Southeast Tourism Society and the U. S. Forest Service Announce 2020 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU

For Immediate Release: STS and Forest Service Announce 2020 MOU

Roswell, Georgia – The Southeast Tourism Society (STS) and the U.S. Forest Service have announced a 2020 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) renewal to continue collaborative efforts designed to advance the sustainability of local communities through the protection and management of America’s cultural, historic, and natural resources

STS finds a natural alliance in the Forest Service as both organizations are dedicated to promoting and preserving outdoor recreation opportunities throughout the United States. The Forest Service’s motto is “Caring for the Land and Serving People,” and it works under a sustainable multiple-use management concept to meet the diverse needs of people. Outdoor recreation is the single greatest use of the National Forest System, the single greatest employer, and the single greatest stimulus for local economies.  By partnering on recreation, we develop an alliance of passionate forest users and future land stewards.

“We appreciate the 16-year relationship with the U.S. Forest Service and their ongoing commitment to provide sustainable travel and tourism opportunities on Federal Lands and promote sustainable tourism best practices,” said Monica Smith, President and CEO of STS. “I look forward to working closely with the Forest Service to provide more resources and education on sustainable tourism in the Southeast region.”

The 2020 STS agreement is specifically with the Recreation, Heritage and Volunteer Resources of the U.S. Forest Service, Department of Agriculture, as related to recreation, heritage or volunteer actives on National Forest Lands.

Partnerships with the tourism industry that are essential components of Forest Service mission delivery in sustainable use, community development, and visitor management. Forest Service policy is to work with Interagency federal tourism partners, gateway communities, state tourism offices and the Departments of Commerce and Transportation (Scenic Byways and Federal Lands) to promote sustainable natural/cultural areas development and visitor use through agreements such as Federal Department of Commerce Tourism Policy Council, National Geographic Society on Geotourism, PreserveAmerica, Western States Tourism Policy Council, and STS.

STS, founded in 1983 and headquartered in Roswell, Ga., is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting tourism to and within 14 states – Alabama, Arkansas, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. For more information about STS, please visit southeasttourism.org.