Harris Sherman: America’s Forests are Vital
In his opening remarks, Secretary Vilsack emphasized that the rest of the country needs to understand the importance of rural America, and said we need more than a farm bill – we need a rural restoration bill. The Secretary also emphasized that biofuels are a key market for rural America, pointing out that a significant amount of jobs could be created while reducing demand for foreign oil.
“Secretary Vilsack set out a vision for forest policy that focuses on an “all-lands” approach, including private forests. The Summit brought together diverse stakeholders to identify win-win solutions to revitalize rural economies. From forest product jobs to recreation, to tourism, forests are the lifeblood of rural economies,” Tom noted.
Undersecretary Sherman and Assistant Undersecretary Wright joined the Forest Restoration, Rural Recreation and Private Land Conservation session which focused on ways USDA can continue to promote forest restoration, rural recreation and private lands conservation. Tom and David Nomsen, from Pheasants Forever, were the co-chairs.
Undersecretary Harris Sherman said that, “The session was an excellent dialogue on 21st century approaches to preserving America's forests and farms and rural way of life. Ways to strengthen America's private forests were part of the discussion including expanded approaches to bioenergy, environmental markets, and technical assistance. The importance of America's forests is a vital goal to protect our water, conserve the land and wildlife, and provide much needed wood-based products."
Rural lands and private forests provide important public benefits such as clean air and clean water, and are a key component to rural economies. Mark Nussbaum, the 2009 Missouri State Tree Farmer of the Year, wrote in an open letter to Secretary Vilsack that woody biomass can be a key part of our nation’s energy needs and the catalyst for a new, sustainable industry in rural America.
Missouri has nearly 12 million acres of privately-owned forests, accounting for 85 percent of the states’ forest cover. The state’s a prime example of how small family forest owners can play a central role in rebuilding and revitalizing rural economies.
