The U.S. Forest Service (USFS) has finalized its Administrative Site Leases rule, which provides the agency greater flexibility to implement the Administrative Site Leasing Program.
The program allows USFS to lease or exchange administrative sites, such as ranger stations. The rule removes administrative site leasing from special use regulations and reclassifies it as non-special use activity.
“Unlocking underutilized federal administrative sites gives USDA a vital tool to expand affordable housing options across rural communities,” said Rural Housing Service Administrator George Kelly. “By modernizing these leasing practices, Rural Development can support the Forest Service in partnering to address critical housing shortages for local workforces and families.”
