December 2024 Policy Update

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



• Continuing Resolution, Disaster Relief Funding, and Farm Bill Extension
• House Democrats Committee Leadership Positions
• Western Governors’ Association Air Quality Resolution
• Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act
• Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Wildfire and Forestry Bills
• Bill to Make the Chief of the USDA Forest Service a Presidential Appointment
• Monarch Butterfly Threatened Species Listing Proposed
• $335 Million in Grants to Support Private Forestland Management and Conservation

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

U&CF Publication

The WFLC Western Urban and Community Forestry Committee recently developed a publication, Collective Progress: Enhancing Urban & Community Forestry Across the West, featuring U&CF stories from 10 western states centered on the impact of increased state and federal funding.  

The CWSF GNA Committee developed a western synthesis of GNA activities and accomplishments across 13 state forestry agencies from the time each state began implementing GNA through the end of state fiscal year (FY) 2024. 

View the 2024 Synthesis and StoryMap of GNA stories from across the western region.

Photo: Will Bedient, SCNF

GNA Spotlight - Idaho

A GNA project between the Idaho Department of Lands and the Salmon-Challis National Forest is piloting the use of state-of-the-art technology to address a backlog of regeneration surveys to determine reforestation needs.

The Pacific Islands Forestry Committee (PIFC) Executive Committee convened for its 2024 meeting from October 21 to 23 in Majuro, Marshall Islands.

During the meeting, the PIFC Executive Committee participated in the 2024 World Food Day & Bob Festival Revival, completed an in-depth review of its charter, revised its strategic plan, and elected a new leadership team.

Idaho: Julia Lauch has been named State Forester and Division Administrator for Forestry and Fire with the Idaho Department of Lands.  

USDA Forest Service Southern Research Station: Rick Cooksey accepted the position of Acting Director for the Southern Research Station effective November 19. 

USDA Forest Service Washington Office: Anne Buckelew accepted the role of Acting Director for Forest Health Protection within the State, Private, and Tribal Forestry Deputy Area in the Washington Office, effective November 19. 

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. 

Nominations are open for the 2025 Smokey Bear Awards! The Smokey Bear Awards are the highest national honor one can receive for outstanding work and significant program impact in wildfire prevention.

Learn more about the criteria and submit a nomination. Nominations must be submitted by December 31, 2024.