In mid-2007, a group of private forest owners began discussing the specific and growing needs of the forest owner industry related to awareness and advocacy on Capitol Hill. The group formed a steering committee to assess the potential of a national association focused on forest owners, and by late 2007, had formed the structure and leadership of the National Alliance of Forest Owners (NAFO). NAFO officially incorporated in March 2008 and is currently working on a defined policy agenda to promote legislative and market policies that will enhance the economic and environmental value of the forests.