Aims and Objectives
On 1 April 1998 the Forest Service was established as an Executive Agency within the Department of Agriculture for Northern Ireland. The Agency is subject to the overall direction of the Minister of Agriculture, Mr Ian Pearson, who is responsible for the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.
Under the terms of the Forestry Act (Northern Ireland) 1953, the Department is responsible for promoting the interests of forestry in Northern Ireland, the development of afforestation, the production and supply of timber, and the maintenance of adequate reserves of growing trees.