CRANDON, WI (WXPR) -  A Forest county economic development leader traveled to the nation's capitol this week to talk about the impact of national forest management on rural economies and communities.

Forest County Economic Development Partnership Executive Director Jim Schuessler testified before the U.S. House Agriculture Subcommittee on Forestry.

R.T. Krueger is a member of the Partnership and says Schuessler's testimony was critical to understanding the situation. He says the Partnership has been successful in diversifying Forest county's economy.

Krueger says the board voted last month to pursue stewardship to help advance new projects with the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest to promote forest health and create jobs.

Schuessler was one of five speakers to address the committee including U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell.