ORIGIN OF RESOLUTION:
NASF Forest Resource Management Committee

ISSUE OF CONCERN:
Implementation of the Forestry Title in the 2002 Farm Bill

BACKGROUND:
The National Association of State Foresters passed Resolution No. 2001-8 last year, indicating its support for a strong Forestry Title in the 2002 Farm Bill that recognizes the important contribution of non-industrial private forest (NIPF) lands. Thankfully, this year Congress passed one of the strongest Farm Bills supportive of forestry on private lands in history.

The 2002 Farm Bill, signed into law in May, increases funding for sustainable forestry on non-industrial private forest lands through strong Forestry and Conservation titles. The new Forest Land Enhancement Program, funded at $100 million over five years, provides cost share, technical assistance and education to landowners to support an array of forest management practices, including work to improve timber, water, wetland or fish and wildlife habitat, as well as activities designed to protect or improve soil, water, air, range and aesthetic quality. The Farm Bill also creates the Community and Private Lands Fire Assistance Program, authorized at $35 million per year from 2002 through 2007, which will require annual appropriations by Congress to achieve its goals for enhanced community fire protection.

There are additional programs in the Forestry and Conservation titles that will have positive impacts on the sustainability of NIPF lands, including the Sustainable Forestry Outreach Initiative (Forestry Title), Environmental Quality Incentives Program (Conservation Title), and others.

RESOLUTION:
The National Association of State Foresters hereby recognizes the Members of Congress and Agriculture Committee staff for their hard work in developing and passing a comprehensive and sound 2002 Farm Bill that recognizes the significant role of NIPF lands in providing public goods, services, and values.

While the 2002 Farm Bill represents tremendous strides in gaining Congressional support for forest management on private lands, continuing this attention will be critical for these programs to successfully produce the public benefits that Congress expects. The National Association of State Foresters encourages Congress to: (1) fully fund the Community and Private Lands Fire Assistance program and the Renewable Resources Extension Act, which is the authorizing legislation for the Sustainable Forestry Outreach Initiative; and (2) continue its support for the effective relationship between the USDA Forest Service, the State Foresters, and the nation's land grant colleges and universities, in the delivery of NIPF assistance programs.

The National Association of State Foresters will share this resolution with Members of Congress and the forestry community.

NASF ACTION:

( X ) Approved

DATE OF ACTION:
October 2, 2002