/Label	Value	Label	Value
File Code:	5100/4000; 5100; 5450; 5700; 6100; 7100; 2320	Date:	March 27, 2015
Route To:
Subject:	Unmanned Aircraft Systems
To:	Regional Foresters, Station Directors, Area Director, IITF Director, Deputy Chiefs and WO Directors

The Forest Service is committed to utilizing the best available science, technology, and information to accomplish our mission of “Caring for the land and serving people.” We must introduce new tools into the management of National Forest System lands wisely, acting as good stewards of the land while maintaining fiscal integrity.

Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) have the potential to augment the Agency’s capacity to gather information to support several natural resource management programs. Examples include mapping, monitoring the condition of natural resources, and assessing the effectiveness of natural resource management projects.

Use of UAS in the Forest Service will be consistent with all laws, as well as policy implemented by the White House, the Department of Agriculture, the Forest Service, and the Federal Aviation Administration. On February 15, 2015, the White House and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued new policy and information regarding UAS. The Presidential Memorandum promotes economic competitiveness while safeguarding privacy, civil rights, and civil liberties in domestic use of UAS. The FAA released proposed regulations to allow routine use of certain small UAS in the National Airspace System.

The Forest Service will also operate UAS consistent with our interagency partners to the extent possible. Since UAS are “Aircraft Systems,” the responsibility for UAS in the Forest Service is the Aviation division within Fire and Aviation Management in State and Private Forestry. Acquisition of any UAS will follow existing Forest Service policy. Operation of UAS within Regions will be coordinated with the appropriate Regional Aviation Officer.

To help govern this relatively new technology that is gaining widespread attention throughout the United States, I am establishing a Forest Service UAS Executive Steering Committee (ESC). The UAS ESC will include representation from Regional executive leadership, as well as each Deputy Area and Directorate with UAS mission, policy, or acquisition interests. The initial tasking of the committee will be to coordinate efforts with our State and Federal partners and to develop additional Forest Service Policy on the operation and use of UAS, to include recreational use or any other use on National Forest System lands. The previously established UAS Working Group will be used as needed for subject matter expertise.

Some specific UAS guidance will be necessary even as the steering committee is being formed. Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Wilderness Act is an opportunity to describe the Forest Service position on support of new technologies while protecting wilderness values and ethics.

Forest Service Policy states that unmanned aircraft will be considered the same as manned aircraft and follow the same policy. Under current policy, UAS are considered “mechanized” equipment and consequently cannot take off from, or land in, congressionally designated Wilderness Areas. Enclosed you will find a briefing paper and other relevant material, including information on Wilderness prohibitions.

Safety of Agency employees and the public, personal privacy, and protection of wildlife are just a few of the many issues raised by UAS. Establishing clear policy and direction will ensure these advanced capabilities may be considered toward the overall benefit of our public lands.

/s/ Thomas L. Tidwell

THOMAS L. TIDWELL

Chief

Enclosures

Cc: Art Hinaman, Paul Linse, Drag Sharp, Engineering, Research and Development, Acquisition Management, Regional Fire Directors