Washington, D.C. - Forest stewardship has increased on America's family forests since the 2008 Farm Bill significantly increased forest owner access to conservation programs. The new study, Forest Conservation in 2009:  A Farm Bill Progress Report, from the American Forest Foundation was unveiled today at a briefing on Capitol Hill featuring national, state, and local forest leaders.
 
"Most Americans think our forests are owned by state and federal governments. But the greatest segment are actually owned by families and individuals," said Tom Martin, President and CEO of the American Forest Foundation (AFF).  "All Americans rely on these forests for clean water, clean air, carbon storage, recreation and the wood products we use every day. The 2008 Farm Bill was a strong beginning toward acknowledging these public benefits and investing in protecting them."   
 
"Unfortunately the threats to private forests in general, and family-owned in particular, have only accelerated so we need to continue to ensure that the necessary resources are provided to help family forest owners maintain healthy and productive forests," added Martin.
 

• Farm Bill programs helped 36,000 landowners conserve more than 1,019,000 acres of forest land just in 2009. 

• Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) funding for forest conservation activities increased by 134% since 2007. This is especially important since more than half of our nation receives its drinking water from forested landscapes.

• Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program (WHIP) funding increased 296% for forested habitats. Sixty percent of at-risk plant and animals rely on private forests for habitat.

• EQIP and WHIP together devoted over $40 million in 2009 - up from $14 millio n in 2007 - to practices like wildlife habitat improvement and thinning to reduce fire risk.

• The Forest Stewardship Program helped nearly 16,000 forest owners develop management plans that promote good stewardship and cover more than 2 million acres.

The study found that states vary significantly in their focus on forestry versus other land types, and the use of Farm Bill program resources for forests:

• States range from 71 % to 0.05 % of EQIP funding used for forestry.  

• Alaska, Alabama, Illinois, New Hampshire, and Ohio all top the list, spending more than 10% of their funding to forestry.

Participants at the briefing included, Jay Jensen, USDA Undersecretary for Natural Resources and Environment, Cara Boucher, Michigan state forester, Dr. Rob Parkes, vice-chair, Arkansas Forestry Commission, Lisa Parkes, Arkansas Tree Farmer, and Chuck Leavell, AFF Board member, Georgia Tree Farmer and member of the Rolling Stones.
 
Leavell, with his wife Rose Lane, owns 2,200 acres in Georgia, certified through the American Tree Farm System,® (ATFS), a program of AFF.  "When we inherited this land, I wondered how I would manage this and a busy tour schedule. But I soon learned I had an incredible passion for forests and this avocation has changed my life," said Leavell. "I am hoping that I can help raise awareness about the value of America's family-owned forests and why Farm Bill programs need to continue to provide the necessary resources to keep these forests, forests," added Leavell. 
 
The American Forest Foundation analyzed data provided by the NRCS, Farm Service Agency, and the U.S. Forest Service, regarding the implementation of conservation programs authorized in the 2008 Farm Bill.  They conducted interviews of family forest owners who have participated in one or more of the programs and are certified by ATFS.  Forest Conservation in 2009:  A Farm Bill Progress Report is available at www.forestfoundation.org.