Dovetail Partners’ Priorities for the 9th American Forest Congress

Dovetail Partners’ Priorities for the 9th American Forest Congress

• Jul 14, 2025

Dovetail Partners applauds American Forests and all of their partners on the planning and development of the 9th American Forest Congress.  

The American Forest Congress events have influenced forest conservation and management for more than a century. Since the first American Forest Congress in 1882 to the 8th and most recent in 2022 (the Women’s Forest Congress), these events have led directly to major outcomes in the forestry sector, including the creation of the U.S. Forest Service, the establishment of the eastern national forests, new community-based and collaborative approaches to forestry, and efforts to ensure women and allies lead the way in diversifying leadership within the forest community.

The theme for this Congress is Healthy Forests and Thriving Communities.  The agenda will address economic opportunities for forested communities while advancing practical forest management and stewardship in the face of changing environmental conditions and challenges. The Congress will invite new perspectives, broaden cross-sector collaboration, and tackle persistent barriers to our capacity, workforce, investment, and stewardship goals. In preparation for the Congress, an Initial Draft of Principles and Resolutions has been prepared for Participant Review (July 7, 2025).

Dovetail Partners has reviewed the draft principles and resolutions and identified the following priorities for the future of forests, forest management, and forest-based products, services, and materials in the United States. Dovetail Partners believes our identified priorities align well with the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Principles and the 4th Resolution that have been drafted for the Congress, and we encourage their further consideration for inclusion in the final versions.

Community: Healthy forests are inseparable from the health of our communities. We are forest-reliant and have diverse needs that require adaptive, innovative, and reciprocal land relationships. Peoples’ connections with forests include community and cultural needs, workforce recruitment and retention, and partnership communications and engagement. We must fully consider and address social needs, impacts, and benefits across all lands. 

Circularity:  Healthy forests are the heart of a circular bioeconomy. Circularity is built on a foundation of sustainable forest management and provides a vibrant future for forest products and green jobs. We must fully embrace investments in a sustainable circular bioeconomy to meet needs for housing, energy, consumer goods, and employment. 

Download Dovetail Partners' Priorities here.