Dennis Becker, Ph.D., NAUFRP President
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:
- 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
- Remaining Funds: The total annual McIntire-Stennis appropriation minus the aggregate base amounts for all states, where:
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- 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.
