The National Association of State Foresters (NASF) was encouraged by the dialogue on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives today over the need to address the ever-increasing impact of emergency fire suppression costs on the USDA Forest Service and the Department of Interior's (DOI) constrained budgets. Unfortunately, the Federal Land Assistance, Management and Enhancement (FLAME) Act, as passed by the House, falls short of achieving a comprehensive fix for the federal funding challenges of wildfire suppression.

NASF was pleased to see that the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration and Related Agencies took important measures to restore reductions in funding contained in the President's budget proposal for fiscal year 2009. NASF particularly appreciates attention to those forestry related programs as recently authorized in the 2008 Farm Bill.

As the Senate debates the Lieberman Warner Climate Security Act of 2008 (S. 3036) , the National Association of State Foresters (NASF) wishes to share some thoughts specifically related to Adaptation Programs for Natural Resources (Title VI, Subtitle D and Title XII, Subtitles C and D)....NASF recommends a more expansive recognition of not only forest ecosystems, but also acknowledgement of range and grassland resources. This will best address the impacts of climate change on the resources that provide habitat, clean air and water, and renewable products.

Testimony of Leah MacSwords, Vice President, National Association of State Foresters and State Forester of Kentucky before the House Natural Resources Committee on the Federal Land Assistance, Management and Enhancement (FLAME) Act and the Emergency Wildland Fire Response Act (EWFRA)