The Texas A&M Forest Service uses the area for demonstration and research as well as to conserve southern yellow pine ecosystems.

[6] The area remained in the hands of the Prison system until 1926 when it was transferred to the Texas A&M Forest Service.

[4] On June 6, 1933, the Civilian Conservation Corps founded a camp in the Forest's main unit.

Workers from camp S-54, Company 833, were tasked with fire protection for nearly 300,000 acres of forest in the area.

They also with built and maintained roads, telephone poles and lines, fire towers, and sold firewood.

[11] Other bird species known to frequent the Forest include woodpeckers, warblers, summer tanagers, buntings, and vireos, according to Texas Parks and Wildlife.