Policy Analysis and Recommendations
Building new norms
The goal of the Forest Stewards Guild's public policy work is to improve the effectiveness of forestry regulations and laws in encouraging and ensuring excellence in forest stewardship. We educate policy makers, advocacy groups, and the public on practical aspects of forestry. Many policies that affect forests are not based on adequate information and do not promote ecologically, economically, and socially responsible forestry. Instead, forest issues are frequently addressed in responses to crises such as catastrophic wildfire, endangered species concerns, or global market fluctuations, with wide swings in political motivations and approaches.
The Guild seeks to improve forest policy at both the national and local levels through science-based advocacy and by providing policymakers with our expert opinion. We often work with like-minded organizations and groups such as the Rural Voices for Conservation Coalition.
Forest Stewards Guild policy statements are voted on for approval by the Guild’s professional membership. Guild position statements are developed under the umbrella of a policy statement and are adopted by the Membership and Policy Council.
Forest Policy Statements
Position Statements
Climate Smart Forestry Position Statement, 2024:
Comments on the old-growth forest proposed national plan amendment, 2024
Comments on the old-growth forest Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, 2023.
Forests in the Farm Bill, 2023
Comments on 'Review of the National Ambient Air Quality Standards for Particulate Matter', 2023
Wildfire Resilience Coalition, transformational change in how wildfire risk is managed, 2022
Forest Carbon Offset Credits, 2022
Developing Sustainable Practices for the Full Spectrum of Forest Management, 2022
Old Growth and Mature Forests, 2022
Rural Resilience & Recovery Policy Recommendations, 2020
Letter in support of the Great American Outdoors Act and Land and Water Conservation Fund, 2020.
Forest-Climate Working Group Recommendations for Federal Appropriations, 2020
Letter in support of the Joint Fire Science Program to the Senate and House, 2020
Recommendations for FY20 Appropriations (in partnership with RVCC)
Comment letter on Alaska roadless rule 2019
Forest Climate Working Group Policy Platform
Letter in support of the Farm Bill December 2018
Letter in support of US Forest Service research to House Appropriations and DOI Subcommitttee
Letter in support of New Mexico's Collaborative Restoration Program
Statement on West Virginia State Parks (summary)
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