The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Division of Forestry Now Bears Its Original Name: Florida Forest Service
Commissioner Putnam, Representative Porter and Jim Karels Reveal New Florida Forest Service Logo
Lake City, FL – Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam, Representative Elizabeth Porter (R-11) and Jim Karels, Director of the Florida Forest Service, celebrated the new name of the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Division of Forestry, the “Florida Forest Service,” today at an appreciation lunch at the Suwannee Forestry Center in Lake City. There, Commissioner Putnam, Representative Porter and Karels revealed the new image of the Florida Forest Service.
“Each day, the men and women of the Florida Forest Service put their lives on the line to protect our natural resources, as well as our businesses, homes and families,” said Commissioner Putnam, speaking before a crowd of members of the newly-renamed Florida Forest Service. “The new name recognizes not only your mission, but also your role as public servants.”
The new name and logo are a result of a measure passed by the Legislature last session to change the name of the Department’s Division of Forestry to the Florida Forest Service. The legislation was introduced by Representative Porter and Senator Bill Montford (D-6).
“It is both my honor and great pleasure to partner with Commissioner Putnam to sponsor this bill,” said Representative Porter. “This legislative measure was an opportunity for me – and for the state of Florida – to recognize the important role of the Florida Forest Service both economically and in terms of protecting our natural resources.”
The mission of the Florida Forest Service is to protect and manage Florida’s forest resources now and for future generations. It manages more than one million acres of public forest and 16 million acres of commercial forestland.
The Florida Forest Service also protects more than 26 million acres of Florida’s natural resources, homes and business from wildfire. On average, it protects the state from 5,026 wildfires per year, resulting in 203,000 acres burned, 3,054 homes threatened and 38 homes lost.
Organized by the Florida Board of Forestry in 1927, the agency was originally named the Florida Forest Service. In 1969, legislation moved the organization under the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, renaming it the Division of Forestry. This year, the organization resumes its original name, but remains within the Department.
Although the name change is effective immediately, the transition from the Division of Forestry to the Florida Forest Service will occur gradually. Over time, the logos and signage on various products, uniforms, equipment and buildings will be replaced, due to normal wear and tear.
The logo was revealed at a luncheon hosted by Commissioner Putnam and Representative Porter in honor of the members of the Florida Forest Service. Joined by Representative Leonard Bembry (D-10), Commissioner Putnam and Representative Porter expressed their appreciation to 90 men and women of the Florida Forest Service at the Suwannee Forestry Center in Lake City.
Contact: Sterling Ivey
September 27, 2011
(850) 617-7737
