Joint Letters to USDA and DOI on 30x30

April 30, 2021 

SAF led an effort with our allied professional associations (Association of Consulting Foresters, The Wildlife Society, and Society for Range Management) to send letters to US Department of Agriculture and Department of the Interior leadership on the Biden Administration's goal of conserving at least 30 percent of the nation’s lands and waters by 2030 (30x30), as described in the Executive Order on Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad. The letter highlights the ongoing role our collective members will play in the ultimate success of the 30x30 initiative and urges the agencies to support policies that foster the ability of scientists and practitioners to create and implement management plans and activities that can adapt to changing conditions and needs.

Except from the USDA letter: 

"Through science-based, professional management, we can restore and enhance our nation’s lands and waters to better meet changing environmental, social, and economic needs. Keeping forests as forests and ensuring that they maintain quality habitat for fish and wildlife requires a holistic, all-lands approach to ecosystem health and resilience. One-size-fits-all approaches that do not reflect the unique needs and challenges across different landscapes and ownerships will not provide long-term solutions."

Click here to download and share the USDA letter.

Excerpt from the DOI letter:

"Forestry, wildlife, and rangelands professionals should continue to play a key role in decisions about the future of our nation’s forests and rangelands. As you continue to finetune this initiative, we encourage you to support policies that foster the ability of these scientists and practitioners to create and implement management plans and activities that can adapt to changing conditions and needs."

Click here to download and share the DOI letter.  

Letter on Private Forest Lands:

SAF also signed a letter led by the National Association of Forest Owners (NAFO) providing more detailed comments on the contributions of private forest lands. Signed by NAFO and 46 organizations, the letter highlights the positive contribution private working forests can make to enduring conservation outcomes, showing that working lands can be compatible with conservation goals. 

Click here to download and share the coalition letter.