Advocacy
Strong federal and state policies have the power to support family forest owners in meeting our nation’s conservation goals.
The American Forest Foundation works on the ground with federal and state policymakers to remove barriers and ensure that family forest owners have the resources they need to unlock the potential in their land.
Government actions can play a big part in helping family forest owners sustainably manage their forests and can help guarantee that conservation projects support American rural communities.
That’s why we’ve backed legislation and resources around carbon sequestration, building local partnerships, investments in new and existing forest products, voluntary incentive-based programs, proactive tax policies, balanced regulatory policies and more.
Rural voters care about the environment
A 2020 study from Duke University showed that, contrary to some assumptions, rural Americans care deeply about the environment and that there is a real opportunity to engage rural voters in environmental policy making that affects their communities.
Giving landowners a platform to tell their stories
Our Advocacy Action Center provides landowners with tools and confidence to share their stories directly with state and federal legislators. By engaging in our advocacy campaigns, landowners are empowered to take action on the issues that matter to them, their land and their local community.
The Issues That Matter to Family Forest Owners
Carbon in Family Forests: Building Climate Resilience and Investing in Rural Economies
Forests in the US have been identified as the largest terrestrial carbon sink—offsetting up to 15% of US emissions each year. With ownership of the largest portion of our nation’s forests, family forest owners can play a key role in maintaining and enhancing this carbon sink.
Help Family Forest Owners Reduce Wildfire Risk & Recover from Other Natural Disasters
Helping family forest owners recover after natural disasters will secure the future of America’s forests. Locally, disaster prevention and relief will fortify rural economies, protect at-risk wildlife and safeguard the clean water supply across the country.
Please contact us or subscribe to our newsletter to learn more about our current advocacy work and how you can get involved in advocating for America’s family forest owners.
Related Articles
October 14, 2021
AFF’s 2021 Capitol Hill Fly-In Goes Virtual
Due to ongoing constraints of the pandemic, AFF held its first virtual Capitol Fly-in, with more than 100 attendees and 114 meetings where attendees were able to advocate for vital legislation.
October 4, 2021
Empowering Rural American Forest Owners to Take Climate Action
In the U.S., forests serve as the nation's largest terrestrial carbon sink, offsetting 15% of our nation’s annual emissions. More importantly, studies suggest this could be nearly doubled - through reforestation and improved forest management of our existing woodlands.
September 27, 2021
AFF Applauds Introduction of the Disaster Reforestation Act in the Senate
The following statement can be attributed to Tom Martin, President and CEO of the American Forest Foundation in regards to the introduction of the Disaster Reforestation Act in the Senate (S. 2768).