August 2025 Newsletter

ORGANIZATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS

Join forest managers, industry leaders, researchers, policymakers, and more for the Ponderosa Pine Utilization Summit, November 18-20 in Flagstaff, AZ.

Together, we’ll examine the current state of ponderosa pine forests and industry in the western United States. Through case studies, intentional dialogue, and working sessions, participants will identify key barriers, develop practical solutions, explore innovations, and determine the resources needed to stabilize and grow the utilization of ponderosa pine.

Become a Summit Sponsor!

The Council of Western State Foresters (CWSF) is currently offering sponsorship opportunities for the Ponderosa Pine Utilization Summit. If your company or organization is interested in participating, please contact Patricia Payne or visit the Summit webpage for more information.

Updated WFLC Shared Stewardship Webpage

The state of Montana recently became the first state to sign a new Shared Stewardship agreement under the current Administration. This 20-year agreement aims to advance forest restoration and reduce wildfire risk across the state.

The Shared Stewardship Strategy, released during the first Trump Administration, catalyzes states and the Forest Service to enter into agreements with a renewed emphasis on partnerships to identify mutual priorities and actions to achieve those priorities. These agreements attest to the mutually beneficial nature of cross-boundary work.

The Western Forestry Leadership Coalition (WFLC) maintains a Shared Stewardship webpage that houses both past and current agreements, along with related press releases. This webpage has been refreshed and will be updated as additional agreements are signed.

Photo: Josh Birnbaum

POLICY UPDATE

August 2025 Policy Update

Read the latest policy update from Neil Simpson, CWSF/WFLC Director of Policy. This month’s policy update covers:

Click the links above to jump to each individual topic or download a PDF on our website.

COMPETITIVE GRANTS UPDATES

Community Wildfire Defense Grant (CWDG) Program

Round 3 closed for applications on March 14, 2025. The verification and review process is in progress, and when completed, the final ranked list will be sent for approval before being announced.

For more information, visit the Forest Service CWDG webpage and the CWSF CWDG webpage.

Landscape Scale Restoration (LSR) Competitive Grant Program

The FY 2025 LSR grant application period is closed to applicants. These grants have been scored, and the advisory recommendation list has been submitted and reviewed. The approved recommendation list outlining FY 2025 western-funded projects can be viewed on our WFLC LSR webpage, and information on projects funded across the country can be found here.

Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) Grant Program

The FY 2025 WUI grant application period is closed to applicants. This grant program has been scored, and the advisory recommendation list has been approved. The FY 2025 western-funded project list can be viewed on our CWSF WUI webpage.

NEWS & NOTES FROM MEMBERS & PARTNERS

Job Opportunities

Visit the CWSF job blog for the latest job opportunities from western state forestry agencies and partners.

If you would like to submit a job posting, please contact Patricia Payne.

Meetings Calendar

See the calendar of meetings and events hosted by CWSF/WFLC and partner organizations.

Western Happenings

For a quick look at recent happenings in the Western region, check out the features below:

STATES/PACIFIC ISLANDS

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USDA FOREST SERVICE

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Intermountain Region: USDA Forest Service Invests in Two Projects to Restore State and Private Forests Across the Region
Northern Research Station: Forestry Research Translated for Landowners | Research to Promote Forest Health
Pacific Northwest Region: USDA Forest Service and Oregon Department of Forestry Partner to Restore Oak Forests | USDA Forest Service Invests in New Green Mountain East Community Forest in Kitsap County
Pacific Southwest Region: Forest Service Invests in Projects to Restore State and Private Forests Across Pacific Southwest
Pacific Northwest and Pacific Southwest Research Station: PNW's Quarterly Publication Roundup | Forest Explorer Monthly Newsletter
Research and Development: Science for Productive Forests | Science for Wildfire and Safety | August National Research Digest
Rocky Mountain Region: USDA Forest Service Invests in Project to Restore Tribal, State, and Private Forests Across Nebraska
Rocky Mountain Research Station: Invasive Species Roundup | Science for Wildfire & Safety | Science for Responsible Recreation Management | Forest Inventory and Analysis Science Supports Productive Forests | Experimental Forests and Ranges
Washington Office: USDA Forest Service Invests $106M to Keep Working Forests Working | Forest Service Features

If you have a press release or feature you would like to include in an upcoming newsletter, please email Sara Goodwin.

NASF Foundation Seeking In-kind Donations

The National Association of State Foresters (NASF) Foundation is seeking in-kind donations for its silent auction at the NASF Annual Meeting.

Proceeds from the silent auction help fund key initiatives such as leadership training for state forestry agency staff and internships, including CWSF's Communications Intern.

To learn more, contact Katie Forman-Cook.

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