CWSF Newsletter
Organizational Highlights
CWSF/WFLC 2019 Fall Meeting Recap
The 2019 Council of Western State Foresters (CWSF) and Western Forestry Leadership Coalition (WFLC) Fall Meeting took place from November 19-21, 2019 in San Diego, CA. The meeting served as an opportunity for members to discuss organizational business and key topics impacting forestry in the western region. Representatives from CWSF and WFLC Committees and Networks were in attendance to provide report-outs and recommendations to the membership. The meeting also included conversations on opportunities in climate finance and sharing risk in the context of wildfire.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2019 PIFC Executive Committee Meeting Recap
The 2019 Pacific Islands Forestry Committee (PIFC) Executive Committee Meeting took place from November 22-23, 2019 in San Diego, CA. Representatives from Hawai‘i, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, American Samoa, USDA Forest Service Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry, USDA Forest Service Pacific Southwest Region, CWSF, and the National Association of State Foresters (NASF) gathered to discuss organizational business and key topics related to Pacific Island forestry. The meeting also included updates on Performance Measures from Timmons Group and sessions on strategic planning.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
'Forestry in All Shapes & Sizes' Publication
CWSF recently completed a publication highlighting Urban & Community Forestry (U&CF) stories from western state forestry agencies. This publication, Forestry in All Shapes & Sizes , was produced in cooperation with the Western Urban & Community Forestry (WUCF) Network.   
 
If you would like to receive a hard copy by mail, please email Sara Goodwin .

View 'Forestry in All Shapes & Sizes' in the publication library on the CWSF website.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Member Updates
USDA Forest Service Rocky Mountain Region: Jennifer Eberlien is Acting Regional Forester. She is filling the role while Brian Ferebee is detailed to the Washington Office.
Policy Update
Two more western states have entered into shared stewardship agreements with the USDA Forest Service (Forest Service) with the goal of working more collaboratively across landscapes for greater impact in managing our nation’s forests. The fiscal year (FY) 2020 appropriations process continues with the Senate passing a minibus including four appropriations bills and a new Continuing Resolution (CR) keeping the government open under FY 2019 funding levels through December 20. In addition to working on negotiating spending bills, representatives have introduced the Aerial Incursion Repercussions Safety Act of 2019 aimed at highlighting the issues caused in firefighting operations by civilian drones.
News and Notes from Our Members and Partners
Request for Applications: Community Forest and Open Space Conservation Program
The USDA Forest Service, State and Private Forestry, Cooperative Forestry staff, requests applications for the Community Forest and Open Space Conservation Program (CFP). This is a competitive grant program whereby local governments, qualified nonprofit organizations, and Indian tribes are eligible to apply for grants to establish community forests through the acquisition of private forest land from a willing seller. The purpose of the program is to establish community forests by protecting forest land and provide community benefits such as sustainable forest management, environmental benefits including clean air, water, and wildlife habitat; benefits from forest-based educational programs; benefits from serving as models of effective forest stewardship; and recreational benefits secured with public access.

Interested local government and nonprofit applicants must submit applications to the State Forester. Tribal applicants must submit applications to the appropriate Tribal government officials. All applications must be received by State Foresters or Tribal governments by January 6, 2020. 

Please visit the federal register for more information.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windbreaks of the Great Plains Story Map
The National Agroforestry Center (NAC) has published a Story Map full of historical and current photos and information on Great Plains windbreaks.
 
Since the 1930’s Dust Bowl, windbreaks and shelterbelts have played a critical role in reducing soil erosion, enhancing crop production, protecting livestock and structures, and conserving water across the Great Plains. Windbreaks have also provided habitat for wildlife and pollinators, sequestered carbon, and provided income opportunities.
 
Published by Todd Kellerman and Gary Bentrup, NAC’s new story map Windbreaks in the Great Plains provides a unique look into the past and present uses, and innovative opportunities for future use.
Job Blog
Find your next position in western forestry on our job blog! If you would like to submit a job to be listed, please send Kelsey Cruickshank a web link to the job announcement.

What's Happening in Western Forestry?
Each month, we share member news and announcements. We do this by gathering information from newsletters, news releases, and updates in a monthly blog post on the CWSF and WFLC websites. Share news from your state and/or region by emailing CWSF/WFLC’s Associate Communications and Operations Director, Kelsey Cruickshank .