News

WASHINGTON, D.C.—State Foresters welcomed today's announcement from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) that nearly $250M will be provided to state forestry agencies under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) for the expansion of Urban and Community Forestry programs. This remarkable funding opportunity demonstrates the USDA’s confidence in state foresters and local communities as custodians of [read more]

The National Association of State Foresters submitted on March 17, 2024 written testimony to the House Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies concerning FY 2024 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 [read more]

At a hearing held by the Senate Agriculture’s Subcommittee on Conservation, Climate, Forestry, and Natural Resources in March 2023, Kansas State Forester and NASF Executive Committee member Jason Hartman testified on behalf of NASF regarding several opportunities to conserve and enhance America’s forests through the next Farm Bill. State foresters recognize the Farm Bill as a [read more]

At a hearing held by the House Agriculture’s Subcommittee on Forestry in March 2023, NASF Treasurer and Pennsylvania State Forester Ellen Shultzabarger testified on behalf of NASF regarding several opportunities to conserve and enhance America’s forests through the next Farm Bill. State foresters recognize the Farm Bill as a unique opportunity to support rural America’s economic [read more]

Kansas State Forester Jason Hartman Testifies Before Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on Conservation, Climate Forestry and Natural Resources WASHINGTON, D.C.—This week, on behalf of the National Association of State Foresters (NASF), Kansas State Forester Jason Hartman joined representatives from the Nature Conservancy, Neiman Enterprises, National Alliance of Forest Owners and the Colorado Forest Restoration Institute to testify [read more]

NASF, in partnership with the National Alliance of Forest Owners (NAFO), the Society of American Foresters (SAF), and the Forest Landowners Association (FLA), submitted official comments to the EPA in response to the Reconsideration of the National Ambient Air Quality Standards for Particulate Matter. The comments stress the importance of avoiding undue or unintended restrictions [read more]

NASF Responds: “A Warmly Welcomed and Sorely Needed Down-Payment” WASHINGTON, D.C.—Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced on March 21, 2023 that the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service is investing $197 million in 100 project proposals benefiting 22 states and seven tribes, as part of the Community Wildfire Defense Grant (CWDG) program. The National Association of State Foresters [read more]

State Foresters Recognize Pros and Cons of President's FY24 Budget Request WASHINGTON, D.C.—As the President’s FY24 Budget Request is unveiled, State Foresters recognize the merit of the Biden-Harris Administration’s support for key State, Private and Tribal Forestry programs (SP&TF) and identify missed opportunities where the budget falls short. “State forestry agencies coordinate a full suite [read more]

PA State Forester and NASF Treasurer Ellen Shultzabarger delivered expert testimony in advocacy of the National Association of State Foresters' 2023 Farm Bill priorities. WASHINGTON, D.C.—On International Women’s Day, Pennsylvania State Forester and National Association of State Foresters (NASF) Treasurer Ellen Shultzabarger enjoyed a historical moment on Capitol Hill as the first witness to testify [read more]

The four cosponsors 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 one individual and one organization chosen to receive 2023 Wildfire Mitigation Awards. This year’s recipients both [read more]