and talent to aid the legacy of work valued at more than $85 million in savings.
These volunteers served on mission-critical priorities including trail maintenance, restoration, visitor services, and volunteer coordination. Volunteers and service participants were particularly impactful to Forest Service efforts to facilitate safe access for record breaking numbers of visitors during the pandemic. Nominees included individual and group volunteers, partners, employees, and resource assistants. Congratulations to the all our Volunteers & Service Award winners for their outstanding contributions to the Forest Service mission and the Forest Service staffs who made it possible for the public to continue to serve safely.
Check out previous Volunteer and Service Award Recipients:
The Benefits of Service
U.S. citizens or permanent residents who individually accrue 250 volunteer hours qualify for an interagency volunteer pass, valid for one year.
Benefits:
Honored nationwide at all Forest Service, National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, and US Fish & Wildlife Service sites charging entrance or standard amenity fees.
Valid for 12 months from the month of issue. Expires the last day of the month punched.
Admits pass holder and any accompanying passengers in a private non-commercial vehicle.
At per-person fee sites, admits pass holder and up to 3 persons. Persons 15 and younger are admitted free of charge.
How to Obtain a Pass and Hangtag:
Available at most national forest or grassland offices. Please email sm.fs.passorders@usda.gov with any questions.
More info on passes:
Recreation Fees and Passes | US Forest Service (usda.gov)