- The creation of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). The CCC was a public works program that employed young men aged 18-25 to carry out conservation projects, such as planting trees, building trails, and fighting fires. The CCC planted more than three billion trees and constructed more than 800,000 miles of trails.
- The establishment of the Works Progress Administration (WPA). The WPA was another public works program that provided jobs for unemployed Americans. The WPA built roads, bridges, schools, and other public infrastructure, much of which was located in national forests. The WPA also funded the construction of recreational facilities in national forests, such as campgrounds, picnic areas, and visitor centers.
- The passage of the Taylor Grazing Act. The Taylor Grazing Act of 1934 regulated the grazing of livestock on public lands, including national forests. The act established grazing districts and set limits on the number of animals that could be grazed on each district. The Taylor Grazing Act helped to prevent overgrazing and damage to national forests.
- The creation of the National Park Service. The National Park Service was established in 1933 to manage and protect the national parks and other federal lands. The National Park Service worked closely with the Forest Service to manage national forests for recreation and conservation purposes.
The New Deal had a lasting impact on national forests. The CCC, WPA, and other New Deal programs helped to improve the condition of national forests and make them more accessible to the public. The New Deal also led to the creation of the National Park Service, which continues to manage and protect national forests today.