2011 Forests in the Farm Bill Progress Report Shows On-the-Ground Success
Thanks to the work of the American Forest Foundation and partners, the 2008 Farm Bill gave unprecedented access to U.S. Department of Agriculture conservation programs to family forest owners and Tree Farmers.
Forest owners are now able to use these programs to improve the health of their woods, fight invasive species, protect against fire, and reforest areas.
To find out how the programs have been working on the ground, check out AFF's
A Forests in the Farm Bill Progress Report: 2011 Updated Edition
[PDF].
The report, released this week, analyzes all of the different programs used by forest owners and addresses the following questions:
- Which states are using the programs?
- Is forest conservation funding getting the respect it deserves?
- What do the improvements look like on the ground?
- How did the programs stack up?
Around the country, we’ve seen tremendous progress—the Natural Resources Conservation Service is investing more of its conservation funding in forestry. States around the country are evening out their performance so that success is no longer confined to a couple states.
Despite the gains, some ominous flags were raised—including the decline in education activities being offered to forest owners. Without continued success in educating new crops of landowners, we will fall behind in our efforts to contain and reverse the threats facing our forests.
Overall, the report showed that forest owners are doing great work on the ground using the conservation programs.
For all the facts, figures, and landowner stories, check out the new
Forests in the Farm Bill Progress Report
[PDF].
Read AFF's press release.
Have you "liked" AFF on Facebook yet? Join our social forest at www.facebook.com/americanforestfoundation.
