V. Volunteers
The American people own over a third of the United States as public lands and are important partners in the stewardship of these lands. Caring for these special places – forests, grasslands, parks, wildlife refuges, recreation areas, and cultural and historic resources – requires the help of many dedicated citizen stewards. Annually, over 100,000 volunteers help the Forest Service deliver what Americans want from their public lands – opportunities for outdoor recreation, habitat for wildlife, and clean air and water. These partners are performing a vital and rewarding public service.
This chapter provides information on:
- The Forest Service Volunteers Program
- Volunteer Paperwork
- Safety Issues
- Resources and Contacts
Volunteers Program
The Forest Service Volunteers Program provides volunteers with experiences that are rewarding and challenging, while complementing the agency's staff in carrying out work and providing outstanding service to the public. There are myriad volunteer opportunities with the Forest Service in almost all programs.
The Volunteers Program advances affirmative action goals and increases public awareness of equal opportunity benefits and services. It includes special programs to encourage enrollment of under-represented populations.
The Volunteers Program operates across the Forest Service and is authorized under the Volunteers in the National
Forests Act of 1972. Forest Service Manual 1830 describes agency policies for the Volunteers Program.
(http://www.fs.fed.us/im/directives/).
This is a person who gives time and talent to advance the mission of the Forest Service. No salary or wage from the Forest Service is received for the voluntary service.
This participant in the Volunteers Program is supervised by another institution, organization, or unit of state or local government.
Volunteer Paperwork
Volunteer Agreements – The Forest Service completes a Volunteer Agreement with every volunteer to document the service he or she will perform. There are two types of Volunteer Agreements.
- Agreement for Individual Voluntary Services (Form FS-1800-7)
- Agreement for Sponsored Voluntary Services (Form FS-1800-8)
Both of these forms are available to Forest Service employees on the Forest Service intranet (internal) website.
Regional Foresters, Station Directors, and the Area Director are responsible for implementing the Volunteers Program. They can delegate the authority to negotiate and approve Volunteer Agreements to any line officer. A volunteer may not begin work or travel until both parties have signed the agreement.
Volunteers cannot receive stipends or other compensation but may receive allowances for incidental expenses such as meals, mileage, travel, and uniforms, depending on local needs and budgets. Volunteer Agreements are the authorizing instrument for reimbursements and should include information on incidental expenses to be covered by the Forest Service. Agreements include a termination date and may be amended at any time by consent of both parties.