Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell announces retirement

WASHINGTON—USDA Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell today announced his retirement after decades of public service as a natural resources management professional with the agency.

“State Foresters want to thank Chief Thomas Tidwell for his service to the nation’s forests. Chief Tidwell is a tireless champion for active forest management in order to increase resilience in our nation’s forests. He has encouraged the forestry community to work across boundaries for the benefit of all Americans. State Foresters will miss working with Tom and we wish him the best as he transitions to retirement,” said Bill Crapser, National Association of State Foresters President and Wyoming State Forester.

Chief Tidwell served in a variety of positions at all levels of the agency, including district ranger, forest supervisor, and legislative affairs specialist in the Washington Office. According to the Forest Service website, since being named Chief in 2009 Tidwell guided the agency toward accelerated treatments on the landscape to improve the health and resiliency of forests and grasslands. The results help protect communities, enhance public benefits derived from healthy forests, and strengthen economies all over the country.

“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,” Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue said in a statement.

Media Contact: Amanda Cooke at acooke@stateforesters.org or 202-624-5417

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