Roundtable on Sustainable Forests Co-Chair

The NIFA-supported Sustainable Forests Partnership (SFP) has been appointed co-chair of the Roundtable on Sustainable Forests. The SFP is composed of members from Oregon State University, Penn State University, Auburn University, and NIFA. Its mission is to document and promote innovation in sustainable forestry and integrate this innovation broadly into both policy and practice. The Roundtable on Sustainable Forests is an open and inclusive process committed to the goal of sustainable forest management on public and private lands in the United States. It acts as a venue for communication, discussion, and dialogue about sustainable forest management. Roundtable participants include public and private organizations and individuals committed to better decision-making through shared learning and increased understanding.

Joel Holtrop, Deputy Chief of State and Private Forestry, USDA Forest Service, and a co-chair of the Roundtable, appointed the SFP to be co-chair in the Fall 2004. The SFP is represented by Dr. James Finley from Penn State University and Dr. Richard Brinker from Auburn University.

The decision to appoint the SFP as co-chair of the Roundtable was based on several factors. The partnership brings an objective, science- and education-based approach to sustainable forestry, and has well-established working relationships and communication channels with the Land-Grant University System and the Cooperative Extension System. It has a six-year history of working with and supporting the Roundtable on various projects, including preparation of the USDA National Report on Sustainable Forests, and has been actively participating in various Roundtable work groups.

The partnership’s work with the Roundtable on Sustainable Forests is part of its effort to expand a national network with other partners, including university faculty, industry experts, non-government organization representatives, government agencies, and individuals. Its goals are to identify key sustainable forestry issues and trends, design and conduct sustainable forestry research, develop education and training materials and events, and provide assistance services to organizations and individuals interested in sustainable forestry issues.

For more information, contact Eric Norland.

Back to Forests Home Page