Thor Industries, Inc. announced a conservation effort in partnership with the National Forest Foundation (NFF) to plant 500,000 new trees in national forests by 2025.
Visited by millions each year and having experienced a double digit increase in use during the Covid-19 pandemic,
National forests provide access to outdoor recreation activities in 44 states and Puerto Rico. The forests have experienced a double-digit increase in use since the pandemic, Thor stated. Thor’s commitment of 500,000 trees in five years will support rebuilding of public lands that help capture greenhouse gases (GHG), filter pollutants, and release life-giving oxygen while providing a retreat for outdoor newcomers and enthusiasts.
“Our tree planting program is critical to promoting the health and public enjoyment of our national forest system,” stated Mary Mitsos, President and CEO, National Forest Foundation. “Reforestation efforts have not been keeping pace with the need on the ground. The generosity of Thor Industries will help us ensure forests remain as forests, and we greatly value their support.”
Thor’s commitment comes at a time when more individuals and families are using national forests and exploring nature. National forests and grasslands cover 193 million acres and are visited by more than 15 million people annually.
“Partnering with NFF to protect such vital national and environmental treasures is a natural fit for Thor,” stated Chris Workman, Thor vice president of global supply management and sustainability. “For 40 years, our global family of operating companies has helped connect families from all walks of life to nature and each other. National forests are a significant destination for our RV owners,”
This collaboration is not a first for Thor. In 2019, the company partnered with NFF to support reforestation efforts, including plantings, recreation site improvements, and other conservation and education efforts.
“Our family of operating companies is committed now, more than ever, to connecting more people to nature, conserving our natural resources and continuing to improve in measurable ways, year on year,” Workman stated. “Partnering with NFF to plant 500,000 new trees in our national forests is a natural progression of our sustainability efforts.”
