The Ponderosa Pine Utilization Summit will take place November 18-20, 2025, in Flagstaff, Arizona.

The Summit will convene industry, government, research, academia, economic development, and non-governmental organizations to explore innovative solutions and strategies for the long-term sustainable use and marketability of ponderosa pine. 

Additional details, including registration and agenda, will be shared on our website in the coming months.

Meet our Communications Intern

The Council of Western State Foresters (CWSF) is excited to announce Kaydyn Guelsdorf as the new Communications Intern for Summer 2025. 

Kaydyn is a senior at the University of Oregon, majoring in Multidisciplinary Science and minoring in Science Communication. This internship is made possible with support from the National Association of State Foresters (NASF) Foundation.

Spotlight on State Fire Assistance WUI Grants

State Fire Assistance (SFA) Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) Grants play a vital role in helping states and communities reduce wildfire risk and enhance preparedness. 

Explore some examples of how these investments are being put to work across the region:

NEBRASKA

The McCook Public Power (MPPD) Project in southwest Nebraska utilized SFA WUI funding to create fuel breaks to maintain power to water supplies, create access to firefighters, prepare for future prescribed fire, and prevent wildfire starts. 

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NEW MEXICO

Over the last five years, the state of New Mexico has capitalized on SFA WUI funding to assist with funding critical hazardous fuels reduction in some of the state’s most at-risk communities. 

June 2025 Policy Update

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

• Roadless Rule Rescinded
• Fiscal Year 2026 Appropriations
• President Trump’s Wildfire Executive Order
• Aerial Firefighting Enhancement Act of 2025 Signed into Law
• Seven Wildfire Bills Introduced

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

GNA Committee 2025 Annual Meeting Recap

The CWSF Good Neighbor Authority (GNA) Committee convened June 10–12 in Salem, Oregon. The meeting brought together state forestry agency GNA leaders and partners from across the West to share insights, strengthen collaboration, and advance the work of the GNA Committee.

Read more about the meeting’s discussions and takeaways in a guest blog post by Kyle Sullivan-Astor, Federal Forest Restoration Program Lead with the Oregon Department of Forestry and Vice-Chair of the GNA Committee.

NASF Awards: Call for Nominations

The NASF Awards Committee is now accepting nominations for the 2025 NASF Current Achievement Awards. These awards recognize individuals who exemplify outstanding qualities in their respective areas of expertise, including forest public policy, fire protection, forest resource management, urban and community forestry, communications, leadership, and partnerships. 

Awardees will be recognized at NASF's Annual Meeting in Waimea, Hawai'i.