State foresters and their partners gear up for next week’s NASF annual meeting in Pittsburgh, hosted by the Pennsylvania Bureau of Forestry.
WASHINGTON—The storied history of American forestry, the future of our noble profession, and the tremendous contributions of state forestry agencies will be in the spotlight next week at the National Association of State Foresters’ 2021 Annual Meeting in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
“We have put together a program for this year’s annual meeting in keeping with its theme: 101 Years Protecting Forests,” said Joe Fox, NASF president and Arkansas state forester. “Engaging speakers and several dynamic panel discussions will set the stage for reflection on the last 101 years of NASF and help us look forward to the next century of service.”
This year’s state foresters’ meeting will be held in cooperation with the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bureau of Forestry.
“Every year, the state foresters’ annual meeting provides us with a venue for sharing best practices, lessons learned, and success stories. This kind of sharing is essential to the health, productivity, and resilience of our nation’s forests,” said Ellen Shultzabarger, Pennsylvania state forester. “We are honored to host this year’s NASF Annual Meeting, where we, as a collective, will work to advance our shared interest in boosting forest health and reducing wildfire risk in our respective states and across America.”
Considering the limitations the pandemic has put on travel, the NASF Executive Committee elected to shorten this year’s meeting program by a day and a half. On Tuesday and Wednesday, state foresters will be getting down to business, reviewing and approving budgets, orienting new members, and setting policy priorities that will guide and enhance the work of state forestry agencies nationwide.
On Thursday, more than 100 attendees in person and at least 30 virtual participants will kick off the morning with keynotes from Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf, USDA Forest Service Chief Randy Moore, USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack, and U.S. Congressman Glenn “GT” Thompson. At lunch, more than a dozen men and women will be recognized for their contributions to state and private forestry and wildfire prevention with NASF and Smokey Bear Awards. Four general sessions—on America’s forest history, leadership in forestry, the future of the forestry profession, and the NASF Centennial Challenge Campaign—will round out the day’s programming.
Friday’s agenda will take state foresters and their guests outdoors for a technical tour with TreePittsburgh, a dynamic non-profit, and to the famous Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. There, attendees will explore the Victorian-style conservatory building and grounds, with its lush plant life and impeccable artistic presentation.
The 2021 NASF Annual Meeting would not be possible without the generous support of its sponsors. This year’s Walnut Sponsor is the USDA Forest Service. Oak Sponsors include Dauntless Air, G.R. Manufacturing, Inc., John Deere, and Perimeter Solutions. Pine Sponsors are Fireboss, Mason, Bruce & Girard, the Pennsylvania Forestry Association, and the Sustainable Forestry Initiative.
Media Contact: Whitney Forman-Cook at wforman-cook@stateforesters.org