The United States has a new chief forester after US Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced Tom Schultz will serve as the 21st chief of the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service. “Tom is the right person to lead the Forest Service right now, and I know he will fight every day to restore America’s national forests,” Secretary Rollins said.
“Together, Tom and the incredible employees at the Forest Service will work to execute President Donald J. Trump’s agenda to make America’s forests healthy and productive again.”
US Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins on the new appointment.
Wood Central understands that this could include “freeing up” millions of hectares for timber production, as per an executive order signed by Trump yesterday. Schultz will replace Chief Randy Moore, who announced his retirement in a message to Forest Service employees yesterday: “I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be the next chief of the Forest Service.”
“I will work tirelessly to further support and protect our rural communities. Working with our partners, we will actively manage national forests and grasslands, increase opportunities for outdoor recreation, and suppress wildfires with all available resources, emphasizing safety and the importance of protecting resource values,” said incoming Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz. “Chief Moore has been a diligent public servant and has demonstrated his steadfast commitment to stewarding our national forests and grasslands. We thank him for his dedication and leadership.”
According to Kristin Sleeper, deputy undersecretary for the USDA’s Natural Resources and Environment: “Schultz is a respected leader with more than 25 years of land management experience in the West and the South. I am excited to work closely with Secretary Rollins and him as we optimize our workforce and return to our fundamental mission of caring for the land and serving people.”
Outgoing Randy Moore’s statement to US Forest Service employees
“Working to further healthier forests and a better Forest Service on behalf of the American people has been the honour of my life,” retiring Forest Service Chief Randy Moore said. “I am confident that Tom will continue to take steps to ensure the longevity, productivity, and splendour of our national forests and grasslands.”
The Forest Service Chief is responsible for the leadership and success in accomplishing the Forest Service’s mission. Established in 1905, the Forest Service manages 154 national forests and 20 grasslands across 43 states and is the foremost leader in federal forest management, research and development, and wildland firefighting.
- To read more about other USDA appointments under the new Trump administration, click here for Wood Central’s special feature.
