Forestry Office

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Introduction / Overview

For local residents in Allen Parish and the surrounding areas of central Louisiana, the Forestry Office in Oberlin is a critical resource, representing the local presence of the Louisiana Office of Forestry, a division of the Department of Agriculture and Forestry. This office is not a public campground, but it serves a much more vital role: it is the operational base for protecting, promoting, and managing the health of the forest resources that make the region a haven for outdoor enthusiasts.

The staff at the Oberlin Forestry Office are the local experts dedicated to sustainable forest practices, providing technical guidance to private landowners, and most importantly for all Louisianans, fighting devastating wildfires. The forests they manage and protect—vast tracts of pine, hardwood, and mixed timberlands—are the natural buffer surrounding prime public recreational areas like Kisatchie National Forest and the West Bay Wildlife Management Area (WMA), which offer the camping, hiking, and hunting opportunities our state is famous for.

In essence, this office is the behind-the-scenes hero ensuring the longevity and accessibility of the very landscapes where we go to 'pass a good time.' Its work directly contributes to the safe, beautiful, and healthy forest environment that every camper and hunter relies on. As one reviewer noted, this office is generally considered Good, reflecting the reliable public service it provides.

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Location and Accessibility

The Forestry Office is situated strategically in central Louisiana, making it an accessible hub for foresters, landowners, and the public needing assistance or permits related to timber and land management.

Address: 9418 US-165, Oberlin, LA 70655, USA

Located directly on U.S. Highway 165, the office is easy to find and access. This location places it squarely within the working forest landscape of Allen Parish, a short drive from the communities it serves and in close proximity to major public recreational areas. This centralized positioning is crucial for quick response times, particularly for wildfire suppression and timber theft investigation, which are primary functions of the agency.

For those planning a camping trip, the office is a gateway to the broader forest environment. It is situated in the state’s timber country, a landscape of rolling hills and pine forests that contrasts beautifully with the southern swamps and coastal regions. It is well within range of popular camping spots in the Kisatchie National Forest’s Calcasieu Ranger District.

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Services Offered

The Oberlin Forestry Office is an administrative and operational facility focused on managing Louisiana's vital timber and forest resources. Its public services are centered around protection and guidance:

• Wildfire Suppression and Prevention: This is a key service, involving local crews and equipment on standby to protect both private and public forestland from fires, directly safeguarding recreational areas.
• Forest Stewardship Program: Offering technical assistance and guidance to private, non-industrial forest landowners to promote sustainable and healthy forest management practices, including timber harvesting and reforestation.
• Timber Law Enforcement: Enforcing timber-related laws and investigating timber theft to protect the economic interests and integrity of Louisiana’s forest industry.
• Forest Health Monitoring: Tracking and providing information on invasive species, forest pests, and diseases that could threaten the local ecosystem and ultimately affect the quality of the public’s outdoor spaces.
• Information Dissemination: Providing data and educational resources on best practices for forestry and conservation to the local community.
• Burn Permits: Managing the issuance and regulation of outdoor burn permits, which is essential for fire safety across the parish and surrounding areas.

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Features / Highlights

The real highlights of the Oberlin Forestry Office are not found inside the building, but in the critical work the staff performs to maintain Louisiana’s natural character.

• Protection of Public Lands: The office's dedication to fire suppression provides an invaluable service to the entire region, protecting the valuable natural resources that the public enjoys, including nearby Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) and the Whiskey Chitto Creek paddling corridor.
• Direct Local Expertise: You gain access to District Foresters who possess deep, localized knowledge of Allen Parish's unique soil types, timber species, and wildlife habitats. This expertise is vital for anyone engaging in land-use or outdoor activities.
• A Pillar of the Local Economy: The office supports the health of the timber industry, which is a major economic driver in central Louisiana, ensuring the land remains productive while adhering to environmental standards.
• Community Safety Focus: Their role in issuing and monitoring burn permits means they are actively involved in promoting public safety, especially during dry seasons when the risk of fire to rural homes and recreational sites is highest.
• Positive Local Reputation: The consistent rating of Good from local customer reviews indicates that the professional staff maintains a reputation for helpfulness and reliability in their complex and vital work.

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Contact Information

For all inquiries related to forestry management, burn permits, or wildfire concerns in the Allen Parish area, please contact the Oberlin office directly:

Address: 9418 US-165, Oberlin, LA 70655, USA

Primary Phone Number: (337) 639-9896

Mobile Phone: +1 337-639-9896

It is highly recommended that citizens check in with the office for current burn bans or for guidance before conducting any large-scale outdoor burning, as fire safety is paramount in Louisiana’s timber country.

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What is Worth Choosing

Choosing to contact or follow the guidance of the Oberlin Forestry Office is choosing responsible stewardship of the land. For campers, hunters, and hikers, the best camping experience starts with a healthy, well-managed forest. This office is the administrative guardian of that health.

The Oberlin Forestry Office is worth choosing as your first point of contact for:

• Fire Safety Information: Before setting up a campfire or lighting a prescribed burn on private land, their team can provide the most current, essential safety guidance and regulations. This is paramount for protecting our forests and our communities.
• Expert Resource Management Advice: If you own wooded property and want to manage it for better wildlife habitat or sustainable timber yield, their free consulting services are invaluable.
• Connecting to the Big Picture: Engaging with this office helps local residents understand how public policy and professional forestry practices work together to sustain the natural environment that provides our cherished recreational opportunities in central Louisiana.

In a state known as the Sportsman's Paradise, the Oberlin Forestry Office is a necessary foundation, providing the expertise and labor that keeps the paradise beautiful and safe for all.

Would you like me to find details about public camping options available in the nearby Kisatchie National Forest or West Bay Wildlife Management Area?