HomeMy WebLinkAboutLetter from USDA Forest Service USDAUnited States Forest Washington CDffice 1=400 Independence Avenue, SW
Department of Service Washington,D.C. 20250
Agriculture
File Code: 2500; 1510(8393830)
Date: FEB 2 12019
i
Mr. Bill Connelly
Chair
Butte County Board of Supervisors
5280 Lower Wyandotte Road
Croville, California 95966
Dear Mr. Connelly:
We recently learned that no response was received to a letter of January 10, 2012, sent by your
former colleagues, to U.S. Department of Agriculture's Forest Service former Chief
Thomas L. Tidwell. The letter raised concerns regarding management of National Forests in
Northern California. We apologize for the delayed response.
I am committed to improving the condition of forests and grasslands in California. In fact, this is
one of my five national priorities for the agency. Active forest management is essential to
sustaining healthy, resilient forests that provide economic opportunities and support vibrant
communities. Clearly, we can not achieve this goal on our own. Laving effective working
relationships, being good neighbors and strong collaboration with States, counties, Tribes, local
governments, business and community partners are vitally important to making this vision a
reality.
Several years ago, the Forest Service Pacific Southwest Region signed an agreement with the
Council of Rural Counties and the California. State Association of Counties to work more closely
on issues of common interest. At the national level, the National Association of Counties
(NACo) and the Forest Service have an agreement that strives to achieve better mutual
understanding. In addition, the Forest Service and NACo are working together to co-author a
guidebook designed to improve consistency in management and engagement opportunities
between Forests and counties. I hope that these agreements are helping to improve our working
relationships, so that, together we can effectively provide services that sustain communities and
support healthy forests. We are dedicated to keeping our connection with counties strong.
Again, thank you for writing. A similar response is being sent to your current Board of
Supervisors colleagues.
Sincerely,
Chief
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