{"id":12776,"date":"2017-06-15T08:31:14","date_gmt":"2017-06-15T15:31:14","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/?p=12776"},"modified":"2018-06-18T09:56:43","modified_gmt":"2018-06-18T16:56:43","slug":"how-you-can-support-national-forests-grasslands","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/stewardship\/how-you-can-support-national-forests-grasslands","title":{"rendered":"This Plastic Is Good for the Woods: Support National Forests and Grasslands"},"content":{"rendered":"

\u201cWake up! I see cowboys!\u201d My eyes popped open at the sound of my brother\u2019s shouts. We tumbled out of our tent to watch a band of ranchers on horseback, driving a herd of cattle home from the open range. Whoops and whistles rang out over a tumult of trampling hooves and bellowing steers. We stood speechless, awed by this Wild West scene parading past our campsite.<\/p>\n

This was not a national park campground. There was no pavement, no visitor center, no tourist throng. This was eastern Washington\u2019s Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. It was a national forest that furnished the setting for this childhood memory, and it was time spent in national forests that forged my lifelong passion for the outdoors.<\/p>\n

At first glance, national forests and national parks appear similar. Both of these public lands contain natural splendor, treasured landmarks and spectacular landscapes. Yet a closer look reveals distinct characteristics and missions. Managed by the Department of Agriculture\u2019s U.S. Forest Service, the National Forest System serves many purposes: recreation, water, timber, grazing, minerals, wildlife and more. In contrast, national parks are cared for by the Department of the Interior\u2019s National Park Service. They prioritize preservation with minimal alteration of the land\u2019s existing state.<\/p>\n

When asked to describe the difference between national forests and national parks, Greg Peters\u2014communications director for the National Forest Foundation\u2014explained, \u201cNational forests are truly \u2018the people’s lands.\u2019 In addition to providing water for millions of Americans and natural resources for local economies, these public lands offer recreation opportunities to more than 165 million visitors each year.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Robin

Photo of the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, Jeffrey Pang, courtesy of the NFF<\/p><\/div>\n

The National Forest System\u2019s 155 national forests, 20 national grasslands and one tallgrass prairie make up 193 million acres, more than double the total area of America\u2019s 59 national parks. With seven in 10 Americans living within 100 miles of a national forest, these lands provide easy and affordable access to a wealth of outdoor adventure. \u201cVisitors find vast wildernesses, legendary rivers and fascinating landmarks across the National Forest System, often without the crowds they\u2019d encounter in our national parks,\u201d Peters said.<\/p>\n

Chartered by Congress as the nonprofit partner of the U.S. Forest Service, the National Forest Foundation works to enhance our national forests. \u201cWe take pride in being the only national conservation nonprofit focused solely on national forests and grasslands,\u201d Peters said. \u201cWe work every day to restore these lands and connect all Americans to the benefits they provide.\u201d<\/p>\n

Now you can be a part of that effort, thanks to a new partnership. Each time you make a purchase with your REI Co-op World Mastercard\u00ae<\/a>, the co-op will make a donation to the National Forest Foundation\u2014up to $1 million.* This contribution will help improve some of the nearly 150,000 miles of trails, more than 5,100 campgrounds, 1,200 boating sites and 9,100 miles of scenic byways in the National Forest System. It also supports some of 4,400 miles of specially designated streams within the Wild and Scenic Rivers System, created by Congress to preserve the natural, cultural and recreational value of free-flowing rivers. \u201cThe National Forest Foundation is thrilled to work with REI and the REI Co-op World Mastercard,\u201d Peters said. \u201cThis generous partnership makes a difference for our public lands, the recreationists who love them and youth who are connecting with the outdoors for the first time.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Pisgah

Photo of the Pisgah National Forest, Daniel Meacham, courtesy of the NFF<\/p><\/div>\n

This donation funds several key projects across the nation:<\/p>\n