ORGANIZATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS

2026 CWSF/WFLC Spring Meeting

Registration is now open for the 2026 Council of Western State Foresters (CWSF) and Western Forestry Leadership Coalition (WFLC) Spring Meeting, taking place May 12-14, 2026, in Nebraska City, NE.


Visit the CWSF and WFLC websites for the agenda and registration information.

Become a Sponsor or Exhibitor!

View sponsor and exhibitor opportunities for the 2026 CWSF/WFLC Spring Meeting. If you wish to participate, please email Patricia Payne or complete the information form by April 10, 2026.

CWSF Communications Internship

CWSF is currently accepting applications for a Communications Intern. The application window closes on April 17, 2026. Thanks to the National Association of State Foresters Foundation for providing funding for this opportunity.

POLICY UPDATE

March 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

South Dakota Leverages Partnerships to Strengthen Forest Resiliency

Across South Dakota, private landowners play a critical role in maintaining healthy and resilient landscapes. Through a collaborative effort between the South Dakota Family Forests Association, the South Dakota Department of Agriculture & Natural Resources, and the USDA Forest Service, the state is supporting private landowners in actively managing their forested property and reducing long-term risk across shared landscapes. 

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. 

Additional Opportunities


Wood Innovations Grants


The USDA Forest Service has announced up to $95 million in competitive grant funding for the Wood Innovations, Community Wood, and Wood Products Infrastructure Assistance Grant programs. The deadline to apply is April 22, 2026. Visit the Wood Innovations Grant webpage to learn about eligibility, requirements, and information for each point of contact and regional coordinator.

NEWS & NOTES FROM MEMBERS & PARTNERS

Member Announcements

  • Ryan Shane has been appointed as Nevada’s State Forester Firewarden and Administrator of the Nevada Division of Forestry. 


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.


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: 



  • WFLC WUCF Annual Meeting | March 24-26, 2026 | Virtual
  • CWSF/WFLC Spring Meeting | May 12-14, 2026 | Nebraska City, NE
  • CWSF GNA Annual Meeting | August 4-6, 2026 | Dillon, CO

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 Wildfire Mitigation Awardees

The Wildfire Mitigation Awards committee has selected 12 recipients for the 2026 Wildfire Mitigation Awards (WMAs), along with one WMA Hero Award and one WMA Legacy Award. This year’s WMA recipients, including 10 from the western region, are recognized for their exemplary commitment to community wildfire risk reduction.


Learn more

Questions, comments, feedback? Please contact us!

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