Weaverville, Calif., Jan 29, 2013 --  Agriculture Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Doug O'Brien joined California Rural Development State Director Glenda Humiston and leaders from the Forest Service and Natural Resources Conservation District today for a series of meetings and tours with community leaders from throughout the Shasta-Trinity National Forest.  A public meeting summarizing the visit and discussing potential next steps will be held tonight at 6:00 p.m. at Trinity Alps Performing Arts Center, 101 Arbuckle Court, Weaverville.    

   O'Brien's visit to Trinity County today is a follow-up to a town hall forum Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack held during a trip to Weaverville on December 11, 2012.  Following the community meeting, Secretary Vilsack assigned a new USDA task force with representatives from Rural Development, Natural Resources Conservation District and Forest Service to work with community members on opportunities to help the Shasta-Trinity National Forest region build a restoration economy. 

   "Healthy rural communities are a critical component to a strong America, and we at USDA are working together with local leaders to help restore this region to one of prosperity," said O'Brien.  "There are tremendous opportunities in this region to create new markets, such as the development of a biobased manufacturing industry cluster, which can help create a vibrant economy." 

   For additional information on the public meeting contact the Trinity County Resource Conservation District at (530) 623-6004 or www.tcrcd.net.

   USDA, through its Rural Development mission area, has an active portfolio of more than $176 billion in loans and loan guarantees. These programs are designed to improve the economic stability of rural communities, businesses, residents, farmers and ranchers and improve the quality of life in rural America. More information about USDA Rural Development can be found at www.rurdev.usda.gov/ca. 

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