Which agency primarily manages forest lands and wildfire prevention in the United States?

The U.S. Forest Service is the primary agency responsible for managing forest lands and wildfire prevention in the United States. Established in 1905, this agency is under the U.S. Department of Agriculture and focuses on the stewardship of 193 million acres of national forests and grasslands. Its key roles include overseeing timber harvesting, recreation, wildlife habitat conservation, and, importantly, wildfire prevention and management.

Wildfire prevention is a critical part of the Forest Service's mission, which involves creating and maintaining fuel breaks, implementing prescribed burns, and educating the public about fire safety and management practices. The agency also coordinates with other local, state, and federal agencies to respond to wildfires effectively, leveraging its resources and expertise in forest management.

In contrast, the National Park Service primarily oversees the nation's national parks, focusing on preservation and public enjoyment rather than directly managing forest lands on a national scale. The Bureau of Land Management manages public lands that may include forests but not to the same extent or with the same focus on wildfire prevention and forest health as the Forest Service. The Environmental Protection Agency is primarily involved in regulating environmental protection policies and does not manage forest lands or wildfire prevention specifically.