July 2026 Newsletter

ORGANIZATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS

Western Governors’ Association 2026 Annual Meeting

Council of Western State Foresters (CWSF)/Western Forestry Leadership Coalition (WFLC) Executive Director Danielle Okst attended the Western Governors’ Association (WGA) 2026 Annual Meeting, June 30-July 2, in Deer Valley, UT. The meeting provided a valuable opportunity to exchange ideas with partners, discuss shared challenges impacting western forests and communities, and identify areas for greater alignment.

During the meeting, USDA Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz delivered a keynote address highlighting the need for active, cross-boundary forest management to address growing wildfire and forest health risks. Chief Schultz also joined state and conservation leaders to discuss how Shared Stewardship agreements are advancing coordinated land management and wildfire resilience through stronger collaboration among federal, state, and partner organizations.

Read WGA's blog for a recap of the meeting.

Photo: Ellen Jaskol

POLICY UPDATE

July 2026 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.

COMMITTEE UPDATES

Webinar Highlights Pacific Islands Workforce Assessment

On June 30, the Pacific Islands Forestry Committee (PIFC) participated in a webinar highlighting the results of a Pacific Islands Natural Resource Workforce Assessment.

This webinar, hosted by WFLC, Forest Solutions, Inc., and the USDA Forest Service, showcased findings from a multi-island initiative aimed at strengthening the natural resource management workforce across the Pacific Islands.

Using the Developing a Curriculum (DACUM) process, more than 50 professionals from across the region helped identify the duties, skills, knowledge, and competencies needed for positions in forestry, conservation, agriculture, biosecurity, and related fields.

The resulting reports and toolkit provide local governments, nonprofit organizations, and partner agencies with practical information to strengthen the natural resource workforce across the Pacific Islands.

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.

2027 Joint Fire Science Program Notice of Funding Opportunities

The interagency Joint Fire Science Program (JFSP) is soliciting proposals from both government and non-government entities through several Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) announcements. Proposals are due by September 17 at 5:00 p.m. MT. Learn more on JFSP’s webpage.

If you have questions, please contact the JFSP Program Office.

Arbor Day Reforestation Request for Domestic Proposals

The Arbor Day Foundation is seeking large-scale reforestation proposals for work on both public and private lands from now until the end of the day on August 28. Submit your proposal here to be considered. Applicants will be notified of final decisions by early November.

For additional information, visit the online FAQ.

NEWS & NOTES FROM MEMBERS & PARTNERS

Member and Partner Announcements

Southern Group of State Foresters Appoints Tim Foley as Executive Director

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, Urban & Community Forestry Program Specialist
Nebraska Forest Service, Director
Southern Group of State Foresters, Policy Director
Wyoming State Forestry Division, Regional Fire Manager

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 GNA Annual Meeting | August 4-6, 2026 | Dillon, CO
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.

2026 NASF Awards: Call for Nominations

NASF is now accepting nominations for the 2026 Awards. These awards recognize significant achievement in State, Private, and Tribal Forestry in the following categories: Forest Public Policy; Fire Protection; Forest Resource Management; Urban and Community Forestry; Communications; Leadership; Partnerships; and Lifetime Achievement.

Nominations must be submitted on or before Friday, August 7. Descriptions of the awards, guidelines for selection, and a sample nomination are included on the first page of the online form.

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