State Foresters

Know someone who has made a difference in State, Private, and Tribal Forestry? Give them the recognition they deserve. 💚 Submit your nomination by August 7 at bit.ly/nasf-award to honor a forestry or fire hero!

Not every job in forestry involves being a forester! What unites forestry professionals is an interest in the environment, desire to learn, and passion for natural resources. Each career is different, but no matter your path, you can help care for the land you love. 🌳❤️

We can't celebrate #America250 without recognizing the role trees and forests play in our history, culture, economy, and communities. Forests not only make up much of the landscape but provide important resources for distinctly American traditions—from baseball to barbecue. 🇺🇸

Happy Independence Day! 🇺🇸 There are so many reasons to celebrate our country—including our forests! 🌳 Help protect them this summer by leaving fireworks to the professionals. Backyard fireworks can haphazardly spray sparks, landing on dry vegetation that could start a wildfire.

July 2 is National Wildland Firefighter Day! 👩‍🚒👨‍🚒 State forestry agencies are often the first responders to wildfires. Thank you to all the hardworking firefighters and support personnel that protect our natural resources, care for the environment, and keep communities safe.❤️‍🔥

Today marks the beginning of Wildland Firefighter Week of Remembrance. It is an especially somber week as we mourn the recent loss of three firefighters who died in the line of duty. We remember the fallen, reflect on the lessons learned, and renew our commitment to safety. 👩‍🚒❤️

Trees are heat-fighting heroes! Did you know that trees can lower surface temperatures by as much as 45°F?! 🌡️ It's not just shade; trees "sweat" using the sun's energy, cooling the surrounding air temperature by up to 9°F.

Most wildfires get their names from nearby geographic features, making them easy to locate and respond to. But there can only be so many active "Creek" "Canyon" and "Cottonwood" fires. To keep things clear, firefighters and dispatchers sometimes use unique descriptors.

June 22 is World Rainforest Day! 🌴 Did you know the U.S. is home to roughly 18 million acres of rainforest? From Alaska to Puerto Rico, these unique ecosystems receive more than 60 inches of rain annually and are home to thousands of unique species.

📣 Registration is now open for NASF's 2026 Annual Meeting in Lexington, Kentucky! 📣 This year’s theme, “Bridging the Divide,” focuses on unifying solutions that improve outcomes for forests and communities nationwide. Register early for $100 off at nasf2026.eventbrite.com.

Last week, State Foresters came to Washington, D.C. to meet with top federal policy officials to discuss forestry priorities and FY2027 appropriations. Together, State Foresters advocate for the sound, smart forestry policy that have real impacts at the local level. 💪

Calling all forestry and fire professionals! 📢 NASF is now accepting nominations for our 2026 Awards recognizing significant achievement in State, Private, and Tribal Forestry. 🌳 Submit your nomination by August 7 at bit.ly/nasf-award.

Fighting fire with fire! 🔥 Forest fuel treatments provide $3.73 in benefits for every dollar spent. According to a study by UC Davis, prescribed burning and forest thinning prevented $2.8 billion in wildfire damages from 2017 and 2023.

June is National Great Outdoors month! With warmer weather and longer days, it's the perfect time to enjoy your public lands. Whether you hike 🥾, ride 🏇, boat 🛶, or bike 🚴‍♀️, your state forest has something for you. Tell us where and how you like to get outdoors! 👇

State forestry agencies steward more than two-thirds of forested land in the U.S.—from replanting trees, using prescribed fire, and managing overgrowth. Learn more about how states are managing forests across the country in our weekly newsletter: mailchi.mp/stateforesters….

Humans are responsible for nearly 9 in 10 unwanted wildfires. While some causes are easier to recognize (like an unattended campfire), it's important to be cautious and thoughtful whenever your area has hot, dry, and windy conditions. 🔥

Summer is just around the corner! Avoid the crowds by visiting your local state forest and trying one of these outdoor activities. ☀️🌳 As always, remember to leave no trace and practice wildfire prevention. The future of the forest depends on you!

Memorial Day Weekend is a great time to enjoy the outdoors and visit your local state forest! As wildfire season begins, it's important to take extra precautions to keep you and the forest safe. 🌳 Brush up on your wildfire prevention knowledge at SmokeyBear.com. 🐻

Prevention and mitigation are two strategies to protect our forests and neighborhoods from unwanted, unplanned wildfires. While fire is natural and vital in some ecosystems, nearly 9 in 10 wildfires are human-caused. Learn how YOU can prevent wildfires at SmokeyBear.com.

The third Friday in May is Endangered Species Day. #DYK that over 100 native tree species are endangered? These are just a few iconic species that state forestry agencies work to protect, restore, and strengthen through a variety of forest management activities. 🌳