what is the difference between national parks and forests?

some of the most special places in the states are national parks! which have you visited?!

National Parks

-Purpose: Preserving natural landscapes, wildlife, and cultural resources for recreation, education, and enjoyment. Conservation and protection are the top priorities.

-Management: Run by the National Park Service (NPS), which is under the Department of the Interior.

-Activities Allowed: Limited to non-intrusive activities like hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing. Activities like mining, logging, and hunting are generally prohibited.

-Examples: Yellowstone National Park, Yosemite National Park.

National Forests

-Primary Purpose: Managed for multiple uses, including recreation, resource extraction, and conservation. The goal is to balance conservation with sustainable resource use.

-Management: Overseen by the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), which is part of the Department of Agriculture.

-Activities Allowed: Allow for recreational activities, but also permit regulated logging, mining, grazing, and hunting.

-Examples: Tahoe National Forest, White Mountain National Forest.