Southern Group of State Foresters

Want a career that makes a real impact? As a Forest Health Specialist with a state forestry agency, you’ll safeguard forests from pests, diseases and environmental threats—ensuring these vital ecosystems thrive for generations. Join a mission-driven team, work in stunning environments and make a difference in the health of our environment. Find your perfect fit at https://lnkd.in/eJu3iGFJ #ForestryCareers #SouthernForests

WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT! Disasters like hurricanes and wildfires devastate private forest landowners, who lack the recovery programs they need. Healthy private forests are essential to the environment and economy - but we need your help to safeguard their public benefits. Reach out to your congressional representatives and let them know this matters to you! We’re calling on lawmakers to: ? Approve $1.38B in disaster recovery block grants. ? Provide $101M for states to deliver Cooperative Forestry Assistance disaster support. ? Pass the Disaster Reforestation Act. ? Support the Forest Products Supply Chain post-disaster. ? Provide $15 million through for increased costs associated with post-disaster assessments and other research needs. ? Enhance the Emergency Forest Restoration Program and improve its efficacy. ? Deliver funding through FEMA to support hazard tree removal in beetle-impacted communities, including along roads, rights-of-way and adjacent to structures. #DisasterRecovery

One of the biggest challenges we face in the South is the rapid expansion of the Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) - where homes and communities meet wildlands, creating a critical zone of heightened wildfire risk. Fighting wildfires in the WUI is more challenging and dangerous for wildland firefighters due to the combination of natural vegetation and human-made materials like homes and vehicles, which can lead to unpredictable fire behavior, increasing the risk of injury, equipment damage and entrapment for firefighters.

New Insights on Southern Forest Markets! ?? A new report from the Southern Forest Outlook is out, shedding light on how technology and trade trends are shaping the forest product markets in the South: ?? The South is projected to remain a net exporter of forest products, driving growth across the region. ?? Industrial roundwood prices are expected to rise, reversing recent declines. ??? Widespread use of mass timber could significantly strengthen the southern softwood market. ?? Additional trade barriers could boost softwood exports but potentially reduce hardwood exports. ?? Wood pellet production is set to increase in the South, creating more opportunities across the board. Dive into the full report for an in-depth look at the trends impacting Southern forests at https://bit.ly/4eunxSU. #SouthernForestry #ForestProducts #MassTimber #WoodPellets #ForestEconomy #SustainableForestry U.S. Forest Service

Ready for a career with adventure and purpose? Consider becoming a Wildland Firefighter with a state forestry agency??! This role is more than just a job—it’s a way to be part of something bigger! Why Choose a Career as a Wildland Firefighter? ?? Adventure & Purpose: Spend your days outdoors, protecting communities and natural areas. ?? Job Stability: Work with a state agency that offers reliable employment and support. ?? Health Insurance & Benefits: Enjoy comprehensive health insurance and other valuable benefits. ?? Training & Growth: Receive quality training and opportunities to grow in your career. ?? Community & Camaraderie: Join a close-knit team working together in high-stakes situations. ?? Environmental Impact: Play a critical role in wildland fire management and forest stewardship. Learn more at https://lnkd.in/er6XETEU.

NEW BLOG: https://bit.ly/3YBMHZO From carbon credits and renewable energy to sustainable construction and ecosystem services, innovative forest markets help create economic value while supporting environmental sustainability. These markets empower landowners to harness the benefits of their forests in ways that protect and preserve them for future generations. #forestmarkets #southernforests #keepingforests #forestproud

This Veterans Day, we honor all who have served and sacrificed for our country, and we offer a special thank you to the veterans working within our state forestry agencies and among our partners. Your service to our nation continues each day as you help to conserve, protect and enhance our forests, communities and natural resources. We are grateful for your dedication and the invaluable contributions you have made and continue to make. Thank you, veterans! #VeteransDay

?? As the United Nations highlights global climate solutions this week during COP29, we highlight our southern working forests as powerful tools in the fight against climate change. Through sustainable harvesting and replanting, these forests sequester carbon efficiently, absorbing CO? and locking it away in forest products. With nearly 245 million acres of forestland, the South’s working forests play a critical role in capturing emissions, supporting biodiversity, and providing renewable resources for a sustainable future. #COP29 #ClimateSolutions #WorkingForests #SouthernForests

This year’s hurricanes have brought serious challenges to our southern timberlands. For landowners navigating storm impacts, resources are available to help assess damage, find financial support options, and plan for recovery. Check out our Disaster Response Resources at https://bit.ly/3O0n545 for practical guidance on moving forward. #HurricaneRecovery #LandownerSupport #SouthernForests

?? Why do we prioritize science-backed decision-making? Because it’s the key to creating sustainable solutions that adapt to our region’s unique challenges. Scientifically sound data allows us to understand forest health trends, predict wildfire risks, support biodiversity and ensure that our policies meet the evolving needs of our communities and environment. Our commitment to data-driven advocacy means that we’re not just conserving forests—we’re making informed choices that benefit people, wildlife and our shared future. #Sustainability #SouthernForests #keepingforests #forestproud