Family Forest Blog
February 15, 2022
New CEO of National Conservation Organization Builds Powerful Executive Team
The American Forest Foundation today announced several promotions and new hires on its growing leadership team.
February 8, 2022
American Forest Foundation Applauds USDA on Investment in Climate Smart Agriculture and Forestry
AFF applauds the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s $1 billion investment through the Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities, which can help to fund programs that will produce real, measurable and verifiable climate benefits.
January 31, 2022
2021 in Review: Policy
The policy world of 2021 was a landscape of unchartered waters for everyone, but the work of family forest owners turned uncertainty into an opportunity with a series of policy wins for conservation efforts across the nation.
January 31, 2022
A Dedication to Conservation
Pam and Jim Porter’s Jasper County, South Carolina forestland fulfills a life-long dream for Jim and has become a life’s passion for Pam. Both have become tireless advocates for conservation, carbon sequestration and sustainable forestry.
January 31, 2022
Telling Our Story in New & Innovative Ways
For more than 40 years, AFF has been working to share the story of America’s family forest owners. We’re continuing to find new & innovative ways to do so and engage partners to drive conservation impact.
January 26, 2022
The Future Is Now
This month, Rita Hite put her boots on the ground as president and CEO of the American Forest Foundation. She reflects on the optimism she’s feeling for the future of America’s family forest owners, AFF and our planet.
January 18, 2022
AFF Applauds the Forest Service for Launching Comprehensive Strategy
The American Forest Foundation today applauded the U.S. Forest Service’s (USFS) Wildfire Crisis Strategy.
January 10, 2022
Accomplished Executive Rita Hite Takes the Helm as First Woman President & Chief Executive Officer of American Forest Foundation
The American Forest Foundation today announced Rita Hite as its president and chief executive officer. Hite is the first woman in the organization’s more than 40-year history to hold its top position.
December 22, 2021
A Q&A With American Forest Foundation’s New SVP of Conservation, Valerie Craig
The American Forest Foundation is excited to announce Valerie Craig as the new Senior Vice President of Conservation. Valerie’s passion for conservation and expertise in the field will help further the organization’s mission of empowering family forest owners to make a meaningful conservation impact.
December 16, 2021
Tom Martin: Reflections on the Forestland
Tom Martin’s early childhood helped prepare him for a career - and a passion - for woodlands. As he prepares to retire from his role as President & CEO of AFF at the end of this year, we take a look back at how his influence and leadership will continue to resonate in the many programs and projects he has championed.
December 15, 2021
Mary LaHood and Bob Burns: 2021 National Outstanding Tree Farmers of the Year
The American Tree Farm System (ATFS) has named Mary LaHood and Bob Burns the 2021 National Outstanding Tree Farmers of the Year. Mary and Bob manage the 320-acre LaHood-Burns Family Forest with their children in the Black Hills of South Dakota.
December 15, 2021
Black Hills Family Named National Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year
The American Forest Foundation and the American Tree Farm System are excited to announce the 2021 National Outstanding Tree Farmers of the Year, Mary LaHood and Bob Burns of South Dakota.
December 2, 2021
Determining a True Carbon Benefit Part 4: Permanence
An important step to ensuring that a carbon benefit is valid is if it stands the test of time. This is called permanence, which is defined as ‘the longevity of the carbon benefit of at least 100 years.’ The Family Forest Carbon Program is working to ensure the permanence of our carbon benefit.
December 2, 2021
Meet the Jacksons of Pennsylvania
When looking for resources to support the health of their forest, Laura and Mike discovered the Family Forest Carbon Program. They learned that the program offered a steady, long-term revenue stream to enable them to take on their forest projects and continue to improve their forest’s health.
November 24, 2021
You Can Support AFF This Giving Tuesday!
This Giving Tuesday, consider supporting the work being done to empower America’s family forest owners to create conservation impact.