Washington, D.C. – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service has a new leader at its helm. On February 27, 2025, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced Tom Schultz as the 21st chief of the renowned agency. This exciting news has been met with great enthusiasm and optimism as Schultz takes on this crucial role.
In her announcement, Secretary Rollins expressed full confidence in Schultz’s abilities, stating, “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.” Schultz comes with a wealth of experience and a strong passion for environmental conservation, making him the perfect fit for this position.
The USDA Forest Service, established in 1905, is responsible for managing 193 million acres of national forests and grasslands. These natural resources are vital to the health and well-being of our nation, providing clean air and water, wildlife habitat, and recreational opportunities for millions of Americans. Unfortunately, in recent years, these forests have faced numerous challenges, from increasing wildfires and invasive species to climate change and unsustainable logging practices.
With the appointment of Tom Schultz as the new chief, there is renewed hope for the future of America’s forests. His extensive knowledge and experience in natural resource management will be invaluable in leading efforts to restore and protect these vital ecosystems. Secretary Rollins also highlighted President Donald J. Trump’s agenda to make America’s forests healthy and productive again, and she believes that Schultz is the perfect person to execute this vision.
Schultz brings a wealth of experience to his new role. He has been actively involved in environmental conservation for over three decades, working for both the public and private sectors. His extensive work in fire management, forest restoration, and conservation planning has earned him widespread recognition and respect in the environmental community.
In a statement, Schultz expressed his gratitude and excitement for his new role, saying, “I am honored and humbled to serve as the 21st chief of the USDA Forest Service. I look forward to working with the incredibly dedicated employees of the Forest Service to ensure that our national forests and grasslands remain a valuable resource for generations to come.”
Under Schultz’s leadership, the USDA Forest Service will focus on implementing sustainable forest management practices to ensure the health and resilience of these critical ecosystems. This includes a strong emphasis on wildfire prevention and management, as well as efforts to reduce the impact of invasive species and climate change on our forests.
One of the key priorities for Schultz will also be to engage and collaborate with local communities, stakeholders, and partners to develop effective and sustainable solutions. This approach is crucial in tackling the complex challenges facing our forests and ensuring their long-term health and productivity.
The appointment of Tom Schultz as the new chief of the USDA Forest Service has been met with overwhelming support from conservation organizations and stakeholders. Many have expressed their confidence in his leadership and his commitment to preserving America’s natural resources. With Schultz at the helm, there is renewed hope for the future of our national forests, and Americans can look forward to healthier and more vibrant forests.
In conclusion, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service has a promising future under the leadership of Tom Schultz. With his expertise and passion for environmental conservation, he is well-equipped to tackle the challenges facing our national forests and ensure their long-term sustainability. The team at the Forest Service, under Schultz’s guidance, will work tirelessly to execute President Trump’s vision of making America’s forests healthy and productive once again. This is an exciting time for the agency, and we can all look forward to a brighter future for our national forests.
