This area--heart of the Piney Woods and the East Texas forest industry--was, in 1933, cutover forests and worked-out farms. That year the Texas Legislature authorized the establishment of National Forests in this state. Today Angelina, Davy Crockett, Sabine and Sam Houston forests (the 4 National Forests in Texas) include over 658,000 acres. Under management, net growth exceeds 175,000,000 board feet with a value of over $7,000,000 yearly. In addition, forests offer extensive recreation areas. U.S. Forest Service offices have been in Lufkin since 1947. (1968)