New Forest Advisory Committee Announced

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack this week announced he is seeking nominations from the public for the new Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration Advisory Committee. The committee will inaugurate a new level of collaboration between the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Forest Service (FS) and the American people in the restoration of forested landscapes. 

"About 60 million Americans depend on national forests for clean, abundant water, and all Americans rely on healthy forest ecosystems to mitigate the effects of climate change," said Vilsack. "This committee will help us prioritize the work that needs to be done and empower citizens and the FS to work together through the entire process of ecological restoration work, from identifying needs on the landscape to achieving ecological objectives in ways that provide jobs and protect local communities from wildfire." 

The committee will include up to 15 members who will offer a balanced perspective and wide-ranging expertise in various related fields. Committee members will serve terms of up to two years. 

Organizations or individuals may nominate persons to this committee. Detailed information on the Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration Program is available at "http://www.fs.fed.us/restoration/CFLR/index.shtml" "http://www.fs.fed.us/restoration/CFLR/index.shtml">www.fs.fed.us/restoration/CFLR/index.shtml</a.

Information on the application process can be obtained from the Federal Register notice at "http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/pdf/2010-4686.pdf" "http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/pdf/2010-4686.pdf">http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/pdf/2010-4686.pdf</a.