WASHINGTON—The National Association of State Foresters reacted with disappointment today to President Donald Trump’s fiscal year (FY) 2018 budget recommendations. The proposed budget includes significant cuts in forestry programs, including a recommended 50 percent reduction of USDA Forest Service State and Private Forestry program funding.
Bill Crapser, Wyoming State Forester and president of the National Association of State Foresters, said today:
“America’s trees and forests are facing real challenges from threats such as catastrophic wildfire, invasive pests, disease and development pressures which know no boundaries. State Foresters are disappointed by the disastrous cuts included in President Trump’s budget recommendations. Strong investments in state and private forests help protect public benefits such as rural jobs, clean air and water, wood products and wildlife habitat.
“Investments in critical USDA Forest Service programs including Urban and Community Forestry, Forest Stewardship, and State and Volunteer Fire Assistance help state forestry agencies and their partners conserve, protect and enhance America’s forests and their many public benefits. These programs direct resources where they are needed most and support communities throughout America including 22 million family forest owners.
“Nearly 90 percent of America’s wood supply comes from private and state-owned forests. In the United States, the forest products industry is larger than the motor vehicles and parts manufacturing sector. Federal support of non-federal lands is a smart and critical investment and we encourage Congress to improve upon the President’s fiscal year 2018 budget proposal by maintaining support in these priority programs.”
Media Contact: Amanda Cooke, 202-624-5417 or acooke@stateforesters.org