About the Kansas Forest Service
Sustaining and enhancing natural resources and communities through forestry and wildland fire management.
Serving Kansans Since 1887
The Kansas Forest Service is the nation’s fifth-oldest state forestry agency, established in 1887. We work with landowners, communities, rural fire districts, and partners across Kansas to conserve natural resources, support healthy forests, and manage wildfire risk.
Our Mission
“Sustaining and enhancing natural resources and communities through forestry and wildland fire management.”
Who We Serve
We provide assistance and expertise to:
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Rural landowners
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Cities and communities
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Rural fire districts
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Forestry and arboriculture industries
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Citizens across Kansas who care about trees and natural resources
What We Do
Our programs and services help Kansans protect and strengthen their land and communities:
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Fire Management – supporting wildfire prevention, suppression, and training for rural fire districts.
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Community Forestry – helping towns and cities care for trees and green spaces.
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Rural Forestry – working with private landowners to manage and improve their forests.
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Conservation Trees – producing and distributing seedlings for windbreaks, wildlife habitat, and conservation plantings.
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Forest Health– addressing the tree pests, diseases, and environmental factors that impact the health of Kansas forests.
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Utilization and Marketing – promoting the sustainable use of forest resources for the benefit of landowners and local economies.
Our History
The Kansas Forest Service traces its roots to the Office of the Commissioner of Forestry, created in 1887. Over more than a century, the agency has grown into a statewide network of foresters, fire managers, and specialists who bring expertise directly to the people of Kansas. Learn more about the history of our agency.
Partnerships
- K-State Extension - providing Kansans with research-based educational opportunities to improve their lives, livelihoods and communities.
- USDA Forest Service – providing wildfire support and resources.
- USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service – connecting landowners with forestry cost-share funding.
- Arbor Day Foundation’s Tree City USA Program – helping communities gain recognition for actively managing their public trees.
- Kansas Forestry Association - dedicated to sustaining the health and productivity of Kansas woodlands, windbreaks, and related natural resources.
- Kansas Christmas Tree Growers - consists of many tree farms across the state.
- Kansas Association for Conservation & Environmental Education - serves as a connector for environmental educators in the state and promotes excellence in environmental education through professional learning and development.
Where We’re Located
Our state office is in Manhattan, Kansas, just off the Kansas State University campus. From here—and from district and program offices around the state—we provide on-the-ground support and services for Kansans.
Looking Ahead
Whether you’re a landowner, community leader, firefighter, or simply someone who values trees, the Kansas Forest Service is here to help you care for your land, your community, and the natural resources that make Kansas thrive.
The Kansas Forest Service provides for the development, promotion, protection, and conservation of forest resources in Kansas. This includes both rural and community forests.
The plan identifies the top seven threats and opportunities facing Kansas forests, woodlands and related natural resources, high priority areas and strategies for protection and management.
The Kansas Forest Service is an equal opportunity provider and does not discriminate based on non-merit reasons.
Visit our Civil Rights page to learn more.