Forest Service Fills Two New Key Positions In Its National Headquarters
U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service today announced personnel selections for two newly-created programs addressing ecosystems. Dr. Marcia Patton-Mallory has been selected as the biomass coordinator and Rob Doudrick has been named ecosystem services coordinator.
Dr. Patton-Mallory will play a key role in finding innovative ways to derive economic and ecosystem benefits, from under-utilized woody biomass, which is an integral part of the Healthy Forests Initiative and the Healthy Forests Restoration Act. She will also work with the departments of the Interior and Energy as well as the Western Governors Association on policy issues concerning biomass energy.
“Marcia will bring outstanding executive-level leadership and coordination to the Forest Service’s efforts to increase woody biomass utilization from hazardous fuels reduction and forest health restoration treatments,” said Sally Collins Forest Service Associate Chief.
Doudrick will be the agency’s point of contact for the fast-paced issue of ecosystem services. He will handle inquiries and proposals regarding ecosystem services and work closely with the agency’s recently formed Ecosystem Services Advisory Group. The group was formed to provide strategic advice to Forest Service leadership on issues related to ecosystem services. Forest ecosystem services encompass all the goods and services that healthy forest ecosystems provide. They include clean water, clean air, flood protection, wildlife habitat, carbon sequestration, pleasing natural landscapes, and recreational opportunities.
“Markets for ecosystem services offer the potential to take conservation to a whole new level in this next century, and we are committed to supporting this effort,” said Collins.
Patton-Mallory will continue to work from Ft. Collins , Colo. , where she has served as the director of the Forest Service’s Rocky Mountain Research Station for the past five years. Doudrick’s will be based out of Washington , D.C.