Press Releases

WASHINGTON, D.C.—On June 29, 2023, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced a remarkable investment to conserve some of the nation's most economically and ecologically significant forestlands to the tune of $188 million. Provided through President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, these funds will support 34 conservation projects over more than 245,000 acres of the nation's [read more]

WASHINGTON, D.C.—State Foresters welcomed today's announcement from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) that nearly $250M will be provided to state forestry agencies under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) for the expansion of Urban and Community Forestry programs. This remarkable funding opportunity demonstrates the USDA’s confidence in state foresters and local communities as custodians of [read more]

Kansas State Forester Jason Hartman Testifies Before Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on Conservation, Climate Forestry and Natural Resources WASHINGTON, D.C.—This week, on behalf of the National Association of State Foresters (NASF), Kansas State Forester Jason Hartman joined representatives from the Nature Conservancy, Neiman Enterprises, National Alliance of Forest Owners and the Colorado Forest Restoration Institute to testify [read more]

NASF Responds: “A Warmly Welcomed and Sorely Needed Down-Payment” WASHINGTON, D.C.—Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced on March 21, 2023 that the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service is investing $197 million in 100 project proposals benefiting 22 states and seven tribes, as part of the Community Wildfire Defense Grant (CWDG) program. The National Association of State Foresters [read more]

State Foresters Recognize Pros and Cons of President's FY24 Budget Request WASHINGTON, D.C.—As the President’s FY24 Budget Request is unveiled, State Foresters recognize the merit of the Biden-Harris Administration’s support for key State, Private and Tribal Forestry programs (SP&TF) and identify missed opportunities where the budget falls short. “State forestry agencies coordinate a full suite [read more]

PA State Forester and NASF Treasurer Ellen Shultzabarger delivered expert testimony in advocacy of the National Association of State Foresters' 2023 Farm Bill priorities. WASHINGTON, D.C.—On International Women’s Day, Pennsylvania State Forester and National Association of State Foresters (NASF) Treasurer Ellen Shultzabarger enjoyed a historical moment on Capitol Hill as the first witness to testify [read more]

The four cosponsors of the national Wildfire Mitigation Awards have named the individuals and organizations chosen to receive honors this year in recognition of their exemplary commitment to community wildfire risk reduction. WASHINGTON—The Wildfire Mitigation Awards committee has named one individual and one organization chosen to receive 2023 Wildfire Mitigation Awards. This year’s recipients both [read more]

The latest report on the nationwide use of prescribed burning from the National Association of State Foresters and the Coalition of Prescribed Fire Councils reveals near record numbers, despite pandemic impacts in 2020. WASHINGTON—Since 2011, the National Association of State Foresters (NASF) and the Coalition of Prescribed Fire Councils (CPFC) have partnered to prepare reports [read more]

As part of the association’s annual partners' reception, the National Association of State Foresters presented the 2022 John “Chris” Maisch Award and the 2022 President’s Award to two very deserving individuals: Michigan Senator Debbie Stabenow and Wyoming State Forester Bill Crapser.  WASHINGTON—The National Association of State Foresters yesterday presented Senator Debbie Stabenow of Michigan with [read more]

The association's tree story on the cultural significance of coconut trees, or “niu,” has garnered critical acclaim and considerable media attention over the last six months. WASHINGTON—The National Association of State Foresters is thrilled to announce its tree story "Kumu Niu" has received a 2022 Jackson Wild Media Award. The honor was presented during the [read more]