Paul DeLong »Wisconsin Forests: Future Opportunities and Challenges«
Paul DeLong joined Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources in 1992 and was named Administrator of the Division of Forestry and Wisconsin’s Chief State Forester in 2003. Under DeLong’s leadership, the Division of Forestry works in partnership with forest landowners and many other groups to protect and sustainably manage Wisconsin's forest ecosystems. Prior to joining DNR, DeLong worked as a senior program officer for the World Wildlife Fund in Washington, D.C. and as a mediator for the RESOLVE Center for Environmental Dispute Resolution, also in Washington. He holds a bachelor’s degree in forestry from the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point and a master’s degree in natural resources policy from the University of Michigan. In addition to his passion for Wisconsin’s forests and his commitment to sustainable forestry, DeLong relishes time spent with his wife and their two children. He is also widely known as an incurable punster, that’s “fir” sure!
Forests cover nearly half of Wisconsin and this 16-million acre resource is crucial to the ecological, economic, social and cultural well-being of our state. Through sustainable management of Wisconsin forests, natural resource professionals are able to meet many of today’s demands while maintaining this valuable resource for future generations as well. There are, however, many pressures on Wisconsin’s forests and DeLong’s presentation will highlight some of the key issues – and opportunities – facing the forest resource today.
