On March 11, the National Association of State Foresters, the USDA Forest Service, the National Association of Conservation Districts, and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service renewed their shared commitment to coordinating delivery of conservation assistance to America’s forest landowners, farmers, and ranchers.
“The Joint Forestry Team (JFT) is made up of the top four conservation delivery organizations in the United States. When it comes to serving the American landowner, we have centuries of combined experience and the best of the best in conservation professionals,” said Lisa Allen, NASF president and Missouri state forester. “By working together in Washington, D.C., the JFT’s leadership helps to ensure that the millions of landowners our agencies and districts serve have greater access to the technical and financial resources they need to best manage their land, no matter where they live or what service office they contact first.”
“The enormous challenges we face today to improve conditions of America’s forests require an all hands-on deck approach to actively manage forests which provide benefits, including clean drinking water for over 68,000 communities, millions of recreational and job opportunities, as well as critical wildlife habitat,” said Forest Service Chief Vicki Christiansen. “JFT allows the Forest Service to coordinate with state forestry agencies, NRCS, and conservation districts to provide critically important conservation assistance to America’s landowners.”
“NACD is proud to contribute to the JFT’s mission of coordinated interagency delivery,” NACD President Tim Palmer said. “Since its inception more than a decade ago, the JFT has provided solutions for our nation’s forests and forestland owners.”
“Sustainable forestry practices benefit both forestry operations and natural resources,” said NRCS Chief Matthew Lohr. “Through partnerships, we’re able to better support the nation’s forest landowners through diverse resources and expertise. We are working together to help landowners manage for healthy forests, boost productivity, provide important wildlife habitat, and improve water and air quality.”
