News

Smokey Bear Awards are reserved for individuals, teams, and organizations that provide outstanding service with significant and sustained program impact in the wildfire prevention arena. WASHINGTON—The partners behind the wildfire prevention legend Smokey Bear and his public service advertisement campaign—the longest running in United States history—are pleased to announce the 2022 national Smokey Bear Award [read more]

A movement is afoot in Hawai'i to restore the cultural significance of coconut trees, or "niu," with the planting of food-producing coconut tree groves across O’ahu. WASHINGTON—The National Association of State Foresters is pleased to present the second installment in its “Tree Stories” series, a collection of short films that illustrates the importance of the [read more]

The four co-sponsors of the national Wildfire Mitigation Awards have named the individuals and organizations chosen to receive honors this year in recognition of their exemplary commitment to community wildfire risk reduction. WASHINGTON—The Wildfire Mitigation Awards committee has named the six individuals and organizations chosen to receive 2022 Wildfire Mitigation Awards. This year’s recipients have [read more]

President Biden has signed a fiscal year (FY) 2022 omnibus spending bill into law, averting a government shutdown. The final appropriations package includes modest funding increases for priority forestry programs vital to America's forest sector. WASHINGTON—The National Association of State Foresters was relieved to learn that Congress had come to agreement on a long-awaited FY [read more]

The National Association of State Foresters has submitted written testimony to the House Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies concerning FY 2023 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 of forests. The [read more]

In a letter sent to House appropriators today, the National Association of State Foresters and six other organizations encouraged an increase in funding for two federal programs critical to fighting wildfires nationwide. To fully and adequately fight fires and keep our homes and communities safe, we request a total of $79 million for the State [read more]

WASHINGTON—The USDA Forest Service, the National Association of State Foresters and the Ad Council are reminding Americans everywhere of important wildfire prevention tips with new PSAs featuring a virtual Artificial Intelligence Smokey Bear assistant. In both digital and radio spots, Smokey’s AI Assistant gives answers to some of the top questions Americans have about outdoor [read more]

In a letter sent today, the National Association of State Foresters wrote to USDA Natural Resources and Environment (NRE) Undersecretary Homer Wilkes regarding the newly established Wildland Fire Mitigation and Management Commission. We understand addressing wildfire management is among your top priorities. NASF and the nation’s state foresters stand ready to work shoulder-to-shoulder with USDA [read more]

In a letter sent today, the National Association of State Foresters—along with the Congressional Fire Services Institute, International Association of Fire Chiefs, and the National Volunteer Fire Council—explained why the Conference Committee should adopt the Senate's method of funding State and Private Forestry (S&PF) Community Project Funding and Congressionally Directed Spending Proposals. We would appreciate your [read more]

The National Association of State Foresters applauds the confirmation of Homer Wilkes as USDA undersecretary overseeing the Forest Service. WASHINGTON—The nation’s 59 state foresters welcome the Senate’s confirmation of Homer Wilkes to the key role of U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Under Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment (NRE). In his new post, Undersecretary Wilkes [read more]