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]
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]
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]
Over 70 organizations signed onto a letter drafted and delivered by the National Association of State Foresters to the leaders of the Senate and House Appropriations Subcommittees on Interior, Environment and Related Agencies to recommend funding the Forest Stewardship Program (FSP) for fiscal year 2024 at $22 million, a $9.5 million increase over the FY [read more]
Today, NASF and over 60 other organizations signed onto a letter to the leaders of the Senate and House Appropriations Subcommittees on Interior, Environment and Related Agencies in support the Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) program funded by the USDA Forest Service (Forest Service). The coalition members who signed this letter ask Congress to continue [read more]
The National Association of State Foresters is among one of 90 organizations to sign a letter of support for the creation of a Forest Conservation Easement Program (FCEP) in the Farm Bill. FCEP is designed to: Significantly improve and enhance the ability of the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to effectively conserve working forests at [read more]
In a letter to Chairman Mike Simpson and Ranking Member Chellie Pingree of the House Committee on Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies, the National Association of State Foresters (NASF) and six allied organizations requested a total of $79 million for the State Fire Assistance Program and $22 million for the Volunteer Fire Assistance Program for [read more]
In a letter sent to Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow and Ranking Member John Boozman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry in support of the Trillion Trees and Natural Carbon Storage Act of 2023. America’s trees and forests are a strategic national resource with vast potential as solutions for climate change, public health, and economic challenges. This [read more]
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]
The National Association of State Foresters submitted on March 17, 2024 written testimony to the House Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies concerning FY 2024 USDA Forest Service Appropriations. State foresters deliver technical and financial assistance, along with forest health, water, and wildfire protection for more than two-thirds of the nation’s 751 million acres [read more]
