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Agriculture Secretary Vilsack Names New Chief for U.S. Forest Service

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that Tom Tidwell will serve as the new Chief for the U.S. Forest Service.

Bruce Wight Named NRCS National Forester

Bruce Wight has been named National Forester for the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).

Agriculture Secretary Vilsack Names Jay Jensen as Deputy Under Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced the appointment of Jay Jensen as USDA Deputy Under Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment (NRE).

Virginia Tech selects Paul Winistorfer as new dean for College of Natural Resources

CONTACT: Lynn Davis(540) 231-6157 -- davisl@vt.edu -- Senior Vice President and Provost Mark McNamee announced Wednesday that Winistorfer, who currently heads the college's Department of Wood Science and Forest Products, will assume the duties of dean on Aug. 1, when Mike Kelly steps down after serving the college with great distinction as dean for the past five years.

New Extension Forester Joins Clemson University

Tamara L. Cushing joined Clemson University's Department of Forestry & Natural Resources as an Assistant Professor and Extension Forestry Specialist in January.

Tom Martin Named President and CEO of the American Forest Foundation

AFF announced today that Tom Martin was unanimously elected by its board of trustees to succeed Larry Wiseman as president and chief executive officer. Wiseman, who founded the organization as its first president, has led AFF since 1983.

Ragon Joins LSU Wood Durability Lab

The Louisiana Forest Products Development Center, School of Renewable Natural Resources, Louisiana State University AgCenter in Baton Rouge, Louisiana is pleased to announce that Dr. Kevin W. Ragon was added to its staff as Postdoctoral Research Scientist.

Bob and Jean Cooper Named 2008 National Outstanding Tree Farmers of the Year

Washington, D.C. - The American Tree Farm System (ATFS) has named Bob and Jean Cooper as its 2008 National Outstanding Tree Farmers of the Year. The Coopers received the award during the 15th Annual National Tree Farmer Convention in Portland, Oregon this past weekend. This annual award recognizes outstanding sustainable forest management on family owned forestland. The Coopers own Meadowbrook Tree in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

New National Program Leader for Forest-Based Bioenergy

The Natural Resources and Environment Unit introduces Daniel Cassidy as the Forest-Based Bioenergy National Program Leader.

New SRS Assistant Director Named

The USDA Forest Service Southern Research Station is pleased to announce that Dr. Kier D. Klepzig will be joining them as Assistant Director-Research of the Southern Research Station. His focus will be leading the science and people of the "Threats to Forest Health" Science Area for the Station.

Agpaoa to Lead Southern Region of the U.S Forest Service

U.S. Forest Service Chief Abigail R. Kimbell today appointed Elizabeth (Liz) Agpaoa as Southern Regional Forester (Region 8).

New Executive Director of the Georgia Forestry Commission Named

Governor Sonny Perdue announced Robert Farris as the Director of the Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC). The GFC provides leadership, service, and education in protection, management, and wise use of Georgia's forest resources.

Dr. Wayne Clatterbuck Named Extension Forester of the Year

The Forest Landowners Association is pleased to announce Dr. Wayne Clatterbuck of the University of Tennessee as the recipient of the 2008 Extension Forester of the Year Award.

Dondero Named Director of Cooperative Forestry, FS R8

ATLANTA -- John D. Dondero, a veteran of the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), has been selected as Director of Cooperative Forestry for the Southern Region, according to Acting Regional Forester Ken Arney.

Dr. Henry Quesada-Pineda Joins Department of Wood Science and Forest Products at Virginia Tech

BLACKSBURG, VA. August 11, 2008 -- Dr. Henry Quesada-Pineda has joined the department of wood science and forest products in the College of Natural Resources as an Assistant Professor.

Louisiana Names New State Forester

After interviewing nearly a dozen candidates, the Louisiana Forestry Commission has selected a new state forester, Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain, D.V.M., announced. Wade Dubea, a New Roads native and current resident of St. Francisville, was chosen to replace former State Forester Paul Frey who retired last year.

Myers Named Associate Deputy Chief, National Forest System

Charles "Chuck" Myers is returning to the Washington Office to become Associate Deputy Chief, National Forest System.

John Munsell joins Virginia Tech's College of Natural Resources

John Munsell joins Virginia Tech's College of Natural Resources as an assistant professor and forest management Extension specialist.

Mississippi State University Hires New Extension Forester

James E. Henderson started his new position as Assistant Extension Professor of Forest Economics and Management in December 2007.

Murphy to join Southern Region's Legacy Program

Mike Murphy will be the new Southern Region's Legacy Program Manager starting in February 2008.