Western Voice | Council of Western State Foresters

CWSF’s Western Voice blog helps you stay current on all the most important information related to forestry issues in the West.

Policy Update, August 2023

This month’s policy update highlights the fiscal year (FY) 2024 appropriations, the Farm Bill, efforts to increase federal wildland firefighters' pay, and a new Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for temporary bridges.

CWDG Opens for Second Round of Funding

On July 31, 2023, Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the opening of the second round of the Community Wildfire Defense Grant (CWDG) program. The grant process will be open for applications until October 31, 2023, at 11:59 p.m. EDT.

CWSF July 2023 Newsletter

The July 2023 edition of the CWSF newsletter is now available.

Forest to Frame Tour Highlights Mass Timber and Good Neighbor Authority

In June 2023, the CWSF Forest Products Committee and the Oregon Department of Forestry hosted a Forest to Frame tour focused on the connection between sustainable economic development, Mass Timber construction, and Good Neighbor Authority.

CWSF Welcomes Two New Staff

CWSF and WFLC welcomed two new staff members, Neil Simpson as Director of Policy and Leena Visnak as Competitive Grants Manager.

CWSF June 2023 Newsletter

The June 2023 edition of the CWSF newsletter is now available.

2023 Good Neighbor Authority Task Force Annual Meeting

The Good Neighbor Authority (GNA) Task Force convened for its first in-person annual meeting in beautiful Issaquah, Washington, from June 20-22, 2023.

CWSF May 2023 Newsletter

Read the May 2023 edition of the CWSF newsletter.

Meet a Forester, Thomas (Tom) Torres

This month, we are pleased to feature Thomas (Tom) Torres, State Forester for the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management.

CWSF April 2023 Newsletter

Read the April 2023 edition of the CWSF newsletter.

Welcome Message from the CWSF/WFLC Executive Director

Over the past month, Danielle Okst has been navigating her transition from Director of Policy to the Executive Director role.

Policy Update - March 2023

Read the March 2023 legislative and policy update.

CWSF March 2023 Newsletter

Read the March 2023 edition of the CWSF newsletter.

$197 Million Invested in State, Private, and Tribal Lands Through Community Wildfire Defense Grants

On March 20, 2023, Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the list of awarded proposals list for the fiscal year 2022 Community Wildfire Defense Grant program. Read our blog for a deeper look at the western process.

Policy Update - February 2023

Read the February 2023 legislative and policy update.