NWTF Congratulates Incoming Forest Service Chief

“Tom brings a wealth of talent and experience to the role of Forest Service chief, and we are confident in Tom’s ability to lead the agency during this critical time,” said NWTF co-CEO Kurt Dyroff. “As many of our nation’s forests require urgent management and innovative solutions to address the many challenges ahead, we are excited to work with Tom and his team to make our forests healthier, more resilient and a continued asset for Americans.” 

Upon being sworn in, Schultz will replace Chief Randy Moore, who recently announced his retirement after serving the agency for over four decades. 

“I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be the next chief of the Forest Service,” said Shultz in a USDA press release. “I will work tirelessly to further support and protect our rural communities. Working with our partners, we will actively manage national forests and grasslands, increase opportunities for outdoor recreation, and suppress wildfires with all available resources emphasizing safety and the importance of protecting resource values. Chief Moore has been a diligent public servant and has demonstrated his steadfast commitment to stewarding our national forests and grasslands. We thank him for his dedication and leadership.” 

The Forest Service chief is responsible for the leadership and success in accomplishing the mission of the Forest Service. Established in 1905, the Forest Service manages 154 national forests and 20 grasslands across 43 states and is the foremost leader in federal forest management, research and development and wildland firefighting. 

“As someone who has worked in both an agency capacity and a private-sector capacity, Tom Schultz brings a unique and needed perspective to the role as Chief,” said NWTF National Director of Conservation Programs Tom Spezze. “We are eager to take our partnership to new heights through our shared stewardship of our nation’s treasured forests.” 

Schultz previously served as vice president of resources and government affairs at Idaho Forest Group, where he led timber procurement operations and managed relationships with government officials at all levels. A former U.S. Air Force officer, Schultz also served as director of the Idaho Department of Lands, overseeing the management of several million surface acres of endowment lands and minerals. He held leadership roles in Montana’s Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, managing the Trust Lands and Water Resources Divisions. 

With over 50 active and 150 completed forest stewardship agreements within every Forest Service region in the country, the NWTF is proud to continue over 40 years of partnership with the Forest Service, enhancing habitat, making America’s forests healthier and safer, and accelerating the pace and scope of vital restoration work. 

About the National Wild Turkey Federation  

Since 1973, the National Wild Turkey Federation has invested over half a billion dollars into wildlife conservation and has positively impacted over 24 million acres of critical wildlife habitat. The NWTF has also invested over $10 million into wild turkey research to guide the management of the wild turkey population and to ensure sustainable populations into perpetuity. The organization continues to deliver its mission by working across boundaries on a landscape scale through its Four Shared Values: clean and abundant water, healthy forests and wildlife habitat, resilient communities, and robust recreational opportunities. With the help of its dedicated members, partners and staff, the NWTF continues its work to provide Healthy Habitats. and Healthy Harvests. for future generations.