WINONA — A Winona forest owner will have a voice on U.S. policy involving national forests and grasslands.
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack on June 5 named Vickie Roberts to an advisory committee associated with implementation of a new U.S. Forest Service planning rule.
“Members of this federal advisory committee will give unique perspectives on land management issues under the new planning rule, which provides stronger protections for forests, water, and wildlife while supporting the economic vitality of rural communities,” Vilsack said in a prepared statement. “The committee’s input will be very important as we begin to implement the new rule and address critical management needs on our national forests and grasslands.”
Roberts said she’s one of only two members from the South on the 21-person committee.
Her focus, she said, is on rural economic development.
“Even though it’s a national position, my heart is in Mississippi,” Roberts said.
Roberts, who comes from a fourth-generation farm family, has managed Shelton Roberts Properties for 15 years.
Leading the family business includes planting a plantation of trees, developing management plans and understanding the importance forestry to Mississippi’s economic development, she said.
She’s been active in forestry committees statewide and served as president of the Montgomery County Forestry Association in 2011.
She played a key role in the nomination of a local tree farmer who went on to win Mississippi’s 2011 Tree Farmer of the Year, Charles Dismukes.
