USDA Natural Resources and Environment Under Secretary Harris Sherman was joined by local schoolchildren and dignitaries for a tree planting next to the USDA's Washington DC headquarters this week in commemoration of Tu B'Shevat, "The New Year of the Trees."

Caitlyn Pollihan, executive director for the Western Forestry Leadership Coalition and Council of Western State Foresters, has accepted a four-month detail position with the U.S. Forest Service in a special assignment to the Washington Office Fire and Aviation Management staff. There she will be focusing on critical work during the absence of Vicki Christiansen, the current Deputy Director of Fire and Aviation Management, as she steps in as the acting Regional Forester for Region 1. Brent Keith and Diane Denenberg will serve as Acting Executive Directors for the Council of Western State Foresters and the WFLC, respectively, during Pollihan's absence.

State Foresters recently joined with state clean water, wildlife and ag associations to send a letter to EPA administrator Lisa Jackson urging the agency to defend current regulations that support the established success of the state-based BMP approach to effectively manage nonpoint source pollution from forestry activities. In addition, 29 state attorneys general sent a letter to the Solicitor General as he decides if/how to weigh in with the Supreme Court regarding whether to hear the 9th Circuit decision related to permitting on forest roads.