The U.S. Endowment for Forestry and Communities Releases 2013 Annual Report

“Our 7^th Annual Report reflects the U.S. Endowment for Forestry and Communities’ (the Endowment) unique “playbook” for supporting the North American forest industry by adding value to forests,” notes President Carlton Owen. “Like a successful sports team, the Endowment’s game plan hones-in on well-defined outcomes, team play, and taking calculated risks. Winning for us means systemic, transformative, and sustainable change to improve the health of America’s forests and the communities and millions of people that depend upon them.”

Highlights from the Endowment’s 2013 successes that are featured in the Annual Report include: Planting the first American chestnut genetically modified to be disease and blight resistant; embarking on the next frontier for the forest industry and green products—nanotechnology; seeking new ways to help minority landowners enhance stewardship of their forests; hosting the second Canada/U.S. Forest Health Summit to enhance strategic collaboration for the citizens and forests of both countries, and; joining the Southern Loggers Cooperative to invest in diesel depots to improve timber harvester’s economic viability.

“America’s forests and the thousands of products they produce have driven our country’s growth and prosperity for centuries,” Owen said. “The Endowment seeks to continue sustainable use of our forests by “doing what other’s can’t or won’t.” We are not afraid to tackle the toughest issues faced by our forests and the forest industry. In collaboration with a wide-range of public and private teammates, we are working for a brighter future for our most important natural resource.”