At a virtual hearing held by the House Committee on Science, Space and Technology today, Washington State Forester George Geissler testified on behalf of NASF on opportunities for further research and coordination related to wildland fire science. Research and Development (R&D) plays a critical role in supporting wildland fire management efforts and improving technology used [read more]
The National Association of State Foresters and the USDA Forest Service are pleased to announce the 2021 Urban Forest Resilience grant recipients. WASHINGTON—The National Association of State Foresters (NASF) and the USDA Forest Service (Forest Service) are pleased to announce the selection of funded projects for the 2021 State Urban Forest Resilience (SUFR) Grant Initiative. [read more]
Today the National Association of State Foresters wrote to the director of the White House Office of Science, Technology and Policy regarding forthcoming guidance on an Executive Order (EO) issued January 18, 2021 called “Protecting the United States from Certain Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS).” Federal UAS policy, particularly with respect to federal grant funding, is [read more]
The National Association of State Foresters has written a letter in support of the Invasive Species Prevention and Forest Restoration Act of 2021 (H.R. 1389), applauding the bill's aim to improve programs intended to prevent the introduction and impacts of non-native forest pests. NASF represents the directors of the state forestry agencies in all 50 [read more]
The National Association of State Foresters and eleven other natural resources organizations have sent a letter to House and Senate leadership requesting that forests be included in a final infrastructure package. Investing in Wildfire Resilience. Restoring America’s forests, watersheds, and rangeland – upgrading our natural infrastructure – is an opportunity to build climate resilience and [read more]
The Recovering America’s Wildlife Act (H.R. 2773) represents a pragmatic, state-focused investment that can prevent one-third of our nation’s fish and wildlife from becoming threatened or endangered while creating a significant number of jobs that support the outdoor economy and other key sectors, such as agriculture, and forestry. NASF has supported the Alliance for America's [read more]
The National Association of State Foresters extends its congratulations to the new chief of the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. WASHINGTON—The nation’s 59 state and territorial foresters look forward to continuing their important work in support of America’s forests with Terry Cosby, the newly named chief of the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). "Terry [read more]
The Biden administration's fiscal year (FY) 2022 budget proposal includes welcome funding increases for priority forestry programs vital to America's forest sector. WASHINGTON—The National Association of State Foresters is pleased with the Biden administration's proposed budget increases for USDA Forest Service programs that provide, among other benefits, technical support to forestland owners, equipment and training [read more]
State foresters declare National Prescribed Fire Act of 2021 a "win-win-win for forests, wildland fire management, and public health." WASHINGTON—The National Association of State Foresters has offered its full support for the National Prescribed Fire Act of 2021, a bill introduced Thursday in the Senate by Sens. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., Joe Manchin, D-W.V., Maria Cantwell, [read more]
At a hearing held by the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee today, Arkansas State Forester and NASF President Joe Fox testified on the merits of utilizing forests and forest products for addressing climate change. State forestry agencies are uniquely positioned to address climate change, promote forest carbon sequestration efforts, and ensure greater forest resilience. [read more]
