American Forests’ Statement on the Appointment of Tony Tooke as Chief of the U.S. Forest Service:

American Forests congratulates Tony Tooke for his appointment as the 18th Chief of the U.S. Forest Service. Having worked with every U.S. Forest Service Chief over our more than 140-year history, starting with Gifford Pinchot, American Forests knows the critical role that the Chief plays in setting the conservation and restoration agenda for America’s forests, from tree canopy in our cities and towns to our beautiful forest landscapes.

Incoming Chief Tooke’s strong record on environmental justice, implementing the new forest planning rule with its emphasis on increased collaboration, and his role as Regional Forester for the Southern Region has prepared him to be an excellent leader for the U.S. Forest Service. As a proponent for the creation of the eastern national forests dating back to the Weeks Act of 1911, American Forests particularly appreciates Mr. Tooke’s understanding of our eastern national forests and the diversity of forest ownership patterns that surround them.

“Incoming Chief Tooke will be a real ally for ‘all lands’ restoration efforts given his experience in the Southeast,” said Jad Daley, Vice President of Conservation Programs (now president and CEO) at American Forests. “Continuing to more deeply integrate national forest restoration with that of other surrounding lands can help our community develop effective landscape-scale approaches.”

American Forests extends our gratitude to Chief Tom Tidwell, who has proven to be a great friend to all our forests.

“Chief Tidwell’s understanding and support for the important role urban forests play in creating livable communities has been particularly appreciated,” said Rebecca Turner, chief strategy officer at American Forests. “His emphasis on increasing the pace and scale of restoration was not solely a rallying cry for the U.S. Forest Service, but for all of us in the forestry field.”

We congratulate Chief Tidwell for his years of distinguished service to our nation’s forests and wish him the best in his new endeavors.