Investment in State & Private Forests
Implementing a Generational Investment in State and Private Forests
Two recent pieces of legislation invested substantially in forestry, in particular through state forestry agencies, to implement a wide range of programs and priorities. These are the Infrastructure, Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) of 2021 and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) of 2022.
SGSF policy efforts are focused on making sure these investments make the greatest impact on the ground for our regions forests and forest owners, while our communications help tell the stories of the meaningful impacts of these funds. Some examples of the work being done with IIRA and IRA funding are:
- $200 million to state forestry agencies to implement the highest priorities in each state’s unique Forest Action Plan.
- A $1 billion Community Wildfire Defense Grant (CWDG) program to help communities plan and subsequently implement wildfire resilience and readiness projects.
- Funding to support state-run tree nurseries, seed orchards and tree improvement programs which are an essential piece to reforestation goals on lands of all ownerships.
- Investments in forest health priorities across the region, including early detection and rapid response (EDRR) and supporting underserved communities with targeted pest and disease treatments.
- Landowner assistance funding to support engagement in climate, carbon and forest resilience markets, especially for historically underserved landowners.
- $1.5 billion in urban and community forestry investments to support local communities in increasing tree canopy and reducing the impacts of extreme heat on underserved populations.
