States gearing up plans for stimulus-supported forestry projects

West Virginia has set up a website with information about potential stimulus projects, including possible foresty projects. One would employ about 20 contractors and 120 employees to reforest damaged mine lands. Approximately 10,000 acres would be selected and ripped, then fertilized and planted, promoting healthier watersheds, restoring damaged ecosystems, and sequestering carbon via new forest establishment.

In the District of Columbia, the Urban Forestry Administration is seeking $500,000 to hire and train nonviolent offenders as invasive species specialists, who will identify and eradicate destructive plants and pests. The project can be initiated within seven days.

Oregon's small-lot timber owners may be able to take advantage of the federal economic stimulus package through the Oregon Department of Forestry's stewardship forester program. Money may be available to help landowners thin trees, fight tree-killing bugs and reduce fire hazards.