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We're tasked by the state with responding to wildfires. We study weather patterns, drought cycles and the status of vegetation across the state to predict when and where dangerous fire conditions may occur. Should a wildfire ignite, we maintain a statewide network of strategically-placed teams of firefighters and equipment so that we're able to respond quickly when the call comes.
Rural fire departments respond to 80 percent of wildfires in Texas - and they do it with shoestring budgets and almost entirely with volunteers. We help fire departments pay for needed training and equipment and help Texans learn how to prevent, prepare for and protect against wildfire.
With roughly 94 percent of forestland in Texas privately owned, the trees, forests—and the benefits they provide - rests in the hands of thousands of Texans. While keeping the entire state's forested landscape in mind, we inform and educate landowners on sustainable land management practices.
We work with communities to plant, care for and conserve trees. We empower local volunteers to make a positive impact in their communities. We are here to assist when disaster strikes with damage assessments, information, technical assistance and long-term recovery.
We analyze and monitor forests, landscapes and communities for susceptibility to health and wildfire risks. We take action with education, information, diagnosis and treatment. We know that any information we have is more powerful when we give it to you.
We can help quench your thirst for learning. Explore links to identify trees using their leaves and branches, create your own tree trails and experience Texas history from the perspective of a witness tree. Share activities in the classroom to open up a world of conservation for new generations.
Rural fire departments respond to 80 percent of the wildfires in Texas - and they do it with shoestring budgets and a staff often made up almost entirely of volunteers. Sometimes they need a little help. Our programs help fire departments pay for needed training and equipment. We also help communities and property owners learn to prevent, prepare for and protect against wildfire.
We work with communities to plant, care for and conserve trees where people live, work and play. We foster appreciation and stewardship of urban forests empowering local volunteers to make a positive impact in their communities. We are here to assist when disaster strikes. From damage assessment, to information and technical assistance, to long-term recovery - we help property owners and communities thrive.
Our experts research, analyze and carefully monitor forests, landscapes and communities for susceptibility to health and wildfire risks. We take action with education, information, diagnosis and treatment. We know that any information or knowledge we have is more powerful when we give it to you. As a state agency, our responsibility is share what we know.
If you have an unquenchable thirst for learning, we offer programs and information that you may either explore independently or share with a group. Learn about trees, forests, the benefits they provide and the challenges they face. Read stories about trees that are living witness to Texas history. Locate champion trees across the state. And bring activities into the classroom to open a world of conservation to a new generation.
+Conservation Education Resources
Insects & Diseases
Tree Identification
Famous Trees of Texas
Texas Big Tree Registry
+State Forests & Arboretums
Ask a Forester
Video Gallery
Photo Gallery
Podcasts
Geocaching
ASK A FORESTER
#TFSintheWild
Originally a part of the State Prison System, the land that was called State Forest #3 was transferred in 1926 to the Forestry Department of Texas A&M University (now called Texas A&M Forest Service). The property consists of approximately 2,360 acres in various scattered parcels in the western portion of Cherokee County. The largest main tract is located just a few miles west of Maydelle, Texas, and is bisected by State Highway 84.The only sawmill ever operated by the State of Texas was located on the site. In the early 1900s citizens of Rusk and Palestine made a strong plea to encourage the State Legislature to extend the State Railroad to Palestine on the basis the line was needed to help timber interests. As a result, the Mewshaw mill was constructed on the site in 1907. It was staffed with convict labor and had a daily production of 35,000 board feet of lumber. Mewshaw burned in 1912 and was never rebuilt.At the time of acquisition from the State Prison System, the forest was already well-stocked and large scale plantings were not necessary. However, in 1939, some restoration followed a large wildfire that swept through the Mt. Hope tract just east of Maydelle, killing an estimated 150 acres of young pine trees.From 1933 until 1936, a large Civilian Conservation Corps camp was located on the main tract. Enrollees constructed roads, fire breaks, small ponds and bridges on the forest; today, some of these improvements may still be found. Many of the poles used for fire control telephone lines connecting lookout towers throughout East Texas were harvested by the CCC from State Forest #3.For a number of years, TFS utilized former CCC facilities to host annual personnel meetings at the forest. The buildings were also used for outdoor education camps by local conservation groups, 4-H and public schools. Most of the structures were dismantled in the mid 1950’s.To recognize his support of forestry in Texas, on September 11, 1956 State Forest #3 was dedicated the I.D. Fairchild State Forest, after the late Senator from Lufkin. A large plaque can be found on state forest property, adjacent to, and south of the intersection of State Highway 84 and FM 747.Like other Texas state forests, the Fairchild is a working, demonstration forest and has served as a site for numerous silvicultural and research studies: harvest cutting, farm forestry, timber stand improvement, reforestation, tree growth, prescribed burning and seed production. The forest also hosts a small population of the federally-listed endangered species, red-cockaded woodpecker. Today, forest management activities focus on habitat protection for this important species of the southern yellow pine ecosystem.
Forest resource education and nature study tours are available by appointment.
HikingHorseback ridingPicnickingBird watching Wildlife viewingBiking
Historical fire tower site with plaqueRed-cockaded woodpecker management areaPond with picnic areaVarious forest management demonstration areas and sites
The forest is open year-round during daylight hours. Texas state forests are game sanctuaries with no firearms or hunting allowed.
No Restroom Facilities are available on this state forest.
Jacksonville District Office1015 SE Loop 456Jacksonville, TX 75766Monday – Friday 8 am – 5 pm903-586-7545
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Come to the 2019 Tax Workshop!
In addition to fighting wildfires, Texas A&M Forest Service is called upon to assist during all-hazard emergencies such as natural and man-made disasters and domestic situations. Follow @AllHazardsTFS on Twitter for the latest updated on incidents across the state.
The Bastrop Lost Pines Recovery AggieREPLANT will take place on Saturday, Feb. 18, 2017. Over the past five years, 2,000 students have planted 43,000 loblolly pine seedlings over 50 acres of parkland.
Texas A&M Forest Service launches online tools to assist Texas landowners Texas A&M Forest Service launched the Learn Plan Act Texas website in partnership with the Southern Group of State Foresters and the Texas Forestry Association to educate Texans on land stewardship practices. The agency also redesigned its My Land Management Connector application in an effort to make stewardship easier than ever before.
Texas A&M AgriLife awards TFS forester for public service Texas A&M AgriLife has awarded Andrew Crocker, Staff Forester for Texas A&M Forest Service, the 2017 Vice Chancellor’s Award in Excellence for Pubic Service in Forestry.
Texas A&M AgriLife awards forester for public service Texas A&M AgriLife has awarded Joel Hambright, Regional Forester for Texas A&M Forest Service, the 2018 Vice Chancellor’s Award in Excellence for Public Service in Forestry.