News

NASF submitted comments responding to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) to amend Land Management Plans for old-growth forests across the National Forest System (NFS). Old-growth forests contribute to nature-based climate solutions, increase biodiversity, mitigate wildfire risks, enhance climate resilience, enable subsistence and cultural uses, provide outdoor recreation [read more]

The National Association of State Foresters sent a letter to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to emphasize the importance of the exceptional events demonstration for prescribed fire and the need for increased use of the process at the EPA regional offices. Prescribed fire is a critical tool for state forestry agencies to reduce hazardous fuel [read more]

NASF submitted comments responding to the Occupational Safety Administration’s (OSHA) request for input regarding the potential impacts to the wildland firefighting community of incorporating various National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards into the proposed Emergency Response Standard. In the comments, NASF expressed concern that the National Wildfire Coordinating Group's (NWCG) existing standards and training are [read more]

The National Association of State Foresters (NASF) submitted comments in response to the United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service request for public input to support the preparation of proposed regulations intended to implement the Greenhouse Gas Technical Assistance Provider and Third-Party Verifier Program. The purpose of the Program is to facilitate farmer, rancher, and [read more]

The National Association of State Foresters submitted on May 10th, 2024, written testimony to the House Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies concerning FY 2025 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]

NASF worked with key partner organizations on a letter advocating for increased USDA Forest Service Forest Stewardship Program funding. The letter draws attention to the frightening level of expiring plans the Forest Stewardship Program will experience in the upcoming years. “Currently, there are over 20 million acres nationwide managed under the Forest Stewardship Program. In [read more]

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The National Association of State Foresters applauds three major funding announcements by USDA this week: Forest Legacy Program, Wood Innovations Grants and Community Wildfire Defense Grants. Taken together, these federal investments will accelerate much needed work to enhance forest management, protection and conservation across the nation. The announcement reflected a sum of $478 million in [read more]

NASF joined six partner organizations in a letter to House and Senate Appropriations Committees advocating for increased FY25 appropriation levels for State Fire Assistance (SFA) and Volunteer Fire Assistance (VFA) programs. The letter requests $85 million for the SFA program and $25 million for VFA. “SFA is an important federal mechanism for assisting states and [read more]

WASHINGTON—The partners behind the wildfire prevention legend Smokey Bear and his public service advertisement campaign—the longest running in United States history—are pleased to announce the 2024 national Smokey Bear Award awardees. The Smokey Bear Awards are reserved for individuals, teams, and organizations that provide outstanding service with significant and sustained program impact in the wildfire prevention arena. [read more]

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The Northwest Wildland Fire Protection Agreement (Northwest Compact) is welcoming Hawaii as its newest member, rendering the compact 11 agencies strong. Eight wildfire compacts operate across North America, allowing the U.S. and Canadian provinces the ability to share information, technology, personnel and other essential resources across borders. Compacts are a critical foundation for effective [read more]