Private sector can be an integral part of improved federal forest management

Western Governors are deeply concerned that federal forest lands throughout the West are experiencing serious environmental stresses. In April the Western Governors' Association (WGA) urged Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack to step up forest management, in part by putting the private sector to work on National Forest lands. (Read the letter.)

Secretary Vilsack's recent response to WGA's request, while noting that USDA remained "committed to continuing a restoration strategy that will help us make focused landscape level investments in restoration," did not address engaging the private sector.

Recent comments by Forest Chief Tom Tidwell, however, offered Western Governors some optimsm when it comes to use of the private sector. "We know we cannot (restore forests' health) without a strong integrated forest products industry that can use all parts and sizes of trees to help us accomplish our restoration work," Chief Tidwell told E&E News.

Western Governors agree with Chief Tidwell and urge Secretary Vilsack to more closely consider the use of the private sector to better manage federal forest lands.

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