AFF’s EVP of Climate Funding Nathan Truitt to Represent NGO Sector on Council 

CONTACT: Kristen Voorhees, Communications Senior Director, media@forestfoundation.org 

WASHINGTON, D.C. (January 7, 2025) – Rita Hite, president & CEO of the American Forest Foundation, issued this statement following the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s appointments to the Greenhouse Gas Technical Assistance Provider and Third-Party Verifier Program Advisory Council, in accordance with the Growing Climate Solutions Act (GCSA): 

“Forests are increasingly facing a variety of threats, from a changing climate to conversion pressures to shifting markets. The voluntary carbon market is a critical tool for financing much needed forest management improvements, forest conservation and climate mitigation – but these efforts will only be successful if they are high-integrity and include rural family forest owners in the equation. USDA’s establishment of this advisory council is an integral step toward creating the enabling conditions needed to build and scale a market that works for people and the planet. With today’s appointments of experts across the agricultural and forestry industries, the Department can effectively unlock market access for American landowners who are far too often left on the sidelines of our country’s conservation efforts.  

“We congratulate AFF’s Nathan Truitt, Executive Vice President of Climate Funding, who will serve on the council as a representative of the nongovernmental industry. We also congratulate Dr. Edie Sonne Hall, Claire Getty, and Bryan Van Stippen – all of whom will greatly contribute to the practical expertise of the council.” 

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About The American Forest Foundation 

The American Forest Foundation is a national conservation organization that empowers family forest owners to make meaningful conservation impact. The organization’s flagship program, the Family Forest Carbon Program, helps landowners implement forest management practices to protect the health of their woodlands and help the planet. To learn more about the American Forest Foundation and the Family Forest Carbon Program, visit www.forestfoundation.org/carbon.