Relating to Funding for Pacific Island Members of NASF

WHEREAS, there are six Pacific Island entities in addition to the State of Hawaii, that are members of NASF and eligible to receive S&PF funding under the laws of the United States; and

WHEREAS, this fact has not been recognized to date in the allocation formulas used by the Forest Service to distribute funding for S&PF funding; and

WHEREAS, the Pacific Islands are in great need of S&PF assistance to protect the forests which are the source of their fresh water, near shore fisheries, and many other fundamental ecological values; and

WHEREAS, to date, S&PF support to the islands has not been equitable as compared to other eligible states and entities; and

WHEREAS, many of these members currently receive no allocation for funding for key S&PF programs such as Forest Stewardship, Coop Fire, and Urban Forestry; and

WHEREAS, modest investments from S&PF programs can make a major impact on the quality and health of the communities dependent on forest ecosystems in the Pacific Islands; and

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the National Association of State Foresters that the U.S. Forest Service be asked to determine and allocate, after consultation with the Council of Western State Foresters' Pacific Islands Committee and relevant NASF committees, fair and equitable funding levels for each of dues-paying Pacific Island member of NASF.

NASF ACTION:

( X ) Approved Attest: Stanley F. Hamilton

Date of Action: 9/26/96 Witness: L. Earl Peterson