POLICY UPDATE

August 2026 Policy Update


Read the latest policy update from Neil Simpson, Council of Western State Foresters (CWSF)/Western Forestry Leadership Coalition (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.

COMMITTEE UPDATES

CWSF GNA Committee Holds Annual Meeting in Colorado

Photo: Kelsey Delaney

The CWSF Good Neighbor Authority (GNA) Committee gathered August 4-6, 2026, in Dillon, Colorado, for its fourth annual meeting.


Over the course of three days, participants heard from a State Forester panel, evaluated future GNA agreement structures, explored local utility and county collaboration, toured GNA projects in the Breckenridge area, evaluated service-based execution mechanisms, and established the committee's 2027 work plan.


Learn more about the meeting in a guest blog post from Everitt Merritt, GNA and Watersheds Program Manager with the Colorado State Forest Service.

Early Detection Helps the Kansas Forest Service Respond to EAB

Recognizing the importance of early detection, the Kansas Forest Service (KFS) utilizes trap trees to monitor the spread of emerald ash borer (EAB) across the state. Through detection notices, public outreach, and communication materials, KFS continues to increase awareness and understanding of this destructive pest. 

Photo: Judy O’Mara

GRANTS UPDATES & ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

Western Competitive Grants


There are no new grant updates at this time. View each grant webpage below: 



Please contact Halie Miyazawa and Leena Visnak with any questions. 

FY 2028 Forest Legacy Program: Now Accepting Proposals


The USDA Forest Service is accepting applications for Forest Legacy Program fiscal year (FY) 2028 projects. Applications can be submitted via Grants.gov (Funding Opportunity Number: USDA-FS-2028-FLP), with a submission deadline of September 11, 2026.


Questions can be directed to Cassie Adams, Forest Legacy Program Specialist.

Plant Pest and Disease Management and Disaster Prevention Program Funding Opportunity FY 2027


The USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is accepting applications for its Plant Pest and Disease Management and Disaster Prevention Program Funding Opportunity. This program supports efforts to strengthen against, prevent, detect, and mitigate invasive plant pests and diseases. Applications will be accepted through September 21, 2026. 


For more information about the requirements, application package, or help session webinar, please visit the APHIS webpage.

2026 National Urban and Community Forestry Challenge Cost Share Grant Program


The USDA Forest Service is accepting proposals for the National Urban and Community Forestry Challenge Cost Share Grant Program. This year’s program focuses on advancing community tree resource utilization, which can reduce waste and create value by turning wood generated from pruning, removals, storm events, and pest or disease outbreaks into useful products. The program seeks practical, creative, and replicable projects that help communities establish or expand wood‑utilization efforts. 


Applications may be submitted on Grants.gov through October 12, 2026. Questions can be directed to Nancy Stremple.

NEWS & NOTES FROM MEMBERS & PARTNERS

Member and Partner Announcements


To view a list of current CWSF and WFLC members, visit our member directory. If you are a member and wish to update this information, please contact Sara Goodwin.

Job Opportunities

Visit the CWSF job blog for the latest job opportunities from Western state forestry agencies and partners. A few of the opportunities include: 


  • Colorado State Forest Service, Lead Project Forester
  • Utah Department of Natural Resources, Division Director and State Forester
  • Washington Department of Natural Resources, Klickitat Assistant Fire Management Officer
  • Wyoming State Forestry Division, Heavy Mechanic


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

Meetings Calendar

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

Important upcoming CWSF/WFLC dates include: 



  • CWSF Forest Stewardship/Landowner Assistance Committee Annual Meeting | September 29-October 1, 2026 | Anchorage, AK
  • CWSF Forest Health Committee Annual Meeting | September 29-October 1, 2026 | Anchorage, AK
  • CWSF Western State Fire Managers Committee Annual Meeting | October 6-8, 2026 | Salt Lake City, UT
  • CWSF Forest Products Committee Annual Meeting | October 14-15, 2026 | Virtual
  • CWSF/WFLC Fall Meeting | December 2-4, 2026 | Washington, D.C.

Western Happenings

For a quick look at recent happenings across the West, check out the features below: 


STATES/PACIFIC ISLANDS

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USDA FOREST SERVICE

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

Questions, comments, feedback? Please contact us!
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Council of Western State Foresters | 2255 Sheridan Blvd, Suite C-327 | Edgewater, CO 80214 US

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