Friday, August 18, 2017

U.S. Forest Service Chief Tidwell Announces Retirement

Washington, D.C., – U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell today announced his retirement after a 40-year career, characterized by his climb from a firefighter to a District Ranger, Forest Supervisor to the head of the U.S. Forest Service, leading more than 30,000 employees working in all 50 states plus Puerto Rico. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue praised Chief Tidwell, saying, “From the start, we have relied on Chief Tidwell’s experience and counsel, drawing on his years of experience both in the field and in Washington. The Forest Service will miss the benefit of his knowledge but we wish him well on his retirement after more than 40 years of service with the U.S. Department of Agriculture.” Some of his accomplishments include increasing collaboration, with the Forest Service working with states, Tribes, private landowners, and other partners for landscape-scale conservation. These efforts have helped increase the benefits Americans get from their national forests, as well as helped provide rural communities with economic stability. As chief, Tidwell also focused on building a safe and inclusive agency characterized by mutual respect and fairness. He was particularly dedicated to improving safety measures to better protect the lives and wellbeing of employees, especially firefighters.  Moreover, he played an instrumental role early on in drawing attention and public support to confront the increasing severity and costs of wildfires and their residual impacts on the agency’s lands stewardship. Tidwell was appointed Chief of the Forest Service on June 17, 2009. His final day in office will be September 1, 2017...press release

Washington, D.C.  Chairman Rob Bishop (R-UT) issued the following statement in response to U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell’s retirement.

“Chief Tidwell has been an advocate for improving the health, resiliency and economic benefits of our national forest system. On a personal level, I am sad to see him go. His time working Utah demonstrated that he understands the state well, and it is clear we’ve lost a friend with his retirement. We thank him for 40 years of public service to the agency and its mission. As our nation continues to face a forest health crisis, it is my hope that the Trump Administration acts swiftly to appoint new leadership at the Forest Service.”
 

No comments: