The National Association of State Foresters extends its congratulations to the newly appointed chief of the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service.
WASHINGTON—The nation’s 59 state and territorial foresters offer their congratulations to Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue’s pick for chief of the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS): Matt Lohr.
Lohr, a full-time family farmer in Virginia, served in the Virginia House of Delegates from 2006 to 2010 and as Virginia’s commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services from 2010 to 2013. Most recently, Lohr worked for Farm Credit of the Virginias, a customer-owned financial cooperative that provides resources and education outreach to local farmers and the community.
“Through the Joint Forestry Team, state foresters, conservation districts, the USDA Forest Service, and NRCS work to coordinate the delivery of conservation assistance to forest landowners, farmers, and ranchers,” said Lisa Allen, NASF president and Missouri state forester. “We look forward to continuing this partnership and expanding on its critical work to improve the sustainability of the nation’s forests together with Mr. Lohr.”
Lohr succeeds Leonard Jordan, who after 40 years with NRCS—including two years as its acting chief—has announced his retirement.
“Matt has committed his entire life to the betterment of agriculture,” Secretary Perdue said in a press release today. “The knowledge and experience he brings to the table will help ensure our locally led, science-based approach continues to offer farmers the conservation solutions needed to enhance their environment and commercial viability.”
Media Contact: Whitney Forman-Cook at wforman-cook@stateforesters.org or 202-624-5417