This month, we are pleased to feature Mary Taufetee, American Samoa Territorial Forester. 

What was your first position in the field of forestry?
Forestry Manager

How long have you been in your role?
Seven years

What do you enjoy most about being a member of the Pacific Islands Forestry Committee?
Being a member of the Pacific Islands Forestry Committee is a golden opportunity to explore and observe challenges each Pacific islands encounter daily. One of the most enjoyable thing about being a member of the Pacific Islands Forestry Committee is meeting face to face sharing ideas, thoughts, and techniques to help each other achieve their set goals. Secondly, another important component of the PIFC meeting is the presence of the US Forest Services, NASF, WFLC, CWSF, and many other supporting groups assisting the Pacific Island Foresters to provide program improvements and guidance to make sure funding is wisely spend.

What is your favorite tree?
I would like to pick my favorite tree, called “TOA” or the “Casuarinas”. “TOA” in Samoa is “Warrier”.  The value of this tree to the Samoan people in numerous ways is speaks volumes. It is significantly medicinal purposes; in build homes; building canoes; use for wind breaks; and especially, it is use by the Samoan people to make four different war weapons.  This tree is very important to our people, to our culture, and to the survival of our people today as they were to our ancestors for many years. As climate change is already having a significant impact on our ecosystem, we need to plant more trees face climate change globally.