Statement: New NC Forester Will Shape State's Future Landscape

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Will McDow, Forestry Specialist, 919-414-5293

(Raleigh, NC - January 31, 2007) - Wib Owen today was named director of the NC Division of Forest Resources within the NC Department of the Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). Gov. Mike Easley appoints the director, known as the State Forester, based on the recommendation of DENR officials. The following statement may be attributed to Will McDow, forestry specialist with the North Carolina office of Environmental Defense:

“North Carolina’s forests are disappearing right before our eyes — more than one million acres lost in just the last 10 years. Most people don’t realize it, but the state forester will play a pivotal role in how this state looks 10 years from now. He must be responsive to the changing pressures landowners face and develop strategies to help them maintain their forests for public benefits. As a first step, the state should remove the tax penalty landowners now pay if they manage their forests for conservation benefits, rather than commercial gain.

“Wib Owen brings considerable expertise in forest management, wildlife, water quality and an understanding of North Carolina’s forest landowners. Environmental Defense commends this appointment, and we look forward to working with Wib to conserve our privately owned forests.”