Ag secretary Vilsack recognizes all forests in 'all-lands approach'

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack outlined his vision for the future of our nation's forests last week. In his first major address regarding the U.S. Forest Service, Vilsack recognized that the agency must not be viewed as "concerned only with the fate of our National Forests, but must instead be acknowledged for its work in protecting and maintaining all American forests, including state and private lands." He further acknowledged that "the threats facing our forests don't recognize property boundaries. So...we must operate at a landscape-scale by taking an 'all-lands approach.'"

MORE: An editorial in the New York Times praises the secretary's new vision.