Press Releases

Browse National Association of State Foresters press releases:

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]

January 6, 2023

Partners publish 2021 report on prescribed fire use in the U.S.

The latest report on the nationwide use of prescribed burning from the National Association of State Foresters and the Coalition of Prescribed Fire Councils reveals near record numbers, despite pandemic impacts in 2020. WASHINGTON—Since 2011, the National Association of State Foresters (NASF) and the Coalition of Prescribed Fire Councils (CPFC) have partnered to prepare reports [read more]

December 8, 2022

NASF honors Michigan senator, Wyoming state forester for contributions to America's forests

As part of the association’s annual partners' reception, the National Association of State Foresters presented the 2022 John “Chris” Maisch Award and the 2022 President’s Award to two very deserving individuals: Michigan Senator Debbie Stabenow and Wyoming State Forester Bill Crapser.  WASHINGTON—The National Association of State Foresters yesterday presented Senator Debbie Stabenow of Michigan with [read more]

September 28, 2022

NASF recognizes excellence in state and private forestry with current and lifetime awards

The National Association of State Foresters is pleased to announce the 2022 NASF current and lifetime achievement award honorees. They are: Laura Buntrock and Olivia Witthun of Wisconsin, Puni Jackson of Hawai'i, and Mark Bays of Oklahoma. WASHINGTON—The National Association of State Foresters honored several individuals at its 2022 annual meeting for their extraordinary contributions [read more]

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