Forest Service Chief Tidwell tours the District of Columbia’s urban forest
Posted on Monday, January 23, 2012DC State Forester Monica Lear recently hosted U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell and Forest Service staff in a tour of the District for NASF. The tour highlighted diverse urban and community forestry projects and partnerships in the city.
San Francisco's plan to cut non-native trees sparks environmental clash
Posted on Friday, January 20, 2012An intense battle is building in San Francisco's urban forest over a plan to cut down thousands of eucalyptus and other non-natives and replace them with natives such as oaks, coyote brush and ferns. Both sides are claiming biodiversity as the goal.
NASF response to Vibrant Cities & Urban Forests Task Force report
Posted on Friday, December 16, 2011NASF recently submitted a response to the Vibrant Cities & Urban Forests Task Force regarding their recommendations regarding the future of urban forestry in the United States. NASF's comments intend to (re)emphasize the important roles state forestry agencies have played in building community capacity to plant and maintain urban and community forests and are based on state foresters' experiences in delivering urban tree planting programs over the past two decades.
Alliance for Community Trees announces People's Garden grants
Posted on Wednesday, December 14, 2011Alliance for Community Trees (ACTrees) was selected by the USDA People's Garden Initiativeto deliver subgrants to local member organizations nationwide designed to promote the connection between trees and community agriculture by supporting the planting of shade trees to shelter and protect community gardens, and fruit and nut trees to serve local residents. An informational webcast on December 15 at 1pm EST will feature additional background and details about the grant.
Connecticut power outages create a tree-cutting debate
Posted on Tuesday, November 29, 2011Recent storms that left millions without electricity in Connecticut has split the state into two camps: the tree lovers versus the tree cutters, says the Wall Street Journal. Utility companies and state officials blame 90% of the epic power outages on the state's dense woods, and residents who once adored living in an urban forest are getting increasingly frustrated by massive power failures that many fear could become a chronic problem.
MORE: The CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection is working with the governor to improve tree trimming standards and look at what changes can be made to reduce outages from downed trees and branches.Vibrant Cities report lays out recommendations from task force
Posted on Tuesday, November 29, 2011The Vibrant Cities & Urban Forests Task Force has established recommendations that "call for a new governmental approach to urban forestry, new and innovative resources and research, and recognition of the economic opportunity that can be achieved through partnerships and collaboration." Two NASF members served on the task force: Larry Kotchman, North Dakota State Forester, and Monica Lear, State Forester of the District of Columbia.
NPR spotlight on DC's urban forestry goals
Posted on Tuesday, November 15, 2011The local NPR station in Washington, DC, recently aired a story on how the District maintains and improves its urban tree canopy, which officials hope to increase to 40% by 2035.
Partners in Community Forestry conference November 14-17 in Orlando, FL
Posted on Wednesday, November 9, 2011The Arbor Day Foundation's national Partners in Community Forestry conference convenes next week in Orlando, bringing together leaders across urban forestry's many diverse groups. Florida State Forester Jim Karels will welcome attendees on Monday as they kick of the week of sessions focused on promoting best practices in urban forest management, sustainable partnership models and innovation in programs and projects.
New thoughts about old growth in the Thain Family Forest in New York
Posted on Friday, November 4, 2011"This forest, far from being a mysterious realm, has become one of the most cultivated, modified and nurtured patches of wilderness anywhere." The Thain Family Forest is being dedicated this weekend at the and shows how a "managed" forest can alter ideas about old growth.
Community Forest and Open Space program readies for applicants
Posted on Friday, October 21, 2011The Community Forest and Open Space Conservation Program, authorized in the 2008 Farm Bill, got off the ground this week as the final implementation rules were published in the Federal Register. The USDA Forest Service program provides funding assistance for local governments, Indian tribes and qualified nonprofits to establish community forests. Grant applications will begin to be accepted within the next 60 days and will require a dollar-for-dollar non-federal match. Once in the program the lands cannot be sold or developed.
