Press Releases

Browse National Association of State Foresters press releases:

February 14, 2024

Nation's leading wildfire management groups name 2024 Wildfire Mitigation Awardees

The four cosponsors of the national Wildfire Mitigation Awards have named the individuals and organizations chosen to receive honors this year in recognition of their exemplary commitment to community wildfire risk reduction. WASHINGTON—The Wildfire Mitigation Awards committee has named a recipient of the Wildfire Mitigation Legacy Award in addition to two organizations chosen to receive [read more]

August 1, 2023

STATE FORESTERS WELCOME RENEWED INVITATION FOR COMMUNITY WILDFIRE DEFENSE GRANTS

WASHINGTON, D.C.—On July 31, 2023, State Foresters lauded Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack’s announcement that the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Forest Service is accepting applications for this year’s edition of the $1 billion Community Wildfire Defense Grant (CWDG) program. Launched in July of 2022, the newly established program has already demonstrated itself as a distinct asset in [read more]

July 13, 2023

Oklahoma State Forester Provides Expert Testimony on Enhancing Wildfire Prediction and Response Coordination to U.S. House Committee

WASHINGTON, D.C.—On July 12, 2023, Oklahoma State Forester Mark Goeller shared his expertise on enhancing wildfire prediction and response coordination before the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee. As Canadian wildfires dominate discussion, wildfires, their rampant devastation and impact on air quality are gripping the attention of communities around the world. Goeller pointed to Oklahoma’s collaboration with the [read more]

June 30, 2023

USDA ANNOUNCES $188M INVESTMENT IN NATION'S FORESTRY LEGACY PROGRAM

WASHINGTON, D.C.—On June 29, 2023, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced a remarkable investment to conserve some of the nation's most economically and ecologically significant forestlands to the tune of $188 million. Provided through President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, these funds will support 34 conservation projects over more than 245,000 acres of the nation's [read more]

April 12, 2023

State forestry agencies welcome $250M in new funding for urban and community forestry

WASHINGTON, D.C.—State Foresters welcomed today's announcement from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) that nearly $250M will be provided to state forestry agencies under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) for the expansion of Urban and Community Forestry programs. This remarkable funding opportunity demonstrates the USDA’s confidence in state foresters and local communities as custodians of [read more]

March 31, 2023

KS State Forester Jason Hartman Testifies Before Senate Agriculture Subcommittee

Kansas State Forester Jason Hartman Testifies Before Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on Conservation, Climate Forestry and Natural Resources WASHINGTON, D.C.—This week, on behalf of the National Association of State Foresters (NASF), Kansas State Forester Jason Hartman joined representatives from the Nature Conservancy, Neiman Enterprises, National Alliance of Forest Owners and the Colorado Forest Restoration Institute to testify [read more]

March 22, 2023

Biden-Harris Administration Invests $197M to Address Wildfire Risk Across State, Private and Tribal Lands

NASF Responds: “A Warmly Welcomed and Sorely Needed Down-Payment” WASHINGTON, D.C.—Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced on March 21, 2023 that the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service is investing $197 million in 100 project proposals benefiting 22 states and seven tribes, as part of the Community Wildfire Defense Grant (CWDG) program. The National Association of State Foresters [read more]

March 15, 2023

State Foresters Recognize Pros and Cons of President's FY24 Budget Request

State Foresters Recognize Pros and Cons of President's FY24 Budget Request WASHINGTON, D.C.—As the President’s FY24 Budget Request is unveiled, State Foresters recognize the merit of the Biden-Harris Administration’s support for key State, Private and Tribal Forestry programs (SP&TF) and identify missed opportunities where the budget falls short. “State forestry agencies coordinate a full suite [read more]

March 9, 2023

PA State Forester Ellen Shultzabarger testifies at the first hearing of newly formed House Agriculture Subcommittee on Forestry

PA State Forester and NASF Treasurer Ellen Shultzabarger delivered expert testimony in advocacy of the National Association of State Foresters' 2023 Farm Bill priorities. WASHINGTON, D.C.—On International Women’s Day, Pennsylvania State Forester and National Association of State Foresters (NASF) Treasurer Ellen Shultzabarger enjoyed a historical moment on Capitol Hill as the first witness to testify [read more]

February 22, 2023

Nation's leading wildfire management groups name 2023 Wildfire Mitigation Awardees

The four cosponsors of the national Wildfire Mitigation Awards have named the individuals and organizations chosen to receive honors this year in recognition of their exemplary commitment to community wildfire risk reduction. WASHINGTON—The Wildfire Mitigation Awards committee has named one individual and one organization chosen to receive 2023 Wildfire Mitigation Awards. This year’s recipients both [read more]

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