Society of American Foresters 2008 National Convention: "U.S. Forest Service to Unveil new Climate Change Strategy at upcoming Reno, NV Convention"

The U.S. Forest Service will unveil its new "Strategic Framework for Climate Change" at the 2008 Society of American Foresters National Convention in a November 7, 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm briefing at the Grand Sierra Resort.

The U.S. Forest Service is viewed as a world class leader and partner in describing, evaluating risks, assessing current trends and defining opportunities of a changing climate affecting forests, grasslands, people and our Nation's communities well being.

Dr. David Cleaves, Chair of the U.S. Forest Service Climate Change Council will lead a panel discussion of the framework which will guide agency policy, priorities and coordinated action in seven goal areas.

From science which advances understanding of climate change implications and what can be done to adapt and mitigate. To enhancing, creating more resilient forests and grasslands. To promoting management of forests and grasslands to reduce greenhouse gases, while sustaining multiple benefits including ecosystem services provided to the American people in urban and rural communities.

To integrated policy which creates a whole cloth approach by the U.S. Forest Service and all they do in their four primary mission areas; National Forest Systems, Research and Development, State and Private Forestry, International Forestry, to achieve effective coordination and action. The primary goal is to reduce the carbon footprint of U.S. Forest Service operations and programs.

The agency is committing to providing education, outreach and life-long learning to advance their colleagues, citizen, community and key leader awareness so the principles and methods it will take to achieving resilient sustainable forests and grasslands matched by sustainable natural resource consumption are supported and needed investments made.

Alliances are key to bringing forth climate change improvements. The U.S. Forest Service seeks to strengthen existing alliances. And bring forth new partnerships with federal agencies, State, Local and American Indian Tribal governments.

Non-profit, private sector and private landowners partnerships are very important and will be sought too.

This new strategy helps the U.S. Forest Service be a valued and reliable partner seeking solutions so from generation to generation America's public lands, forests and grasslands remain resilient and contributing to America's health and welfare.

For interested media the U.S. Forest Service press contacts are:

Jennifer Plyer, U.S. Forest Service Washington Office Research and Development 240-893-5940 and Steve Ambrose, Rocky Mountain Research Station, U.S. Forest Service 720-320-6197