Please join us in welcoming the newest member to the NASF team, Grants Coordinator Zoe Firgau! In this newly created position, Zoe will support the administration of NASF’s federal grant portfolio while working with funders and other stakeholders to provide oversight and management of forestry programs. She is eager to support NASF's existing staff members [read more]
By James Wright Our second installment of successful state partnerships highlights the longstanding efforts of the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and the Virginia Department of Forestry (VDOF). For over three decades the agencies have utilized multiple agreements to provide technical assistance on nearly 9.5 million acres owned by 410,000 family forestland owners. In [read more]
Guest post by Cheryle Franceschi Frederick Wilson Besley, Maryland’s first state forester started in the profession like most foresters did in the early 1900s: with help from Gifford Pinchot. Besley was an early graduate of the Yale School of Forestry (which was established by the Pinchot family) and worked for the United States Forest Service, [read more]
By Marvin Brown | This blog is a cross-post and will appear in the Fall 2021 edition of the National Woodlands Magazine. In Congress and in the media, climate change is receiving a lot of attention, and rightfully so. Scientists agree climate change is fueled by human-generated air pollutants called greenhouse gases. The most common [read more]
Guest post by Brad Brandt Since 1990, the Arbor Day Foundation has worked with tree planting organizations to identify and support reforestation projects throughout the United States and its territories. Through our partnerships and with support from Arbor Day Foundation members, advocates and corporate partners, we can provide funding for seedlings on large-scale restoration projects. [read more]
The Cooperative Forest Fire Prevention Committee is pleased to announce that the 2022 Smokey Bear Awards nomination period is open. The Smokey Bear Awards are the premier wildfire prevention awards program. They serve to honor organizations or individuals who have provided the most outstanding service to their communities through impactful wildfire prevention. The nominations for [read more]
By Mikayla Manthiram Young children and teenagers today are growing up amid looming, existential threats, not least of which is a changing climate. Catastrophic wildfire, drought, and extreme weather events, all exacerbated by climate change, have created a generation of climate conscious young people. Project Learning Tree (PLT) is a program for these students. It [read more]
By Mikayla Manthiram Construction material costs have seen a huge surge in the past year, with lumber alone garnering price hikes of 300%. But forestland owners aren’t any better off. What gives? Since early 2020, the cost of softwood lumber has jumped 112%, plywood prices have shot up 77%, and hardwood prices increased 32%.[1] A [read more]
The National Association of State Foresters (NASF) applauds Senators Manchin (D-WV) and Barrasso (R-WY) for including forestry provisions in the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources infrastructure bill that recognize forests as integral, natural infrastructure in need of significant investment and greater active management. NASF also supports the amendments offered by Senators Wyden (D-OR) [read more]
This February, the Wildfire Mitigation Awards (WMAs) selection committee chose three individuals to receive recognition for their sustained dedication to wildfire mitigation and preparedness initiatives. The 2021 WMA winners are leaders who have shown how innovation and collaboration can secure lasting results for communities of all sizes and demographics. Two of this year’s winners, Courtney [read more]
