The Forest Health Committee (FHC) establishes a platform for communication and collaboration between western states, the USDA Forest Service, and forestry partners. The FHC creates opportunities to leverage and share resources, expand the transfer of technology, and cooperate on shared goals and initiatives, including multi-state competitive grant applications.

The FHC was formed in 2023 with the permission and support of the Council of Western State Foresters (CWSF) to serve as a forum to share information, cooperate on program delivery, and advance forest health in the western United States and Pacific Islands. It provides a structure for ongoing communication between western states and between states and partners. The FHC creates opportunities to leverage and share resources, expand technical transfer, and cooperate on common goals and other efforts such as multi-state competitive grant applications.

This FHC is prepared to address emerging and ongoing forest health issues at the state, regional, and national levels and to serve as an expert resource for CWSF and the National Association of State Foresters (NASF). Bringing together the skills, talents, experience, and passion of western forestry professionals strengthens every state and helps them better serve the public.

Membership

Membership of the committee consists of a representative from those CWSF member states and Pacific Islands that have opted in. Appointments are made on a voluntary basis by western State Foresters. Western Forest Service Forest Health experts join FHC calls on a periodic basis. 

Leadership

The committee is led by a leadership team and rotates annually among member states to ensure the widest diversity of expertise and representation. The 2024 leadership team includes: 

  • Chair: Aly McAlexander (AZ)
  • Vice Chair: Ryan Rastock (KS)
  • Secretary: Harrison Brookes (WY)
  • Past Chair: Vacant until 2024/2025
  • State Forester Advisor: Marcus Warnke (SD)
  • CWSF Staff Liaison: Kelsey Delaney

Work Plan 

Each year, the committee produces a report for the CWSF Fall Meeting. This report highlights key accomplishments from the past year and a look at work for the year ahead. Recent reports are featured below:

Contact

If you wish to contact a member of the Forest Health Committee, please contact Kelsey Delaney.