Just over 3% of the @USDA @forestservice discretionary budget flows to state forestry programs, yet that investment powers 400K jobs and fuels $250B in economic impact. Continued federal support is essential to keep these programs strong. Learn more:

Across the South, outdoor recreation fuels more than fun. It powers rural economies. From state forests to family woodlands, healthy forests support jobs, access & local growth. #SouthernForests #economy #RuralJobs #OutdoorRecreation

🇺🇸 This #FourthofJuly, we reflect on what it means to serve our communities and protect what we hold dear. At SGSF, we recognize that freedom comes with responsibility. Today we remember that true strength lies in service to something greater than ourselves. 🌲

Today is #NationalWildlandFirefighterDay! 🔥 From GA’s longleaf pines to LA’s cypress swamps, Southern fire crews protect us all. TX & FL teams are even on the fire lines in Alaska right now. Thank you for always answering the call🌲💪.#SouthernFirefighters #Heroes #WildlandFire

BLOG: 30-July 6 marks Wildland Firefighter Week of Remembrance. This year's observance comes in the shadow of losing two firefighters in Idaho. We honor and remember all those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Southern forestry is a leading example of non-regulatory conservation—powered by strong state leadership, landowner incentives, and trusted partnerships. Continued federal support keeps forests, communities, and the economy thriving.

The 1978 Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act created a shared approach to forest management across boundaries. In the South, where nearly 90% of forests are privately owned, this partnership remains key to supporting healthy, working forests.

The South makes up less than 1/3 of U.S. land but drives more than $251B in forestry impact & produces 90%+ of U.S. timber. Continued federal investment in Southern Forestry means more jobs, stronger infrastructure and a thriving forest economy.

Continued federal investment in State, Private & Tribal Forestry ensures that states can carry out essential forestry programs, support private landowners and deliver the national outcomes all Americans depend on.

READ: SGSF welcomes the Trump Admin's emphasis on empowering state & local leadership in wildfire response. Southern states & partners have long delivered proactive, proven & community-focused strategies based on decades of on-the-ground experience. @POTUS

The results are in! At this year’s SGSF Awards Ceremony in Biloxi, we celebrated the individuals and teams who are moving Southern forestry forward through excellence in innovation, leadership and service. See who took home top honors:

It's Air Quality Awareness Week, and today’s spotlight is on wildland fire and smoke — a critical topic for land and fire managers across the South. Fire & Smoke Map: Health guidance and outreach tools at: . #AQAW2025

Happy Arbor Day! By planting and managing trees responsibly, we’re helping forests thrive for generations to come, balancing the needs of people, the environment and the economy through active stewardship. Learn more at #ArborDay #SouthernForests

Wishing you all a peaceful and joyful Easter. May your day be filled with fresh air, warm sunshine and time with the people who make you feel most at home. From all of us at the Southern Group of State Foresters, #HappyEaster

PLANT TREES: National Arbor Day is just a week away! 🌳 In the South, trees are more than just part of the scenery - they're vital to our environment, economy and way of life.

Across the South, more and more homes are being built right next to forests. It’s a beautiful place to live—but it also means forest management and community planning need to work hand in hand. Learn more at:

🌿 April is #KeepAmericaBeautiful Month – and in the South, that means working with private landowners to keep forests healthy and resilient. Local efforts drive broad impact—from clean water to reduced wildfire risk. #SouthernForests #SGSF #ForestStewardship

READ: When wildfires push local crews to their limit, southern states and partners step up to send help where it’s needed most. From dozers to full incident teams, these deployments are built on trust, coordination and a deep commitment to one another.

🔥 Wildfire conditions are intensifying across the South, and our member states are stepping up to support each other. Learn more at @OKForestService

Southeastern Compact activated to support South Carolina wildfires 🔥.Read more about this critical wildfire support effort: @ForestryCommish