Texas A&M Forest Service representatives may request someone conducting themselves in violation of these guidelines to leave the property.
1. Hours
- State forest lands are open to the public from dawn until dusk 7 days a week.
- No person shall enter or remain within state forest land at any time other than during such time as the state forest is open, unless given prior written permission from the local District Forester.
2. Closures
The District Forester may temporarily close or restrict the use of certain areas within state forest lands for public safety reasons, endangered species breeding season or to accommodate work being performed on the property. These closures will be posted to notify the public.
3. Vehicles
- All motorized vehicles including but not limited to all-terrain vehicles (ATV’s), utility task vehicles (UTV’s) and motorcycles are prohibited from operating on state forest lands (except for designated parking areas) without the written permission of the local District Forester.
- Visitors should park vehicles in designated parking areas.
- Abandoned vehicles will be towed at the owner’s expense.
4. Camping
Camping on state forest lands is prohibited without the written permission of the local District Forester.
5. Natural Resources
Collection of firewood, plants, animals and other resources is not permitted on state forest lands without the written permission of the local District Forester.
6. Campfires
No person may light, build or maintain a fire on state forest lands without the written permission of the local District Forester.
7. Hunting, Fishing, And Trapping
- Certain state forests are open to Texas Parks & Wildlife Youth Hunts on specific days. Contact the local Texas A&M Forest Service office for more information.
- No other hunting or trapping is permitted.
- Target shooting is not permitted on state forest lands.
- Fishing is permitted with a current fishing license. Catch and release only.
- Watercraft are not permitted onto ponds within state forest lands unless prior written permission is received from the local District Forester.
8. Pets and Animals
- Pets should be restrained or leashed at all times while on state forest lands.
- All equines must have tested negative to an official Equine Infectious Anemia test within the previous 12 months (TAHC VS Form 10-11).
9. Alcohol
The public consumption or possession of alcohol is prohibited at all times on state forest lands.
10. Special Events
No person shall solicit for, hold or sponsor a special event on state forest land without the prior written permission of the local District Forester.
11. Photography and Videography
- All commercial photography and videography will need written permission from the local District Forester.
- Do not block or obstruct any roads or trails.
- Do not attach anything to plants, structures or equipment.
12. Garbage
Visitors are responsible for their own trash. “Pack It In, Pack It Out” is practiced while on state forest lands.
13. Solicitation
- The solicitation or sale of goods and services or the seeking of donation for a cause, is prohibited unless the party receives prior approval from the local District Forester.
- The distribution and solicitation of non-agency materials is prohibited.
14. Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV’s)
- The use of UAV’s is prohibited without the written approval of the Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Supervising Authority for the Texas A&M Forest Service.
- Persons desiring to operate a UAV on state forest lands must fill out an application.
- NOTE: UAV’s or other aerial devices are prohibited from use by visitor, on both the W.G. Jones and Fairchild State Forests due to endangered species habitat.
15. Activities Not Stated
If an activity is not mentioned within these guidelines, it is important that the person or group first inquire with the local agency office prior to the activity taking place.