WASHINGTON—Following the announcement of president-elect Donald J. Trump’s nomination of former Georgia Gov. Sonny Perdue for the Secretary of Agriculture, the National Association of State Foresters (NASF) issued the following statement:
“The National Association of State Foresters (NASF) looks forward to working with Sonny Perdue as Agriculture Secretary. In conjunction with the State and Private Forestry Program of the Forest Service, an agency of the Department of Agriculture, state forestry agencies are improving the resilience of forests and strengthening the economy in America’s rural communities,” said Bill Crapser, NASF President and Wyoming State Forester.
“Trees and forests are America’s fundamental infrastructure, offering real solutions to the nation’s economic and environmental challenges. By focusing on national priorities outlined in every state’s Forest Action Plan, together with Secretary Perdue we will continue to efficiently conserve, protect and enhance America’s ‘green infrastructure’”.
“The Agriculture Secretary has critical responsibilities for all of the nation’s forests whether they are under federal, state or private ownership. We will work with Secretary Perdue to ensure the next Farm Bill prioritizes forestry issues and funding for critical programs, allowing state forestry agencies to continue the delivery of technical and financial assistance to America’s private forest owners, the caretakers of the majority of America’s forests.”
Contact: Amanda Cooke, acooke@stateforesters.org or 202-624-5417