The Way We Worked: Monitoring the Slopes
Forest Service snow rangers on patrol in 1970.
Two U.S. Forest Service snow rangers—on skis—monitor lands in Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows, part of the Tahoe National Forest in California. Much of the skiing terrain in the western part of the country is owned by the federal government and administered by the Forest Service with private companies paying permit fees for use. Among myriad other duties, snow rangers ensure responsible use of the land, monitor for hazards such as avalanches, and support search and rescue efforts.
Did You Know?
Federal forest management dates to the 1800s, but the modern-day Forest Service was established in 1905 as part of the Department of Agriculture. Today, more than 70 percent of Americans live within 100 miles of a national forest; there are 155 national forests in 44 states. Visit www.fs.usda.gov
About the Society for History in the Federal Government
This photo is from the records of the U.S. Forest Service, National Archives, courtesy of the National Archives History Office, in collaboration with the Society for History in the Federal Government (SHFG), bringing together government professionals, academics, consultants, students and citizens interested in understanding federal history work and the historical development of the federal government. To join, visit www.shfg.org.
The Way We Worked celebrates the past 100 years of public service through archival images. Eargo and GEHA are proud sponsors of NARFE’s Centennial.
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