PUBLIC LANDS -- An Alabama native who's worked on or for national forests since he was 18 has been named the 18th Chief of the U.S. Forest Service.

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today announced the new chief is Tony Tooke, who's currently the Regional Forester for the Southern Region basted in Atlanta. He replaces Tom Tidwell, who was named chief in 2009.

Following the announcement, Secretary Perdue offered this statement:

“The Forest Service will be in good hands with the U.S. Forest Service’s own Tony Tooke whose knowledge of forestry is unmatched. Tony has been preparing for this role for his whole professional life, and at a time when we face active and growing fires, his transition into leadership will be seamless. He will oversee efforts to get our forests working again, to make them more productive, and to create more jobs. His focus will be on ensuring we are good neighbors and are managing our forests effectively, efficiently, and responsibly, as well as working with states and local governments to ensure the utmost collaboration. No doubt, the stewardship of our forests is an awesome and sacred responsibility, and no one knows that better than Tony who has dedicated his career to this noble cause.”

Tony Tooke biography from USDA: