By Bill Whitacre // Executive Director, Forest-Climate Working Group
Tuesday, April 22 marks the 55th celebration of Earth Day — a powerful reminder of the importance of protecting our planet for future generations. Earth Day is also a chance to honor those who do this work every day, especially within communities like the Sustainable Forestry and African American Land Retention Network. Stewarding land and natural resources isn’t a solo job — it takes strong partnerships, shared knowledge and collective action. That’s exactly what the SFLR Network embodies.
One of SFLR’s key partnerships is with the Forest-Climate Working Group (FCWG), a national coalition focused on one powerful idea: forests and forest products are essential climate solutions. FCWG is the largest and most diverse forest-sector group working at the federal level to support policies that help forests — and forest landowners — thrive while combating climate change
This coalition includes a wide range of voices — landowners, conservationists, forest product companies, scientists, government leaders, and others — all working together to elevate the role of forests in climate policy. And private forest owners like those in the SFLR Network are a key part of our mission.
Policy Priorities for Landowners
FCWG’s newly released Policy Platform outlines the kinds of federal support that can directly benefit landowners like you. Here are a few highlights:
- Tax incentives that make it easier to maintain and expand your forestland;
- Wildfire resilience efforts to help you protect your land and keep forests healthy;
- Strengthening the integrity of voluntary carbon markets to open new income opportunities through sustainable practices;
- Expanded technical assistance and support for underserved forest landowners;
- Funding for conservation programs that help you hold onto your land and preserve it for future generations.
I have spent nearly 20 years working to support America’s forests, first as a wildland firefighter, then as a policy professional. During that time, I have gained a deep appreciation for the role that private landowners play in sustaining our forests, whether that is taking active steps for hazard fuels reductions on their lands or working as good stewards as the majority owner of our nation’s forests. FCWG cannot meet its goals without private landowners, and the policies and programs that support private landowners are only possible if other areas of the forest sector thrive, including forest products, public lands, research and data, and especially workforce.
How You Can Get Involved
- Stay Informed – Read the full FCWG Policy Platform here to understand how these recommendations could apply to your land and community.
- Raise Your Voice – Share your story with local and federal policymakers. Let them know why forest-friendly policies matter to your family and your legacy.
- Join the Conversation – Attend FCWG webinars, participate in events and connect with other forest owners through knowledge-sharing opportunities.
- Spread the Word – Follow FCWG on social media (X and LinkedIn). Tag us in your posts so we can share and amplify your work!
We know that when African American and rural land and forest owners have the tools, support, and community they need, forests flourish — and so do families, economies, and the environment.
This Earth Day, let’s celebrate the strength of our roots and the power of working together for a more sustainable, equitable future.