Michael P Washburn has been named the new executive director by the Residents Committee to Protect the Adirondacks, reports the Albany Times-Union.

Washburn is an expert on privately owned forests and sustainable forestry, most recently working as a consultant to forestry companies. He was previously at Forest Stewardship Council US in Washington, D.C., and a researcher at Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies.

"The threats to the Adirondack Park's ecosystems and rural heritage are increasing. Climate change, water shortages, and the growing desire among many to live in quiet places will all present even greater challenges in the future," Washburn said in a news release. "We need to be vigilant in our defense of the Forest Preserve, protect the working landscapes, and bring a balanced approach to development."

Washburn received bachelor's and master's degrees from the College of Environmental Science and Forestry in Syracuse, where his master's research focused on management of the Adirondack Forest Preserve. He earned a doctorate in forest resources at Penn State University, where he studied private forest ownership.