The National Association of State Foresters reacted angrily to elements of the Bush Administration's proposed FY09 budget, which includes historic cutbacks of State and Private Forestry programs within the U.S. Forest Service.

Drought conditions, the build-up of hazardous fuels, and more homes in fire-prone landscapes are changing how we experience wildfire in America. The record-setting wildfires that burned in the South this spring, in the Mountain West this summer, and last month’s California blazes are the latest in an unbroken string of ever worsening fire seasons. As fire worsens, preparedness must improve. State Forestry agencies help communities collaborate with landowners and federal, state, and local officials to prepare Community Wildfire Protection Plans (CWPPs), which help to reduce risk and damage and increase the ability to successfully suppress fires.

The National Association of State Foresters (NASF) elected Kirk Rowdabaugh, State Forester of Arizona, as its new president at the association’s 85th annual meeting in San Antonio, Texas. Kirk Rowdabaugh became the State Forester of Arizona in 2001. Rowdabaugh is chair of the National Wildfire Coordinating Group and is past chair of the Council of Western State Foresters.