NEWS RELEASE USDA Forest Service Washington, D.C.
Release No. FS-0528	Contact:	Press Office, (202) 205-1134

FOREST SERVICE CHIEF NAMES CHUCK MYERS TO LEAD FOREST MANAGEMENT

WASHINGTON, April 6, 2005 - U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service Chief Dale Bosworth today announced the appointment of Charles (Chuck) Myers as director of forest management.

“I am happy that Chuck has accepted the position and really believe it is a good fit for him,” said Bosworth. “Chuck has played and will continue to play a key role in implementing the administrative and legislative components of the Healthy Forests Initiative.”

The overriding objective of the Forest Service’s forest management program is to ensure that the national forests are managed in an ecologically-sustainable manner. It includes guidance, administration, and support of the agency’s forest products management and sales programs. Myers’ priorities for the program include the implementation of components of the Healthy Forests Initiative, especially stewardship contracting and woody biomass utilization.

“I am pleased to be selected to lead such a challenging and exciting program for the agency,” said Myers. “My emphasis will be to further the goals of the Healthy Forests Initiative by reducing hazardous fuels and restoring adapted fire ecosystems in our national forests and grasslands.”

Myers began his Forest Service career in 1979 with the Allegheny National Forest in Pennsylvania. He has held several positions throughout the agency’s eastern region, including in budget, land planning, appeals and public affairs. In addition, he was a deputy forest supervisor for the White Mountain National Forest (New Hampshire) and a forest supervisor for the Monongahela National Forest (West Virginia). He also held temporary assignments as forest supervisor for the Chippewa (Minnesota) and White Mountain national forests, and deputy regional forester for the agency’s regional office in Milwaukee. He joined the national headquarters in 2001 and has held management positions in recreation, process streamlining and forest management.

Myers is a graduate of the Pennsylvania State University with a bachelor’s and master’s in forest science. He was recently made a member of the federal government’s senior executive service.

Myers is currently serving as acting director of forest management therefore this assignment is effective immediately.

#