Release of the Western WUI competition information

The FY17 Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) Competitive Grant program is now open. In the West, funds to mitigate risk from wildland fire within the WUI are available and awarded through a competitive process managed by the Council of Western State Foresters (CWSF). The CWSF Western States Fire Managers Committee manages the competitive process and CWSF makes recommendations for projects to receive funding to the USDA Forest Service. Selected projects receive USDA Forest Service funding delivered through and managed by state forestry organizations.

Additional information can be accessed on the CWSF website and all proposals must be submitted online at www.forestrygrants.org. A password has been provided to each state and island forester. Applications are due October 3 at 11:00 p.m. MDT. Please contact Grace Mirzeler with questions.  

Recent Meetings

• The National Association of State Foresters (NASF) Fire Committee met in Oklahoma City, OK recently to discuss key issues in the nation. Members of the committee were joined by representatives from the US Department of the Interior’s Office of Wildland Fire and the USDA Forest Service Fire & Aviation Program and the International Association of Fire Chiefs. Several CWSF members participate in this committee and the CWSF Executive Director was in attendance. Along with a detailed briefing on the fire potential, discussions included State Fire Assistance and Volunteer Fire Assistance programs and funding allocations, an update on wildland fire information technology, NASF’s participation in the Wildland Fire Leadership Council and other important issues.
• The Southern Group of State Foresters (SGSF) held their summer meeting in Mobile, AL earlier this month. Priority forestry issues in the Southern United States were discussed including presentations from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and other key partners. CWSF was represented by Chris Maisch, Alaska State Forester, who provided a regional update on CWSF and Western Forestry Leadership Coalition’s recent work and membership changes. 
• The Western Governors’ Association (WGA) Annual Meeting was held this month in Jackson Hole, WY. CWSF member Bob Harrington, Montana State Forester and CWSF staff members, Caitlyn Pollihan and Kelsey Delaney, were in attendance along with WFLC Members Nora Rasure, Region 4 Regional Forester and Jackie Buchanan, Region 2 Acting Regional Forester. CWSF member and NASF Vice President Bill Crapser, Wyoming State Forester and WFLC co-chair Nora Rasure played a key role in the WGA Forestry Field Tour where attendees learned about the nexus between recreation, tourism and the environment in Jackson, WY. Bill spoke about Wyoming forests and the state and federal programs that are used to make a positive impact on the ground. Nora spoke about the application of the National Wildland Fire Cohesive Strategy. At the meeting, Western Governors formally approved seven new policy resolutions on federal-state land exchanges, invasive species, wildland fire management, cleaning up abandoned mines, species conservation, energy transmission, and the National Parks.  Additionally, Montana Gov. Bullock announced that his signature policy effort as WGA Chairman will focus on improving forest and rangeland management. Learn more in WGA's press release. 

CWSF Staff Updates

CWSF is committed to staff development and continued professional development opportunities for our employees.

• This month Caitlyn Pollihan, CWSF Executive Director, attended the ASAE: The Center for Association Leadership Executive Leadership Forum. This program included association executives from around North America and explored the forces shaping and reshaping the world of associations, including how to adapt to disruption. This annual event focuses on peer to peer learning and facilitated conversations with industry leaders.
• Grace Mirzeler, CWSF Member Services Associate, has been doing double duty as the NASF Foundation Photography Fellow this year. You can learn about her experiences in the field with our members here. 
• Sara Goodwin, CWSF Communications Director, participated in the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Institute for Organization Management this month. The Institute is comprised of four week-long sessions (over the course of four years) and is taught by university professors, industry leaders and practitioners in the association and chamber industries. The curriculum is focused around tools and best practices essential to nonprofit management.