Advocacy & Policy

“Government policies must make it easier for landowners to continue to maintain their forests as forests.” USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack, America's Great Outdoors 2010 listening session

If America's forest legacy is to continue, government policies must address the many challenges facing private forest owners who own most of America's forests.  We owe a lot to America's family forest owners. Their stewardship helps provide all Americans with clean air, clean water, the wood products we use every day, places to hunt and fish, hike and find solace.

Family forest owners need tools to keep their forests healthy, and government policies can help or hinder their ability to do right by their land.  The American Forest Foundation advocates on behalf of Tree Farmers in the American Tree Farm System, who are managing nearly 26 million acres of forest land.  AFF also works to ensure more woodland owners are engaged in stewardship activities.

Even if we protect our forests today it will not mean much if we lose them tomorrow, which is why the growing disconnect between children and nature so concerns us.  And it's  why AFF advocates for environmental education funding to ensure that the next generation is well prepared for the future they will inherit. If you care about America's forests and want to ensure environmental education for every child, please join us in our efforts.

Take Action

• Join the Family Forest Action Network
  Family forest advocates and Tree Farmers are committed to fighting for policies that ensure family forest owners have the tools they need to keep their forests healthy and productive and to protect America's forest heritage.
• Learn more about our policy priorities
• Register for the March 2012 fly-in
  Join us and make your voice heard in Washington, D.C.