Forestry Leadership in the West

Situation:

In response to a request from the 1997 - 1998 NASF President Marvin Brown, the Council of Western State Foresters (CWSF) joined their USDA Forest Service counterparts in exploring the possibilities of an "Area Office" for State and Private Forestry in the West.

At the CWSF Annual Meeting in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, the CWSF charged the Hawaii State Forester Michael Buck with the task of exploring the West's options for improved S&PF leadership and coordination in the West. This assignment was completed by his work group utilizing past organizational analysis and new assessments of need, and produced a proposal which was subsequently considered by the Western Board of Directors in August.

The Western Regional Foresters, represented by Dale Bosworth (Region 1), Lyle Laverty (Region 2), and Jack Blackwell (Region 4), also offered a similar proposal. The Board of Directors established areas of agreement between the proposals and commissioned the drafting of a third document describing the commonalities.

The proposal produced by the Board of Directors, entitled Taming the Wild West, was approved by the entire Western caucus at the NASF Annual Meeting in Williamsburg, Virginia. The final document reflects the agreement and goals of both the State Foresters and the Regional Foresters in the West which calls for the establishment of an "Western Coordinating Center" with core staff.

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT: The National Association of State Foresters endorses the concept of a core S&PF staff in the West and pledges to support the CWSF in their efforts to strengthen the region's leadership, cooperation, and program delivery.

Action: Approved

Date: October 8, 1998

Note: This resolution adopts the position statement "Taming the Wild West: A Proposal for Strengthening the Western Approach to State and Private Forestry:, which will be published separately.