Press Releases

Bipartisan bill supports priority forest landscape-scale restoration projects. WASHINGTON—This week, Senator Steve Daines (R-MT) and Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) introduced the Environmental and Economic Benefits Restoration Act of 2016 (S. 3310).  This bipartisan legislation would prioritize funding for the highest priority projects, resulting in measurable improvements to non-federal private forests and adjoining National Forest System lands. [read more]

Analysis of Forest Action Plan five-year review process and product identifies strong partnerships and effective strategic planning. WASHINGTON—The National Association of State Foresters (NASF) has released the 2016 State and Private Forestry Report which includes success stories and an overview of emerging issues and trends that were recently identified by the state forestry agencies. The report, available [read more]

Science-based, best management practices offer effective water quality protections. WASHINGTON—The National Association of State Foresters applauds the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) decision this week that recognizes additional federal regulations under the Clean Water Act (CWA) are not needed to address stormwater discharges from forest roads. EPA was under a court order to provide a rationale [read more]

Science-based best management practices offer effective water quality protections. WASHINGTON—The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today issued its decision that no additional regulations are needed to address stormwater discharges from forest roads under the Clean Water Act (CWA). This determination recognizes the success and continual improvement of state best management practices programs, which are proven to be effective in [read more]

ARLINGTON, Va.—The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee is holding a hearing today to receive testimony on a discussion draft of legislation entitled the “Wildfire Budgeting, Response and Forest Management Act of 2016.” In a letter to the committee, a group of over 100 environmental, business, industry, and recreation groups expressed concern with the eroding [read more]

National Association of State Foresters Foundation project will help tell the story of America’s forests. WASHINGTON—Rena Johnson of Hiawassee, Georgia, has been selected as the 2016 National Association of State Foresters (NASF) Foundation photography fellow. Selected from among nearly 50 applicants, Johnson will document the forests of Wisconsin and Georgia to help illustrate the benefits [read more]

WASHINGTON—The National Association of State Foresters applauds Tuesday’s announcement by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) to expand opportunities for using wood products in green buildings, including wood certified by the American Tree Farm System®, the Sustainable Forestry Initiative®, and programs that are endorsed by the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC). USGBC, [read more]

WASHINGTON—In response to President Barack Obama’s fiscal year (FY) 2017 budget request, the National Association of State Foresters (NASF) issued the following statement: “The President’s budget proposal should help State Foresters address some of the priorities outlined in each state’s Forest Action Plan, however, the request falls short in some key program areas,” said Paul [read more]

Individuals and organizations honored for exemplary commitment to community fire protection. WASHINGTON—The Wildfire Mitigation Awards Committee has announced the 2016 Wildfire Mitigation Award winners. Established in 2014, the awards are the highest commendation for the innovation and leadership displayed by individuals and organizations committed to wildfire preparedness and mitigation. The Wildfire Mitigation Awards are jointly [read more]

WASHINGTON—The National Association of State Foresters is extremely disappointed in Congress' inability to arrive at a compromise that addresses wildland fire funding and forest management reforms. Paul DeLong, Wisconsin State Forester and President of the National Association of State Foresters said today: “State Foresters are disappointed by this missed opportunity to fix the wildfire funding [read more]