Title 16 › Chapter 3— FORESTS; FOREST SERVICE; REFORESTATION; MANAGEMENT › Subchapter V— FOREST FOUNDATION › § 583j–2
The Foundation must exist forever. It can do business in all U.S. states, territories, possessions, and in other countries. Its main offices must be in the Washington, D.C. area. It must keep a named agent in the District of Columbia who can accept legal papers for the Foundation. If that agent is handed legal notice or is mailed notice at the agent’s business address, the Foundation is treated as having been notified. The Board picks an official seal that courts will recognize. To carry out its work, the Foundation has the usual corporate powers in the District of Columbia. It can accept and manage gifts and bequests, own and trade real or personal property, borrow money and issue debt, enter contracts, and sue or be sued (Board members are not personally liable except for gross negligence). It may do any acts needed to carry out its purposes. Real property interests include things like mineral and water rights, rights of way, and easements. The Foundation may accept gifts even if they have restrictions or private interests. Lands or waters owned by the Foundation that the Chief of the United States Forest Service finds valuable for the Foundation’s purposes cannot be taken by any State or local government. The Foundation, its income, property, and related transactions are exempt from Federal, State, and local taxation, and donations to the Foundation are treated as gifts to an organization exempt under section 501(c)(3) of title 26.
Full Legal Text
Conservation, Source: USLM XML via OLRC
Legislative History
Reference
Citation
16 U.S.C. § 583j–2
Title 16, Conservation
Last Updated
Apr 5, 2026
Release point: 119-73not60