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U.S. National Forest maps, 1919-2014

Overview of the Collection

Creator
United States. Forest Service.
Title
U.S. National Forest maps
Dates
1919-2014 (inclusive)
Quantity
2062 items, (13 drawers; 72 folders)
Collection Number
UUS_Gov 003
Summary
The U.S. National Forest Maps feature 2,062 maps that focus on National Forests and public lands managed by the USDA Forest Service (the collection is not inclusive of all national forests. The collection is divided into four series: USDA 7.5 Minute Quadrangle National Forest Maps, U.S. Forest Service National Forest Maps, Segments of National Forest Maps (1:31,680 scale), and Alaskan National Forest Maps.
Repository
Utah State University, Merrill-Cazier Library, Special Collections and Archives Division
Special Collections & Archives
Merrill-Cazier Library
Utah State University
Logan, UT
84322-3000
Telephone: 4357978248
Fax: 4357972880
scweb@usu.edu
Access Restrictions

No restrictions on use.

Languages
English
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Content Description

The U.S. National Forest Maps feature 2,062 maps that focus on National Forests and public lands managed by the USDA Forest Service (the collection is not inclusive of all national forests. For a list of national forests, see https://www.fs.usda.gov/visit/forests-and-grasslands). The maps are primarily topographic at a variety of scales. These maps feature contours that make it possible to show the height and shape of mountains, the depths of the ocean bottom, and the steepness of slopes. For national forests of a regional interest, multiple copies may be available. See individual scope and content notes for publication date, location, and other details.

The collection is divided into four series:

Series I: USDA 7.5 Minute Quadrangle National Forest Maps

Base maps prepared by the US Geological Survey (USGS). 1:24,000 scale (7.5 minute quad) map names are comparable to US Geological Survey map collections, but with modified information for "USDA Forest Service Use." Map topography by photogrammetric methods from aerial photographs and field checked. Modification of USGS base map by the Geometronics Service Center. Some maps in color, some in grayscale. See individual maps for boundary notes. Each map includes a "Quadrangle Location Diagram" indicating location in National Forest boundary. Materials distributed under the Federal Depository Library Program, classed under A 13.28:[Cutter for National Forest name]. Maps include shipping list numbers (item number 80-G).

Series II: US Forest Service National Forest Maps

This series compiled by USU Libraries staff from donations and materials distributed through the Federal Depository Library Program. Scales, mapping techniques, and coverage vary by map. Maps organized by National Forest name. See individual scope and content notes for details. Maps produced by US federal agencies.

Series III: Segments of National Forest Maps (1:31,680 scale)

Maps of segments of Manistee National Forest, Chequamegon National Forest, and Huron National Forest. Series is incomplete. Map names specify sections and may include ranger district names. Maps are photomechanically reproduced and converted to township format and include "Township Location Diagram" indicating map location in township boundaries. Manistee publications completely produced over 78 sheets. Chequamegon National Forest completely produced over 141 sheets. Huron National Forest completely produced over 45 sheets. Materials may have been distributed under the Federal Depository Library Program, classed under A 13.28:[Cutter for National Forest name].

Series IV: Alaskan National Forest Maps

The Alaskan National Forest Maps includes 1:100,000 scale maps of Tongass National Forest produced from 1980-1982 by the Forest Service. Series is incomplete. Maps include the following note: "Unsurveyed and unmarked land lines predetermined by the State of Alaska, Division of Lands and the Bureau of Land Management." Relief shown by hachures, form lines, and spot heights. 1980 versions may be interim editions (see individual maps). Each sheet includes "Map sheet index" and "Index to 1:63 360 scale-maps.". Publication series complete over 38 sheets. Materials distributed under the Federal Depository Library Program, classed as A 13.28:T 61/3/sheet no.X. (item number 80-G).

For more information on map types, visit Map Collections at USU Libraries: Map Types.

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Historical Note

According to the USDA Forest Service site, "the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service is a federal agency that manages public lands in national forests and grasslands. The Forest Service is also the largest forestry research organization in the world, and provides technical and financial assistance to state and private forestry agencies.

"Federal forest management dates back to 1876 when Congress created the office of Special Agent in the U.S. Department of Agriculture to assess the quality and conditions of forests in the United States. In 1881 the Department expanded the office into the Division of Forestry. A decade later Congress passed the Forest Reserve Act of 1891 authorizing the President to designate public lands in the West into what were then called "forest reserves." Responsibility for these reserves fell under the Department of the Interior until 1905 when President Theodore Roosevelt transferred their care to the Department of Agriculture's new U.S. Forest Service.

"Congress established the Forest Service in 1905 to provide quality water and timber for the Nation's benefit. Over the years, the public has expanded the list of what they want from national forests and grasslands. Congress responded by directing the Forest Service to manage national forests for additional multiple uses and benefits and for the sustained yield of renewable resources such as water, forage, wildlife, wood, and recreation. Multiple use means managing resources under the best combination of uses to benefit the American people while ensuring the productivity of the land and protecting the quality of the environment" (USDA Forest Service website).

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Use of the Collection

Restrictions on Use

It is the responsibility of the researcher to obtain any necessary copyright clearances.

Permission to publish material from the U.S National Forest Maps must be obtained from the Government Information Curator and/or the Special Collections Department Head.

Preferred Citation

Initial Citation: U.S. National Forest Maps USU_Gov_003. Special Collections and Archives. Utah State University Merrill-Cazier Library. Logan, Utah.

Following Citations:USU_Gov_003, USUSCA.

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Administrative Information

Arrangement

This collection is arranged into four series: USDA 7.5 Minute Quadrangle National Forest Maps, U.S. Forest Service National Forest Maps, Segments of National Forest Maps (1:31,680 scale), and Alaskan National Forest Maps. Within each series, maps are partially arranged by state and partially by national forest name.

Acquisition Information

Received in installments from donors or transfers from other SCA collections. Most materials are part of the Federal Depository Regional Collection and are subject to the Federal Depository Library Program Legal Requirements & Program Regulations. Non-depository materials are marked individually.

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Detailed Description of the Collection

Names and SubjectsReturn to Top

Subject Terms

  • Forest mapping--United States

Corporate Names

  • Geological Survey (U.S.)
  • Geological Survey (U.S.)--Western Region

Geographical Names

  • Alaska--Maps
  • United States.--National Park Service--Maps

Finding aid written by Abbie Chesley, Drew Roberson, and Jen Kirk.
2022

CC Attribution
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

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