NASF joined a group of invited experts at the first forest health summit between the U.S. and Canada, held on June 28, 2012 in Washington, DC. The summit gave both countries the opportunity to discuss common concerns such as invasive species and identify priorities and recommendations for senior officials. The mountain pine beetle and emerald ash borer are two examples of cross-border concerns causing billions of dollars in damage. NASF Executive Director Jay Farrell conveyed recommendations from State Forester members of the NASF Forest Science & Health Committee, which focused on enhanced early detection and response capabilities, as well as improved systems for measuring and quantifying forest health changes and sustainability impacts. U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell was called away from the summit in response to ongoing catastrophic wildfires across the nation, reinforcing the importance of forest health issues. The summit was convened by the U.S. Endowment for Forestry and Communities and acknowledged in a press release by U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and Minister of Natural Resources Canada Joe Oliver
