WASHINGTON, D.C.—The USDA Forest Service has announced nearly $210 million in funding made available per the Forest Landowner Support initiative through the Inflation Reduction Act. For State Foresters, this is a welcome and much needed incentive to support private landowners’ efforts in sustainable forest management. State forestry agencies provide technical assistance to more than 200,000 landowners each year.
Privately owned forests, which constitute more than half of the forested land in the U.S., generate vital public resources —clean air, water and forest products— and are fundamental to the vitality and economies of many rural communities. “Through this significant federal investment, State forestry agencies will see a fortified capacity to support multiple projects across multiple states with multiple partners,” shared Jay Farrell, Executive Director of the National Association of State Foresters. “We appreciate this investment in private landowners as critical stakeholders in enhancing forest health and economic prospects, as well as reducing wildfire risk.”
In addition to facilitating landowners’ access to emerging forest markets, these investments will aid the implementation of forest management on privately owned land across the nation.
Click here to learn more about Forest Landowner Support Funded Projects.