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News Media Advisory: Oregon Board of Forestry
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Article Content
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For immediate release
Major media distribution
February 15, 2012
Contact: Rod Nichols, 503-945-7425, rnichols@odf.state.or.us
Dan Postrel, 503-945-7420, dpostrel@odf.state.or.us
Dear Editor/News Director,
As you may know, the Oregon Senate earlier this week confirmed Gov. John Kitzhaber’s three nominees to the Oregon Board of Forestry: Cindy Deacon Williams of Medford, Nils Christoffersen of Enterprise, and Tom A. Insko of La Grande. Their four-year terms will begin on March 1. They replace board members Jennifer Phillippi, Peter Hayes and Cal Mukumoto, whose terms have expired.
In addition to biographical information, this advisory adds some excerpts from each member’s publicly available application form.
Nils Christoffersen, Enterprise
Nils currently serve as executive director of the non-profit Wallowa Resources, based in Enterprise. He’s a native of northern Virginia and holds a bachelor’s in honors economics from Williams College, and a master’s in forestry and land use from Oxford University. Nils has been with Wallowa Resources since 1999, where he was named executive director in 2007. Prior to coming to northeastern Oregon, Nils worked as executive director of the Africa Resources Trust USA in Washington DC, as regional program coordinator in Southern Africa for the World Conservation Union, and as international program officer for the Agricultural University of Norway. He has served on and chaired the Governor’s Eastside Forest Advisory Panel, and is currently the chair of the Enterprise School Board.
Quotes:
“Through local empowerment, collaboration and public-private partnerships, we can generate lasting triple bottom-line forest solutions in Oregon. Oregon’s 30 million acres of public and private forests are incredible assets. Sound policies and effective management are critical to sustain their value to current landowners and the larger public. This value includes their traditional wood product value, emerging biomass value, ecosystem service value, and their recreational and aesthetic value. To sustain these values we must ensure that forests remain forested; that their market value (through a mix of commercial and non-commercial revenue) remains competitive with other land-use options.”
Cindy Deacon Williams, Medford
Cindy is a consulting fisheries biologist, with 30 years of service in both state and federal government and in the non-profit world. She is a Nevada native and holds a bachelor’s in biological science from Oregon State University and a master’s in biological sciences from California State University in Sacramento. Cindy has worked in the California Legislature as chief of staff to Assemblyman Robert J. Campbell, for the USDA Forest Service as Assistant National Fisheries Program leader, and as co-leader of the Upper Columbia Basin EIS (environmental impact statement) Team. She has served as conservation director for Headwaters in Ashland, as director of Aquatic Science and Conservation Education Programs for the National Center for Conservation Science and Policy.
Quotes:
“One of the consequences of my varied professional history is the fact that I have gained an appreciation for the wide range of perspectives on natural resource issues, and have developed an understanding of the concerns and hopes of all parties. At one time or another I have worked for those responsible for setting resource policies, those charged with implementing those policies through regulation and management, those dependent upon use of natural resources for their livelihood, and those interested in ensuring the benefits of healthy ecosystems are maintained for current and future generations.”
Tom Insko, La Grande
Tom is the region manager for Boise Cascade in La Grande. He’s an eastern Oregon native—having grown up on a farm in the Elgin area—and a graduate of Eastern Oregon University, with bachelor’s degrees in math and business economics. He holds an MBA from the College of William and Mary. Tom has worked for Boise in La Grande since 1996, holding several positions including plant superintendent, production manager and senior financing manager. He’s been Boise’s region manager since 2004. Tom currently serves as the vice president of the Eastern Oregon University Foundation.
Quotes:
“Raised on a farm in rural eastern Oregon, completing the majority of my education and having chosen a career in the wood products industry, I have first-hand knowledge of the importance of our forests. As region manager of the largest remaining wood products manufacturer in eastern Oregon, I experience daily the impact our private and public forests have on the economy. Beyond jobs, these forests significantly influence the social fabric of our communities as we value the recreational aspects offered, wildlife habitat, clean water for drinking and other uses, and the beauty of healthy forests.”
These three new members join the four members currently serving: Sybil Ackerman of Portland; John Blackwell, chair, of Portland; Gary Springer of Corvallis; and Steve Wilson of Portland. State Forester Doug Decker is working with Chair Blackwell and Oregon Department of Forestry’s executive team on orientation materials and experiences to bring the new members up to speed.
The mission of the seven-member Board of Forestry is to lead Oregon in implementing policies and programs that promote environmentally, economically and socially sustainable management of Oregon´s 30 million acres of public and private forests. More information about the board can be found at: www.oregonforestry.gov.
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