“Volunteers do not necessarily have the time; they have the heart.”
~ Elizabeth Andrew
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Learn About Incentives

Volunteering provides many intrinsic rewards, including the positive feelings we receive by doing good while connecting with nature. The Forest Service also extends appreciation to our volunteers by offering special incentives as recognition for your hard work on behalf of our public lands! Be sure to track your volunteer hours in order to be considered for any of the incentives listed below.

Interagency Volunteer Pass:

Volunteer Pass

U.S. citizens or permanent residents who volunteer at least 250 hours with any federal agencies that participate in the Interagency Pass Program qualify for a free interagency volunteer pass, valid for one year from the month of issue. This pass is honored at all Forest Service, National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, and U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service sites charging standard amenity or entrance fees. Individuals should contact their volunteer coordinator for more information.

National Volunteer Service Awards: 

USFS

The Forest Service has long recognized outstanding volunteer service with national awards that honor excellence in five categories: Cultural Diversity, Leadership, Citizen Stewardship and Partnerships, Restoration, and Enduring Service. Volunteer coordinators and other staff may put forth nominations in their region each year.

Local Forest
Passes:

Adventure Pass

Many of our forests offer regional recreation passes, such as the Angeles National Forest’s Adventure Pass or the Annual Northwest Forest Pass, which covers all Forest Service sites in Oregon and Washington. Individuals should contact their volunteer coordinator for more information about the availability of these passes for volunteers.