Under Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment

                                            Release No. 0349.97
                                                               
                                   Jim Petterson (202) 720-4623
jim.petterson@usda.gov                                         
Statement
                                
                               of 
                        James R. Lyons,
     Under Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment
on the Departure Natural Resources Conservation Service Chief Paul Johnson
                        October 8, 1997

     "I was saddened to learn that Paul Johnson, Chief of the Natural
Resources Conservation Service, has decided to leave his position effective
November 8, 1997.

     "Paul has led the agency through a remarkable period of growth and
change beginning with his selection as the 10th Chief of the Soil
Conservation Service.  In leading the SCS's transition to the Natural
Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Paul helped to re-focus the agency on
its conservation mission while broadening its leadership role in the
stewardship of private lands.  Through Paul's initiative, the agency has
strengthened its efforts to protect wildlife habitat, improved agriculture's
performance in protecting clean water and environmental quality, and
encouraged locally-led conservation efforts in rural and uban America.  In
addition, Paul has helped to develop a diverse and effective NRCS workforce. 
His leadership and vision were instrumental in the development of the
conservation title of the 1996 Farm Bill, which is widely-recognized as the
most progressive and far-reaching conservation title ever enacted. 

     "Geography of Hope, which showcases the nation's successes in
promoting private land conservation, was the product of Paul's vision. 
Geography of Hope will serve as a blueprint for NRCS to follow well into the
next century. 

     "In the tradition of Hugh Hammond Bennet, the first Chief of the SCS,
Paul is more than simply "the Chief".  Paul became the spiritual leader of
the organization and has been an inspiration to all those who have come to
know him and work with him.  Paul has returned conservation to its
appropriate position as one of the Department's top priorities, and has
helped to raise public interest in private land stewardship across the
nation.  

     "Although Paul is departing, he leaves behind a new, energized, and
committed organization.  More importantly, Paul's legacy will be the health
of the landscape which he has played such a significant role in affecting in
many positive ways.  His leadership, partnership, and friendship will be
strongly missed.  I wish Paul and Pat well on their farm in Iowa." 

                                
                                
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