A new report from the U.S. Forest Service Rocky Mountain Research Station offers a review of information on relationships between wildland fire and nonnative invasive plants that can assist fire managers and other land managers concerned with prevention, detection, and eradication or control of these invasive species. The-16 chapter study summarizes fundamental concepts regarding fire effects on nonnative invasives, their effects on fuels and fire regimes, and use of fire to control plant invasions.

From the Associated Press: The sabal palm, Florida's state tree, is under attack by a microscopic killer that has scientists stumped. An unknown but growing number of sabal palms in the Tampa Bay area have died from a mysterious disease that researchers are struggling to identify.

The transportation of invasive insects & diseases through firewood is a central threat to trees in urban, suburban & forest areas. In response, the Continental Dialogue on Non-native Forest Insects and Diseases recently launched a new website, www.dontmovefirewood.org. Owned by the Nature Conservancy, the site aims to communicate and market key ideas to consumers about protecting forests.

New York has taken new efforts to stop the influx and spread of tree-killing pests such as the Emerald Ash Borer, Asian Longhorned Beetle and Sirex Wood Wasp by restricting the importation, transportation and sale of untreated firewood. The action closely follows measures imposed by Pennsylvania and other states to stem the proliferation of invasive species that can wipe out trees in forests and neighborhoods.

Through the Great Plains Tree and Forest Invasives Initiative, state forestry agencies in Nebraska, Kansas, North Dakota and South Dakota are working together to prepare for the arrival of invasive species in the Great Plains. The agencies are assessing the region's tree resources, determining and addressing the potential impacts of invasives to those resources, creating public awareness of invasive species and promoting species diversity.