By Greg Pilchak On May 31st, Alaska State Forester Chris Maisch testified at the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Field Hearing in Kenai, Alaska. Maisch detailed the impacts of the 2015 fire season and offered recommendations for minimizing the negative impacts of wildfire on public safety and recreation, while at the same time [read more]
The FY14 - FY15 Communities at Risk Report provides a national snapshot of wildland fire risk, preparedness and capacity. The data were collected through the USDA Forest Service’s National Fire Plan Operations & Reporting System and reflects accomplishments through September 2015.
The National Association of State Foresters (NASF) submitted comments this week in response to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) revisions to the proposed rule for those who want to file petitions for listing under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) (81 Fed. Reg. 23448). Learn more about the revisions at https://federalregister.gov/a/2016-09200. In July 2015, NASF submitted [read more]
National Association of State Foresters Foundation project will help tell the story of America’s forests. WASHINGTON—Rena Johnson of Hiawassee, Georgia, has been selected as the 2016 National Association of State Foresters (NASF) Foundation photography fellow. Selected from among nearly 50 applicants, Johnson will document the forests of Wisconsin and Georgia to help illustrate the benefits [read more]
WASHINGTON—The National Association of State Foresters applauds Tuesday’s announcement by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) to expand opportunities for using wood products in green buildings, including wood certified by the American Tree Farm System®, the Sustainable Forestry Initiative®, and programs that are endorsed by the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC). USGBC, [read more]
The National Association of State Foresters provided coalition letters in support of fiscal year 2017 appropriations levels for priority USDA Forest Service State and Private Forestry (S&PF) programs. State and private forests make up more than two thirds of our nation’s forests and provide a host of public benefits including jobs, clean air and water, wildlife habitat, recreational opportunities [read more]
The National Association of State Foresters urges the Senate to pass legislation allowing the USDA Forest Service to sell isolated parcels of land and utilize those funds for acquisition of access and inholdings. HR 1214 passed the House of Representatives and was sent to the Senate for consideration on September 17, 2015. It passed the [read more]
WASHINGTON—In response to President Barack Obama’s fiscal year (FY) 2017 budget request, the National Association of State Foresters (NASF) issued the following statement: “The President’s budget proposal should help State Foresters address some of the priorities outlined in each state’s Forest Action Plan, however, the request falls short in some key program areas,” said Paul [read more]
Individuals and organizations honored for exemplary commitment to community fire protection. WASHINGTON—The Wildfire Mitigation Awards Committee has announced the 2016 Wildfire Mitigation Award winners. Established in 2014, the awards are the highest commendation for the innovation and leadership displayed by individuals and organizations committed to wildfire preparedness and mitigation. The Wildfire Mitigation Awards are jointly [read more]
The National Prescribed Fire Use Survey Report is a collaborative effort of the National Association of State Foresters and the Coalition of Prescribed Fire Councils. The survey results indicate approximately 11.7 million acres were treated in 2014 with prescribed fire. The majority was for forestry purposes with the balance related to agriculture.
