Issues
Issues and Policy
Posted on Monday, March 3, 2008NASF addresses a number of significant issues impacting the direction of forest management, policy and ideology in this country, particularly in relation to the non-industrial private forest landowner. Click on any of the issues on this page to read more about an NASF position, statement or approach to policies related to a variety of forestry issues.
2011 International Year of Forests
Posted on Tuesday, July 12, 2011The “Celebrate Forests. Celebrate Life.” campaign was the official U.S. celebration. Coordinated by NASF in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service, the U.S. celebration helped elevate awareness and understanding of the value of America’s forests and showcase the connections between healthy forests, people, ecosystems and economies.
FY2012 Appropriations
Posted on Monday, July 11, 2011
Voters continue to significantly value the nation's forests, particularly as sources of clean air and water and places for wildlife; yet, they hold concerns regarding major threats to forests from wildfire, development, and insects and diseases. The Forest Service's State and Private Forestry programs leverage the capacity of state agencies to provide vital assistance to forest landowners and communities to manage, maintain, and improve the nation's 423 million acres of private forests and 100 million acres of urban forests. State Foresters appreciate the difficult choices that come with balancing a budget and offer the following recommendations to respond to priorities identified in Statewide Forest Resource Assessments and Strategies (Forest Action Plans).
Forests in the Farm Bill
Posted on Sunday, July 10, 2011
NASF is a founding member of the Forests in the Farm Bill Coalition, a diverse group of conservation, forest landowner, industry, academia, and community organizations that first came together in preparation for the 2008 Farm Bill. The coalition has joined forces again to ensure forests have a seat at the table in the 2012 Farm Bill reauthorization process.
Green Building
Posted on Friday, July 1, 2011
From both environmental and economic perspectives, State Foresters believe it is important that wood products, and particularly products derived from U.S. forests, play a substantial role in the U.S. green building movement. NASF passed a resolution in 2008 recognizing the value of wood from certified, sustainably managed U.S. forests as a green building material.Biomass Energy
Posted on Monday, February 8, 2010
State Foresters view forests as a strategic national resource of vital importance to meeting the nation’s economic, environmental, and energy needs. Biomass from the nation’s public and private forests can and must be part of any solution to meeting the nation’s renewable energy goals, particularly in regions where solar, wind, and other renewable resources are less prevalent.