Compiled by TMNCPC blogmaster Paula Dittrick from state of Texas and U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service news releases
Federal and state of Texas officials on July 16 signed a Shared Stewardship agreement establishing a framework to improve collaboration on natural resource concerns and ecological challenges in Texas.
The agreement is between the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service and Natural Resources Conservation Service, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, and Texas A&M Forest Service.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott called the agreement “an important step toward strengthening our partnership with the federal government and renewing our commitment to responsible forest management.”
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue said the agreement “strengthens the already strong partnership between the Forest Service and the state of Texas.” He said state and federal officials will work together to improve forest conditions.
The agreement advocates long-term forest management programs, promoting sound and scientific silvicultural practices, and aligning various agency land-management activities.
It builds upon the efforts of the Texas Forestry Council, which has worked to address shared forest resource issues in the state since 2009. The Council includes the Texas A&M Forest Service, Academic Deans from Stephen F. Austin State University and Texas A&M University Forestry Schools.
The Texas Forestry Council also includes senior leadership from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, the National Forests and Grasslands of Texas, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, the National Parks Service, AgriLife Extension Service, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.