Washington, DC…The U.S. Forest Service today, announced the publication of the final Administrative Site Leases rule in the Federal Register. The updated rule improves government accountability, removes unnecessary regulatory barriers and aligns agency leasing practices with private-sector real estate standards.

The final rule provides the agency with greater flexibility to implement the Administrative Site Leasing Program, by removing administrative site leasing from special use regulations and reclassifying it as non-special use activity. Changing the classification aligns with modern real estate leasing practices and creates a clear and predictable framework for leasing eligible Forest Service administrative sites, while maintaining existing statutory authorities.

“By removing outdated regulatory barriers, we can manage the Administrative Site Leasing Program more efficiently, reduce unnecessary burdens and make better use of existing authorities,” said Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz. “This is also an important step toward making eligible administrative sites available for potential housing developments for employees and community members.”

“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.”

The Forest Service published the proposed rule on May 5, 2026, accepted public comments for 30 days, and considered those comments before issuing the final rule. The rule clarifies how the agency administers existing authorities and does not create new leasing authorities.

Read the final rule: https://www.federalregister.gov/public-inspection/2026-22296/administrative-site-leases

About the Forest Service: The Forest Service has brought people and communities together to answer the call of conservation for more than 100 years. Grounded in world-class science and technology—and rooted in communities—the Forest Service connects people to nature and recreation opportunities. The agency manages 193 million acres of public land, supports the nation’s forest industry and energy needs, and operates the largest and most respected wildland fire and forestry research organizations in the world. By providing assistance to state and private landowners and working with Tribes and other partners, the Forest Service also helps steward an additional 900 million forested acres within the U.S.

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