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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
The original 1,722 acres of what was initially called State Forest #1 were acquired in 1924 by the Forestry Department of Texas A&M University (now called Texas A&M Forest Service). Much of the property was cutover and severely burned; reforestation efforts began immediately. In 1946, the use of an adjacent, 100-acre tract for tree improvement and silviculture research was negotiated through a 99-year lease with the Southwestern Settlement and Development Corporation.In 1926, the first fire lookout tower in Texas was constructed by TFS personnel; the first pine seedling nursery in the state was established; the agency began a silvicultural research program; and the first operational planting of slash pine was also conducted. The tower and remnants of the first slash pine plantation exist today.In 1933, a large Civilian Conservation Corps camp was constructed on the forest. At that time, TFS planned and supervised the work of approximately 3,000 enrollees at seventeen such camps across East Texas. By 1956, many of the buildings had fallen into a state of disrepair and were dismantled.As a direct result of the silvicultural research programs on the forest, the largest yellow pine newsprint mill in the South was opened in nearby Lufkin in 1939. Under various owners, the mill operated continually for nearly 65 years, contributing billions of dollars in goods, services and wages to the economy of Texas.Beginning in 1946, the forest hosted annual youth forestry short courses and summer camps for 4-H youth and adult leaders. The camps were a joint effort between the Texas Forest Service, Texas Forestry Association, Texas Vocational Agriculture Department, and the Texas Agricultural Extension Service. This program was discontinued in 1988 in favor of the Teachers Conservation Institute.In 1951, State Forest #1 was dedicated the E.O. Siecke State Forest, recognizing the contributions of the second director and state forester, Eric O. Siecke. A number of dignitaries were on hand at the ceremony, including Texas Governor Alan Shivers.Over the years, silvicultural and research studies included: prescribed burning, wood preservative treating, direct seeding, use of forestry chemicals, seed production, grazing, pruning, forest fertilization, geographic seed sources, forest thinning, small woodlot management and reforestation. A number of publications and educational materials were produced as a result of these activities. The Siecke remains a shining example of a productive, working forest.
Forest resource education and nature study tours are available by appointment.
HikingBird watchingNature studyHorseback ridingPicnicsWildlife viewing
Historic fire towerOldest Slash Pine Stand in Texas Trout CreekForest management demonstration sites exist throughout this forest
This forest is open year-round during daylight hours. Limited access by vehicle. Texas state forests are game sanctuaries with no firearms or hunting permitted.
Kirbyville District Office located at the state forest on FM 82, 4.5 miles SE of Kirbyville Monday–Friday8 a.m.–5 p.m.409-423-2890
Restrooms are available at this location during listed days and times.
Trail map
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.