Departure of Natural Resources Conservation Service Chief Paul Johnson


Release No. 0348.97

Jim Petterson (202) 720-4623
jim.petterson@usda.gov
Statement

                              by 
               Agriculture Secretary Dan Glickman
  on the Departure of Natural Resources Conservation Service 
                       Chief Paul Johnson
                        October 8, 1997

     "It was with regret that today I accepted the resignation of Natural
Resources Conservation Service Chief Paul Johnson, effective November 8,
1997.  Paul's desire to return to private life on his Iowa farm is
understandable and yet a tremendous loss of leadership here at the U.S.
Department of Agriculture.

      "Since his appointment almost four years ago, Paul has overseen the
operations of the nation's preeminent agency concerned with conservation on
private lands.  He guided NRCS through a major reorganization and focused
the agency on activities that met traditional conservation and stewardship
goals built on partnerships, local and regional priorities and environmental
needs.

     "Paul is a passionate spokesperson and visionary for conservation on
private lands.  He has encouraged NRCS to strengthen its science-based,
voluntary, and cooperative technical assistance programs on private lands. 
He has strengthened the role of conservation partnerships across the nation
and around the world.  And, he has worked tirelessly with the public and
private sectors to gain support for conservation.

     "History will judge Paul as a great innovator and an outstanding
conservationist.  His legacy will remain at USDA for many, many years.  I
wish Paul all the best."

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