Graduations are right around the corner, and faculty are busying themselves with summer field planning. April showers also bring changes at the federal level that affects NAUFRP and our programs. I’ll start with what’s happening with our capacity funds.

Federal Budgets

Today, the FY27 Ag Appropriations Bill report was marked up in full Committee markup. I’m happy to report that our capacity programs are recommended for flat funding at $38M for McIntire-Stennis, and $4M for Renewable Resources Extension Act. While not the amounts we requested to account for inflation over the past several years, we’ll count this as a win. Contact Diomy Zamora in the NIFA national office if you have questions about your McIntire-Stennis award.

Forest Service Reorganization

USDA Secretary Rollins announced the reorganization of the Forest Service in late March. I’ve talked with several of you, and you’re no doubt talking with your Forest Service colleagues about how these changes will affect R&D. If your local Forest Service Lab or office is slated for closure, or has not yet been announced, I encourage you contact your regional Station Director to discuss how you may be able support those scientists. Maybe you’re able to co-locate them in your building. Maybe they can teach a class or serve on graduate student committees. Or maybe you have shared space and equipment that needs to be retained. The opportunities will vary by location, but our institutions can offer creative solutions to continue this important work with our federal partners. Station Directors are expecting your outreach. Contact me if you need help connecting with them or would like to discuss ideas.

NAUFRP Announcements

In other news, I’m pleased to announce that nominations are being accepted for the annual Family Forests Education Award and the Dr. Yeon-Su Kim Champion Award. The nomination process and criteria can be found in the attachments. Nominations for both programs are due by June 15, 2026. Winners will be announced at the NAUFRP General Assembly meeting in Tacoma, WA on October 6th. Nominations and questions should be directed to Terri Bates, NAUFRP Executive Liaison.

Thank you to all who completed the APLU capacity survey. This information is important to building our narrative around the value of federal capacity programs like McIntire-Stennis and the Renewable Resources Extension Act. Attached is a one-pager you can use to describe the value of NAUFRP and the McIntire-Stennis program.

A call for nominations to serve on the NAUFPR executive leadership team and subcommittees will soon be announced. Please consider serving. Your voice is important to our collective strength.

We look forward to seeing you in Tacoma in early October at the SAF National Convention. NAUFRP meetings will take place Monday afternoon, October 5 through Tuesday, October 6. Stay tuned for information on planned activities, including a new program this year focusing on academic leadership training. The joint SAF-NAUFRP leadership reception will take place Monday evening, October 5, location TBD.

Thank you for your commitment and leadership. More updates to come!

Presented by the
National Woodland Owners Association
and the
National Association of University Forest Resources Programs

The National Woodland Owners Association (NWOA) in cooperation with the National Association of University Forest Resources Programs (NAUFRP) will present the annual FAMILY FORESTS EDUCATION AWARDS at the 2026 NAUFRP Annual Meeting associated with the 2026 Society of American Foresters (SAF) National Convention in Tacoma, WA, October 6-9, 2026. Deadline for submission of awards, including all supplemental documentation is June 15^th, 2026.

2025 Winners –

The University of Minnesota Extension Forestry Program was recognized for its innovative, science-based leadership in climate adaptation through its comprehensive Climate-Ready Woodlands (CRW) initiative. The program translates complex climate modeling into practical, region-specific guidance for landowners, including more than 30 native plant and tree lists tailored to 11 ecological regions to support forest resilience over the next 50–100 years. With a documented 95% adoption rate of recommendations among participants and measurable policy impact, including influence on state invasive species statute, the program demonstrates exceptional engagement, applied research integration, and lasting impact through its hybrid Woodland Steward training model.

Purdue University’s FNR Extension Family Forest Education Program was honored for its expansive reach, deep integration of long-term research, and commitment to workforce development. The Program incorporates findings from the 100-year Hardwood Ecosystem Experiment (HEE) into accessible educational programming, delivering unbiased, real-time data to landowners on key management issues such as oak and hickory regeneration and wildlife response to timber harvest. Impacting more than 57,000 acres and engaging tens of thousands of landowners, Purdue’s program also stands out for formally embedding Extension training into undergraduate and graduate curricula, strengthening both the hardwood industry and the next generation of forestry professionals.

AWARD DESCRIPTIONS

The Comprehensive Program and Individual Project awards are awarded to educational institutions deemed to have delivered programming most benefiting family forest owners over the last five years. Any educational institution is eligible. Awards will be presented to the administrative unit originating and hosting the programming. A family forest educational comprehensive program or individual project is a combination of educational materials, media, courses, workshops, events and/or electronic media including applied research that supports those efforts, for the benefit of family forest owners. The awards recognize effective programming addressing any or all aspects of forest resources management including forest management, silviculture, forest health, harvesting, forest and estate planning, business management and marketing.

CATEGORIES and SCORING

Nominations will be accepted for two categories:

• Individual Project that addresses a specific family forest issue or problem and can include specialized courses, workshops, webpages and resources, materials, etc.
• Comprehensive Program includes a broad educational effort to address a diverse array of family forest issues and program using a wide range of educational approaches and programs.

Nominations will be evaluated using the following criteria:

1. Faculty and staff involved (including number and multi-disciplinary involvement)
2. Educational needs assessment (including involvement of clients)
3. Educational materials, events, and other resources used
4. Applied research incorporated
5. Collaborations among disciplines, agencies, and organizations
6. Results, impacts, or outcomes
7. Evidence of program quality
8. Degree of innovation
9. Emulation of the program by others

APPLICATIONS _______________________________________________________  

Applications must:

• include a cover letter describing how the applicant has addressed each of the scoring criteria
• at the beginning of the cover letter designate whether the nomination is for the Comprehensive Program or Individual Project
• provide supporting documentation and materials.

A committee composed of NAUFRP Extension professionals will select the winner based on an evaluation of how each of the 9 criteria above has been met.

The deadline for receiving all materials is June 15, 2026.

Submissions can be electronic or hardcopy materials. If providing only hardcopy materials, please provide at least five sets.

SUBMISSIONS _______________________________________________________  

All nominations should be submitted via email to: naufrp@verizon.net . Attach materials to the email or provide arrangement for document sharing. If document sharing is required, the applicant must arrange a document sharing platform that can be accessed by NAUFRP staff and those appointed to score applications.

If submissions cannot be provided electronically provide five hardcopies, postmarked by the deadline to:

NAUFRP-NWOA 2022 Family Forest Education Award

c/o Terri Bates, NAUFRP Executive Liaison

P.O. Box 2004

Falls Church, VA 22042

For further information contact Terri Bates, (703) 538-1134

Presented by the

National Association of University Forest Resources Programs

The National Association of University Forest Resources Programs (NAUFRP) will present the first annual Dr. Yeon-Su Kim Champion Award at the 2026 NAUFRP Annual meeting in Tacoma, Washington, October 6, 2026, in association with the 2026 Society of American Foresters national convention.

The award embodies the spirit of Dr. Yeon-Su Kim and other champions of access and engagement who have made lasting, significant impacts in forestry and natural resources education.

Please see below for information on the award, application process, and requirements.

AWARD DESCRIPTION

This Award is to honor an individual, a program, or an organization that has demonstrated sustained dedication to promote engagement, a sense of belonging, and achievement in broader access at the NAUFRP member organizations and beyond.

AWARD CRITERIA

The Award is intended to recognize sustained impact and leadership towards promoting engagement, a sense of belonging, and achievement in broader access to forestry and natural resources.

Examples of efforts that merit nomination of this award:

• Developing effective partnerships to jointly implement related efforts.
• Organizing impactful and supportive training and events.
• Helping others to navigate in ever evolving and sometimes challenging spaces.
• Facing adverse situations with equanimity and displaying resilience in trying times.
• Integrating different perspectives and transforming conflict into collaboration and cooperation to work towards a common goal.
• Motivating others and leveraging differences to promote innovation.
• Working tirelessly to create a safe and unbiased working environment.
• Modeling state-of-the-art recruiting, mentoring, and support of access to enhance engagement and a sense of belonging.
• Translating a vision of access and engagement into achievable milestones and communicating them effectively.

AWARD ELIGIBILITY

Individuals or organizations that are affiliated with a NAUFRP institution. Self-nominations are

accepted.

NOMINATION REQUIREMENTS

Nominations must include:

• a cover letter describing how the nominee has addressed the award criteria
• an additional letter of support for the nomination
• supporting documentation demonstrating the impact of the efforts.

A committee composed of four members will evaluate the nominations and select a winner.

SUBMISSIONS

All nominations should be submitted via email to naufrp@verizon.net. Attach materials to the email or provide arrangements for document sharing. If document sharing is required, the applicant must arrange a document sharing platform that can be accessed by NAUFRP staff and those appointed to evaluate the nominations.

The deadline for receiving all allocation materials is June 15, 2026.

AWARD PRESENTATION

The award will be presented to the awardee (or a representative of a program or organization) at the NAUFRP General Assembly on October 6, 2026, in person or virtually.

The award includes an award plaque, $1,000 cash prize, plus travel support for the awardee to attend the NAUFRP General Assembly.

In Memoriam of Yeon-Su Kim

Yeon-Su Kim was the Executive Director of the School of Forestry at Northern Arizona University (NAU) and a valuable member of the NAUFRP Executive Committee when she passed away tragically in November 2022. Yeon-Su was a social scientist who studied how ecosystem services that forests provide could be valued in economic terms. Growing up in Seoul, South Korea, she learned to communicate values of forest conservation to people with different perspectives. Yeon-Su earned a Ph.D. in Forest Resources from Oregon State University and began her academic career at NAU in 1998, where she promoted access and engagement in forestry education. As Executive Director, she recognized the value of different backgrounds, identities, and experiences in the faculty and students whom she oversaw and what they could bring to forestry and natural resource education and future workforce.

The NAUFRP Executive Committee is planning to meet March 10-11, 2026 in Washington, D.C.  The meeting on the 10th will be a full day and the 11th a half day (adjourning by noon).

Hotel rooms are being blocked at the Hotel Lombardy 2019 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C. 20006.

The meeting will be held at the office of Randy Nuckolls, NAUFRP General Counsel, at 1900 K Street (entrance on the lobby level at Dentons).

All NAUFRP Representatives are welcome to attend.  Please contact Terri Bates at staffNAUFRP@gmail.com if you have any questions.  More information will be posted at a later date.

HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT – October 22 – The University of Minnesota Extension Forestry Program and Purdue University’s FNR Extension Family Forest Education Program have been named co-winners of the prestigious NAUFRP-NWOA Family Forests Comprehensive Education Program Award, the nation’s top honor for forestry Extension programming.

The award, co-sponsored by the National Association of University Forest Resources Programs (NAUFRP) and the National Woodland Owners Association (NWOA) for over 25 years, recognizes superior performance across nine rigorous criteria, celebrating the historic co-win as a dual standard of excellence for the profession.

• Faculty involved (including number and multi-disciplinary involvement)
• Educational needs assessment (including involvement of clients)
• Educational materials, events, and other resources used
• Applied research incorporated
• Collaborations among disciplines, agencies, and organizations
• Results, impacts, or outcomes
• Evidence of program quality
• Degree of innovation
• Emulation of the program by others

Extension Chair Bill Hubbard, who oversaw the competition which included three additional nationally respected judges provided comment: “After a thorough review by our three judges and myself, the Committee determined that both the University of Minnesota and Purdue University programs demonstrated such profound and differentiated excellence across the nine core criteria that it was decided to recognize them both.”

---

The Winning Nominations: Innovation and Impact

The two co-winners were recognized for their uniquely powerful models of engagement, grounded in cutting-edge research:

University of Minnesota Extension Forestry Program: Climate Adaptation Leader – Eli Sagor, Anna Stockstad and Lane Moser.

The Minnesota program was lauded for its forward-thinking, science-based approach to long-term forest health, specifically through its comprehensive educational initiatives:

• Climate-Ready Woodlands (CRW) Initiative: This flagship component translates complex climate modeling into practical advice, providing over 30 region-specific native plant and tree lists for 11 distinct ecological regions. These lists help landowners select resilient species predicted to thrive 50-100 years into the future.
• Actionable Impact: The program has successfully documented a 95% adoption rate among course participants for its recommendations and influenced a change in state statute related to invasive species management.
• Minnesota Woodland Steward Program: This high-engagement, hybrid training utilizes self-paced online modules alongside in-person field tours to ensure deep, lasting knowledge transfer to participants.

 

Purdue University FNR Extension: Research-Driven Scale – Zhao Ma and Mike Saunders.

Purdue’s program was honored for its massive scale, its deep connection to a long-term research asset, and its commitment to building future workforce capacity:

• HEE Integration: The program directly integrates findings from the Hardwood Ecosystem Experiment (HEE)—a 100-year research study—into its curriculum, providing landowners with unbiased, real-time data on management issues like oak/hickory regeneration and wildlife response to timber harvest
• Economic & Ecological Scale: The program supports the multibillion dollar hardwood industry by having an impact on over 57,000 acres and engaging a network of tens of thousands of landowners through its extensive publications.
• Curricular Innovation: Purdue was recognized for its pioneering move to formally incorporate Extension traininginto its undergraduate and graduate curricula, ensuring the next generation of forestry professionals is equipped with crucial outreach skills.

I am looking forward to seeing you in a few weeks for the NAUFRP General Assembly Meeting at the SAF National Convention in Hartford, CT.

In the morning, we will focus on national research priorities and policy updates. We will also vote on a committee name change in our bylaws. The afternoon session, including lunch

presentations, will focus on developing regional action plans. And as time allows, we will host an open feedback session to hear from the many deans and directors from around the country on topics you would like NAUFRP to focus on.

NAUFRP representatives are also welcome to join the Executive Committee meeting on Tuesday, October 21st (9:00-4:30) in the same location.

McIntire-Stennis

We have received a number of inquiries from NAUFRP members about a request this week from USDA to provide the total investment in forestry research with non-federal funds in federal FY 2024 (October 1, 2023 – September 30, 2024). The message was sent to institutions/ATRs who receive M-S funding. We’re working with our NIFA partners to understand the nature of this request and if it will be used in the upcoming M-S formula funding calculation.

As a refresher, M-S funds are allocated to member institutions on an annual basis using this formula:

1. State Allocation = Base Funds + Remaining Funds (0.40×A+0.40×B+0.20×C), where Base Funds: fixed amount of $25,000 distributed equally to each state
2. Remaining Funds: The total annual McIntire-Stennis appropriation minus the aggregate base amounts for all states, where:

• • A (Commercial Forestland): the state’s share of the nation’s total non-federal commercial forestland area (40%);
  • B (Timber Cut): the state’s share of the nation’s total annual volume of timber removed from growing stock (40%); and
  • C (Research Expenditures): the state’s share of the nation’s total non-federal expenditures on forestry research (20%).

While the pending federal government shutdown could impact the October 10 deadline, my recommendation until we hear otherwise is to do your best in aggregating your non-federal forestry research expenditures for federal FY 2024.

NAUFRP Website Update

The NAUFRP website is undergoing a much-needed refresh. The new version will launch soon with improved functionality and accessibility to better promote our collective work. I hope to share more at the upcoming General Assembly meeting in Hartford, CT.

I look forward to seeing you in Hartford and discussing these and the many other updates and issues affecting forestry and natural resource programs around the country.

It would be an understatement to say that it has been an eventful spring. Despite the challenges, we remain steadfast in our mission and continue the important work of the organization. The following are a few key updates and upcoming actions in lieu of the spring NAUFRP newsletter.

McIntire-Stennis Allocations

The second quarter McIntire-Stennis allocations were distributed to member institutions in late March. The funding levels from Q1 and Q2 appear to reflect pre-Continuing Resolution (CR) calculations. We have confirmed through APLU that the CR, which passed on March 15, is intended to fully fund McIntire-Stennis at the FY24 level. NIFA Q3 guidance is forthcoming.

For those following President Trump’s skinny budget, you saw the proposed cut to NIFA of $602M with priority to competitive programs over formula funding for McIntire-Stennis and other capacity programs. This is due in part to the misperception that capacity programs are being used to subvert the President’s Executive Order on DEI Programs and Preferencing. There is also a lack of awareness for what McIntire-Stennis does fund, like reducing the impact of wildfires on public and private forestlands, developing new forest products, and the many other ways we provide benefit to our states and local communities. I encourage you to work with your university’s government affairs office to share the impact of your McIntire-Stennis projects.

Now would be a good time to update those one-page project summaries. House members are especially interested in hearing about impacts to their districts. Senate members will be more interested in hearing about statewide impacts.

NAUFRP leadership will continue to work with our Washington Counsel, Randy Nuckolls, and with APLU to advocate for our McIntire-Stennis appropriation.

NAUFRP Website Update

The NAUFRP website continues to experience some technical difficulties that we are working to resolve. We are also looking for a new contractor to help rebuild and modernize the website to better reflect and promote our collective work. I welcome your ideas and offers of help for this reboot. A big thank you to Michigan Technological University for agreeing to host the site.

America’s family forest owners control 39% of our nation’s forestland—290 million acres that provide clean water, wildlife habitat, recreation opportunities, and timber resources. Educating these stewards about sustainable forest management isn’t just important; it’s essential for our environmental and economic future.

That’s why NAUFRP has partnered with the National Woodland Owners Association (NWOA) to recognize outstanding university programs that excel in family forest education through the annual Family Forest Education Award. This prestigious honor celebrates innovative approaches to reaching and teaching the millions of Americans who own forestland.

The award acknowledges programs that go beyond traditional classroom instruction to meet landowners where they are. Whether through innovative extension workshops, digital learning platforms, hands-on field demonstrations, or collaborative partnerships with local organizations, winning programs demonstrate measurable impact in helping family forest owners make informed management decisions.

Past recipients have pioneered creative solutions to common challenges: reaching underserved landowner populations, addressing climate adaptation concerns, connecting owners with professional foresters, and helping families plan for intergenerational land transfer. These programs prove that effective education transforms not just individual properties but entire landscapes.

Universities have until August 21, 2025 to submit nominations showcasing their family forest education initiatives. The winning program will receive national recognition at NAUFRP’s annual meeting and serve as a model for institutions nationwide.

Does your university run an exceptional family forest education program? Consider nominating your team’s work. Because when we empower family forest owners with knowledge and resources, we strengthen the future of all America’s forests.

The South’s forests tell a unique story. From the pine plantations of the Coastal Plain to the diverse hardwood ecosystems of Appalachia, this region produces more timber than any other while supporting unparalleled biodiversity and providing critical ecosystem services to millions. On June 4, forestry educators from across the Southern region will gather for the annual Southern NAUFRP meeting to ensure our universities continue preparing professionals capable of managing these vital resources.

Southern NAUFRP represents forestry programs from Virginia to Texas, encompassing the nation’s most productive forest landscapes and its most complex management challenges. With 245 million acres of forestland—87% privately owned—the South faces distinct pressures: rapid urbanization, changing markets, invasive species, and increasingly severe weather events. Our universities must adapt their programs to prepare students for these evolving realities.

This year’s regional meeting promises robust discussions on critical topics shaping forestry education across the South. Deans and directors will share innovative approaches to student recruitment in an increasingly competitive environment. Faculty will discuss emerging research priorities, from carbon markets to prescribed fire management. Extension specialists will explore new models for reaching the region’s 5 million forest landowners, many of whom have never engaged with professional forestry services.

The meeting also provides a crucial forum for coordinating advocacy efforts. With several Southern states hosting both land-grant universities and renowned forestry schools, regional collaboration strengthens our collective voice in Washington. Attendees will strategize on securing continued federal support for programs particularly vital to the South, including research on forest productivity, wildfire management, and climate adaptation.

Perhaps most importantly, these regional gatherings foster the peer-to-peer learning that strengthens individual programs. Whether sharing successful diversity recruitment strategies, comparing curriculum innovations, or troubleshooting common administrative challenges, Southern forestry educators benefit from their colleagues’ experiences.

The South’s forests face an uncertain future, but one thing remains clear: strong university programs are essential for training the professionals who will guide these landscapes through coming challenges. The June 4 Southern NAUFRP meeting represents another step in that vital mission.

For meeting location, agenda, and registration details, contact your institution’s NAUFRP representative.

As Congress debates the next Farm Bill and federal agencies set research priorities for the coming years, NAUFRP’s Executive Committee will convene in Washington, D.C. on March 5-6 for its pivotal spring meeting. This strategic gathering comes at a crucial time for forestry education funding and policy.

The two-day agenda reflects the breadth of NAUFRP’s advocacy mission. Committee members will engage directly with key federal partners, including representatives from USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) and Forest Service Research & Development leadership. These face-to-face discussions are essential for maintaining strong relationships with the agencies that fund university forestry research and extension programs.

A significant focus will be on federal appropriations and the Farm Bill, with committee members reviewing the latest developments in McIntire-Stennis funding, the Renewable Resources Extension Act (RREA), and other critical programs. With federal budgets under constant scrutiny, NAUFRP’s presence in Washington ensures that forestry education maintains visibility among policymakers.

The committee will also tackle internal priorities that strengthen the association’s effectiveness. Regional chairs will report on activities across their areas, from the Southern forests to the Pacific Northwest. Committee chairs for Education, Research, Extension, and Diversity will share progress on initiatives that directly benefit member institutions. Plans for the upcoming General Assembly in Sacramento will take shape, ensuring another successful annual gathering.

Perhaps most importantly, the meeting includes dedicated time for strategic planning. As universities face evolving challenges—from enrollment pressures to research funding competition—NAUFRP’s leadership must chart a course that serves all 80 member institutions effectively.

This Executive Committee meeting exemplifies NAUFRP’s dual mission: maintaining a strong advocacy presence in Washington while fostering collaboration among member universities. The decisions made and relationships strengthened during these two days will influence forestry education nationwide for months to come.

NAUFRP members will receive detailed updates following the Executive Committee meeting. For more information about NAUFRP’s advocacy efforts, contact Randy Nuckolls, Washington Counsel.