Who We Are

State foresters pose at 2022 Annual Meeting in WashingtonSince its start in 1920, the National Association of State Foresters (NASF) has served as a leading authority on forest management in the United States.

NASF’s membership is composed of the directors of forestry agencies in the 50 states, five U.S. territories, three nations in compacts of free association with the U.S., and the District of Columbia. Through its members, referred to as “state foresters,” the association advocates for federal legislation and national policies that promote the health, resilience, and productivity of both rural and urban forests. Learn more about NASF’s policies.

State forestry agencies are the primary delivery system for forest management activities nationwide. They conserve, enhance, and protect state and private forests, which encompass nearly two-thirds of the nation’s forests, and are responsible for wildfire protection on more than 1.5 billion acres.  Learn more about NASF’s membership in the latest state forestry agency statistics survey.

Our Membership

Our members are valued for their leadership, expertise, and public-trust commitment to managing and conserving public and private forests across the country. Meet the directors of these agencies: the nation’s 59 state foresters.

THREE REGIONS, ONE PURPOSE. While NASF represents and serves the interests of state foresters at the national level, three regional state forester organizations—the Northeast-Midwest State Foresters Alliance, the Southern Group of State Foresters, and the Council of Western State Foresters—serve their respective state forester members on a regional level. NASF collaborates closely with these organizations on national issues of importance to state foresters.

Our Leadership

NASF is governed by an Executive Committee made up of four officers and three regional state forester organization representatives who provide strategic direction, management oversight, and leadership to the national association. Meet the members of the NASF Executive Committee.

Through NASF’s five standing committees, state foresters serve as subject-matter experts that influence national policies on wildland fire, forest markets, forest resource management, forest science and health, and urban and community forestry. Meet the chairs of the five NASF standing committees.

Our Foundation

The National Association of State Foresters Foundation (NASFF) is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization that was established in 1983 by state foresters to promote and advance state and private forestry in the United States. The foundation supports educational initiatives that foster and recognize state forestry agency leadership in promoting healthy, well-managed forests. Meet the NASF Foundation.

Our Team

Our dedicated staff team takes great pride in serving state foresters. Our work focuses on national-level legislation and policies, communications, and partnerships that help state forestry agencies and is driven by a member-defined strategic plan. Meet NASF’s staff.

Our Partners

Through coalitions and collaborative work with partners, NASF promotes the full range of values forests and trees contribute to our society.

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