NASF continually surveys all states to determine progress in identifying communities at risk and developing Community Wildfire Protection Plans. This report helps provide a national snapshot of wildland fire risk, preparedness and capacity. The FY2011 data was collected through the U.S. Forest Service's National Fire Plan Operations & Reporting System (NFPORS), and reflects data accomplishments through September 30, 2011.

NASF and the U.S. Endowment for Forestry and Communities have teamed to produce a series of co-branded briefs, "Issues in the Forest." The first in the series provides a solid overview of torrefaction technology: where it stands and who's pursuing it.

This briefing paper provides current information related to the national issue of stormwater runoff in urban areas. State foresters can provide assistance to integrate trees and forests into green infrastructure planning and implementation to address this important issue.

Urban trees can play a significant role in state air quality plans. State air quality authorities are encouraged to adopt tree planting and urban canopy conservation and management as innovative, voluntary measures for improving air quality. To achieve reductions in ground-level ozone, government agencies, volunteer organizations, and private landowners must make long-term commitments to conserving existing canopy and planting significant numbers of trees in strategic locations.

Identifying communities at risk and prioritizing projects to reduce wildfire risk is a national effort. A consistent vision is necessary to meet congressional intent, mandates and directives and to effectively reduce the effects of wildfires on communities. This paper is intended to provide national guidance for identifying communities at risk, conducting planning efforts that are consistent with national initiatives, and to reinforce the role of NASF in setting priorities, effecting progress, and measuring success toward reduction of wildfire risk for America's communities.