The requested funding for cooperative forestry for CO-stewardship will support subject matter experts, projects, and targeted messaging that aligns state efforts with administration priorities

The U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service awarded the National Association of State Foresters (NASF) a $1 million Project Grant on August 28, 2025, under the Cooperative Forestry Assistance program (CFDA 10.664). The grant funds a comprehensive Cooperative Forestry for Co-Stewardship initiative designed to support subject matter experts, targeted projects, and strategic messaging that align state forestry efforts with federal administration priorities through September 30, 2028. This program leverages state and private resources to enhance mission-critical outcomes for state foresters and the USDA Forest Service by building national capacity and efficiency in managing working forests, improving forest health, and increasing timber production across non-federal forest lands.

The funded initiative capitalizes on the expertise and local knowledge of state forestry agencies to advance forest resource management and conservation on the approximately 500 million acres of non-federal forest land across the United States. By coordinating state-level forestry initiatives and providing strategic coordination and support, NASF delivers critical services that strengthen partnerships between federal and state entities, enhance forest stewardship capabilities, and support sustainable management practices that benefit rural communities and forest health outcomes nationwide.

Cooperative forestry for CO-stewardship is a comprehensive program of work that leverages state and private resources to enhance mission critical outcomes for state foresters and the USDA forest service. This will enhance national capacity and efficiency for managing working forests, enhancing forest health, and increasing timber production by leveraging the resources, expertise, and local knowledge of state forestry agencies.