U.S. Forest Service
By Steve Segin
The United Nations (UN) General Assembly has declared 2011 as the International Year of Forests to bolster efforts to promote sustainable management, conservation and development of forests worldwide. The official campaign will be celebrated on national, regional and local levels. Using the tagline "Celebrate Forests…Celebrate Life." the celebration will increase awareness and understanding of the value of America’s forests. The connection of forests to health will be communicated through four major themes: clean air and water, ecosystem health, economic health and community and personal health.
In support of this declaration, the Rocky Mountain Region, in partnership with its sister federal land management agencies, as well as state and private and other partner organizations will host a number of activities to celebrate the International Year of Forests.
"The International Year of Forests is a great way to increase awareness and understanding of healthy forests and how they affect people in the Rocky Mountain Region," said Rick Cables, Regional Forester for the Rocky Mountain Region. "Our forests are being impacted by encroachment, disease and insects; this increased awareness will highlight the work that our partners, scientists, managers and specialists are doing right here in the Region to promote sustainable management and keep our forests healthy," said Cables.
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