The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) and the American Forest Foundation (AFF) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding that provides a framework for cooperating on projects that work to stop the loss of healthy and productive forest and promote the value of private stewardship on America's family-owned forestlands.
"The AFF is doing the important work of helping sustain family tree farms and conserve species such as the gopher tortoise, red-cockaded woodpecker, northern bobwhite, and a host of others," said Service Director Steve Williams. "The Service is pleased to partner with AFF to work on mutual goals in areas such as watershed health, endangered species protection, and providing access for hunting and fishing and other forms of outdoor recreation.?
Laurence Wiseman, AFF President, commented, "This is a tremendous opportunity for our family forestland owners to further enhance their commitment to active stewardship. Through AFF's programs: the American Tree Farm System, Forests for Watershed and Wildlife and Project Learning Tree, the Service will increase public awareness while supporting its mission.?
The MOU seeks to improve communications, education and outreach, promote synergy and foster greater understanding and collaboration between the organizations. Under the agreement, the Service and AFF will identify conservation partnership and education approaches and develop solutions that mutually benefit both organizations.
Family forestland in the United States sustains valuable habitat and helps protect watersheds for many species of wildlife, including those that are threatened and endangered. Education plays a critical role in achieving the management and long-term sustainability of our natural resources. Partnerships in the area of education and outreach will improve the effectiveness and efficiencies of both organizations.
477.The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is the principal Federal agency responsible for conserving, protecting and enhancing fish, wildlife and plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. The Service manages the 95-million-acre National Wildlife Refuge System that encompasses 545 national wildlife refuges, thousands of small wetlands and other special management areas. It also operates 69 national fish hatcheries, 64 fishery resource offices and 81 ecological services field stations. The agency enforces Federal wildlife laws, administers the Endangered Species Act, manages migratory bird populations, restores national significant fisheries, conserves and restores wildlife habitat such as wetlands, and helps foreign governments with their conservation efforts. It also oversees the Federal Aid program that distributes hundreds of millions of dollars in excise taxes on fishing and hunting equipment to State fish and wildlife agencies.
477.
The American Forest Foundation is a nonprofit organization that works for healthy forests, quality environmental education, and informed decision-making about our communities and our world. AFF represents more than 60,000 landowners who managed more than 35 million acres, AFF's vision is to be recognized for its commitment to sustainable forestry, quality environmental education and wildlife and habitat watershed protection. The foundation sponsors three national programs: the American Tree Farm System, Project Learning Tree and Forests for Watersheds and Wildlife.
