Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack recently appointed eight members to the Forest Resource Coordinating Committee, which provides advice on private forestry and USDA’s programs that assist landowners in managing their forests.
“The experts selected for this committee are some of the best minds in forestry today,” said Agriculture Under Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment Harris Sherman. “They will help us make the right decisions for our rural communities that will create jobs, sustain economic growth and conserve our working lands for future generations.”
The appointed members are:
• Linda Casey, Prattville, Ala., representing state foresters from the Southern U.S.
• Mary Jane Packer, Trumansburg, N.Y., representing private forest landowners
• Rob Olszewski, Marietta, Ga., representing private forest landowners
• Michele Curtis, Perry, Fla., representing forest industry
• Amadou Diop, Mableton, Ga., representing conservation organizations
• Tom DeGomez, Flagstaff, Ariz., representing a land grant college or university
• Clifford Rushton, Olympia, Wash., representing a conservation district
• James Houser, Jacksonville, Texas, representing consulting foresters
The new committee members will be joined by the heads of four USDA agencies: the Forest Service, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Farm Service Agency and the National Institute of Food and Agriculture.
The Forest Resource Coordinating Committee provides expert counsel on actions and funds allocation that enhance the diversity and public benefits of forests. Important areas of focus include wildfires, natural disasters, disease outbreak, air and water quality, soil conservation, carbon storage and wildlife habitat.