USDA Memo sets Action Plan for Building National Forest Climate Resilience

WASHINGTON, DC --Today, Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack issued a memorandum that establishes priorities and action steps to address climate resilience on national forests, which includes, among other things, building upon President Biden’s recent Executive Order to protect old and mature forests, and strengthen National Forest climate stewardship and conservation. 

The memorandum directs the Forest Service to engage in science-based management solutions, including conducting an inventory of old growth and mature forests, bolstering forest ecosystems against wildfire threats, advancing reforestation, and developing a decision support tool to enhance carbon stewardship, wildlife habitat, watersheds, outdoor recreation and more. Additionally, Secretary Vilsack instructed the agency to utilize new data, tools, and technology to prioritize and advance environmental justice and equity in the Forest Service’s work. 

The following statement can be attributed to Matt Keller, Advocacy Director for Climate Solutions at The Wilderness Society: 



“Healthy forest ecosystems are essential in supporting a healthy future for the planet, for wildlife, and for people. We are pleased to hear Secretary Vilsack reiterate the important role our National Forests play in mitigating climate change, but it is critical that we turn today’s commitment into durable policies that move the Forest Service toward a 21st century mission of conserving ecosystem integrity in the face of a changing climate. We are eager to work with the Department to develop a strategy to swiftly conserve these important ecosystems and the habitat, clean water, and climate values they provide in a way that benefits communities. We hope to see the administration take quick action in engaging with Tribes and the broader public in order to establish these policies.”

For media inquiries, contact: 

Jen Parravani, Communications Manager

jen_parravani@tws.org | (202) 601-1931