Air is an element which overlays all natural and human resources. When the Forest Service Air Program surveys air quality within our National Forests, it examines not only the air itself, but also the greater ecosystems – the waters, soils, trees, plants, invertebrates and others - interacting with it.

 

Progress has been made toward improving air quality across the United States since the enactment of the Clean Air Act in 1970. But air quality on many Forest Service lands and even wilderness areas is still far from pristine. And as our population - and its resulting urbanization and industrialization - continue to grow, the Forest Service Air Program must understand how air quality effects resources and work cooperatively with industry, state and federal groups to prevent and reduce air pollution.