CWSF Newsletter | January 2022
Organizational Highlights
2022 CWSF/WFLC Spring Meeting
The 2022 Council of Western State Foresters (CWSF) and Western Forestry Leadership Coalition (WFLC) Spring Meeting will take place May 17-19, 2022 in Manhattan, KS.  

We are monitoring the COVID situation and will make any necessary determinations closer to the event. Participation will be limited to members and invited guests. 

Draft agendas are available on the CWSF website and the WFLC website.
Good Neighbor Authority - New Spotlight!
The WFLC Good Neighbor Authority (GNA) Information and Resources webpage was recently updated with a new spotlight highlighting the Steamboat Front Fuels Project - a cross boundary fuels reduction project in the Wildland Urban Interface along the eastern side of Steamboat Springs, CO.
 
The GNA Information and Resources webpage, launched in March 2021, serves as a western repository of relevant, timely GNA resources for state forestry agencies, federal agencies, and partners. Featured resources are updated on an ongoing basis.

Photo Credit: John Twitchell.
Policy Update
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) is continuing to work towards implementation, with federal agencies working to complete the spending plans required to Congress by the February deadline. The USDA Forest Service released a 10-year strategy aimed at addressing the escalating wildfire crisis. This provides a framework for the IIJA and other funds to strategically target areas of high risk across landscapes. Utilizing this strategic framework, funding included within the last Continuing Resolution will target post-fire and hurricane recovery efforts and new projects were selected under the Joint Chiefs’ Landscape Restoration Partnership. 
Meet a Forester
Tom Claeys

This month, we are pleased to feature Tom Claeys, North Dakota State Forester.

Tom currently serves as Chair of the CWSF Executive Committee.

News and Notes from Our Members and Partners
Member and Partner Transitions

Jerry Perez accepted the position of National Director of Fire and Aviation Management for the USDA Forest Service.
Job Opportunities
Looking for a job opportunity in forestry? Find your next position in western forestry on the CWSF job blog.

If you would like to submit a job posting, please email Halie Miyazawa.
Meetings Calendar
See the calendar of meetings and events hosted by CWSF/WFLC and partner organizations.
Wildfire Community Preparedness Day
Wildfire Community Preparedness Day is Saturday, May 7, 2022. This year’s Preparedness Day focuses on what residents can do around their homes to help protect against the threat of wildfires.

State Farm is teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association to provide $500 in funding towards projects that will help reduce the risk of wildfire and advance wildfire preparedness around homes. The deadline to apply is February 28, 2022.
Questions, comments, feedback? Please contact us!