(February 28, 2025) – Experienced forester and resource manager Tom Schultz was named chief of the U.S. Forest Service on Thursday, a decision welcomed by the Ruffed Grouse Society & American Woodcock Society, which underscored Schultz’s deep knowledge of the forest products industry and his demonstrated commitment to managing and supporting healthy forest wildlife habitat.
As the 21st chief of the Forest Service, Schultz will manage 154 national forests and 20 grasslands across 43 states. He brings a wealth of experience to the position, having served as vice president of resources and government affairs at Idaho Forest Group, where he led timber procurement and relationships with government officials. Schultz also served as director of the Idaho Department of Lands, overseeing management of several million acres of endowment lands and minerals. Previous leadership roles in Montana’s Department of Natural Resources and Conservation illustrate the breadth of his experience in sustainable forest management.
RGS & AWS, which has dozens of habitat project agreements across national forests, commended Schultz’s appointment.
“Tom Schultz is someone who gets it,” said RGS & AWS President and CEO Ben Jones. “He understands firsthand the importance of active forest management and what it takes to manage lands in the public trust. He has been integrally involved in forest products and appreciates their role in the health and vitality of forests, wildlife and our communities.”
The U.S. Forest Service oversees stewardship of 193 million acres of national forests and grasslands. Schultz’s leadership will play a pivotal role in promoting forest health, enhancing wildlife habitats and supporting rural communities through sustainable land management practices.
“National forests are so important to our people,” continued Jones. “We spend invaluable time there making memories with our families, our friends, our bird dogs. We see the incredible potential on these lands, and we have an active part to play in their stewardship.
“We at RGS & AWS are motivated by the many great people at the U.S. Forest Service who work with us, day in and day out,” Jones stated. “As a trusted partner, we strive to help the Forest Service overcome obstacles and to build capacity for efficient forest management. We are committed to being part of the solution.”
Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced Schultz’s appointment effective immediately, the day following resignation of former Forest Service Chief Randy Moore.
About the Ruffed Grouse Society & American Woodcock Society
RGS & AWS unites conservationists to improve wildlife habitat and forest health for ruffed grouse, American woodcock and ALL forest wildlife. We promote forest stewardship for our forests, our wildlife and our future. Backed by our community of passionate conservationist members, RGS & AWS employs a network of forestry management professionals to work alongside public and private stakeholders. The tenets of sound science in wildlife and forestry have guided RGS & AWS for over 60 years and onward.
