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
AFF 2023 Farm Bill Recommendations
The American Forest Foundation's recommendations for the 2023 Farm Bill reflect our commitment to improving access and participation of family forest owners in the fight against climate change. Unlocking the climate potential of small landowners will require providing technical and financial assistance that supports sustainable forest management.
Carbon in Family Forests: Building Climate Resilience and Investing in Rural Economies
Forests in the United States have been identified as the largest terrestrial carbon sink—offsetting up to 15% of U.S. 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 and 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.
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#AFFWomen: Tatiana Height
This Women’s History Month, we are thrilled to highlight the #AFFWomen who have unique stories to tell — but they all share the goal of leaving our planet better and healthier than we found it. In our third edition of this series, we sat down with Tatiana Height, AFF’s director of diversity, equity, and inclusion for the Family Forest Carbon Program.
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AFF CEO: IPCC Report Showcases Need to Activate All Climate Solutions Now
“The IPCC’s report makes it alarmingly clear that we must activate all tools, including natural climate solutions, to fight climate change. In order to limit the risks within 1.5-degrees of global warming, governments, companies, and organizations must include forest-based solutions and leverage carbon markets that invest in the health and productivity of America’s forests."
March 16, 2023
#AFFWomen: Sierra Giraud
This Women’s History Month, we are thrilled to highlight #AFFWomen – those that work tirelessly to improve our forests, support American landowners, and benefit our communities. In our second edition of this series, we sat down with Sierra Giraud, AFF’s senior forestry manager in the Northeast for the Family Forest Carbon Program.