Welcome to the National Association of State Trust Lands (NASTL) website.
I hope that summer conference attendees had a chance to “cool off” after our fantastic conference in Medora! Thanks once again to the North Dakota Trust Lands team for their hard work in making the conference such a success! I am honored to step into the role of President of the National Association of State Trust Lands and to serve alongside the dedicated professionals who steward trust resources on behalf of your respective state, as well as our wonderful affiliates who help support that stewardship. State trust lands continue to play a critical role in supporting public education institutions, strengthening local economies, and ensuring responsible, sustainable management of the natural resources entrusted to us. As president, I will continue the efforts previously championed by my predecessors, including strengthening relationships with our affiliates to help support our collective missions. I look forward to working with each of you as we build on the strong foundation of this organization and chart a course that reflects both our shared values and our collective vision for the future. Thank you for the opportunity to serve—I'm excited for the work ahead. If members have items they feel the Association should weigh in on, please elevate them to a board member or our Executive Director for evaluation and possible action. |
NASTL Objectives:
- to maximize the earnings and preserve the assets of the member states' educational trusts and encourage prudent administration of those trusts;
- to acquire and evaluate information regarding public land, water and resource management policies;
- to develop prudent public land and water management policies; and
- to provide information, education, and assistance concerning the foregoing to the member states and interested parties.
In November 1931, Western state land administrators from eight states (Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming) gathered in Salt Lake City, UT to discuss their common interests. Not dissimilar to current day agendas, topics of this first meeting covered trust fund investments, conservation, Federal land withdrawals, grazing administration and the School Lands Act of 1927.
In 1949, Nevada, Oregon and Washington joined the group, and the Western States Land Commissioners Association was officially chartered.
With the addition of Oklahoma, South Dakota, North Dakota, Texas, Nebraska, Alaska, Hawaii, Louisiana, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Arkansas and Mississippi, the Association grew to 23 states members.
In 2014, the Association's first strategic plan was approved by the membership and bylaws were amended to provide a mechanism by which non-government organizations could be invited to join the Association as Affiliate members. In 2020 the Association reorganized to change its name to the National Association of State Trust Lands in an effort to encourage participation of like-minded organizations outside the "Western States" area.
The Association hosts an annual conference, typically in July. From time to time, limited scope events are organized by Association Committees and Subcommittees in specific locales or via virtual meeting platforms for the purpose of sharing best practices, gaining technical training, and pursuing continuing education credits.
In 1949, Nevada, Oregon and Washington joined the group, and the Western States Land Commissioners Association was officially chartered.
With the addition of Oklahoma, South Dakota, North Dakota, Texas, Nebraska, Alaska, Hawaii, Louisiana, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Arkansas and Mississippi, the Association grew to 23 states members.
In 2014, the Association's first strategic plan was approved by the membership and bylaws were amended to provide a mechanism by which non-government organizations could be invited to join the Association as Affiliate members. In 2020 the Association reorganized to change its name to the National Association of State Trust Lands in an effort to encourage participation of like-minded organizations outside the "Western States" area.
The Association hosts an annual conference, typically in July. From time to time, limited scope events are organized by Association Committees and Subcommittees in specific locales or via virtual meeting platforms for the purpose of sharing best practices, gaining technical training, and pursuing continuing education credits.