About NAFO
NAFO is the voice of U.S. private working forest owners. The National Alliance of Forest Owners (NAFO) is a national advocacy organization dedicated to advancing policies that keep America’s private working forests healthy, productive, and resilient.
Through sustainable forest management and strong markets, NAFO members ensure these forests continue to provide the clean air, clean water, wildlife habitat, and good-paying jobs that communities depend on.
Together, NAFO members own and manage more than 44 million acres (18 million hectares) of private working forests across the U.S. — an area the size of Missouri. Our diverse membership includes families, businesses, tribal representation, and organizations that represent a growing number of individuals who invest in working forests as part of their retirement plans.
NAFO’s membership also includes state and national associations that represent tens of millions of additional acres.
NAFO member forests are carefully managed to provide a renewable, steady supply of timber and other forest products while safeguarding vital environmental benefits. NAFO members supply more than 16% of all domestically produced forest products in the U.S.
In America’s privately owned working forests, every harvested tree supports a network of jobs, mills, manufacturers, and rural communities.
Private working forests support:
3.9M
Jobs
$284B
in annual payroll
$252B
in U.S. GDP
$54B
in federal, state, and local taxes
Our Commitment
NAFO members embrace sustainability as a cultural value.
As a condition of membership, they commit to:
- Protect wildlife habitats, promote biodiversity, and safeguard natural resources like air and water
- Uphold best management practices and actively combat illegal logging
- Invest in cutting-edge research and technologies to ensure the long-term sustainability of working forests
- Utilize qualified professionals and educate stakeholders – including contractors and loggers –on sustainable practices
- Collaborate with federal agencies, such as the U.S. Forest Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, to address wildfire risks and conserve wildlife