By Jamie Martin
Tom Schultz has been appointed as the 21st Chief of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service. With over 25 years of experience in land management, Schultz is set to lead the Forest Service in restoring national forests, improving outdoor recreation opportunities, and enhancing wildfire suppression efforts.
“Tom is the right person to lead the Forest Service right now, and I know he will fight every day to restore America’s national forests,” said U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins. Schultz will replace Chief Randy Moore, who is retiring after serving for over four decades.
Schultz has an extensive background in forestry, having served as vice president of resources at Idaho Forest Group, director of the Idaho Department of Lands, and holding key leadership roles in Montana’s Department of Natural Resources. His experience includes managing public lands, water resources, and working closely with government agencies.
Kristin Sleeper, deputy undersecretary for Natural Resources and Environment, praised Schultz’s leadership. “Schultz is a respected leader, who has more than 25 years of land management experience in the West and the South.”
Under Schultz’s leadership, the Forest Service will focus on sustainable forest management, wildfire prevention, and ensuring national forests remain productive for future generations.
Retiring Chief Randy Moore expressed confidence in his successor. “Working to further healthier forests and a better Forest Service on behalf of the American people has been the honor of my life,” he said.
The USDA Forest Service, established in 1905, manages 154 national forests and 20 grasslands across 43 states, playing a crucial role in federal forest management and conservation.
Photo Credit: usda
Categories: National