The Forest Landowners Association, a national grassroots organization of timberland owners who own and operate more than 28 million acres of timberland in 47 states, is the 500th organization to endorse the 25x’25 Vision. The vision projects that by 2025, America’s farms, ranches and forests will provide 25 percent of the total energy consumed in the United States, while continuing to produce safe, abundant and affordable food, feed and fiber.“This is a momentous occasion for the forestland owners of this country,” said Harry Haney, a past president of the Forest Landowners Association and a member of the 25x’25 Steering Committee. “Not only do they stand to benefit from all of the principles of 25x’25, but the development of woody biomass as a renewable energy feedstock gives these landowners an additional market for their forest products.”
J. Read Smith, co-chair of the 25x’25 Steering Committee, said the association’s endorsement is evidence of momentum behind the 25x’25 Initiative that’s been gaining over the last two years. “This endorsement shows a commitment by the forestry industry to a renewable energy future that will increase our national security, improve our environment and boost our economy, particularly in rural areas,” Smith said. “The endorsement also reflects the responsibility that its members take for environmental quality and sustainable timber production.”
Fellow 25x’25 Steering Committee Co-chair Bill Richards said the endorsement reflects the diversity of interests that support the initiative. “We look at the energy potential from a wide range of sources – wind energy, solar power, biomass, biofuels, geothermal energy and hydropower – and we have long been convinced that forestry will play a key role in helping the nation move toward energy independence," Richards said.
The Forest Landowners Association, which is based in Atlanta, GA, was created in 1941 to speak for timberland owners at the local, regional and national levels. The organization represents America’s non-industrial private forest owners ‑ who own 59 percent of America’s forestland, including family farms. In addition to its advocacy efforts in Washington, D.C., and in state capitals, the association provides education and information that help forest landowners with the responsible management of their private property. The association also monitors the timber industry on behalf of its members.
To learn more about the association, go to http://www.forestlandowners.com/. To learn more about 25x’25, go to www.25x25.org.
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