On March 14, the Coalition Against Forest Pests, of which the National Association of State Foresters is a member, submitted testimony to the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment and Related Agencies asking for its support in adequately funding programs that help keep the nation’s forests healthy by preventing introduction and spread of invasive pests.
On March 20, the Coalition Against Forest Pests—again with NASF’s signature—submitted testimony to similar effect to the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration and Related Agencies. Specifically, this testimony referenced the need for fiscal year (FY) 2020 funding levels to remain consistent in FY 2021 for four “lines” under the USDA APHIS Plant Health program: “Tree and Wood Pests,” “Specialty Crops,” “Methods Development,” and “Detection Funding.”
The full texts of both are linked below.