NAU professor to chair world forestry committee

As the new chair of the World Forestry Committee of the Society of American Foresters, Michael Wagner said he aims to build positive relationships among forest managers around the world.

Wagner, who served as chair in 2003 and 2004 will take the helm again for 2007 and 2008.

“It is an honor to be asked to serve in a national capacity again,” said Wagner, a Regents’ professor in the School of Forestry. “This appointment is a reflection of our growing reputation as one of the best forestry schools in the country.”

Wagner’s roles will include reporting about current forest issues to the Society of American Foresters and to represent the World Forestry Committee during its role as an official member of the United States delegation to the United Nations Forum on Forests.

“The recommendations we suggest will be used to develop national policies affecting forests,” Wagner said.

He said the committee will make recommendations regarding what role forests play in global climate change, the role of invasive insects on forests and the role of forest plantations (planting forests).

The World Forestry Committee provides leadership to the Society of American Foresters, which represents 16,000 members in the forestry profession.