President Donald Trump’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2021 budget request shows some support for active forest management, but more investment is needed. WASHINGTON—While the Trump administration's FY 2021 proposed budget would support some active forest management, it would also significantly cut funding to critically important state and private forestry programs. In response, the National Association of [read more]
U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue honored by state foresters for his work to promote the health, resilience, and productivity of the nation's forests through shared stewardship. WASHINGTON—The National Association of State Foresters presented U.S. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue with a special award today, commemorating his leadership in advancing forest management priorities nationwide with [read more]
On February 5, the National Association of State Foresters sent a letter to the USDA Forest Service Southern Research Station expressing its support for updating Agricultural Handbook 731: The Forest Landowner’s Guide to the Federal Income Tax. NASF is comprised of the heads of forestry agencies in all 50 states, U.S. territories, and the District [read more]
On January 17, 2020, the National Association of State Foresters sent a letter to Congressman Jimmy Panetta of California thanking him for introducing HR 803: a recognition of the long-standing mutual aid agreement between the United States and Australia that ensures critical wildland firefighting resources are shared in times of need. Our hearts go out [read more]
On January 17, 2020, the National Association of State Foresters sent a letter to Congressman Jared Huffman of California thanking him for introducing HR 5311 “The Forestry Renewal Act of 2019," which would renew the National Urban and Community Forestry Advisory Committee's (NUCFAC) charter. NASF President and South Dakota State Forester Greg Josten writes: "The [read more]
On January 15, 2020, Reps. Doris Matsui of California, John Sarbanes of Maryland, and Jeff Fortenberry of Nebraska introduced The Residential Energy and Economic Savings (TREES) Act, a bipartisan bill to help homeowners lower energy costs, reduce stormwater runoff, and mitigate the effects of climate change by planting more trees. The National Association of State [read more]
On January 13, 2020, the National Association of State Foresters submitted comments on the USDA’s proposed rule changes to the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) put forth in response to amendments approved in the 2018 Farm Bill. In its comments, NASF noted its appreciation for increases in CSP authorized funding through 2023. We also appreciate that [read more]
Individuals and organizations honored for exemplary commitment to community wildfire risk reduction. WASHINGTON—The Wildfire Mitigation Awards committee has named the three recipients of this year’s Wildfire Mitigation Awards. These individuals and organizations have earned the highest commendation for innovation and leadership in wildfire mitigation for their outstanding dedication to solving many of the most complex [read more]
State forestry agencies play a critical role in ensuring that forests—and the water resources they provide—are protected and properly managed. States have been evaluating, testing, and revising their forestry best management practices (BMPs) guidelines since the 1970s, steadily improving the efficacy of these standards for protecting water quality before, during, and after silvicultural activities take [read more]
States have been evaluating, testing, and revising their forestry BMP guidelines since the 1970s, steadily improving the efficacy of these standards for protecting water quality before, during, and after silvicultural activities take place. WASHINGTON—The National Association for State Foresters has released the latest report on forestry best management practices (BMPs) for water quality. Among other [read more]
