USFS Northern Region

January is Firefighter Cancer Awareness Month. Wildland firefighters can help advance health and safety by joining the National Firefighter Registry to support research on occupational exposures: nfr.cdc.gov.

Plan. Prepare. Prevent. 🔥 In wildfire-prone areas, yard work can help protect your home. Create defensible space by pruning trees 6–10 ft up, removing dead debris, watering lawns, storing firewood away, and having a plan for family and pets. ➡️nfpa.org/education-and-…

On National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, the wildland fire community extends sincere gratitude to our law enforcement partners. From supporting safety at incident command posts to assisting with wildfire evacuations and investigations, your service is vital to the mission.

In 2025, nearly 70,000 U.S. wildfires were human-caused, compared to just over 8,000 from lightning—but lightning fires burned more than half of all acres. Most starts are preventable; weather-driven fires can grow fast and go national. One less spark matters.

Christmas Tree Cutting Permits for Dakota Prairie Grasslands (DPG) are available on Recreation.gov now through 12/31/2025. Visit the site here: recreation.gov/.../713c7e22-f… More information is on the DPG Christmas Tree Permits webpage: fs.usda.gov/.../christmas-… holidays!

The outreach for the volunteer Interpretive Host position at the Denbigh Experimental Forest is now open. For full duty description and qualifications or to apply, click here:  volunteer.gov/s/volopprecord… Learn more about the Denbigh Experimental Forest, fs.usda.gov/r01/dpg/recrea…

Day 4 of the 12 Days of NIFC! The Great Basin Incident Support Cache spans 80,000 sq. ft. and quickly supplies firefighters and emergency personnel with the gear they need to protect lives, communities, and natural resources. Learn more: nifc.gov/about-us/what-…

Christmas Tree Cutting Permits for Dakota Prairie Grasslands (DPG) are available on Recreation.gov now through 12/31/2025. Visit the site here: recreation.gov/.../713c7e22-f… More information is on the DPG Christmas Tree Permits webpage: fs.usda.gov/.../christmas-… holidays!

🎿❄️ Early winter skiing often means patchy snow, exposed grasses, and muddy trail edges — the perfect conditions for seeds and soil to hitch a ride on boots, skis, and gear. If you’re heading out for some skiing this season, a few simple habits can help prevent the spread of invasive species while snow coverage is still developing: Before you go: ✅ Start with clean boots, clothing, and equipment, especially if you were recently recreating in snow-free areas. ✅ Use established routes where possible to avoid disturbing exposed vegetation. After your adventure: 🧼 Brush off boots and gear using a PlayCleanGo handheld boot brush. 🌿 Remove any mud or plant debris from clothing and equipment. 🎿 Check skis, bindings, and poles for stuck material before heading to your next destination. Even in winter, a little prevention goes a long way. ❄️ #PlayCleanGo #WinterRecreation #CrossCountrySkiing #BackcountrySkiing #InvasiveSpeciesPrevention

We hope to see you for the 2025 Shadehill, SD Christmas Bird Count on Thursday, December 18th, 2025 at 7:30 a.m. (Mountain Standard Time), weather permitting. Birders of all experience levels are welcome! For more information go to: facebook.com/usfsdpg

🐕❄️ Winter hikes with your four-legged trail buddy are some of the best — fresh air, quiet trails, and fewer crowds. But during early winter, when snow is still patchy and vegetation is exposed, seeds and soil can stick to boots, gear, and fur. Here’s how you can help prevent the spread of invasive species while you’re out together: Before you go: ✅ Start with clean boots and gear to remove anything from your last adventure. After your hike: 🧼 Use a PlayCleanGo handheld boot brush to remove mud and debris from your footwear. 🐾 Check your dog’s fur and paws for mud and seeds. For stubborn burrs, a little coconut oil can help loosen them before combing them out. 🎒 Brush off dirt and plant material from your clothing and pack before heading to your next destination. Clean trails, clean paws, and safe adventures all winter long. 💚 #PlayCleanGo #WinterHiking #HikingWithDogs #InvasiveSpeciesPrevention #LeaveNoTrace

December at NIFC looks a little like this! ❄️ Even during lower fire activity, essential offseason work continues. Teams are refurbishing radios, calibrating RAWS sensors, attending training, and smokejumpers are sewing and repairing gear—all preparing for fire year 2026.

Tonight at 5 p.m. EST, watch the lighting of Silver Belle, the 2025 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree - a 53-foot red fir from Nevada's Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest - on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. youtube.com/watch?v=uvkKB0… #capitolchristmastree2025

Little Missouri National Grassland Plans Prescribed Fire. For more information visit: fs.usda.gov/r01/dpg/newsro…

🚴‍♀️❄️ Late fall and early winter rides are some of the best — crisp air, quiet trails, and wide-open views. Let’s keep those places healthy for every season by remembering to PlayCleanGo before and after you ride. Before you head out: ✅ Start with clean shoes and gear using a PlayCleanGo handheld boot brush to remove any leftover seeds or plant material from your last adventure. ✅ Stay on marked trails to help keep invasive species contained and protect sensitive areas. When your ride is done: 🧼 Use your handheld boot brush to clean off your shoes before leaving the trail. 🌿 Brush off mud and plant debris from your clothes and gear. 🚴 Rinse or spray down your bike to remove mud and plant material from tires and fenders. Cold-weather rides, clean habits, and healthy trails — that’s how we keep the adventure going all year long. #PlayCleanGo #winterbiking #cleantrails #invasivespeciesprevention #bikeseason

Christmas Tree Cutting Permits for Dakota Prairie Grasslands (DPG) are available on Recreation.gov now through 12/31/2025. Visit the site here: recreation.gov/.../713c7e22-f… More information is on the DPG Christmas Tree Permits webpage: fs.usda.gov/.../christmas-… holidays!

Purchase, store and use a Digital Annual Pass directly on your phone through your Recreation.gov account, allowing for seamless access to your public lands. Visit Recreation.gov to learn more about the Digital Annual Pass! recreation.gov/pass

Our offices will be closed today in observance of the holiday, but national forests and grasslands remain open for your enjoyment. Stay safe, pack out what you pack in and enjoy your big backyard!

🍂This Thanksgiving week, we’re thankful for time spent outdoors — and for the beautiful trails, forests, and parks that bring us together. Take a hike with the ones you love and help protect the places you’re thankful for by following the PlayCleanGo steps: - Stay on marked trails to protect native plants and wildlife. -Brush off boots and gear before heading home. Every clean step helps keep our favorite trails healthy and vibrant for seasons to come. #PlayCleanGo #ThanksgivingWeek #HikeTogether #GratefulForNature #InvasiveSpeciesPrevention

Thanksgiving week is a time to reflect on Fire Year 2025 and the dedication of our wildland firefighters and support staff. Thank you to all who protected communities and natural resources this year and those still hard at work. Review this year’s themes: nifc.gov/fire-informati…