New Forest Planning Rule Seeks to Restore the Nation's Forests through Science and Collaboration

WASHINGTON, Jan. 26, 2012 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today signaled the U.S. Department of Agriculture's intent to issue a new planning rule for America's 193-million acre National Forest System that seeks to deliver stronger protections for forests, water, and wildlife while supporting the economic vitality of our rural communities, by releasing online a Final Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (PEIS) for the National Forest System Land Management Planning Rule. Today's action honors the commitment made by Secretary Vilsack in his 2009 speech on forest management, and by the President in the America's Great Outdoors Report.

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Major Wetlands Restoration Projects in the Northern Everglades Watershed

Secretary to Announce and Tour Major Wetlands Restoration Projects in the Northern Everglades Watershed, Visit Biofuels Facility

WASHINGTON, Aug. 10, 2011 – TOMORROW, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and Florida government, agriculture and conservation leaders will announce several major projects designed to restore and protect wetlands in the Northern Everglades Watershed. The wetland restoration will reduce the amount of surface water leaving the land, slowing water runoff and the concentration of nutrients entering the public water management system and ultimately Lake Okeechobee and the Everglades. USDA recognizes that private landowners must continue to play a critical role in protecting wetlands and enhancing wildlife in this unique habitat. This announcement will allow USDA to target conservation spending more efficiently and effectively in the Northern Everglades Watershed, while empowering community-led conservation efforts and use of science-based management practices to restore and protect our lands and waters for future generations. Vilsack will make the Everglades announcement at the 550-acre Winding Waters Nature Area, a site restored with USDA funding.