Carlton Owen

Marietta, SC

A founding Board member of Upstate Forever, Owen spent nearly 50 years in forestry and wildlife management.  He ended his paid career as founding President and CEO of the nation's largest not-for-profit promoting working forests and forest-rich rural communities -- the U.S. Endowment for Forestry and Communities.  He was the driving force behind the popular Swamp Rabbit Trail and the visionary behind Walmart's "Acres for America" program that in partnership with the National Fish & Wildlife Foundation has seen the company help protect nearly two million acres nationwide.  His local, national, and international conservation work was in part behind his recognition with the Order of the Palmetto, South Carolina's highest civilian award, as well as the Society of American Foresters' highest recognition -- the Gifford Pinchot Medal.