GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Aug. 19, 2020 –A Shared Stewardship agreement between the USDA's Forest Service, Natural Resources Conservation Service, and Farm Service Agency and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, the Florida Forest Service, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission was signed yesterday during a virtual ceremony.

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Federal, State Agencies Highlight Cooperative Approach to Land Management, Sign Shared Stewardship Agreement

Contact: janet.wright@usda.gov

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Aug. 19, 2020 –A Shared Stewardship agreement between the USDA's Forest Service, Natural Resources Conservation Service, and Farm Service Agency and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, the Florida Forest Service, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission was signed yesterday during a virtual ceremony.

This agreement establishes a framework for federal and state agencies to collaborate better, focus on accomplishing mutual goals, further common interests and effectively respond to the increasing ecological challenges and natural resource concerns in Florida.

The agreement was signed by:

Nicole “Nicki” Fried, Commissioner, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Erin Albury, State Forester, Florida Forest Service Eric Sutton, Executive Director, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Ken Arney, Regional Forester, USDA Forest Service Southern Region Kelly Russell, Forest Supervisor, National Forests in Florida Juan Hernandez, State Conservationist, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service - Florida Sherry McCorkle, State Executive Director, USDA Farm Service Agency – Florida

This new agreement centers on USDA’s commitment to work with states and other partners to use the best available science to identify high-priority forests that need treatment and to ensure the long-term sustainability of public and private lands.

“Partnerships are instrumental in supporting farmers and ranchers faced with unexpected adversities,” said Sherry McCorkle, State Executive Director, USDA Florida Farm Service Agency.  “This agreement demonstrates a collective commitment to Florida’s agricultural community.”

The agreement can be found at:  https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd786781.pdf.

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