About NAFO

History

In mid-2007, a group of private forest owners began discussing the specific and growing needs of the forest owner industry related to awareness and advocacy on Capitol Hill. The group formed a steering committee to assess the potential of a national association focused on forest owners, and by late 2007, had formed the structure and leadership of the National Alliance of Forest Owners (NAFO).

NAFO officially incorporated in March 2008 and is currently working on a defined policy agenda to promote legislative and market policies that will enhance the economic and environmental value of the forests.

Mission

The National Alliance of Forest Owners (NAFO) will protect and enhance the economic and environmental values of privately-owned forests through targeted policy advocacy at the national level.

Operating Principles

NAFO has been formed as a lean and nimble organization, focused on the U.S. industry of private forest owners/managers and their business needs. NAFO will strive to effectively influence and direct private forest policy by providing timely and relevant information, education and lobbying to policy-makers. We will develop strategic alliances where it is in the best interest of the organization, either from an efficiency or leveraged expertise standpoint. We strongly believe we will provide the greatest service and resources to our members by maintaining a top quality staff and volunteer commitment.

NAFO members own or manage over 79 million acres of private forests in 47 states, including: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.