Southern State Foresters Reaffirm Commitment to Collaboration with USDA Forest Service Under New Leadership

As stewards of the South’s 245 million acres of forestland, the Southern Group of State Foresters (SGSF) reaffirms their longstanding commitment to a strong partnership with the USDA Forest Service and joins in supporting the National Association of State Foresters’ (NASF) key forestry priorities, announced earlier today. SGSF is dedicated to working alongside the Forest Service and its new Chief, Tom Schultz, to advance the health and sustainability of forests across state, private and federal lands.

“SGSF welcomes Chief Schultz and looks forward to working with him to strengthen federal-state partnerships, which are critical to wildfire prevention, forest health and the economic and environmental sustainability of southern forests,” said Rob Farrell, SGSF Chair and Virginia State Forester. “His experience with state-led land management brings a valuable perspective to the role and we are eager to collaborate on solutions that benefit private landowners, communities and the industries that depend on healthy, sustainable southern forests.”

Southern forests, supported by active management, play an essential role in protecting air and water quality, sustaining healthy wildlife habitats and reducing wildfire risk. They also provide a major economic engine for the region, contributing $144 billion annually and supporting over 1.1 million jobs in forestry, logging and forest products industries. With nearly 90% of southern forests privately owned, primarily through an interconnected patchwork of smaller, family-owned plots, collaboration between state forestry agencies, private landowners and the USDA Forest Service is essential to ensuring long-term sustainability.

“The forestry sector is a cornerstone of the Southern economy and a critical part of ensuring environmental, economic and community resilience,” added Farrell. “We appreciate the continued commitment of the USDA Forest Service to work collaboratively with our member state forestry agencies, and we look forward to collaborating with Chief Schultz to sustain and strengthen our southern forests for generations to come.”

As Chief Schultz takes the helm, SGSF also expresses its deep appreciation to former Chief Randy Moore for his leadership and contributions to forestry nationwide. His legacy of achievements provides a strong foundation for the future, and SGSF looks forward to building on that progress.

Through wildfire mitigation programs, forest and wood innovations research, forest inventory and analysis, forest health monitoring, landowner engagement, reforestation initiatives and conservation incentives, federal funding plays a vital role in supporting private landowners and state forestry agencies in keeping forests healthy, intact and sustainable. These programs don’t just protect forests, they protect communities, air quality, drinking water supplies, human health, wildlife habitats and the industries that rely on sustainable forest products.

SGSF remains committed to working alongside the USDA Forest Service, NASF and its many key partners to ensure the nation’s forestry programs remain strong and effective. For more information about SGSF and its members’ work providing leadership, coordination, expertise and resources to sustain the economic, environmental, health and societal benefits of southern forests, visit SouthernForests.org.