The National Association of State Foresters has submitted formal comments to the USDA Forest Service regarding its guidebook chapter on Good Neighbor Authority (GNA).
States are an essential partner in realizing GNA accomplishments; and NASF continues to appreciate the efforts by the Forest Service to embrace coordinating with state forestry agencies on GNA policy and implementation. Congress’ intent for GNA was to increase the pace and scale of forest, rangeland, and watershed restoration across jurisdictional boundaries through collaborative partnerships. These collaborative partnerships are empowered by a critical element of GNA that allows states to utilize their own contracting processes and procedures to improve project efficiencies and cost savings. To date, GNA has been utilized by state forestry agencies and the Forest Service to reduce hazardous fuels, improve wildlife habitat, support local communities and their economies, address insect and disease infested trees, increase watershed health, and more.
To sustain and improve upon the successes of GNA, NASF respectfully submits the following comments on the new Forest Service 2409.19 Handbook Chapter 80 (GNA Chapter).
Read the comments in full below.