The NASF Washington Weekly Report

Sustainable Forestry

USDA projects to improve natural resources on private agricultural and forest lands

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced 26 projects in 15 states that will help farmers and ranchers implement conservation practices on agricultural and nonindustrial private forest lands through the Cooperative Conservation Partnership Initiative (CCPI). USDA will provide nearly $7 million in financial assistance in fiscal year 2010 through CCPI, which is administered by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). CCPI works through three existing programs—the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), and the Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program (WHIP)—to leverage additional services and resources from non-federal partners. 

FSC harmonizes regional forest standards

The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) has revised its Forest Management Standard for forest operations in the contiguous U.S. by integrating nine regional standards into a single, national standard. Regional variation is maintained in key areas of forest management and conservation where local conditions, including forest types and ecological processes, warrant different management techniques, according to the organization.

WFLC releases 'Threats to Western Forests' report

The Western Forestry Leadership Coalition (WFLC) recently released "Threats to Western Private Forests: A Framework for Conserving and Enhancing the Benefits from Private Working Forests in the Western U.S." The report offers recommendations focused on climate change, markets for forest products and ecosystem services, and improved social appreciation for forests and sustainable forest management. For more information, visit http://wflccenter.org/forestthreats.

Forests and Finance

NGA survey shows state budgets still in decline

Findings from the biannual report, "The Fiscal Survey of States," released by the National Governors Association (NGA) and the National Association of State Budget Officers (NASBO) last month, show fiscal year 2010 presented the most difficult challenge for states' financial management since the Great Depression. To address falling revenues and meet balanced budget requirements, states have dramatically reduced spending from $687.3 billion in fiscal 2008 to $612.9 billion in fiscal 2010. States will have to make additional spending cuts or increase taxes to close their budget gaps, according to the report.

Diversifying a portfolio with timber

Some investment strategists call timber “a perfect investment” for someone with a time horizon of, say, 20 years or more. Over the last few years, exchange-traded funds have been introduced that provide easier access to the diversification benefits of timber.

Personnel

Pacific Forest Trust job opportunities

The Pacific Forest Trust has two current job opportunities: Vice President - Policy and Incentives, and Vice President - Conservation. For more information and to apply, visit http://www.pacificforest.org/about/jobs.html.

Washington DNR seeks Southeast Region Manager

The Washington Department of Natural Resources is seeking a Southeast Region Manager, responsible for field implementation of most DNR programs within 15 southeast Washington counties. The position also participates in the development of natural resource policies. Download the full job announcement here. 

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