USDA Forest Service to receive "Family Hike" painting from wildlife artist Robert Bateman

The USDA Forest Service will accept the original painting "Family Hike" by renowned Canadian wildlife artist Robert Bateman at the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto.

"The Forest Service is pleased to receive the original "Family Hike" artistic work that exemplifies the beauty of art and the importance of natural resources," said Tom Tidwell, Chief of the U.S. Forest Service.

Bateman's "Family Hike" masterpiece shows several generations of his family on a hike, near a bigleaf maple tree not far from his home. The painting will be presented to U.S. Forest Service Associate Chief Hank Kashdan on October 22.

During the same event, 12 winning art entries from the 2010 Canadian Get to know Contest will be unveiled at the Royal Ontario Museum. The 2010 U.S. Get to Know contest for ages 18 and under is currently underway with entries being accepted until November 30.

Robert Bateman is one of Canada's best known artists and is recognized by the Audubon Society as one of the century's "Heroes of Conservation." His realistic nature art reflects commitment to ecology and the connection of children with nature.

The mission of the USDA Forest Service is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the Nation's forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations. The Agency manages 193 million acres of public land, provides assistance to State and private landowners, and maintains the largest forestry research organization in the world.