State Foresters recently joined with state clean water, wildlife and ag associations to send a letter to EPA administrator Lisa Jackson urging the agency to defend current regulations that support the established success of the state-based BMP approach to effectively manage nonpoint source pollution from forestry activities. In addition, 29 state attorneys general sent a letter to the Solicitor General as he decides if/how to weigh in with the Supreme Court regarding whether to hear the 9th Circuit decision related to permitting on forest roads.

NASF and a coalition of partners recently sent a letter to USDA under secretary Harris Sherman and USDA Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell, requesting that they allocate funding to the Forest Products Laboratory to support wood products life cycle assessment and other green building research.

2011 was a good year for forests: A national cohesive strategy for wildfire, implementing Forest Action Plans, a USDA policy for green building, of course the International Year of Forests, and so much more. Thanks for all you did for trees and forests! Find NASF on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube to see what's in store for 2012.

In an editorial in The Tennessean, NASF executive director Jay Farrell reflects, "As the Year of Forests draws to a close, we must not weaken our resolve to focus on forests, protect them from devastating fires, insects and disease, and uphold their vital place in our lives."

"As a whole, the experience was transformative. I gained a first-hand education in forestry and environmental resource management; I began relationships with people and places all over the country; and--perhaps most importantly--I became more aware of how the Earth's natural functions fit into my infinitesimal existence."  - Josh Birnbaum on his experience as the IYOF photography fellow. Images from the International Year of Forests photography fellowship and an essay by Josh are currently featured on the Huffington Post.